CURRICULUM GUIDE

Short Circuit is a fun and creative approach to electronics and physical computing for young
people. The modules included in this guide have all the information you need to get started!

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 SHORT CIRCUIT CURRICULUM pg. 2

Students in Short Circuit explore a variety

of materials, from building blocks to

How do I use this

conductive fabric.

Short Circuit SHORT CIRCUIT:

THEN AND NOW
Curriculum guide? Short Circuit started as an after
school program at Quest to Learn in
New York City in 2009. It has grown into
The following seven modules each contain a complete Short an informal hands-on laboratory for
participants to explore and discover
Circuit experience. Every module starts out with an overview, innovative uses for physical and digital
followed by more detailed information about the learning goals, materials, like circuits, conductive
inks, LEDs, the latest programming
key terminology, materials needed, and any tips or links to languages, paper, pipe cleaners, iPads,
video, audio and websites.
assist with its implementation. Tips for modding the modules
The Short Circuit experience is one
to differentiate for varied student skill levels are there, as well. where young people tinker at the
Following the lesson plans are individualized assessment tools. intersection of design, technology
and art. The program is designed to
support the development of creativity,
innovation, systems thinking and
These modules were created as a complete sequence, but following DIY digital media skills by engaging
participants in informal projects
that sequence isn’t necessary. Each module stands on its own— under the guidance of educators,
artists and designers. The program
making it possible to mix and match modules to fit your needs. also supports current science,
It would be a great idea to check out the Short Circuit Professional technology, engineering and math
objectives (STEM).
Development curriculum if you are new to electronics or physical
computing. This can also be found on the Institute of Play website.
Each of the student modules is linked to at least one Professional
Development curriculum module, so you know exactly where to go
if you need to brush up on the basics.

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 SHORT CIRCUIT CURRICULUM pg. 3

What is Short Circuit curriculum?

The Short Circuit experience is one where young people tinker at the intersection of
design, technology and art. This seven module sequence is intended to develop the
participants’ technological skills while allowing them to express themselves creatively.

Assessment One-Button Cereal

Tools Hack LED Puppet Boombox

Worksheets to help track A unique one button video Felted puppets that A hacked greeting card
your students learning game controller created from light up when they touch is turned into a mutated
an old computer mouse and one another musical boombox
a cardboard box

Noise
Quiz Show Papercraft Machine
LED Flashlight Controller Jack-O’-Lantern (Arduino)

$3

Low-cost and low-power Push button light up quiz Unique light-up papercraft A simple program and
flashlight made from scratch show style device decorations for any holiday circuit to play back
miniature melodies

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 SHORT CIRCUIT ASSESSMENT pg. 4

ASSESSMENT
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

LEARNING GOALS:
What will be covered?
SYSTEMS THINKING SKILLS:

Short Circuit focuses on the

creation of circuits, which are Students will
relationships between
systems of electronic com- be able to components of a
ponents. Short Circuit will
strengthen students' under-
identify:
system and how they
standing of how a system func- interact.
tions in a number of ways.

the components
the qualities and of a system.
behaviors of
components of
a system.

how some components

of a system are
essential to how it
works, and how others
are not.

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 SHORT CIRCUIT ASSESSMENT pg. 5

ASSESSMENT
CONTEXT & BACKGROUND for all modules

ADDITIONAL KEY SKILLS AND

LEARNING GOALS: QUESTIONS:
What will be covered? What will be covered?
CONTENT KNOWLEDGE Key Skills for Systems Thinking: Essential Questions Activated:
AND SKILLS:

Technology:
Learning how to break a What are the
Standard 9 system down into parts, components of a
Students develop an understanding of
engineering design.
or components. system?
Standard 10
Students develop an understanding of
the role of troubleshooting, research and
Being able to describe Are all components in
development, invention and innovation, the qualities or a system the same?
and experimentation in problem solving.
rules that define a How do they differ?
Standard 11 component.
Students develop the abilities to apply
the design process.
Understanding what
Engineering: components really Are all components
Standard K
matter to the system. of a system equally
Students develop the ability to use
the techniques, skills and modern In other words, which important in
engineering tools necessary for
ones are critical to contributing to the
engineering practices.
making it work or meet system meeting
its goal. its goal?
DESIGN THINKING:
Representation Competency
Students create multiple types of
representations such as diagrams,
graphs, tables, sketches, illustrations,
or physical forms, enabling them to
structure, record, and express ideas.
Use of multiple representations is a
critical design thinking strategy.

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