Elenco now offers their Snap Circuits line of electronic science kits.
These creative educational toys come with kits ranging from 3 projects to 500 projects.
The Snap Circuits Jr.
Kit contains just over 100 projects.
By the time you finish the first two Snap Circuit projects, you might feel like saying goodbye to the electrician.
While that may never be possible, the kit and projects will dramatically increase your child's knowledge of electricity.
And you and your child will have had a lot fun making them.
Unlike the old-style electronic kits, Snap Circuits does not contain flimsy pieces that have to be intricately wired together.
The circuits, lights, motors, speakers, etc.
are in self-contained pieces that are compatible.
The components snap to each other onto a base piece in Lego-like fashion.
There are no wires to connect or solder.
Each project can be assembled in very little time and you don't have to worry about making mistakes as they can easily be corrected.
It's Educational Science kits such as Snap Circuits have many educational benefits.
First, kids get the unique opportunity to learn about electronics.
Second, these kits help build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Third, they are great for "intergenerational play.
" That's not just playing with mom and dad.
Snap Circuits are a great way for kids and grandparents to connect with each other.
The folks at Elenco, Snap Circuits' manufacturer, are geniuses.
Their goal is to educate and explain how electricity works.
The first project in the 100 Project Kit is creating a simple light switch.
The concept to learn is: Electricity is either on or off.
The final project in the kit is a "simple" water alarm.
The concept here is to show how water can conduct electricity.
And don't fear the possibility of electrocution, because the set is powered by AA batteries.
The projects increase in complexity from project #1 to project #101.
They are designed to teach the principles of circuitry, resistance and magnets.
That makes this much more than a toy - it is a true science kit.
The instructions are illustrated in full color.
Each project kit includes transistors, resistors, photo resistors, switches, LED diodes, speaker, integrated circuits, fans, and battery holds.
Other kits in the Snap Circuit line include remote control vehicles, and small project kits.
It's Fun Snap Circuits is a great example of how kids and parents can have fun with science kits.
Kids can have fun at many different levels.
First, the initial projects are easy to do and give kids a great sense of accomplishment.
And secondly, kids take great pride and satisfaction in building the more complex kits.
The kits are designed to be put together by one or more people, so there is a very social aspect.
The kits provide the right amount of trial and error to make them challenging.
The end result of each project - a light, a flying saucer, recorded noise, etc.
- makes them fun.
Snap Circuits can be found at various online stores or brick-and-mortar retailers across the country.
Snap Circuits are made by Elenco and are for ages 8 and up.
They do require batteries.