Combine electronics and paper to make cool projects!
| Age Range | 8-15 (younger students may need adult help) |
| Class Type | Live |
| Class Dates | February 1, 8, and 15, 2022 |
| Class Size | 3-18 students |
| Class Times | Tuesdays at 3pm ET / 2pm CT / 1pm MT/ 12pm PT |
Pricing Information
| Three sessions -- per family | $75 |
| Now thru 12/10! Three sessions PLUS electronics kit (enough for three of each project) (Continental US only) | $135 |
Do you like creating with paper? Would you like to bring your designs to life? Here’s your chance to make three great light-up paper projects and learn how electrical circuits work!
Over three live sessions, we’ll be making projects that combine paper artistry and electronics. Projects include:
- Light-Up Origami Jumping Frog — Make a traditional action origami figure with eyes that glow when it’s about to hop. Get a preview in the video below!
- Light-Up Kitty Switch — Make a waving cat (or other creature of your choosing) where the circuit and the on/off switch is part of the decoration! Adapted from my book Paper Inventions.
- Origami Infinity Mirror Box — Combine origami with optical illusion in this traditional masu box. When you light it up, a mysterious bottomless tunnel of lights appears. Inside, there’s even a secret compartment for hiding small trinkets or treats!
Self-paced option: Written instructions, printable templates (where needed), and pre-recorded video tutorials will be available until July 1, 2022 in case you can’t make a live session. It’s helpful but not required to do all the sessions in order.
Supplies for these projects are easy to find or order online, and working with the electronic components is safe for kids (with a few cautions to be aware of). See the Supply section for details.
Limited Time Offer! Get admission to all three sessions, access to the supporting materials, PLUS a Paper Circuitry Kit with all the electronics you need to make at least three of each project for $135. Offer expires Dec 10, 2021. Continental US only. (You supply regular copy paper and other crafts supplies — see Supply section for details.)
Time Commitment
Class lasts roughly 90 minutes, although I can stay up to two hours to help anyone who needs more time.
What to Expect
Students will learn about electric circuits, paper design construction techniques, and traditional origami.
Printable, written instructions and videos of the project builds will be available for one month after the series is over.
Skills Needed
Projects in this course require the ability to fold, cut, and tape, and to follow instructions. Where possible, I’ll provide easier versions and shortcuts for younger students or those whose skills are still developing. Students or an adult helper may need to prep materials before class (such as printing out templates).
Skills Gained
- Students will be introduced to the idea of using simple materials like paper to create working models.
- Students will learn the basics of electrical circuits.
- Students will learn engineering design skills like prototyping, testing, and — most important of all! — trouble-shooting.
- Afterwards, students will be able to apply their new skills to develop their own ideas and designs.
Requirements
It’s important to have all the materials ready before each live class begins. See the Supplies page for more information.
Participation
This class works best when students are on camera and use the microphone to ask questions or participate in class discussion. It also helps me guide a student through the troubleshooting process. That said, I understand that everyone doesn’t want to be on camera all the time, and I will do my best to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
Supporting Your Learner
Some students may need help setting up for class and building the projects. Printable instructions are provided to make it easier to follow along. Feel free to contact me with any questions!
These are the materials you need to make one of each project (all three weeks). Individual lists for each week will be available on the Teachables page. Have your supplies for that week ready at the start of class to work along with the live workshop. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions!
***Limited Time Offer! Get admission to all three sessions, access to the supporting materials, PLUS a Paper Circuitry Kit with all the electronics you need to make at least three of each project for $135. Offer expires Dec 10, 2021. Continental US only.***
Electronics and Special Materials:
Note: If you order the class kit, it contains enough of the electronics and special materials listed here to make at least three of each project. You provide paper and other crafts supplies. If you purchase a class that includes a kit and later withdraw, the cost of the kit (materials plus shipping) will be deducted from your refund. The kit is yours to keep!
- 8 (eight) LEDs with wire leads (minimum needed to make all three projects, per person)
- 3 (three) 3-volt CR2032 coin batteries (one per project)
- 8 (eight) feet of 1/4-inch wide conductive tape — copper or nylon fabric tape with conductive glue, or cut a strip of aluminum foil duct tape from the heating aisle of hardware stores
- 2 (two) 3/4-inch binder clips (to hold batteries on)
- 1 (one) 3-inch square of heavy black paper, like construction paper
- 2 (two) 3-inch squares of reflective film
Other options: The Make: Origami Paper Circuits Kit contains all the electronics you need to make one of each project in this class AND my Buzzing Board Game class.
Need last-minute supplies? LEDs can be salvaged from light strands, tea lights, or old toys or devices. You may be able to find a small vibrating motor in an old disposable toothbrush or pager. My tutorial will show you how: https://www.kathyceceri.com/dollar-store-electronics
Disclosure: If you use my Amazon links I may earn a commission.
Crafts supplies:
- for the origami projects, regular copy paper (you may print out the templates if you wish to help with cutting and folding)
- for the light-up kitty, cardstock or construction paper is recommended
- pen or pencil
- ruler
- scissors
- clear tape
Class Interaction:
Live sessions work best with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free).
Kathy Ceceri, B.A.
Kathy Ceceri is an award-winning writer and educator, and the author of more than a dozen books of hands-on STEAM activities for kids and teens. Formerly the Homeschooling Expert at About.com (now ThoughtCo), she wrote the Hands-On Learning column for Home Education magazine and taught her own two children at home from kindergarten until college.
Kathy’s workshops and activities are designed with the non-expert in mind. They introduce basic concepts in science and technology, and give students the skills and information they need to troubleshoot their projects and build upon what they’ve learned. Additional background material and resources look at the diverse people behind the inventions and put them into context in the larger society.
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We offered Kathy’s DIY Buzzing Game online workshop last month and it was great! The kids had such a good time. Really creative!
Lara R. Cohen, Youth Services Librarian
Teacher: Kathy Ceceri
I just wanted to say thank you for teaching this class. My son enjoyed it so much and learned a lot. He is really into motors and circuits right now and this class was a great help to his robotics learning.
Parent of student in Build BOTS class
Teacher: Kathy Ceceri
My daughter is really enjoying your class. We’ll sign up for anything that you do, as you are an excellent teacher.
Mom of Build BOTS Student
Teacher: Kathy Ceceri
