The Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit gives kids a hands-on education in electrical circuits so they can better understand the devices they use every day. The kit comes with 30 parts, including snap wires, slide switches, an alarm circuit, a music integrated circuit, and a speaker. It includes kid-friendly instructions to build more than 100 projects, such as a sound-activated switch, a musical doorbell, a voice-controlled lamp, a flying saucer, a lighted police siren, and more.
The projects build on each other and allow children to advance at their own pace, starting off with a simple electric light and switch, and advancing to more complex projects. Along the way, kids get to build replicas of real circuit boards found inside televisions, radios, and other electronic devices.
Beyond teaching valuable lessons about wiring that some adults may not even know, the STEM learning toy promotes building skills and teaches kids how to follow instructions. So as to not be overwhelming or discouraging to any child, the kit conveniently comes with a project manual that features large, colorful illustrations and simple directions for each project. Additionally, each of the 30 pieces is numbered and color-coded for easy identification. Intended to be a DIY toy that does not require parental supervision, there's no soldering or additional tools required. Rather, as the product name suggests, the pieces just snap into place.
The beauty of buying this starter kit is that it's a toy that progresses as your child grows. While more than 100 projects will certainly take a good amount of time to complete, the learning doesn't stop there. Once children have mastered several of the techniques introduced in this kit, they can use the components along with a little creativity to experiment and create their own customized circuits and electronic devices.
Additionally, all Snap Circuit kits are fully compatible, meaning once this junior set has served its purpose, you can upgrade your kit to theSnap Circuits SC-300 Original Discovery Kit, Snap Circuits Sc-500 Pro, or Snap Circuits SC-7500 Extreme. You don't even have to buy an entirely new toy with each upgrade, as Snap Circuit conveniently offers more affordable 'upgrade' kits.
Keeping your budget in mind, since all modules are fully compatible, purchases of additional kits only grow, rather than replace, your child's Stem Circuits collection.
Snap Circuit products have been recognized by The National Parenting Center with a Seal of Approval, and it has racked up more than 30 awards from the likes of American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Tillywig, and others. In addition to the plethora of awards Snap Circuit kits have received, they are also featured in The Wirecutter.
On Amazon, the Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit holds a 4.8 out of 5-star average review rating based on over 5,500 customer reviews. Most buyers are thrilled with their purchase, many specifically state how much their children like it, such as this reviewer who comments that her kids like them more than Legos and this one who points out the kit is great because her child can use it alone or with friends. The relatively few critical reviews basically state issues with the product arriving damaged, pieces breaking too easily, or complaints that the kit doesn't come with batteries.
Pros: Cost-friendly, easy to expand your set rather than replace it, gives kids a hands-on learning experience with electricity, various add-on options to compliment each child's unique interests
Cons: Pieces may not be super sturdy, batteries required
