Papier Machine Vol.0 teaches kids about electronics… with paper

As you’ll know if you’ve been reading ContempoPlay even for our short history, we’re really keen on products that combine STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) topics with real-world creativity, be it drawing or crafting. Papier Machine Vol.0 is thus right up our street.

Its Parisian creators are raising money on crowdfunding website Kickstarter to make what they describe as “the first interactive electronic paper toy that unveils the mysteries of electronic black boxes”. That means a planned series of books that include paper toys based on real machines for children to make.

The first volume focuses on sound, with a graphite circuit-based piano; a couple of marble-controlled instruments; a wind sensor; a writing track and a tilt switch. All printed using silver ink which conducts electricity, which is how children will learn about how the machines actually work.

The book is beautifully-designed, with all the components that children will need to build and run the machines, and start making all manner of sounds. You’ll need to pledge at least €45 to get one of the books, which are expected to ship in July 2018. Higher tiers include €90 for a two-book gift pack, up to €700 for a ‘classroom’ pack (that’s 20 books).

You can find the Kickstarter campaign here, and at the time of writing it’s already smashed past its target with a month still to run.