Paper Circuits

This activity introduces making a paper circuit that describes our surroundings and activities. An example used in this guide is of a greeting card with a camera design that lights up with help from a simple circuit.

Learning goals

• To learn to make and use simple circuits.
• Develop communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Activity Resources

Materials Required

• Cardboard papers
• Aluminium foil (alternatives: copper tape, aluminium wires)
• LEDs
• 3V batteries
• A pair of scissors
• Adhesive tape
• Glue

Age Groups

This activity is suitable or recommended for ages 10 years & up.

Facilitation Tips

• Before introducing the activity, demonstrate 2-3 simple and complex paper circuits. Ask questions while showing:
  • What is a circuit and what can you do with it?
  • How does the circuit in the display will work, or the light in it will glow?
  • How many types of circuits have you seen around you?
  • Where have you seen a similar circuit like the one shown in the project?
  • Where else have you seen LEDs and batteries used in this circuit?

• Introduce the activity using the activity guide in a PDF format, demo video, and voice note.  You could encourage participants to make something using a paper circuit that describes a surrounding or an activity. It could portray an event or festival students like, their favorite artifacts at home or in school they attend, etc.
• Encourage participants to use the paper circuit shown in the video only as a reference and personalize their creations.
• Explain the workflow briefly for a series and parallel circuit. Talk about everyday examples (e.g., house wiring, Diwali/Eid lights, etc.) where a series and a parallel circuit are in action.

• Motivate participants to try complex iterations on their project and personalize it even further by sharing demo video 2 (of a paper circuit home). As a  follow-up, ask if they can relate the demo video's circuit to a one they have seen in their home.

Browse through the facilitator guide for tips and tricks to engage participants in maker activities in a virtual or physical learning space.

Inspiring inventors

Jie Qi is an artist, educator, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Chibitronics, a US-based company, and developer of circuit stickers for children to be able to learn electronics interactively and express their creativity through making playful electrical circuits.

Inspiring examples

Contributors

Credits

• Based on the Tinkering Studio’s Paper Circuits Activity Guide.