Snap Circuits SC-300
by Elenco Electronics Inc
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List Price: Our Price: $35.00 You Save: $29.99 (46%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $22.99 (click here) Category: Toy See more product details |
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Toys and Games Reviews of Snap Circuits SC-300
Customer Review: Kids learn by playing - they learn a lot
Summary: 5 Stars
The SC-300 kit, with its over 60 parts and 300 documented projects could be viewed as the entry-level option of a series that include general purpose Models SC-500 (75 parts, 500 projects), SC-750 (80 parts, 750 projects) and special kits such as Model SCROV-10 that would involve the building of a remote control Snap Rover.
Snap Circuits stimulates a child's curiosity and understanding of electricity and electronics as well as the child's creativity.
It would be difficult to overstate how impressed I am with this set but that won't mean much because I'm a grownup. The good thing is that my 2 boys, 12 and 13 found it interesting too. They've been building 'devices' shortly after opening the box and, a few projects later, they were already building their own variations and seeking explanations of 'why' certain changes worked while others didn't. I am not sure about including 8 or 9 yr. olds in the recommended age range but, by the time they are 11-12, most kids should be naturally curious about what is it that makes electronics work the way they do and this kit helps them to begin to understand what it is that's making our increasingly intelligent machines act the way they do.
CONTENTS
The kit includes a large number of electronic components: wires, switches, lamps, diodes, resistors, transistors, capacitors, motor, microphone, special purpose integrated circuits.
The plastic base grid simulates a printed circuit board in that it allows the components to snap in place making it easy for the schematics presented in the manuals to look exactly as illustrated.
The 2 manuals "Projects 1-101" and "Projects 102-305" complete the kit.
OPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE
Each of the two manuals includes brief tutorials on how to use and how to troubleshoot a project. They also provide brief descriptions of each of the parts, explaining how they work. The DO's and DON'Ts section should be read by both parents and children before beginning, especially the section on short circuits and what one should NEVER DO.
Once the children have a basic understanding of 'circuits' and what they should not do if they are to prevent destroying some of the parts, they are ready to begin and begin they will.
Each individual project, usually presented on half page includes:
- Project number, name and objective.
- A colorful schematic showing exactly the parts to be used and exactly where on the base grid they should be placed.
- A couple of paragraphs of text explaining how to proceed with assembly, what to expect and, more importantly WHY.
Projects range from the simplest circuit - battery, lamp and switch - to building logic gates and transistor radios.
Children will not learn physics and will not be able to fix TVs after completing these projects but this practice, hopefully combined with the help of a grownup, they will gain some understanding of 'why' and 'how' some of our gadgets perform some of their functions. If their curiosity is stimulated to the degree that they seek to learn and understand more, this kit should be viewed as a good investment.
My own experience showed the kids almost immediately thinking of variations to the projects the book was instructing them to build - replacing the light bulb with a motor or the 'whistler' to see what happens or, once they understood how 'circuits' worked, trying to build and test 'parallel' circuits on their own.
MY RATING
Everything is right with this kit and I can't think of anything wrong, really. We are not through with all 300 projects yet but the first 50 generated at least twice as many variations. For the money, it can't get much better than this.
It's 5 stars without reservations except for the suggested age group. Except maybe for the genius sons and daughters of electronic engineers, I would say that 10 and older is more realistic than 'over 8'.
Customer Review: THIS TOY IS DA-BOMB!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone with even the slightest electronic background will appreciate the value of this toy. As a kid I remember the long frustrating hours of deciphering components from circuit diagrams and soldering them to create projects that were way too much effort. The limited success with these projects, I believe, is the reason I gave up my hobby.As a parent of a six-year old, I have been trying to introduce him to all facets of science and this is a wonderful tool. He immediately created a circuit - a combination light/fan circuit - in parallel and in serial - and he understood the difference between them. It was just amazing. He always appreciates what we get him, but he fell in love with this toy instantly. He was engrossed for the next hour experimenting with the various components.
There are about 60 components which create a total of 300 projects. Count on there being about 125-150 basic projects (I have not conducted a detail count!) with the remaining coming from tweaks in these 125-150 basic projects. However, I do not want to discount the value of these tweaks...they are designed to teach the value of electronic components and instigate independent thinking. This is definitely a "Learning" Toy. With the limited emphasis on science in our schools, the approx. [item price] is worth the investment.
For people who cannot envision how these snap into place (I couldn't!), the "snap" is from "snap-button". The component is soldered onto a large piece of plastic which have snap-buttons on it. These snap-buttons snap onto a large plastic grid or onto other components. Simple concept - Snap-On and Snap-Off!!
All the components have their respective symbols stamped on them which aids in early familiarization. The pieces are also individually numbered so that there is no confusion in identifying the right component. The Manual is all-color and very easy to follow, however, some might prefer more detailed explanations.
The model I purchased was "Snap Circuit 300 with Computer Interface" an upgrade to the one available here. The interface package includes software and a cable which connects to the "line-in" jack of your PC. The other end of the cable has two alligator-clips which can connect to any two points in your circuit. The software turns your PC into an "oscilloscope" so that you can "see" the electrical activity between any two points in your circuit. I have yet to fully learn and appreciate the value of the oscilloscope.
For teenagers, there is a Snap Circuit 500. I believe it features more components and more complex circuits for about [item price].
WARNING: PLEASE READ UP ON BASIC ELECTRICITY AND EXPLAIN THE PRINCIPLES TO YOUR CHILD. MY SON CONNECTED THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POLES OF THE POWER SUPPLY FOR ONLY 5-7 SECONDS - THE BATTERY HEATED UP AND POPPED INTO HIS HAND. DID NOT BURN, BUT TAUGHT A VALUABLE LESSON - TO ME!! I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO EXPLAIN BASIC ELECTRICITY TO HIM. THOSE 2 AA BATTERIES REALLY HEATED UP!!
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY ONLY ONE TOY THIS YEAR - YOU JUST FOUND IT!
Customer Review: Big hit with the family -- why don't they make more toys like these?
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Snap Circuits-300 for my 7 year old. This year, Wii and PS3 were very big, but I didn't want to get a video game system, so this was the substitute. He had no idea what to make of it because this isn't a toy you'd normally see on TV. After opening it and helping him do Project #1, he was on his way, and absolutely loved this set. His 9 year old brother was equally thrilled (I got him the 300 in 1 Electronic Lab which I also reviewed). Anyone who enjoys Lego's will almost certainly enjoy this kit. There is great satisfaction for a child to be able to read diagrams, build something and get lights to turn on and little motors to work. Then they get to advance to harder and more complex projects; terrific for educational value and self-esteem. The other reviews and the product description are very accurate in what the kit contains and what it does, so I'll just point out a few other things. They are minor criticisms, but do not take away from the fact that it is a 5-star toy you should purchase if you can.
- For durability, I only gave it three stars. The circuits ARE very durable and well made. However, there are still fragile parts like the light bulb. This is not like Lego's where you can throw it across the room or stand on it and not have it break. Just a warning if you have little siblings around, or a child that is rough with their toys. I also wish that these kits came in a plastic carrying case and not a cardboard box which tends to wear down and rip over time. The books of projects are also probably going to show a lot of wear and tear over time, although the kit is too new for me to experience that.
- I wholeheartedly agree with the other reviews that say they wish for more explanation of why these experiments work. It would certainly enhance the child's experience (and mine!) to understand why things have to be connected a certain way in order to work. This is why I gave "Educational Value" 3 stars. However, if I compare this toy to other toys in general, like video games, action figures, etc. I would easily give this 5 stars.
This was my son's favorite toy this year. I asked him if this came close to getting a Wii, and he said it was even better!
Update: I have been looking on the snapcircuits.net website and there are additional items that seem to address my concerns. They do sell a hard plastic carrying case. It's $50, so I will live with the cardboard. There are also student guides available for more in-depth learning. Student guides are seperate for each kit, which is nice. I was also pleased to see that they offer upgrade kits, so that when your kid exhausts the SC-300, you just have to buy an upgrade kit to turn it into an SC-750. Cool! I am definitely getting the student guide for the SC-300 and possibly the teacher guide as well.
Customer Review: Perfect product introduce electronic and circuits
Summary: 5 Stars
Growing up, I always had a liking for electronic circuits (the registers, capacitors, LED's, IC etc). I wanted to introduce the "the world of electronics to my son (9 year old).
I am glad that we got him the Snap Circuits SC-300. The Snap Circuits SC-300 has these snap-buttons, which makes it very easy to build a circuit and most importantly work.
My son was very excited to work on the basic circuits at first and was even happier when each of these circuits worked according to the specifications. Slowly he has graduated towards more complex projects (included with the Snap Circuits SC-300 kit). I can see him pondering over the circuits to build something new on his own. He is slowly grasping the electronic vocabulary and started understanding the electronic components. There is this cool project (according to my son) to build an AM radio. I haven't seen my son so excited when he build an AM radio and picked up a radio station.
These are some of the things I liked about the product.
1. Excellent quality - Every component worked out of the box. This I feel is very important if you want your child to be interested in a new hobby.
2. Excellent Manual - Comes with two manuals. These manuals are well -written and are very easy to follow and more importantly they work as specified.
3. Excellent design - it comes with a board (I am calling it a snap board). The board is divided into a grid , this helps the kids to follow the manual instructions and complete a project(on their own),
4. Very High educational value - teaching a concept of a variable capacitor, or a RF coil is very difficult, but this product makes it a little easier.
5. Very good projects included in the product - many of the projects are entertaining and fun to build.
6. Value of money - if you kids gets interested in electronics.
7. Unique product - I did research a few products before buying Snap Circuits SC-300. I could not find a better product.
I am giving 5 starts for the Snap Circuits SC-300 for the making it easy, fun and educational. The product has a very good quality. It would be nice if we had a multi-meter along with the product.
I would highly recommend this product to anybody interested in electronics.
Customer Review: A toy like they used to make them--only better!
Summary: 5 Stars
What parent today doesn't lament that they just don't make toys like they used to? Toys break prematurely, they underdeliver on their promise of fun, and they simply don't engage kids like the stuff we grew up with.
Not Snap Circuits!
I ordered this for my six-year-old son and we've loved every second of playing with this educational toy.
What makes it stand out?
1. Exceptionally good building instruction manuals. With clear directions in full-color, the two large manuals included with the SC-300 kit are perhaps the best manuals I've seen for anything I've ever purchased. They lay out all the projects possible with the kit and also the principles that govern how the projects work.
2. Rugged construction pieces. The electronics of the kit come attached to thick slabs of plastic which have spring-loaded button-snap connectors (as found on clothing) on the backside. Each piece is clearly marked, especially so for those electronics that attach in one specific current direction. The kit should last for a long time.
3. Clever construction system. The button-snap connectors are pure genius. Most of us parents know the electronic kits with spring terminals, but the snap system here outshines the kind we grew up with.
4. Three hundred projects in the SC-300 kit. Plenty of projects to keep the kids occupied on rainy summer days. I wish I'd had a kit this nice as a kid!
5. Good mix of electronics. A nice range of resistors, capacitors, ICs, and special function electronics, including photo sensors, speakers, sound sensors, motors, microphones, etc.
6. Superb value. Rarely can you buy a children's toy and get the feeling you truly received what you paid for. This kit's worth every dime--and then some.
About the only negative in this kit comes from knowing larger, even more complex Snap Circuit kits exist! You can never buy one large enough.
In short, if you've got a child interested in electronics, consider this a must-have. And even if your child's not showing that interest yet, this kit might be all they need to discover their inner electrical engineer.
My son and I love Snap Circuits. You will, too.