Event Details - Intro to Wearable Technology

This workshop is limited to 15. Please RSVP on Engage

Overview:

• Getting Started
• Review Electronics Basics
• Review Sewing Basics

Taking It Further with Lilypad and Adafruit Playground Express

Workshop Description:

In this workshop you will explore the growing world of wearable technology. You’ll learn how to design and make a project that incorporate circuits, sensors, LEDs, and programmable boards into clothing, costumes and accessories. We will begin with a quick review of sewing and electronics and rapidly progress through various stages until you are able to use the LilyPad circuits. We will also demo the various options available for programmable and advanced circuits including the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express.

If you love Coplay or LARPing or going all-out for Halloween, this workshop provides you with all the skills you need to explore amazing possibilities with your costumes. Even if you aren’t into costuming, though, you may be excited by a cool carry bag with light-up pixels or a functional, illuminated hoodie to protect you during nighttime rides on your bike. With wearable technology, you can take your sewing skills to the next level while also learning critical skills for the future including tangible technologies, interface design, coding and electronics.

LEVEL: Zero-to-Maker
PREREQUISITES: None

OUTCOMES (WHAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO):

• Identify and use basic electronic components
• Create basic electronic circuits
• Install and set up Lilypad boards
• Understand the layout of circuits
• Incorporate LEDs and sensors into wearable item
• Sew with conductive thread
• Learn to sew paths for conductive thread and wires
• Make a DIY project that sparkles and glows
• Create your own original wearable projects from scratch

Dr. Ronah Harris is CEO of Play Pattern LLC, a consultancy that designs innovative STEAM programs for schools, as well as a teacher of computer programming courses at the Stuart Country Day School in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Harris has also served as the Director of Information and Design at Friends Select School in Philadelphia, and she helped write the first computer science curriculum for NYC public schools.

Dr. Harris has lectured at Teachers College, Columbia University, and had published and consulted on topics of cognition, creativity, innovation, technology and design.

She has also been awarded two daytime Emmys for her work on the educational television shows Sesame Street and The Electric Company.

 In addition to Play Pattern LLC, she founded Makers Prep, an educational technology start-up. Dr. Harris obtained her Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University, M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania and BA from The New School.

She has also been an exhibitor and workshop leader at World Maker Faire NY.