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Paper Circuits
Paper Circuits are an easy and fun way to introduce the concept of electrical circuits. Perfect as a starter activity in Makerspaces, Paper Circuits leads to creativity from incorporating lights into greeting cards, scenes, and more. Following are downloadable templates, supply list, directions, and additional resources.
Paper CIrcuit Templates
Hover over template and downlaod icon will appear on the lower right.
Materials
Directions
A Special welcome to Maryland Teachers!!
1. Cut a piece of copper tape for each section of the template.
(If you have a packet from Mrs. Geeky the tape has been pre-cut). Stick copper tape to the solid lines. DO NOT take the entire backing off at once. SLOWLY pull off the backing as you put tape down. NOTE: IT is OK if tape twists, even when going around the corners, as long as the tape is in one peice.
Tip: each piece of copper tape (one side for positive and one side for negative should, if possible , remain as one piece, even when turning corners. It is OK if the copper tape twists or needs to be folded to make the turn.)
2. Tape the LED light to the template where there is a break in the lines. IMORTANT: Hold up the light, one leg is slightly longer than the other. The long side is positive and the short side is negative. Now, stretch out the legs of the lights, like they are doing the splits, and tape the positive leg to line marked positive and tape the negative leg to the line marked negative.
3. Take the 3 volt battery, place the negative side down on the circle and positive side up, Fold over the lower right side of the template so the copper tape from the positive line touches the top of the battery. the light should turn on! Once you have it working you can tape the battery down with the scotch tape.
This is another how to video that goes a little more in depth about the concepts
and provides extension activity ideas. Click here to View.
Check out the resources below for more great ideas on how you can extend Paper Circuits in your classroom!
1. Exploratorium
Great visuals, and creative ideas to take your paper circuits to the next level. Other great creative ideas for the classroom as well.
Nice step by step pictures and extension ideas.
3. Annenberg Learner
A PLETHORA of ideas of how you can take paper circuits to the next level. So many creative ideas!!