For my final project and lesson plan, I would love to do something with paper circuits. The Tribute Card assignment was a really exciting project for me because I enjoyed combining LED’s with gouache. It was a unique project because I was able to connect traditional art processes with an element of technology. Getting the LED’s to work correctly was a challenge, but troubleshooting was my friend! I was able to create a popup/3D card which was really cool. The popup part, which was the monarch butterfly was backlit by the LED’s was a really nice addition to the card overall. For the final project and lesson plan, I will have students create either a conventional work of art with LED lit 3D parts, or a 3D sculpture in tribute to someone. It will be an open ended lesson and incorporate some sort of 3D element, whether the whole piece be 3D or just parts of it.
This piece will be painted with either watercolor or gouache paints, and be in tribute to someone. When students are able to make something for someone they care for, the project means that much more to them and they will put more effort in. When thinking about someone when creating art, students are able to get really creative and give more attention to the project. This project will require one or more copper tape circuits with a switch to turn them on and off. Many projects in the arts are flat projects on a canvas or a piece of paper. This project will incorporate 3D elements in a fun way and encourage students to explore making three dimensionally. Bringing in traditional processes and techniques with technology causes students to connect these different forms of technology to the arts.
I was looking over makerspaces.com as a reminder of ways to build 3D circuits. There are some short videos on basic circuit making, so I would use these videos as a starting point for learning how to make a circuit as well as doing demos. I browsed on exploratorium.edu, The Tinkering Studio, under Paper Circuits and looked at different ideas for projects. There are basic ideas for paper circuits, but I would encourage a more in depth exploration using LED’s and paper.
November 19, 2020 at 7:58 pm
This sounds like such a great idea, I’m really excited to see the end product! Moving forward, I am excited to see if you build upon the big idea of tributing to someone and go beyond that! Good luck!
November 19, 2020 at 8:40 pm
I think this sounds like a good plan and idea! I’m glad you chose to further explore paper circuits because your tribute came out beautifully!! Also, I agree the kids will be very engaged and enjoy it a lot! I think there’s a lot to be done with circuits, like 3D models, using clay, or even recycled materials!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Good Luck!
November 21, 2020 at 7:59 pm
So far, you have done a lot of great research. I liked the tribute card and it was interesting to learn about the paper circuits and getting the LEDs to light up. I also really liked the idea behind the tribute card and that making it for someone makes the project meaningful and has a purpose. I like it would be good for you to have the students make it for someone because they will be more motivated to make a finished product. I like that you took the tribute card project and grew on that by making it have 3D elements. I also like that you would incorporate watercolor or gouache paints, I think it could make for some beautiful work. I’m wondering what smaller project the students could do before this bigger project to get comfortable with the LEDs and such. I’m excited to see your finished lesson!
November 24, 2020 at 8:54 pm
I really like this project especially that you are adding in 3D aspects because you’re right, most of k-12 studio art is on a 2D canvas so exploring past that is really fun! I like that it is in tribute to someone as I feel that could really motivate students to want to make an appealing, well thought out product. I was even thinking you could make this project more multicultural by specifically relating it to Dia de los Muertos as that holiday is meant to honor a loved one who has passed and typically make tribute to them. You could include a Mexican artist who celebrated the holiday such as Frida Kahlo or even a more contemporary Mexican artist (perhaps one who works in 3D since this will be a 3D project.)