| Remix at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| PLIX activity you are remixing: | Paper Circuits |
| Give your remix a name (optional): | Paper Circuit Flashlights |
| What remix strategy did you choose? | Passive/locally relevant |
| Why did you choose this remix strategy? How does it address a challenge or opportunity in your context? | For our library, we wanted this to be aimed at the tween age group, which we don’t currently have specific programs for. We wanted to give this age group a window to come in and work with others, but not in a formal setting. |
| Brief description of your remix: | We put together samples of a few different “paper flashlights” that kids were able to do using circuits, to include wands (think Harry Potter), a candle, and a Minecraft-style lantern. Basic circuit information is all we had put together, allowing kids to figure out how to take that idea into their own project. We did not set parameters on the number of circuits per craft, however only 1 battery. |
| Number of patrons this remix is designed for: | 10-15 |
| Number of facilitators needed: | 1 |
Supply Kit
Share the list of materials that you need for the remix. If your remix takes the form of a take and make kit, note what materials the kit contains. If your remix uses any additional materials / handouts (remixed zines, troubleshooting guides, slide decks, table tents, etc.) please share them here.
You can refer to the original supply kits here: PLIX Activities
| Material | Quantity (per kit or person) |
|---|---|
| Cardstock | 4 sheets each (2 for light) |
| Copper tape | 3ft each (19.5” per light) |
| LED lights | 5 max each |
| 3V CR 2032 button battery | 1 each |
| Binder clips | 1 each |
| Glue sticks | As needed |
| Tape | As needed |
| Tissue paper | As needed |
| Washi tape | If desired |
| Scissors | 1 each |
| Markers/Pencils/Pens/Crayons | As needed |
| PLIX Zine | 1 each |
| Glue Dots | As needed |
| Torch/Flashlight Directions | 1 each |
Activity Prompts
Complete this section if you changed the activity prompt or added a new prompt.
| Remix Activity Prompt | |
|---|---|
| What prompt(s) did you use to frame the activity for your patrons? | Create your own flashlight with an on/off switch. Before starting, use materials to make different versions of a circuit to see how you can change it around. Test the difference of using multiple lights and make sure you check that positive/negative lines up. Play with opening and closing the circuit and test different materials available to do this. After you have an idea of the circuit, start working on your flashlight/torch. |
| Did you create any example projects for this prompt? Please describe. |
Also please share photos of your creations in the Example Showcase below!|We created one example craft from staff, and used examples from kids as well.
We also had 1 unfolded template to show tape placement inside.|
Reflections on Remix Design and Facilitation
Complete this section after running the activity.
| Reflections | |
|---|---|
| What went well? What was challenging? | Running this as a passive program was challenging because of the difficulty in the concept. It was hard to do this as a solo librarian with kids in various stages. We also experimented with our day and time for programming and this was not a good fit for our community. |
The positive however was that the kids loved it! We had some making multiple torches with different lights and tops for the torches. They brainstormed how they could make it more “powerful” at home. The “Minecraft” theme was very popular.|
|What did you celebrate?|Our biggest celebration was that the kids were excited with the outcome of the project. Seeing them excited to figure out how they could make them better on their own was something worth celebrating as well.|
|Which of the PLIX facilitation techniques did you use or think about while planning this remix activity, if any?|For this activity, we encouraged peer learning as they all worked on their projects individually. Our goal was also to frame prompts that opened up possibilities for the participants, with a basic example given for what could be made, but no limitations to something “specific”.|
|Are there any activity-specific facilitation tips that you used with patrons?|We cautioned the participants (and parents) to be aware of their positive/negative connections and to test them along the way.|
|What advice would you give facilitators planning to do this remix at their libraries?|Take the time to run this remix yourself first to work out any details that may come up during the program. Even if it just means you can help to show understanding of an issue they may experience. Our recommendation is to run this as a more active style program depending on the end product.|
|Additional thoughts to share?|Have fun with this! Kids were great at experimenting along with way with different ways to close the various circuits and encouraging that excitement was key to making this such a fun activity.|
Example Showcase
Please share photos of example projects and creations that you and your patrons made (drop them in the area below!)
