: An Electronic Textiles Unit in Exploring Computer Science, like all other units in ECS, comes with an extensive curriculum guide to support teachers as they prep and implement lessons.
![Page flipping curriculum gif Page flipping curriculum gif](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Page-flipping-curriculum-gif-1-nzm34lr8yvtvomjbgf3yy0vbgnvwwe52ua3yyvvgvm.gif?w=640&ssl=1)
The curriculum guide, available for download as part of our .zip package, outlines all lesson plans and project activities with detailed information on:
- How computational concepts and practices are introduced through making e-textile projects.
- How students can document and reflect on their learning by creating digital portfolios.
- How the e-textiles unit builds on other units within ECS.
- How e-textiles as a topic connects to CS standards.
The Electronic Textiles unit consists of four open-ended, hands-on projects requiring students to create artifacts with increasingly challenging computational concepts, use high and low-tech materials hone their crafting and designing skills, and troubleshoot malfunctioning projects. Learn more about these projects below.
The unit also comes with four intermediate-level additional modules: Music, Fading LEDs, Mapping, and NeoPixels. Learn more here!
![Paper Circuit 2 Paper Circuit 2](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Paper-Circuit-2-nzuwskceiuiive0qd7atb4yl6vfaepdpjeejr84nzu.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Project 1: Paper Circuit
Single circuit project design:
Create a simple paper circuit greeting card that includes one LED. Introduce the concept of aesthetic design and personalization.
Key Concepts & Materials:
- Simple circuit
- Understanding polarity
- Materials: LEDs, copper tape (wire), paper
(1-2 hrs)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/wristband2b-nzml4nlf5gogka276ki0zxgaj9npfr4ko7d4itgy9w.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Project 2: Wristband
Simple wearable project:
Create a wristband with three LEDs in parallel and a switch that turns on the project when the ends of the wristband are snapped together.
Key Concepts & Materials:
- Parallel circuit, switch
- Designing and reading circuit diagrams
- Three-dimensional project
- Deconstruction
- Materials: Conductive thread, LEDs, battery and holder, fabric
(5-6 hrs)
![shiny night narrow shiny night narrow](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/shiny-night-narrow-nzml9qvy65ndg8nyg9qa0576deka4qc8dekt3rx6ku.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Project 3: Collaborative Mural
Collaborative project:
As a class create a mural, with each panel made by two students. Each panel must have five independently programmable LEDs and two switches, allowing for four blinking light patterns.
Key Concepts & Materials:
- Programming for digital input: Sequences, conditionals, embedded conditionals or Boolean statements
- Collaborative work & division of labor
- Materials: Conductive thread, LEDs, fabric, microcontroller
(10 hrs)
![SAMSUNG SAMSUNG](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Integrative-hands-on-shirt-narrow-nzmlckeio9ica4khzhlzhfkyj0nx81j8rd18xnqnwa.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Project 4: Human Sensors
Capstone project:
Create a project with two aluminum foil patches that act as a sensor when both are touched by a person. Program four+ lighting patterns based on different sensor readings.Key Concepts & Materials:
- Sensor design (handcrafted)
- Programming for analog input: operators, sensor range, Boolean statements
- Materials: Conductive aluminum foil, human body, LEDs, microcontroller, fabric
(10-14 hrs)