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Activity (Hands-On)Grades 4 - 6

Making E-Textile Masks

Students learn about engineering applications in artistic venues by designing and creating eye masks that each contain three LEDs. They explore parallel circuits with their LEDs, and sew with conductive thread to create light-up displays on their masks, gaining hands-on experience in using engineering technologies as well as custom product design and assembly.

A photograph shows three eye masks made of purple, yellow and pink felt with lighted LEDs above the eye holes, and additional decoration from glued-on feathers and lightning bolt felt cutouts.E-textile masks examples

In order to design and create new technologies, electrical engineers—and many other types of engineers—must understand parallel circuits. In this activity, like engineers, students create parallel circuits and discuss the difference between parallel and series circuits. They are also exposed to the wide range of areas impacted by engineering design by applying engineering technology to costume design.

After this activity, students should be able to:

  • Define, recognize and assemble components in a parallel circuit.
  • Explain the path of electrical charge through a circuit.
  • Describe an example of how engineers apply their understanding of circuitry to the design of artistic products.

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