wearable tech must-haves?

[Laura Hollis]

Hi Everyone!

We are about to introduce a pretty cool interdisciplinary unit for 8th graders and I wondered if you could give me some advice about what to have on hand as they explore the world of wearable tech?

Students will be inventing/designing an item in science class during the circuitry unit. We expect some of them to use the 3D printer, LEDs, conductive thread, etc. They will then incorporate this item into a magazine cover they design and will produce a video about their product. They will write persuasive copy for their magazine pitch and cover as well as a script for the video in English class. Finally, the students will have a chance to pitch their ideas and wearable tech concepts to the real-life magazine execs in NYC in March.

So, I have ordered copies of this book for all teachers involved in the project to share with students: http://www.makershed.com/products/make-wearable-electronics

Our idea as a warm-up/testing ground is to have a tinker time after school where we have tables of stuff (a la Constructing Modern Knowledge style) for any middle schoolers who want to hang out and play. 

This is our first go at anything like this and I am in charge of the grocery list - so my question is = What should I buy for that tinkering table to get started? What items do we need to have available for kids to try out before their initial design?

So far, I have: LEDs, batteries, cloth material, felt, conductive thread, conductive tape, arduino/lily pad kits...

Are there any tools or materials you can suggest to add to our collection in its infancy?

Thanks so much!

--

Laura Hollis

Director of Technology

Saddle River Day School

(551) 579-6708  

(201) 327-4050 x1234

Nurture. Challenge. Achieve.

[Ariel Kitch]

Hi Laura,

I'm also going to be teaching a Wearable Electronics class next semester for 7th and 8th graders.  I have been lurking on this group for a while but I have appreciated all the awesome insight!  I was very inspired by Kate Hartman's book (I saw her speak at Maker Faire) and I'm excited to do some projects with students, especially since I think it will attract more girls.

One thing I have been tinkering around a lot with is the Adafruit Flora.  It's a really remarkable little microprocessor and the NeoPixels that Adafruit sells are also pretty fantastic for wearable tech projects.  I rigged up a costume for halloween featuring a pulse sensor, neopixels sewn together that blinked with my heartbeat, and a Flora.

I'm still experimenting but I would love to hear what teachers are other schools are doing to explore wearable tech!

Best,

Ariel Kitch

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[Andrew]

For the tinkering and prototyping stage, go with the Afafrui Gemma instead of the Flora. 

At 1/3 of the cost and size, the Genma is a robust platform that can handle any simple combination if sensors and outputs. When/if student projects outstrip the code size or port requirements of the Gemma, THEN they can seamlessly upgrade to a flora. In the meantime, you'll have 3x as many student projects in development. 

Other great wearable tools are:

Neopixel strips - I like the 16 rings, 8 sticks and 32/meter strip.

Photo resistors

Flex sensors

Thermochromic fabric (HyperColor, for the 90s kids)

JST connectors (conductive thread is nice, but many projects benefit from a few longer runs. When bringing wire into wearables, it's best to use a simple connector like the jst)

Consider requiring/offering a variety of "proof of concept" platforms.  Students with no fabric/textile/sewing experience benefit from sewing non-functional prototypes for pow sable artist mannequins. Have them use different color threads for the different signal/gnd/vcc lines. Much fasts and  more pleasant to find mistakes at this scale. :)

For students new to programming, have them make an interactive model of their project in scratch/snap. Physical actions can be simulated with button/key presses, but scratch can also respond to many environment cues (light, sound).  This not only helps them think trough te behavior they want (especially for complex parts like neopixels), but provides a printable "rough draft" to use when writing the Arduino program    

--andrew

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[Jaymes Dec]

One of my favorite resources for wearables is Kobakant: http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/

If you have not seen it, check them out. Really creative and fun tutorials on interesting wearables techniques. For instance, here they list almost 20 ways to make conductive traces on fabric! http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/?cat=38

You will get lots of ideas for supplies from them. 

I particularly like this technique for ironing on long runs or detailed circuits using fusible webbing. http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/?p=244 You don't necessarily need a laser cutter for more simple shapes. 

I'll also second Adafruits Gemma + Neopixels! 

Kate Hartman's Make Wearables book is great! I have a project in there! Try to find it!

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Jaymes Dec
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[David Held]

Ditto on the Neopixels. I'm working w/ a class now using them and the Trinket from Adafruit and the 3D printers to design night lights.

David Held

Poughkeepsie Day School

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David Held
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Poughkeepsie Day School
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many minds, one world

[Fred Bartels]

David,

Great idea to use a Trinket! Are you using the 3v or 5v version? Hope you can share more details about the project.

Fred

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Fred Bartels
An Independent School Educator

[David Held]

I usually get the 5V. I'll keep the group posted. The nightlight will have one knob to dim the pixels and a button  to change the light patterns.

David Held

Poughkeepsie Day School

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[Laura Hollis]

Thank you all so much for the info. I went on a spending spree over the past few days and have lots of stuff for the kids to try out.

I will keep you posted on our progress. 

I will try to find your project Jaymes!

I'm very excited to check out the Gemma and Neopixels too.

Thanks again for all of your guidance!

On another note, has anyone ever ordered filament from this site?

http://fairwagon.com/

A student found it and I am a little weary..

Thanks!

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[Caleb Clark]

Useful thread. I'm co-facilitating a 2-hour workshop to get some K-12 teachers started with wearables - lights and sensors.  I only want them to get the blinky light "Ah ha" moment, learn to sew a basic connection, and be able to work with the Arduino ADE. Then they can take the kit home and work more on their own fabric and projects.

I'm glad to see the Gemma is favored here, This is my leading contender for the kit I need to buy (and some thrift store clothing), AdaFruits Gemma kit: : https://www.adafruit.com/product/1849

But what about Sparkfun's ProtoSnap - LilyPad Development Board????  https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11262