Add Touch Activation to Any Wearable

We are going to show you how to build a “MOSFET” touch circuit, where we create a circuit of light that is turned on and off using the low conductivity of your body. Just touch two points, and it turns on or off! We will show you how to add these touch activation pads to a wearable. MOSFETs are important because they are the first step in controlling lights and motors with sensors and computers. They “listen” for a signal, and when they hear that signal, things turn on! What types of signals? Well, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, an instagram “like” sensor, whatever a computer can see, the MOSFET can hear!

Add lights and sensors to your wearable to tell your story!



Materials:
Listed here: steamhead.space/the-shelf/

• 6v Fairy Wire
• Two 3v batteries
• a USB Soldering Iron
• One MOSFET
• Wires
• a wire stripper or a pair of scissors
• safety googles and sand paper
• Optional: A friend to make with!

Watch here:


I have made it, now what? Ways you can share your process and build:

• Join us in our “Office Hours” on Oct. 28th at 4pm PT Showcase your piece, share your process, or come with questions and get support from the MakeFashion Edu team (and each other)! Sign up here.
• Need a wearable to add the circuit to? Level up your costume with a dramatic headpiece! Learn to make one out of paper and cardboard with Carrie Leung and Twila Busby in the “Build a Dramatic Headpiece with Make Fashion Ed” video.
• Submit your creation into the Make: Projects Halloween Costume Contest! And share your builds with #makercamp #maketoghether and #makefashionedu!
• But wait! Before you submit your pictures for the Make Halloween Costume Content, level up your photography skills with our runway photographer and videographer Mike Shaw with “Easy Photoshoot Hacks” airing Monday 10/26

About MF Edu
MakeFashion Edu is a collaboration between non-profits, SteamHead and MakeFashion. Young makers combine fashion and technology in an outfit that they design from the ground up, learning design thinking, technical skills, practical building skills, and most importantly using these skills to express themselves and become advocates in their communities.

MakeFashion Edu has proven to be a powerful entry point for youth of all perspectives and backgrounds, but especially for those who are hesitant to engage with science and technology subjects. You do not have to be technical to use technology as a tool! Technical, but not feeling very creative? Hone your creative designer skills by applying your technical skills in our thoughtfully developed sessions.

Need more ideas? Head to makefashionedu.org
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