Use Sparkfun's LED Constellation Hoops tutorial to create Matariki right in your classroom!

https://www.sparkfun.com/news/2449

Matariki begins on 13th July 2020 so now's the time to start planning your lessons. Sparkfun posted this cool constellation e-textiles blog a while ago and we think it's perfect for Matariki, so follow along to see what you'll need.

Here's Sparkfun's vide tutorial so you can follow along step-by-step, and below I'll share a list of supplies you can purchase from our online store! Contact us if you'd like to use a school account or if you're buying in bulk.

You'll need the following components which are available on our online store:

• Conductive thread
• LilyTiny
• Battery holder
• Coin cell batteries
• Sewable LEDs
• Needles

Here's an example from our student expert Esme. She created this constellation using the tutorial above - how great does it look! This would be really effective if there were a large number of them each showing different stars hung on the walls in a classroom or at home.

You could take it a step further by using your micro:bit to act as an interactive feature for the display! 

Add coding micro:bits to the list of skills used in your Matariki lessons by adding a cool button function. As shown in our video below, students code each micro:bit to show a star lit up followed by the name of the star when a button is pushed.

Give it a try! We'd love to see your creations, so make sure you send us a photo or video if you do this in your class or at home during the holidays.