# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Electronic Popables
This pop-up book showcases some of the aesthetic and narrative possibilities enabled by combining paper and electronics.
Each spread is an example of the different sensors and actuators that can be made with paper and electronic craft materials like conductive paints and conductive threads. The pages are powered and actuated with magnetic battery, speaker and Arduino modules.

Collaborators:
Tungshen Chew
Leah Buechley

2009
Read More: Project Website:
DREU summer internship blog
Beginnings
Research Publications:
Electronic Popables: exploring paper-based computing through an interactive pop-up book [PDF]
Qi, J. and Buechley, L. In Proceedings of the Fourth international Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied interaction. TEI '10. ACM, New York, NY, 121-128. 2010

Beginnings

I created this book as part of my summer undergraduate research internship with Leah Buechley, who later became my graduate advisor.

It began as a simple assignment to make sample sensors out of paper. However, I soon fell in love with how making my own electronic components by hand using paper gave me the freedom to make the circuit look like anything I want-from flowers to stars to skyscrapers.

In exploring paper electronics, I was constantly surprising myself with what was possible. The electronics theory I previously learned took on new meaning as it became a tool to create "magic." The paper craft came to life as it took on the interactivity of electronics, while the electronics became not only more beautiful, but also more meaningful within the context of a crafted scene.

Thus began my exploration of electrified craft and expressive circuitry through paper circuits.

The following are some spreads from the book, taken by Leah Buechley.

Related Works

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This pop-up book showcases some of the aesthetic and narrative possibilities enabled by combining paper and electronics. Each spread is an example of the different sensors and actuators that can be made with paper and electronic craft materials like conductive paints and conductive threads.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Great Big Guide to Paper Circuits - learn.sparkfun.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Paper circuits are becoming more and more popular in the hobby electronics world. The easy availability of craft-like materials and increasing abundance of new products has created a really unique ecosystem for crafters looking to make the leap to electronics projects. This guide is an overview of materials and techniques available to paper circuit crafters.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Paper Circuit Design Challenge - 5 Lesson Sequence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tiny Theaters tell stories inside cardboard boxes using craft materials and light. Turn on and off LEDs using a homemade switch and a circuit made with copper tape. What story would you like to tell?

Exploring Circuits

There are many ways to engage with circuits and electricity. We advocate for an approach that is playful, hands-on, and builds on the stories that learners want to tell. The idea of centering learner choice in Tiny Theaters is intentional. Tinkering experiences have many ways to get started and result in a variety of outcomes. By allowing learners to choose what goals they want to pursue and how they go about it, we connect their learning to previous experiences, personal interests, family and cultural traditions, and promote a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Consider the materials you have on hand in your space and how they can be leveraged into constructing a tiny world inside a box. Many great substitutions exist, so don't shy away from trying things wonderful and wacky!

☐ A cardboard box: A shoebox is a great fit for this activity, but also consider food packaging boxes, delivery boxes, and more.

☐ Light source(s): Paper circuits are a great way to illuminate a scene, but consider other light sources like a flashlight or the sun.

☐ Paper and adhesives: Keep general craft supplies nearby like colorful cardstock, scrap cardboard, markers, masking tape, hot glue guns, and utility knives (with adult supervision).

Getting Started

Brainstorm a Narrative

What story do you want to tell? One strategy is to pick a simple cause and effect, like a traffic light turning green makes the car move. The next step then is to connect that action to lights and movement.

Sketch Your Circuit

Decide where the circuit will live on your box and where you want to place your LED. Consider your battery placement somewhere near the edge of the box so that a binder clip can hold it in place.

With all of your components ready, start assembling your box. Choose whether you'd like to cut an opening in your cardboard box or use an existing opening. If you're looking to add complexity, consider adding another light to your scene.

Gallery of Tiny Theaters

Add More Lights

Why stop at one light when you can add two (or more!). Introducing more than one LED can add complexity to a circuit design and spark conversation around LED compatibility.

Tinkering Tool: Soldering Iron

While this activity is possible to do entirely with copper tape, it's also a great opportunity to authentically engage with a tool. Soldering strengthens conductivity between connection points when overlapping two pieces of tape and makes adding coin cell battery holders possible.

Educator Perspectives

"Tiny Theaters are a great way to expand on Paper Circuits with a stronger focus on creating a narrative because it represents a proper story rather than just a card that you decorate with lights. Some learners really focus almost entirely on the narrative element, spending a lot of time drawing characters and backdrops, and others are more intrigued by the ability to build a circuit on top of the box while the lights and scene are inside of the box. It's like the top of the box is a "behind the scenes" element, but it's actually the most accessible part of the box so it's easy to work on it. A good example of wide walls for the activity! "

- Luigi Anzivino, Activity Designer and Facilitator (Tinkering Studio)

What does facilitating Tiny Theaters look like in an afterschool program for middle school students? Check out this blog post by Lianna: Tiny Theaters at Lighthouse ASP.

For more tips and ideas, check out this PDF guide on Tiny Theaters.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tiny Theaters tell stories inside cardboard boxes using craft materials and light. Turn on and off LEDs using a homemade switch and a circuit made with copper tape. What story would you like to tell? Exploring Circuits There are many ways to engage with circuits and electricity.