E-Textiles in STEM Outreach and Education

Textiles, being both ubiquitous and familiar, provide an accessible medium for teaching electronics interactively. By integrating electronics into textiles, STEM education becomes more relatable and promotes inclusivity and gender diversity. This paper presents two primary resources: e-textile demonstrators and a learning kit for students aged 6 to 11, aligned with the Key Stage 2 science curriculum. The demonstrators-which include motion-detecting and light-up fabrics embedded with accelerometers, LEDs, and microcontrollers-are used to spark student interest prior to the main activity, highlighting real-world applications of electronics in familiar materials like textiles. The learning kit comprises filament electronics, laminated screen-printed e-textiles, conductive tape, and a battery pack. Students assemble these components to create a functional LED circuit on fabric in a straightforward, easy-to-grasp format. This hands-on experience not only reinforces students' understanding of basic electronics but also supports iterative learning and troubleshooting. Unlike traditional kits that involve sewn conductive threads, which can be tedious to adjust, this kit enables quick and simple error correction, enhancing both engagement and learning efficiency.