Snap Circuits is a line of well-known circuit construction kits that are always adding new ways for kids to explore electronics and circuitry! Today, I experimented with the Snap Circuits Arcade Kit, a kit that allows students to build over 200 exciting projects and includes 20-plus Build and Play games. With over 35 parts, including a programmable word fan, tri-colored orb, and a pre-programmed micro-controller, the Snap Circuits Arcade kit is perfect for projecting a light arcade show and helping kids upgrade their original Snap Circuits skills!
Like other Snap Circuits kits, this one is designed for kids aged 8 and up, requires 3 AA batteries, and includes a highly detailed and illustrated manual that includes not only project instructions but also helpful troubleshooting tips, component explanations, and the do’s and don’t’s of circuit building. Notably, there are also helpful concept explanations so students can truly start to understand the science behind their creations! With this kit, they will bolster their problem-solving and direction-following skills, and always feel satisfied when their invention works—leaving them craving more!
Technically speaking, Snap Circuits is a fantastic system for introducing the complex ideas of circuitry and electricity to students of just about any age. It is designed for tactile kids who grasp abstract concepts best by literally ‘making’ their own learning. I can certainly attest to the fact that the bright colors of the pieces and the endless possibilities made me want to start building circuits right away. The very comprehensive manual provided much needed guidance, however, because it is critical to be knowledgeable about what each piece does and how to avoid short circuits. Once I read it, I felt very much prepared to start building my first circuits.
I tested the introductory “Where’s the Blue Light” project to get a feel for the different components. I snapped the pieces together on the base plate according to the numbers listed on the diagram. The diagram was extremely clear, which made it even easier to prevent short circuiting and helped ensure I had the correct pieces above and below each other, which is very important when building with Snap Circuits. (You’ll notice in the included diagrams that each piece has a number next to it. This is used to indicate which level of the structure that piece should be on).
The explanations within the diagrams helped lead me to discover why the blue light may not have enough voltage to light it, a simple but effective example of how students can integrate active learning into their problem solving. This was one of the simpler projects in the kit, but it helped introduce me to circuit building using a bunch of new technological components! Next time, I’m planning on trying the LED display and microcontroller to play one of the mini arcade games!
Snap Circuits comes highly recommended from Eduporium as a go-to circuit building set for elementary school students. They are easier to use than breadboards and provide guided, educational play. Snap Circuits Arcade, in particular, is highly effective at illustrating how models of electrical circuits work in the real world and providing hands-on experience in the design and construction of innovative contraptions. To purchase one for your makerspace, classroom, or home, click below to visit the Eduporium store. Also, look out next Wednesday for the newest edition of the Eduporium Experiment featuring the Meccano robot! In the meantime, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more, check out other cool STEM tools in our store, and you might as well like us on Facebook, too!
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