About This Workshop
In this workshop, participants learn the basics of circuits by creating light-up characters, badges, or small props. Using LEDs, coin cell batteries, and copper tape, youth build simple paper- or card-based circuits that bring designs to life—lighting up eyes, symbols, or “magic tiles” that glow when a character stands on them.
The session focuses on accessible electronics concepts such as loops, polarity, and troubleshooting. Youth are encouraged to experiment, test ideas, and problem-solve when circuits don’t work on the first try. The techniques introduced here can be expanded in later STEAM Futures workshops involving motion, 3D printing, and interactive builds.
What You’ll Learn & Do
Participants will:
- Build simple circuits using batteries, LEDs, and conductive paths
- Use copper tape to create paper-based and card-based circuits
- Explore polarity, loops, and basic troubleshooting
- Integrate light and electronics into visual character design
Why this matters:
Learning basic circuitry helps youth understand how energy flows through systems and how design choices affect function. These concepts support future STEAM Futures workshops that involve interactive objects, motion, digital fabrication, and media-driven storytelling.
STEAM Futures Media Moment
Youth will take part in the Mini Media Crew by capturing short video clips of their illuminated creations in a Glow Booth setup. With permission, these clips may be included in the final STEAM Futures Community Showcase.
Who Can Attend
- Primary audience: Youth ages 8–18
- Youth ages 8–12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains on-site for the duration of the workshop.
- Adults may participate as full creators if space is available. Youth participants are always prioritized.
Cost
Youth participants attend free of charge thanks to support from the Liberty Bank Foundation and Eversource.
Adults are welcome to attend at no cost and are invited to contribute, if they are able, to help make future programs accessible to the whole community.
Location
Project Imo – Idea Forge Creators Space
About the STEAM Futures Workshop Series
STEAM Futures is a hands-on workshop series hosted at Project Imo’s Idea Forge Creators Space. Each session blends art, design, science, technology, and engineering through accessible, project-based learning. Youth explore tools and techniques across multiple disciplines while building confidence as creative makers and problem-solvers. Participants may attend individual workshops or engage throughout the full series.
Made Possible By
NEXT Workshop in the Series – From Sketch to Stickers
Open Maker Space Hours – Thursday January 29th from 2:30pm to 6:30pm



