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