Snap Circuits – Easy to Use Science Kits from Elenco
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. When 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 electrical knowledge. And you and your child will have had a lot of fun making them.
Unlike old-style electronic kits, Snap Circuits contain no flimsy parts that have to be intricately connected together. Circuits, lights, motors, speakers, etc. they are in separate pieces that are compatible. The components fit together on a Lego-style base piece. There are no wires to connect or solder. Each project can be assembled in a very short time and you don’t have to worry about making mistakes as they can be easily corrected.
it’s educational
Science kits like Snap Circuits have many educational benefits. First, children have a unique opportunity to learn about electronics. Second, these kits help develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Third, they’re great for “cross-generation 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, the maker of Snap Circuits, are geniuses. Their goal is to educate and explain how electricity works. The first project in the 100 Project Kit is to create a simple light switch. The concept to learn is: Electricity is 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 device is powered by AA batteries.
Projects increase in complexity from project #1 to project #101. They are designed to teach the principles of circuits, resistance, and magnets. That makes this so much more than just a toy – it’s a true science kit. Instructions are illustrated in full color.
Each project kit includes transistors, resistors, photoresistors, switches, LEDs, speakers, ICs, fans, and battery compartments. Other kits in the Snap Circuit line include remote control vehicles and kits for small projects.
It’s fun
Snap Circuits is a great example of how kids and parents can have fun with science kits. Children can have fun on many different levels. First, the beginning projects are easy to do and give children a great sense of accomplishment. And secondly, children take pride and satisfaction in building the most complex kits.
The kits are designed to be put together by one or more people, so there is a very social aspect to it. The kits provide the right amount of trial and error to make them challenging. The final result of each project: a light, a flying saucer, recorded noise, etc. – It makes them fun.
Snap Circuits can be found at various online or brick-and-mortar stores across the country. Snap Circuits are made by Elenco and are for ages 8+. They require batteries.