Learning Goals:

1. Students will design and sew a wearable circuit using conductive thread.
2. Students will program a wearable microcontroller to light up garment with bright LEDs.
3. Students will incorporate solar power into a wearable garment project by recharging NiMH batteries for a renewable energy battery pack.
4. Students will apply knowledge of circuitry and energy transfer to maximize design.

Handouts

• Illuminate Me Project Worksheet
• Solar Charger Challenge Worksheet
• Illuminate Me Lab Sheet
• 1 page from a large pad of chart paper
• Article: Study says cyclists should make themselves seen – but reflective clothing, not hi-vis, is the answer

Individual Supplies

• 1 Adafruit’s FLORA-Wearable electronic platform: Arduino compatible
• 1-2 Adafruit’s FLORA RGB Smart NeoPixels
• USB A/Micro B Cable (can be shared)
• Flexible solar modules (1.5-4.8 V), variety for testing
• AAA 3 Battery holder with on/off switch and 2-pin JST
• 3 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries (1000mAh) – uncharged
• Computer with Arduino software
• 1 Garment (t-shirt, tie, etc.)
• 1 Bike/boarding/ski helmet
• 2-3 Yards conductive thread per project
• 1 Sewing needle (large eye #3/9)
• Embroidery hoop
• Clear nail polish
• Multimeter
• File folder or heavy paper
• Wire stripper
• Sharp scissors
• Optional: Soldering iron
• Optional: Velcro dots

Important Links

• Lesson Plan
• Arduino Software
• Video: We All Need Clothes
• Web Tool: RGB Codes
• Angler Fish Code

Next Generation Science Standards

• MS-PS1-3 Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
• MS-PS3-5 Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Engineering Standards

• MS- ETS1-1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
• MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• MS-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
• MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.