Chibitronics Team Put the “A” in STEAM
During two weeks in August, members of the Chibitronics team hosted over 60 public school teachers and librarians (from coast to coast) during one of our most successful virtual professional development courses to date. We are pleased to report that our Infosys Summer Pathfinders Course, Start with Art: STEAM Learning with Chibitronics Paper Circuits, paired a knowledgeable group of instructors with two ambitious cohorts of participants!
During each cohort of the Summer Institute, participants learned how to build simple and parallel circuits, while also implementing different design techniques, such as adding switches and silhouettes. As an added bonus this year, participants also got to experiment with our new paper circuits software, allowing them to design circuit templates and test them using our real-time simulator! Circuit Sketcher empowered participants to stretch themselves, allowing them to design more complex circuits than they might otherwise have felt comfortable trying to build on their own.
Based upon testimonials that were shared with us, we learned that one of the most celebrated lessons, with immediate applications in the classroom, was an engaging series of debugging puzzles that encouraged discussion and collaboration. Participants who were initially nervous about the prospect of debugging with their own students reported coming away feeling empowered, excited, and armed with practical tools! In addition to having a wonderful time debugging our circuits together, we had a great deal of fun making art with our circuits.
This class opened up a whole new world of collaboration for me. I am building ideas about how to collaborate with tech, art, and language arts. It makes problem solving tactile and fun!
Liz, 8th grade math teacher
Whether it was creating a light up fireplace that reminds us of campfires in the summer, or designing a light up mathematical worksheet for students to show their knowledge of quadrilaterals, we had a delightful time exploring how to integrate circuits into each participant’s subject areas!
As a middle school literacy teacher, I am always looking for ways to incorporate hands-on activities into the curriculum. Start with Art: STEAM Learning with Chibitronics Paper Circuits provided me with tools, materials, and the confidence to incorporate fun and meaningful STEAM activities into literacy. I was inspired and had the space and opportunity to connect my content standards with skills and habits that all 21st century learners will need. This class is not just for technology or STEAM teachers; educators in all areas and across many settings will benefit from taking it. I would highly recommend this class to any teacher looking for ways to help students light up their learning and really shine!
Aubrey, 7-8th grade humanities teacher
We concluded each session of the Summer Institute with participants presenting on how they envision using paper circuits in their classrooms or libraries, and created a wonderful archive of resources for everyone. We look forward to showing off some of the amazing creations our participants built over the next few months on our social media channels.
Special Shout-outs!
Thank you to everyone who participated or expressed interest in the Infosys Pathfinders Summer Institute. We look forward to hosting our paper circuit series again next year!
Thanks also to all the past and present members of the Chibitronics team who have allowed Pathfinders to evolve over the past decade!
On board in the planning and execution of this year’s event were Jasmine Florentine, Shiela Lee, Barbara Liedahl, Jie Qi, and Paula Te. A hearty shout-out also goes out to Kristin Osiecki, whose contributions last year helped propel us forward this year.
And last, but not least, we are incredibly grateful to our partners at Infosys Foundation USA for giving full scholarships to our participating teachers and librarians, allowing them to attend and receive free bundles of Chibitronics supplies.