Holidays 101: #12-Science Starter

To encourage a budding scientist I recommend Elenco's Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100.  This kit [which I found for about $20] lets kids from 7 or 8 on up to make dozens of simple electronic projects using the direction book and the 30+ snap together parts.  

The parts snap together simply [almost a bit lego like] often with only a little help from grownups depending on the child's age.  The young scientists learn some basic principles of electronics as they figure out how to make a flying saucer fly, a doorbell ring,  a motion detector go off, and more.

Elenco makes three different size multi-project kits [ranging all the way up to $80] and individual project kits for between $10-$30. [The largest has over 80 parts and can complete over 750 projects!]

NOTE: If you plan to give this as a gift be sure to purchase 2 "AA" batteries so that the science can begin right away! No other tools, or soldering is required.

Also: Make the exploring even more fun by including a spiral notebook for taking notes and a disposable camera for documenting the projects as each is concluded.

And Don't Forget that girls can be budding scientists too!!