Step right up and behold Professor Bubbleton’s Breathing Head, a curious apparatus to keep your audience on the edge of their seats. A submerged head rests under theatrical LED illumination sealed inside a clear apothecary jar — until a visitor dares to tap the vessel, at which point the head responds with a sudden stream of bubbles, as though its humours have not fully departed upon beheading.

At the heart of this modern marvel is the Circuit Playground Express, whose onboard accelerometer and NeoPixel light ring make it perfectly suited for sideshow duty. A knock on the jar is detected directly by the board, triggering a timed burst from a hidden air pump while the built-in NeoPixels provide customizable lighting effects. The result is a self-contained illusion that feels uncanny and responsive, without requiring complex wiring or extra sensors.

Full tutorial: https://learn.adafruit.com/professor-bubbleton-s-breathing-head-in-a-jar/overview

In this guide, you’ll assemble the apparatus using readily available parts, mount the Circuit Playground Express inside the jar, and configure our simple code to coordinate the tap detection, bubble effect, and lighting. Along the way, you’ll learn how to turn a single gesture into a memorable interaction — the kind that invites onlookers to step closer, tap lightly, and immediately question whether they should have done so at all.

No actual beheading is required for this guide. Our effigy was not harmed in any way. We'll show you how to create this illusion with any head you'd like to submerge -- all you need is a few clear photographs. Or, use our example effigy for instant gratification!

Visit the Adafruit shop online - http://www.adafruit.com

Erin St Blaine - http://www.erinstblaine.com

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