Circuit Cards

Watch on YouTube

Let's GLOW!

Grade Level: 3-12

Unleash your creativity with the magic of paper circuits! Add a touch of sparkle to birthdays, holidays, or any occasion with personalized cards that shine. Follow our easy video guide and learn the fundamentals of circuits while crafting a unique gift.

Our kit provides everything you need to design and build your own illuminated greeting cards. Request a kit today or order your supplies to prepare for the lesson. You will be notified by December 2nd if you are selected to receive a kit.

Request a Kit for your Class

Join Us! EdTech Bytes - Mastering Circuit Card Building

Get the inside scoop and a cheat sheet to teach circuit cards like a pro! Everything you need to know in 30 minutes or less.

Register Now!

Get Started

Collect Your Materials

Printed paper cards (1 per student)- printer paper illuminates better than cardstock
Coloring materials - crayons, colored pencils or light markers are reccommended
LED bulbs (1-2 per student)
Coin cell batteries (1 per student)
Copper tape (2-3 ft. per student)
Paper strips for covering connection

Students Design, Color and Write on the Cards

Students will use coloring materials to color and write ont he card prior to building their circuit. We suggest writing on the back of the card if you are wanting to glue the card closed AFTER building the circuit.

Some students like the card to open, so they can show off their eingeneering skills. In this case, writing can be done on the inside or outside of the card.

Students Build Circuits

Looking for a guided lesson from the APS EdTech team? We are here to support you and your students. Request support with this part of the lesson.

For the full lesson plan, click on the button to the right or watch the tutorial video and follow along with your class!

Lesson Plan

Circuit Cards On the Go

Links & Templates

Paper Circuit Card Templates

Printables

Amazon Material List

Standards

New Mexico Common Core Standards Alignment:

Science:

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
- 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (Circuit completion and LED illumination demonstrate a closed loop and the flow of energy.)
- 4-PS3-2: Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
- 5-PS1-3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. (Conductive vs. non-conductive materials)
- MS-PS2-3: Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces. (Exploring different battery types or LED sizes could be incorporated for older students)

Math:

Measurement and Data:
- 3.MD.A.2: Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). (If incorporating any measurement of materials)
- 4.MD.A.3: Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real-world and mathematical problems. (Measuring the card dimensions and circuit elements)

Art:

Creating:
- VA:Cr1.1: Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
- VA:Cr2.2: Create art with various materials and tools to explore personal interests, questions, and curiosity.

ELA (Optional Integration):

Writing:
- W.3.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. (Students can write about how their circuit works.)
- W.4.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly, including the use of text features (e.g., headings, diagrams, illustrations).

Technology: