linders Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 DS9 loves science experiments and recently enjoyed a small "inventions" kit I got (a few wires, motor, light bulb). I think he would love Snap Circuits. So my question - there are several different sets. I assume that I should get the largest that we can afford, or would that be overkill for a 9-year-old? And is it something he can do on his own to a large extent? He likes to "experiment" rather than have an adult walking him through these things, but I don't want to turn him loose with it if the whole set can be irretrievably ruined by a little misstep. Or is there some other type of set that you would recommend? Thanks so much - I really want to find a Christmas gift that doesn't have the Lego trademark! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Thanks so much - I really want to find a Christmas gift that doesn't have the Lego trademark! Agreed. We found that Snap Circuits had a lot experiments/info. Youc can also et a TM for it. The best thing is that you can upgrade when you when you want a new set -- get the extra pieces & the book -- check the Elanco - Snap Circuits website. I think RR also carries the upgrades. The mfr also sells individual pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Yes, get the biggest set you can. My 5yo loves to play with it and is as stubborn as a mule. So he must do it all himself. He just follows the directions in the little booklets. It is quite easy. Sometimes he will even ask my what the deal is for a particular little set-up. If you do get snap circuits, I highly recommend you get the ac adapter for it. Batteries don't give nearly enough energy to get the fan to fly. ;) I won't tell you, but you'll find out what that means... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgm Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 We started with the version that Elenco put together for ToysRUs under their EduScience brand: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3195281. It's a lot of fun. If someone in the household or a mentor is in to electronics, then you won't need more as they'll go to other projects using salvaged or bought parts. There are a few things that a child can do to damage components: 1. build short circuits. The instructions are clear on how not to build short circuits. 2. retard the motor while spinning 3. pull or bend at the ends of the wires, disconnecting them internally The Elenco radio kits are also a lot of fun for this age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 I can't help you with which package to buy because mine is on the shelf ready to pull out in two weeks. :) But I wanted to mention that I've seen them at Hobby Lobby and there you can use the 40% off coupons. I found mine on the clearance rack which was a little cheaper but the 40% off can really knock a lot off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth Conley Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 We love our Radio shack snap kit. The expanded kit has been worth it. The kids have been able to build dozens of electronic devices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in WI Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Yes, get the biggest set you can. Snap Circuits have been a huge huge huge hit at our house! It will not be overkill. He should be able to do most of it independently. They're pretty tough and survived a lot of wear and tear at our house. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmy Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Definitely not overkill for a 9yo. My then-6-year-old son got one of the larger sets for Christmas last year and he loves it and has made good use of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brilliant Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 I agree...get the biggest one you can. My son got a "big" set at around age 8 or 9. He is 13 now and still pulls it out occasionally. So we have gotten good use from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 I assume that I should get the largest that we can afford, or would that be overkill for a 9-year-old? And is it something he can do on his own to a large extent? My ds received a smaller set one Christmas, which was upgrading a few years later. I'm thinking of upgrading again this year (it's been a few more years)--thanks for the 40% coupon suggestion for Hobby Lobby/Michael's, etc. Both sets came with complete instruction books on how to build many different things. Even when my ds was 7, it was completely self-explanatory, one page per project. It sounds like your ds is familiar with Lego building, so he'll be fine here too. He won't catch the house on fire, if that's what you mean, or blow a circuit! LOL, I have to say that we're making our first visit to a LEGO store next week, and we're pretty excited--at least some of us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisychics Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-100-Snap-Circuits-Jr/dp/B00008BFZH/ref=pd_bxgy_t_text_b Is the Snap Circuit Jr. good to start with? I have an 8 year old lego builder as well and I am pretty tired of buying legos. :lol: Can I add this later? http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-300-Snap-Circuits/dp/B0000683A4/ref=pd_bxgy_t_text_c thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-100-Snap-Circuits-Jr/dp/B00008BFZH/ref=pd_bxgy_t_text_b Is the Snap Circuit Jr. good to start with? I have an 8 year old lego builder as well and I am pretty tired of buying legos. :lol: Can I add this later? http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-300-Snap-Circuits/dp/B0000683A4/ref=pd_bxgy_t_text_c thank you. I'm just about to hit the buy button at Amazon.com for the SC 500. My ds is 9 3/4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Biggest you can afford :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 The big set is awesome. Although the computer interface stuff is so so. Nine is absolutely not too young. We bought ours when our son was 4. He could follow the diagrams then on his own. I can't imagine a 9 year old having trouble with it. My son LOVES it. So a 5 year old? Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisychics Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 I'm just about to hit the buy button at Amazon.com for the SC 500. My ds is 9 3/4. Awesome! His bday is in June so I can buy the SC500 then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linders Posted November 21, 2009 Author Share Posted November 21, 2009 I can't help you with which package to buy because mine is on the shelf ready to pull out in two weeks. :) But I wanted to mention that I've seen them at Hobby Lobby and there you can use the 40% off coupons. I found mine on the clearance rack which was a little cheaper but the 40% off can really knock a lot off. And a special thanks for the Hobby Lobby coupon idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 (edited) Yep! Hmm. And what are the most fun things they make with these kits? Bill ETA: If I purchase this as a Christmas present for a 5 1/2 year-old, which kit do recommend? Edited November 21, 2009 by Spy Car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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