How to Implement

Part One - Introduce the LilyMini Protosnap (45-90 min.)

• Girls will work individually for this project.
• Hand out a LilyMini ProtoSnap to each girl. Make sure that they don't snap the pieces apart until they are ready to sew.
• Explain that at the heart of the ProtoSnap is the LilyMini, a microprocessor much like the Hummingbird. It consists of inputs and outputs, as well as a processor that can be coded and acts as the “brains” of their project.
• Have the girls identify the following on the LilyMini:
  • battery holder
  • on/off switch
  • small LED (this is a “tricolor” LED and can produce different colors)
  • USB port (not used in this project, but allows you to re-program the board)
• Note about Sew Tabs and Pins: Every microcontroller chip has electrical connections to the board that look like metal legs. These are commonly referred to as pins. Each sew tab around the outside edge of the LilyMini is connected electrically to one of these pins on the microcontroller chip. These connections are not as easy to see as the external connections (traces) between the LilyMini and the components included on the rest of the LilyMini ProtoSnap. In this guide, we'll be referring to sew tabs when referencing the hardware and electrical connections on your ProtoSnap and pins when talking about the code that controls electricity in or out of the tabs." (From Sparkfun's LilyPad Protosnap Plus Activity Guide)
• The ProtoSnap also connects the following components to an associated sew tab on the LilyMini:
  • Tab1 is connected to a light sensor
  • Tab2 is connected to the mode button, that switches between three different modes that affect the sensor, tricolor LED, and other LEDs.
  • Tab3 and Tab4 are connected to two different serial LED circuits
• On the LilyMini, point out to the girls that the positive ("+") sew tab is connected to the light sensor and the negative ("-") sew tab is connected to the "-" on all of the components.
• Have the girls put a battery in the LilyMini and turn it on. Give them a few minutes to explore then have a discussion: What do they observe? What happens when they push the mode button? What happens in each mode when they cover the light sensor? In their design journals, have them record their observations and what each mode does. You can use the LilyPad Sewable Electronics Guide to help answer questions the girls might have about the LilyMini ProtoSnap.
• The LilyMini ProtoSnap ships with pre-loaded code that uses all the components connected to it. This sample code has three modes, which can be selected by pressing the mode button on the bottom-left side of the ProtoSnap. The built-in RGB LED on the LilyMini will change color to indicate which mode has been selected:
  • White: All LEDs on.
  • Magenta: LEDs fade in and out in a breathing pattern. When the light sensor is covered, LEDs fade faster.
  • Cyan: LEDs off. When the light sensor is covered, LEDs will twinkle.
• Explain to the girls that they are going to “light up” a garment with the LilyMini and its components. This is where their creativity comes into play. Have them spend some time brainstorming ideas in their design journal.
• You can prompt the girls with these questions: Based on what you know about the LilyMini, what kind of design do you want to make? Sketch out your idea and where the components might be placed. Are there materials you need to complete your design other than your garment? Make a list of supplies you might need to gather.

Part Two – Plan, Construct, and Embellish (3hr. 30min. - 4hr. 15min.)

• Have a group discussion about turning their design into a circuit diagram using the paper prototype.
  • Where is each component going (LEDs, light sensor, button)?
  • How are all the components connected to the LilyMini with conductive thread?
  • Check to see that you don't have a short circuit. Do you have any lines crossing?
  • Make a list of which pins are connected to which components. Have them record it in their design journal so they can reference it while working.
• The girls should sketch out the circuit diagram in their design journals, making sure they include all of the components and their locations using the paper prototype template. Have the girls cut out the components, glue them onto a piece of paper, then draw the connections with a pencil. This will help prevent crossing lines.
• Have the girls ask another girl to check their circuit before bringing it to an adult. Once an adult has approved the diagram they should gather their materials.
• Next the girls should take the battery out of the LilyMini, break apart its components, and arrange them on their garment to match their diagram.
• Show girls how to use an embroidery hoop to make sewing on their garment easier. It's easiest if their whole design fits within the embroidery hoop.
• Use chalk or a fabric marker to map out circuits, making sure not to cross any paths. (There are ways around this error if it happens.)
• Optional: The girls can temporarily secure the components into their garments with a dab of fabric glue, taking care not to use too much glue and not to get any on the sew tabs as that can obstruct the electrical current.
• Sew down the components following the circuit diagram.
• When the girls are done and have made sure that everything works, they may want to insulate the thread with clear nail polish, fabric paint, or glue. This will prevent short circuits if the fabric folds on top of itself while being worn.
• Allow girls to finish their creations with any embellishments they may have designed.