Creative Smart Textiles

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Class Level: Year 8
Subject: Technology
Topic: Soft Circuits - Mini Project: LED Key Ring
Curriculum Link: Australian Curriculum - Digital Technologies (Years 7–8)
Content Descriptions:

• ACTDIP028: Design the user experience of a digital system, generating, evaluating, and communicating alternative designs.
• ACTDEK029: Investigate how electrical energy can control movement, sound, or light in a designed solution.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the basics of soft circuits and how they integrate with textiles to create “smart textiles.”
2. Design and construct a soft circuit for an LED light key ring using conductive thread and fabric materials.
3. Demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving, and safe handling of tools and equipment.
4. Reflect on the application of smart textiles in real-world solutions.

Materials and Equipment

Each student/team will need:

• Felt fabric (for the key ring base)
• Conductive thread
• Small LED light bulbs
• Coin cell battery with holder (3V)
• Sewing needles
• Scissors
• Key ring loops
• Fabric glue (for finishing edges if needed)
• A template/key ring design sheet (each student will design their own!)
• Optional: Decorative materials (e.g., sequins, smaller pieces of fabric)

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Lesson Plan Detail

1. Introduction (10 Minutes)

Engage the students with a real-world example of smart textiles.

• Begin by showing a quick demonstration of a light-up glove or a piece of fabric that responds to touch (if available).
• Pose thought-provoking questions:
  • “Did you know fashion and technology could merge this way?”
  • “How do you think we can add technology to a simple key ring?”
• Introduce today’s activity: Creating a personalised LED-lit key ring using soft circuit technology.

Safety Briefing

• Discuss the safe use of needles, scissors, and batteries, especially in collaborative spaces.

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2. Explanation and Demonstration (15 Minutes)

Step 1: What are soft circuits?

• Briefly explain the concept of soft circuits and how they differ from traditional hardwired circuits.
• Use a diagram on the board (or your interactive whiteboard) to visually connect the following:
  • Positive side of the battery → Conductive thread → LED bulb → Back to the battery (closed loop).

Step 2: Demonstrate Basic Sewing of the Circuit

• Show the students a step-by-step sewing demonstration to connect the LED to a coin-cell battery using conductive thread:
  1. Draw two paths lightly on the felt to mimic the circuit.
  2. Sew the "+" and "-" paths from the battery holder to the LED.
  3. Test the circuit by placing the battery and seeing the LED light up.
  4. Troubleshoot if it doesn’t work (e.g., a break in the thread).

Step 3: Design the Key Ring Layout

• Pass out templates for students to draw their key ring designs on paper. Encourage creativity—they could create animal shapes, initials, or even abstract patterns!
• Explain how the placement of the circuit components will fit into their design.

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3. Practical Activity (30 Minutes)

Create the LED Key Ring

• Step 1: Plan and Prepare
  • Students transfer their design from the paper template onto the felt fabric.
  • They mark out where their LED, battery, and conductive thread pathways will go.
• Step 2: Assemble the Circuit
  • Students sew their soft circuit using the conductive thread and needles, ensuring the thread doesn’t cross or fray.
  • Attach the LED and the battery holder securely.

Step 3: Finish the Key Ring

• Add a decorative outer layer to cover and protect the circuit (optional).
• Attach the key ring loop as the finishing touch.

Teacher’s Role During This Stage:

• Circulate the room to assist with troubleshooting (e.g., why the circuit isn’t working).
• Offer design advice and encourage creative flair.

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4. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 Minutes)

• Class Sharing: Ask students to hold up their LED key rings and share their designs with the class.
• Discussion Questions:
  • “What challenges did you face when sewing the circuit?”
  • “How could you improve your design next time?”
  • “Where might you see soft circuits or smart textiles used in everyday life?”
• Collect all leftover conductive thread, fabric, and other materials for reuse or safe disposal.

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Homework/Extension Activity

Challenge students to research one example of smart textiles in a specific industry (e.g., medical, sports, fashion, or military) and create a 2-minute verbal presentation for the following lesson.

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Differentiation

• For Advanced Students: Encourage them to incorporate a second LED light into their key ring and experiment with parallel circuits.
• For Students Who Need Extra Support: Pair them for the practical session, guiding them step-by-step in constructing their circuit. Provide pre-cut templates if needed.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative:
  • Observe students during the practical session, checking their understanding of circuit principles and sewing techniques.
  • Conduct a Q&A during the wrap-up to evaluate comprehension of soft circuits and real-world applications.
• Summative:
  • Finished LED key rings will be assessed based on functionality (does it light up?) and creativity in design.

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Teacher Reflection

• Did students engage with the hands-on activity effectively?
• Were the instructions and demonstration clear and age-appropriate?
• How might this lesson be enhanced (e.g., using pre-made kits, integrating other digital components)?