Project Activities
During Phase I in 2023,the project team developed a prototype of Paper:bit, consisting of a circuit board, a user interface where students to code, a 3D-printed plastic clip to connect the circuits to an LED, and paper crafts for students to see the lights flash based on how they coded the circuit board. At the end of Phase I, a pilot study with 65 middle school students and 5 educators demonstrated that the prototype reliably functioned as students were able to create arts projects and the educators were feasibly able to implement the lesson in their classes with minimal support from the developer. Results from a pre- to post- survey also showed that on average students increased in their enjoyment in STEAM, confidence to build a circuit, and interest in careers in technology.
In Phase II of the project, the project team will fully develop the product, including: upgrading the circuitry hardware with design specifications for mass manufacturability; finalizing the software for coding activities with circuits; and developing a six-week curriculum covering basic to more advanced skills, as well as professional development resources. After development concludes, a pilot study will test the feasibility and usability, fidelity of implementation, and the promise of the product for improving computer science learning and engagement in STEAM. The team will collect data from 16 middle school science classrooms with 320 middle school students over 8 weeks. Half of the classes will be randomly assigned to use the product and the other half to use business-as-usual activities for the same content. Researchers will compare pre-and-post scores using measures including the Engagement in Science Learning Activities Survey and the Simple Circuits assessment for assessing student grasp of basic circuitry concepts. Researchers will gather cost information using the "ingredients method" and will include all expenditures on things such as personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and training.
People and institutions involved
IES program contact(s)
Products and publications
The project team will fully develop a paper circuitry toolkit called Paper:bit to introduce students to electronics and coding through a programmable microcontroller to display circuits on flat paper crafts with indicator LEDs so students can immediately see their code in action through blinking lights. To complete the activity, students will write code for, design, and assemble their own circuits and design their own paper crafts. The team will develop a six-week lesson series covering circuits and computer science concepts aligned to standards on topics such as coding, digital and analog inputs, outputs, and radio communication. Professional development materials will include lesson guides, course presentation slides, video tutorials, printable circuit templates, student workbooks, and assessment guides. The product will be designed for use flexibly in formal middle school computer science and technology classes as well as informal learning spaces like afterschool programs, libraries, and makerspaces.
Project website:
Additional project information
Video Demonstration of the Phase I Prototype: https://youtu.be/AsioQwm_Ccg
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To answer additional questions about this project or provide feedback, please contact the program officer.
