Vernon Area library program shows kids the science of circuits and geometry through paper folding

Seventeen youths learned the science of circuits and geometry through the art of paper folding Tuesday during the Vernon Area Public Library's "MAKE IT: Paper and Origami Circuits" program.

"Initially, I'm going to have them make a simple circuit using a coin cell battery so they can understand how circuits work, and then their project will be to make an origami candle that has a little light at the end," said Julia Pyatetsky, youth services librarian.

Combining technology with art, the boys and girls ages 8 to 12 made their own simple circuits by using copper gardening tape, along with the 3-volt battery and small light. They turned their newfound expertise toward creating an origami paper candle and used the battery-operated circuit they just made to make the candle glow.

"We wanted to create a project that would make sense using a light, so we decided on an origami candle," said youth services librarian Maggie Kutsunis.