Skip to Main Content
Libraries Indiana University Bloomington

Wells Library Makerspace: Paper Circuits

Materials

Paper robot with an LED.Gather the following materials to make a robot with a light-up heart!

 

  • Paper robot
  • 1 LED
  • Conductive nylon tape
  • Button
  • Coin cell battery
  • Scissors
  • Clear scotch tape

Instructions

Use the template on the back of the robot to construct your paper circuit.

Paper circuit constructed on a cutout of a robot.

  1. Line A
    1. Find the circle marked A.
    2. Cut a few inches of conductive tape and peel away the paper backing.
    3. Stick the tape down along the grey line.
  2. Line B
    1. Find the circle marked B.
    2. Cut two pieces of conductive tape and peel away the paper backing.
    3. Stick both pieces down on the grey line.
  3. Line C
    1. Find the circle marked C. The last conductive tape line will also hold the battery in place.
    2. Place a piece of conductive tape along the grey line and leave an extra couple inches that will go on top of the battery.
  4. Place the LED
    1. Bend each leg of the LED so that it rests on top of the conductive tape path.
    2. Point the longer leg toward the + icon (this is the positive side of the LED).
    3. Point the shorter leg toward the - icon (this is the negative side of the LED).
    4. Use clear tape to hold down the LED legs.
  5. Attach a Button
    1. Next, we'll place the button over the oval icon on the template facing up. It doesn't matter which side touches positive and negative.
    2. Tape down the ends with clear tape.
  6. Insert Battery
    1. Once all the components are installed, it's time to test our circuit by adding a battery.
    2. Carefully slip the battery underneath the conductive tape flap we made earlier.
    3. Make sure the positive side of the battery (top, marked with the battery model and +) is facing up.
    4. Press the conductive tape over the battery. Apply extra clear tape to help the battery stay in place.
  7. Press the button and your LED should light up!

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check the tape connections - use your nails or a pencil to make sure the tape is firmly adhering the components to the conductive tape.
  • Check the battery - make sure it is sandwiched firmly between the top and bottom tape lines.
  • Check the wires of the LED - double check that they weren't accidentally broken while bending them.