This July, two cohorts of K-12 public school teachers participated in our nine-day online course, Start with Art: STEAM Learning with Chibitronics Paper Circuits as part of the Pathfinders Summer Institute 2023. Funded by generous support from the Infosys Foundation USA, we shipped 69 kits to educators from Maine to California. As so often happens, […]
10 Ways to Make a Paper Battery Holder
Coin cell batteries (3V) such the CR2032 and CR2016 are thin and compact, making them an ideal way to power paper circuit projects. Back in 2016 our founder and CEO, Jie Qi, curated 5 Ways to Make a Paper Battery Holder. While that information remains useful, and may have already become an established part of your […]
A Closer Look at the Chibitronics Chibi Chip
The Chibitronics Love to Code Chibi Chip is a fun and friendly way to engage with programming, especially when combined with the Microsoft Make Code Editor. Because there is no software to install or drivers to configure, it’s easy to get started online. The Chibi Chip is the heart of the Love to Code (LTC) system. You […]
6 Ways to Save Used Batteries for Safe Disposal
Did you know that the coin cell/button cell batteries most widely used in light-up paper crafts and cards (CR2032 and CR2016) fit into a category of batteries that require unique consideration for proper disposal? Primary/Single-Use batteries cannot be recharged and must be disposed of once they wear out. Alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, and zinc-chloride, […]
Tilt Sensing Illuminated Tunnel Book (with Chibitronics LEDs)
In my latest tutorial, Illuminated Tunnel Book (with a Tilt Sensor), I’ll show you how to use Circuit Sticker LEDs and a tilt switch to add lighting and interactivity to create a glowing piece of art that turns on and off with a tilt of your wrist. To view a full video demonstration, learn about […]
Chibitronics + ISTE Live23 = Brilliant PD
Taking inspiration from classroom tested activities found in the Chibitronics Paper Circuits STEAM Educators Guide, educators Barbara Liedahl and Susan Brown will be leading a workshop at the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Live23 Edtech Conference in Philadelphia this summer! Together, this dynamic duo offers a highly engaging, fun approach to the art of […]
Registration open for Summer Pathfinders 2023! Free Chibitronics supplies and hands-on PD for teachers
We are excited to announce that we are participating again this year in the Infosys Pathfinders Summer Institute 2023! This summer’s course will introduce paper circuits, STEAM and how to integrate these activities across subject areas. Participating teachers will receive full scholarships for hands-on virtual professional development and a FREE kit of supplies to learn […]
5 Tips & Tricks for Using Chibitronics Reed Switches (Magnet On)
If you are reading this post, there’s a good chance that you have: In the event that you don’t fit into any of the aforementioned categories, please allow me to suggest that you check out Magical Magnetism: Intro to Reed Switches (Magnet On) before reading on. There, you’ll find an in-depth explanation of what reed switches […]
Make a Puppet with Color Changing Eyes With Chibitronics Reed Switches
In my latest tutorial, “Fred 2.0: Puppet with Color Changing Eyes,” I am giving a vintage bird puppet a makeover that includes glowing eyes that change colors with a tug of a feather. See how Fred transitions from frumpy to fabulous, with help from Chibitronics LED stickers! Learn how to create a circuit that uses […]
Create an Interactive Shadow Box with Chibitronics Reed Switches
In my latest tutorial, Reed Switch Shadow Box, I’ll show you how to use one or two reed switches (magnet on) to control lights (and the mood) in a story-telling shadow box! The example below uses two reed switches (magnet on). One triggers a path with white LEDs and the other triggers a path with […]
6 Uses for Bare Circuit Sticker LEDs
In my post, 5 Ways to Reuse Circuit Stickers, I shared several ways to repurpose Circuit Sticker LEDs that had lost their adhesive mojo. In that post I explained how to detach a sticker, without damaging it, and how to remove and replace its conductive adhesive backing. In this post, I’ve assembled six ways that […]
Make a Solar-Powered Model House with Chibitronics Circuit LED Stickers
Hi! This is Kathy, and I’ve got a kid-friendly project that lets you light up a paper model house and garden without batteries! To make the Circuit Sticker LEDs glow, just shine a flashlight on tiny solar panel attached to the roof, or place it under a bright lamp or in a sunny spot. I […]