“Epistemological pluralism” is used across different fields of study and recognizes there can be multiple significant ways of knowing and understanding things or research.  This can lead to more successful integrated and collaborative studies within a field. Leah Buechley, professor at MIT media lab, uses this term to share how incorporating comforting materials such as paper, paint, tape, and sketchbooks to delve into an unfamiliar project (like a simple or complex circuit) can allow us to understand (possibly new) concepts (better) and to make (new) connections. She hints at the four common types of learners: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing when she shares how one can “read” that it is a circuit or approach in engagement through the same materials in different ways. This concept relates to art education as there is no “right way” of coming to a conclusion visually. One student can use the material differently than another, yet still, both complete the task with similar or different results. 

      Buechley also shares various techniques that incorporate ideas for paper art/craft with computing/electronics. Using paper and tape: copper and masking or scotch tape one can make a circuit with as few or as many LEDs. Having print out circuit templates/battery holders with some type of interactive tab (she used a sliding tab) is a great way to start incorporating lights into the elementary art classroom. Those who are older can use it as a branching off point to make their own circuit and design with 2 or more LEDs and/or batteries. Youngsters could use their experimentations or circuits to make a card for a special friend (similar to the tribute card) on June 8th in honor of National Best Friends Day. Furthermore, drawing/sketching electronics using a conductive pen truly puts no limits on how one can create a circuit in this easily expressive manner. I have been inspired/tempted to purchase a silver conductive pen or use a graphite stick to explore its fluidity with LEDs. I think an engaging project for youngsters using the pen, paper, and LEDs would be to draw an imaginary friend leaving room for a component of his/her clothing, accessories, features, etc. to light up with a simple tab or button. Middle schoolers (guided with a demo or video after I understand how to do it myself) can take this project a step further by folding or forcing part of the paper to move/change shape with the help of electrical currents passing through the design. They should cut out their figure to spark a gesture or make it look like a body part is in motion. This is a great way to make our imagination come alive.