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By William Van Zyl
Synopsis:
This resource introduces a simple lesson of cardmaking with electrical circuits. STEM & STEAM focus. The project – a greeting card – includes cardboard, and an elementary electrical circuit running on 3 Volts (coin battery). The sticky copper strip circuit for the card involves the 3-Volt battery, a Led (light), and a switch. Arts and crafts are used to create the artwork – for example, watercolours, ink sketching, and more. The resource then progresses in discussing more advanced digital components like microprocessors (Microbit, Picaxe, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino). These sophisticated electronic devices could be included to produce a greeting card with more functions or a next project. The lesson encompasses integrated learning, critical thinking and global citizenship. A Tinker Space – located in the corner of a classroom – would be most beneficial so students can experiment with their ideas. Essential hand tools (scissors, pliers, side cutters, etc.) and a soldering station would be required for tinkering and creating quality projects. The focus is on Junior High School Design and Visual Communication, Technology and Digital Technologies. However, the resource is suitable for senior primary school students.
Lesson objectives:
- Research and investigate simple electrical circuits
- Design a simple greeting card containing a Led light (or more) that could light up
- Develop artistic skills (arts and crafts). Explore cardmaking ideas
- Learn how a coin battery, copper tape (sticky), a switch, and a Led light can be connected into a working electrical circuit
- Extension of the introductory lesson: Once students understand the basics, they are inspired to explore microprocessors (like a Picaxe, Micro:bit, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino). Students could be challenged to include computer programming into a greetings card (advanced lessons to follow). See the eBook by the author – a full extension into microprocessors/pocket computes, e-textiles, are provided and much more (Five House Publishing):
- The basic lesson is suitable for year 12-year-old to year 16-year-old students
- Integrated learning will be explored
- Global Citizenship, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking will be explored
PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: This lesson is also suitable for younger students (senior primary school)
Inside the greeting card. Credit: author
