Light-up Wrap Book with a Switch and a Recycled Plastic Bag Cover

I created this model as an experiment to see if I could create a book cover from recycled plastic bags and cardboard.  I wanted to see whether a cover made from recycled materials might be a practical alternative to watercolor paper, for use in a classroom setting.

Ultimately, I was looking for an affordable way for teachers to construct something similar to this with their students.

I've determined that while I personally prefer the look, feel (and smell) of paper covers, using plastic bags  is a viable option.  The covers are durable, and students could easily use an awl (rather than a drill) to poke holes in the spine to sew on their LEDs.

The biggest concern that I have for using this particular structure as an artists' journal would be that the spine can only accommodate the addition of two signatures.  With my current design, the signatures are being sewn onto the loops of conductive thread that are created on the inside cover when the LEDs were sewn to the outside of the covers.  Over time, I worry that the conductive thread will start to fray, leading to malfunctions in the LEDs.  This structure would be much more durable if there were some other loops to hook the signatures on to.

If I do this again, I will change the dimensions of the overall book to be a 4" X 4" square.  I will also add ornamental loops to the spine that will serve as supports for extra signatures and use a lighter-weight paper for the signatures.  I might also try to sew designs or a pocket flap onto the plastic using a sewing machine, before binding the book.

Here is a basic explanation of how I created this plastic book cover.

Standards and Rubric

Check-In

This blog documents the work that I have done to combine electronics with bookbinding.  Here are some of the items that I have been working on.  I still have ideas that remain works in progress. Throughout the process, I've added posts about each creation.  I plan to continue adding to this blog as I create and learn more.

(I used the following apps to create this video:
iStopMotion, DoInk, GreenScreen,
Tiltshift, iMovie, and Magisto.)

Assessment:

I adapted the Buck Institute's Creativity and Innovation Rubric for my assessment.  You may link to my adapted rubric by clicking on the tab labeled Rubric at the top of this page.

ISTE Standards & NGSS Science & Engineering Practices:

To view the standards most closely associated with my project, click on the tab labeled Standards at the top of this page.

Revised Model

In an earlier post, My First Blinged-Out Book, I was thrilled that I had a solid working model, even though I suspected that I might have a power supply problem that needed fixing.  

Today, I revised the cover to add a switch and a LilyPad Tiny Twinkler.  I am most proud of the fact that I was able to get five LEDs to twinkle this time!

(See it in action in the video below).

I lined the front cover with a couple of layers of felt to accommodate the bulk of the battery.

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

1.  Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2.  Developing and using models

3.  Planning and carrying out investigations

4.  Analyzing and interpreting data

5.  Using mathematics and computational thinking

6.  Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Twinkle Book With Ribbon Closure

I made this journal for a friend using LilyPad LEDs, a Tiny Sparker, and watercolor paper decorated with liquid acrylic ink. 

(Inside)

Watch it Twinkle Here:

The book measures 5" X 7".  The covers are made from binder's board.  The book block was sewn together with linen thread.

I cut a section out of the book block in order to accommodate the battery.  I had to cover up the beautiful blue paste paper on the inside covers, because I deconstructed the book in order to add electronic components after having already assembled it. 

While making this was a good experiment, I don't love the exposed electronic components.

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

1.  Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2.  Developing and using models

3.  Planning and carrying out investigations

6.  Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Short Wooden Book with Illuminated Spine

Short Wooden Book with Illuminated Spine

Once again, I was compelled to create a book using heart-shaped pieces of papercloth.  Hearts are not typically my go-to shape, but I suppose I just need to go with it.  (R.I.P. Robin Williams)

This is another 5" X 5" book, bound with the "Secret Belgian Binding." It has plywood covers and is sewn together on waxed linen thread.

While making the spine, I replicated the process that I used in an earlier blog post.  This time, I decided to add LEDs and a switch to it.

                                                       (View my Magisto video below.)

In this model, I figured out that Velcro is a great way to keep a battery flap from popping open.  I used a paper battery holder and a 3V battery for this project.

I would prefer this book if the covers were also illuminated.

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

1.  Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2.  Developing and using models

3.  Planning and carrying out investigations

6.  Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Book with Watercolor Cover and a Switch

Like the watercolor book that I wrote about in a previous post, this one is equipped with LilyPad LEDs.

The big improvement is in its design, with the addition of a slide switch on the spine.

Here's an Instructable I made if you want to try making one.

Here is a brief video showcasing the book:

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

1.  Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2.  Developing and using models

3.  Planning and carrying out investigations

4.  Analyzing and interpreting data

5.  Using mathematics and computational thinking

6.  Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

7.  Engaging in argument from evidence

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Invent to Learn (Picture Notes)

Invent to Learn Picture Notes

I recently read Invent to Learn as a requirement for the Create Make Learn course that I participated in this summer.


I enjoyed the reading so much that I decided to take picture notes, using the Grafio app ($8.99), rather than taking written notes.


After taking notes for each chapter, I used PicCollage (free) to organize them.

I think that combining these tools with Audioboo or Narrable would be a great way for students to reflect upon their learning.

I'm posting the notes here, because this blog is serving as my "Maker Journal."

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

2.  Developing and using models

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Wrap Book With Wooden Spine (Model)

 Wrap Book Model

  

This book is made from thick watercolor paper with two signatures of text weight paper sewn to a wooden spine.  It measures 3.5" X 5" and is secured with waxed linen thread and two glass beads.

I used conductive thread to sew four Lilypad LEDs to the spine and through the paper cover, but I sewed the signatures on afterward using linen thread.  Now that I know that my idea works, I will be creating another model and another blog post that clearly shows how I attached the signatures to the cover.  

In the sketch above, I was trying to figure out a way to pull the conductive thread through the signatures themselves, but because I read that conductive thread has quite a bit of resistance I tried something else.

Update:  To view step-by-step directions for how to create one of these, please visit this link:

Although this model doesn't currently have a switch, which is something that I plan to add to my next model, I like the way that the battery holder is hidden inside the folded triangular cover.

 

Future Revisions

1.  I will make the width of the spine slightly narrower, because I am only sewing two signatures in.  Otherwise, there is too much extra space inside.

2.  I will reinforce the inside of the paper spine with Tyvek before sewing on the LEDs.

3.  I will add a Lilypad slide switch to the triangular cover.

4.  I will attempt to solder the conductive thread to the battery supply so that I don't have to worry about anything slipping (this could be tricky).

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

1.  Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2.  Developing and using models

3.  Planning and carrying out investigations

4.  Analyzing and interpreting data

6.  Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Help I'm addicted to Lilypad LEDs!

This is a sneak peak at my latest work (in progress).

I am waiting for more supplies to arrive from Sparkfun, as I've become quite excited about Lilypad LEDs.  I had no idea that this was going to become such an expensive hobby!

In the process of creating this book cover, which is currently being powered by a 9V battery (that is NOT small enough to be hidden away in the book's innards), I have come up with a couple of ideas for solutions, which I'm not yet sure will work.

Here's a look at the inside of the cover, 

and the offending power supply.

My Plan:

1.  Substitute one or more of the LEDs for a Lilypad slide switch to reduce the amount of energy needed to power the circuit, and bringing the total number of LEDs down to 10.

2.  Substitute the 9V battery for a Lilypad power supply that allows a AAA battery to power up 10 X LEDs  (up to 220 mAh).  (Update:  the power supply is also too thick!)

3.  Cut a hole in the book block that is large enough to house the power supply before assembling it.

If you have another suggestion for a way to power these LEDs with a small and tidy energy source, please let me know!

NGSS Framework Practices Addressed

1.  Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2.  Developing and using models

3.  Planning and carrying out investigations

4.  Analyzing and interpreting data

5.  Using mathematics and computation thinking

6.  Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

8.  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information