Illuminate Me

Illuminate Me: Merging Conductive Sewing, Technology, and Solar Power

Grades:

7-12

Unit:

Description:

Light up your clothing using solar power! For this unit, students will attach thin, flexible solar modules to a bike helmet and recharge NiMH rechargeable batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. The rechargeable batteries will be used to light up...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Circuitry,

Electrical Energy,

Electronics,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

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.

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Project-Based Learning,

Hands-on Materials,

Engineering Design

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

2: Developing and Using Models,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author: