K1003 Joule of the Night Kit

K1003 Joule of the Night – Darkness-Activated LED Circuit Kit (Assembly Required)

The K1003 Joule of the Night kit introduces students to energy-efficient circuit design using a “joule thief” configuration. It can power multiple LEDs from a single 1.5V AA battery and uses a LDR-based sensor to automatically switch on in low light, making it a practical and engaging project for exploring energy conversion and automation.

Key Features

• Joule thief circuit boosts voltage from a single 1.5V battery
• Powers up to 12 LEDs in parallel
• Automatic darkness activation using LDR sensor
• Demonstrates energy efficiency and reuse of low batteries
• Terminal blocks allow flexible LED and sensor placement
• Hands-on soldering and experimentation project

What’s Included

• 1 × KS1003 PCB
• Electronic components (inductors, transistor, resistors, LDR, 12 x WC LED’s.)
• Terminal blocks for LED and sensor connections
Note:  Assembly required.

Curriculum Links

Australian Curriculum (v9.0):
• ACTDEK042 – Investigate how systems are designed and controlled
• ACTDEP050 – Produce designed solutions
Victorian Curriculum:
• VCDSTS039 – Technologies systems
• VCDSCD041 – Producing designed solutions
NSW (Stage 4–5 Technology Mandatory):
• TE4-2DP – Designs and produces solutions
• TE4-5AG – Applies problem-solving and evaluation

Classroom Use / Learning Outcomes

Students will:
• Understand voltage boosting and energy conversion
• Explore how transistors operate in switching circuits
• Build light-activated systems using sensors
• Investigate efficiency and sustainable electronics design

Teacher Benefits

• Strong link to sustainability and energy reuse
• Demonstrates multiple concepts in one project
• Encourages experimentation and modification
• Engaging real-world application (night lighting systems)

Perfect For

• Energy and sustainability lessons
• Sensor and automation projects
• Intermediate soldering projects
• STEM and electronics learning
• Clock project illumination