PROJECT: PAPER ELECTRICAL

CIRCUITS
STEM LEARNING AND CREATING IN THE LIBRARY
• The library serves learners as a place to elaborate on STEM concepts in PROJECT MATERIALS
a fun, engaging environment, combining conceptual and • Adhesive-backed copper tape 5mm
computational thinking through an interest-driven approach. • Surface mount LEDs, 3mm-5mm
• 3 V coin cell batteries
• This project introduces circuitry to students, allowing them to create and • Tape
build circuits with copper tape, mini LED lights, and coin batteries. Once • Card Stock/Heavy Construction Paper
students have mastered the basics, they are shown how to incorporate COSTS
those circuits into light-up cards and posters, bringing science and art • $33.90 -$48.03 plus tax per one group of 10-20
together in one project. The concepts, skills, and methods students learn leaners or approximately $81.00 for up to 6
in this project can be the base for further student-led experimentation groups of 20.s
and innovation. SPACE AND SUPERVISION
• Tables able to seat 5 learners each up to a
• This project fosters collaboration between librarians and teachers as maximum of 4
they work together to achieve essential educational goals. The art • 1 adult per 10 leaners
teacher and individual classroom teachers were invaluable partners for TIME REQUIRED:
the project. • 50-75 minutes

RESULTS AND FEEDBACK:

TARGET AUDIENCE: “The project connected perfectly with our classroom
Children age 8+ (3rd-5th grade) in school media centers lessons. It really reinforced how circuits work.”—Mrs.
and public libraries. Smith, 5th grade teacher

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Explores electricity, energy transformation, and
conductivity while building circuits
EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS:
Incorporates Florida Department of Education science
standards and complements classroom curriculum
“It was fun building cards that lit up. I made a birthday
card for my Dad!—Kylie, age 11
“The project takes some time and planning but was
well worth the effort. Students continue to come back
and expand on what they learned.”—Mrs. Barshay,
Librarian