Light My Heart : LED Valentine Project is a creative, hands-on electronics and coding project designed for children aged 8 and up. During this workshop, pupils will build a small desktop lamp featuring two transparent acrylic heart shapes that glow from below using colorful LED lights.
Children can write messages, draw patterns, or leave secret notes on the hearts using white chalk markers. When the lamp is switched on, the drawings light up beautifully, making the hearts’ outlines and messages shine like a glowing Valentine card.
The lamp is powered by a compact ESP8266 WeMos D1 Mini controller, connected to an addressable LED strip. Using RobiumCode, a child-friendly block-based programming editor, pupils will program their own color effects - such as smooth fades, pulsing hearts, or rainbow animations.
This project combines creativity, electronics, and coding in a fun and accessible way. By the end of the workshop, every child takes home a personalized, programmable Valentine lamp they built and coded themselves.
Location
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE
The closest parking at the Old Deer Park (Extension).
This workshop has 1 lesson (2 hours), from 11.00 to 13.00 on 14 Feb'26
This workshop is ready for age 8+
Girls and boys are very welcome!
Learning Outcomes:
- Introduction to Creative Electronics and Design:
Understand the basics of microcontrollers and how they can control light and interactivity.
Learn the principles of LED technology and how light can enhance layered visual effects.
- Hands-On Programming Skills:
Participants will explore block-based coding using RobiumCode to control light color and behavior.
- Creative Problem Solving and Innovation:
Strengthen critical thinking by assembling, testing, and refining your lamp project.
Foster artistic expression by customizing color schemes and experimenting with light dynamics.
- Confidence in STEM:
Build confidence in designing, wiring, and programming a functional tech-art installation.
Take home a fully working, personalized lamp as proof of your skills and imagination.
- Collaboration and Community:
Work alongside peers who share a passion for creativity and technology.
Be part of a fun, supportive environment where learning happens through making.
There are no extra requirements except a few:
1. You must be confident in using a computer, keyboard and mouse. At the good user level.
2. Know how we save files on a computer, what a file and folders are, etc.
3. You want to program and are not afraid to struggle with the difficulties of learning it.
4. Generally, no previous experience with programming is required.
5. No previous experience in robotics is required.