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Activity (Hands-On)Grades 4 - 6

Light-Up Plush Pals

Students make their own design decisions about controlling the LEDs in a light-up, e-textile circuit, plush toy project that they make using LilyPad ProtoSnap components and conductive thread. They follow step-by-step instructions to assemble a product while applying their own creativity to customize it. They first learn about the switches—an on/off switch and a button—exploring these two ways of controlling the flow of electric current to LEDs and showing them the difference between closed and open circuits. Additionally, students learn how microcontrollers can be programmed to manage LED patterns, using simple coding concepts that let them personalize light sequences. Then they craft their creative light-up plush pals made from sewn and stuffed felt pieces (template provided) that include sewn electric circuits. Through this sewable electronics project, students gain a familiarity with microcontrollers, circuits, switches and LEDs—everyday items in today’s world and the components used in so many engineered devices.

A photograph shows a plump, blob-shaped “plush” toy creature with loosely shaped arms and legs, light-up cartoon eyes (from sewn-in circuit with LEDs), eyebrows and a red heart made of stitched green felt.Light-up plush pals can be personalized and creative!

E-textiles are a progressively significant contributor to the wearable electronics industry and a further evolution in the use of microcontrollers. Engineers design soft and flexible e-textiles that do not get too hot to wear or malfunction in the rain. E-textiles are made possible through contributions from computer and electrical engineers who design the components, such as current-controlling switches, and circuitry, as well as fashion designers and artists who make attractive and thematic products. The LilyPad microcontroller used in this activity is specifically designed to be sewn into fabrics like clothing and toys by using conductive thread rather than conventional metallic wires. Computer scientists work with e-textile engineers to program microcontrollers that manage light sequences, interactive effects, and even sensors in smart fabrics.

After this activity, students should be able to:

  • Describe how buttons and switches operate in circuits.
  • Explain the difference between closed and open circuits.
  • Demonstrate basic sewing skills.

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