# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Create an entire, interactive world inside of a cardboard box! Add motion and light to a three-dimensional story using simple mechanisms and electronics components. Other tinkering activities like Homemade Switches and Paper Circuits are great resources for thinking creatively about circuits and everyday materials. What story would you like to tell?

Share what you create and try out with us by using the hashtags #TinyTheaters.

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

Pick a Cause and Effect

Consider making your story into a relationship between:

In this example, the green traffic light makes the car move.

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.

Alternative Light Sources

Paper circuits aren't the only way to make a tiny theater! Check out this example that uses a moving flashlight to create a compelling early morning scene.

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.

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
Create an entire, interactive world inside of a cardboard box! Add motion and light to a three-dimensional story using simple mechanisms and electronics components. Other tinkering activities like Homemade Switches and Paper Circuits are great resources for thinking creatively about circuits and everyday materials. What story would you like to tell?

# data[].attributes.body
A work in progress ... what could be added to extend this story?