How to Make Traffic Lights Working Model – DIY

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Introduction

Traffic lights are one of the most important inventions in road safety. They control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. The standard traffic signal has three colors:

  • Red – Stop
  • Yellow/Amber – Get ready
  • Green – Go

To explain this concept in a science exhibition, you can make a working traffic light model using LED lights, switches, and a battery. This model is simple, low-cost, and highly educational.

Materials Required

  • 1 cardboard sheet or thermocol base
  • Black chart paper (to make the traffic light pole)
  • 3 LED lights (red, yellow, green)
  • 3 switches (push or toggle type)
  • Connecting wires
  • 9V battery and battery clip
  • Resistors (if required for LEDs)
  • Scissors, tape, glue

Video Construction Steps

  1. Make the Traffic Light Structure –
    • Roll a piece of cardboard into a cylinder to act as the pole.
    • Cut a rectangular box shape for the traffic signal head.
    • Cover it with black chart paper to give it a neat look.
  2. Attach LED Lights –
    • Fix red LED on the top, yellow LED in the middle, and green LED at the bottom of the box.
    • Make sure the LEDs are visible from the front.
  3. Electrical Connections –
    • Connect each LED to a separate switch so that they can be controlled individually.
    • Attach the negative terminals of all LEDs to the battery’s negative end.
    • Connect the positive terminals through the switches to the battery’s positive end.
    • Add small resistors if required to protect the LEDs.
  4. Testing the Circuit –
    • Press Switch 1 → Red LED glows (Stop).
    • Press Switch 2 → Yellow LED glows (Get Ready).
    • Press Switch 3 → Green LED glows (Go).
  5. Mounting on Base –
    • Fix the traffic light pole onto the cardboard base.
    • Draw roads, cars, and pedestrians around it to make it realistic.

Working Principle

The project demonstrates how electric current flows through a closed circuit to power LEDs. By pressing switches, students can manually change the lights, just like how real traffic lights operate using timers and microcontrollers.

Conclusion

This DIY traffic light working model is perfect for a science exhibition. It not only explains basic electrical circuits but also spreads awareness about road safety rules.

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