Here are some of our earliest prototypes
Here are some of our earliest prototypes
Beginning the workshop: Our tent was divided into three sections: the cricut station, the decoration station and the electronics station.
Beginning the workshop: Our tent was divided into three sections: the cricut station, the decoration station and the electronics station.
Introduction & decorating the bug To kick things off, our passionate volunteers handed each participant a paper bug template. These have been laser-cut and scored with lines, and it wasn’t so obvious how it could be a bug at the start! The first step was to decorate your template to your heart’s content. Kids were encouraged to make their bugs any colour they wanted and had the option to add googly eyes for extra fun. (Hint: these really helped the bugs come to life when they were moving!)
Introduction & decorating the bug To kick things off, our passionate volunteers handed each participant a paper bug template. These have been laser-cut and scored with lines, and it wasn’t so obvious how it could be a bug at the start! The first step was to decorate your template to your heart’s content. Kids were encouraged to make their bugs any colour they wanted and had the option to add googly eyes for extra fun. (Hint: these really helped the bugs come to life when they were moving!)
Make it 3D!  Now that the flat template was covered with bright colors and patterns, it was time for the visitors to fold their own bug. This involved a few steps – first was to fold the head back and tuck it into its own slot; then came the shell and wing holder. Once each tab is securely in its slot, you had your own standing bug. Our tent was filled with vibrant energy when the kids saw their folded 3D bugs. 
Make it 3D!  Now that the flat template was covered with bright colors and patterns, it was time for the visitors to fold their own bug. This involved a few steps – first was to fold the head back and tuck it into its own slot; then came the shell and wing holder. Once each tab is securely in its slot, you had your own standing bug. Our tent was filled with vibrant energy when the kids saw their folded 3D bugs. 
Make it buzz and crawl! This is without a doubt, the most exciting step for the kids. At our electronics station, we taught kids about the simple components of a button cell battery and a mini vibration motor, and how when connected, the circuitry makes the motor buzz in a similar way to how an insect moves. They learned about the positive-to-positive terminals, as well as how best to secure and make the connection between the wire and the button cell using conductive copper tape.  Children and parents worked together to make their bug buzz, and the unpredictability of how it would move brought an extra element of warmth and surprise to our event. Some remarked that their bug was “extremely shy” and moved very quietly, others had bugs that raced until they fell from the table! 
Make it buzz and crawl! This is without a doubt, the most exciting step for the kids. At our electronics station, we taught kids about the simple components of a button cell battery and a mini vibration motor, and how when connected, the circuitry makes the motor buzz in a similar way to how an insect moves. They learned about the positive-to-positive terminals, as well as how best to secure and make the connection between the wire and the button cell using conductive copper tape.  Children and parents worked together to make their bug buzz, and the unpredictability of how it would move brought an extra element of warmth and surprise to our event. Some remarked that their bug was “extremely shy” and moved very quietly, others had bugs that raced until they fell from the table! 
Watch it crawl! Our Build-a-Bug workshop at the Great Exhibition Festival 2024

Last month, on June 15th and 16th, we proudly hosted our first Paperly public workshop at the Great Exhibition Festival in South Kensington. Despite the classic British weather, our tent welcomed over 600 visitors of all ages, eager to build their own moving paper bugs. Our mission was to demonstrate the unique properties of paper and simple electrical circuits that bring it to life. Inspired by the joyful movements of a connected vibration motor, we developed user-friendly prototypes for everyone.
We were thrilled by the positive feedback from parents and kids alike. It was a pleasure to teach about simple electric circuits and the creative potential of paper. We thank everyone who attended, as well as Great Exhibition Road and Imperial College for their support.
We are working on creating more accessible kits to teach children about simple engineering with paper. Follow us on Instagram for updates, and we look forward to more events like this in the future!

Collaborator:      Dian Lin, Kara Wong, Yihan Dong
                        Technician: CriCut Machine
Photographer:    Dian Lin, Kara Wong, Yihan Dong
Exhibition:         The Great Exhibition Festival

2024.06
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