Lending Library Patron Featured Project
Seven Oak Middle School is the workplace of the eager third-year engineering teacher, Michael Swindle. During his time as a student teacher, Swindle became familiar with the circuit-building manipulative Sphero littleBits. Seeing how engaging the play-based learning tool was, he wanted to branch out when he got his own classroom and test other options for engaging his students in entry-level circuits and electrical engineering through self-directed play. This is when he discovered Snap Circuits.
“The kids just really, really, really like them,” Swindle said about why he has adopted Snap Circuits into his curriculum involving the introduction to simple circuitry.
He describes Snap Circuits as a great problem-solving tool. With independent hands-on learning, Snap Circuits lets students choose a starting point that is comfortable for them and challenge themselves at their own pace.
“I like the Green Energy kit. A lot of my kids like the variety of parts and the different ways to power things, whether it’s the solar panels; they were just going outside and powering fans and trying to power the cars. They enjoy the multi-purposeness of the green energy kit. But I would recommend probably the Snap Circuit Junior kit as well, just because it’s a really good intro into it,” Swindle said.
Picking the Best Snap Circuits for Your Classroom
Snap Circuits Junior: A classic. With projects that light up, take flight, and make noise, this series of projects takes students on a guided journey from simple to intermediate circuit building.
Snap Circuits 400D: A great option for rotating STEM stations or educators who need to entertain just a few students. Each 400D kit serves one to four students.
Snap Circuits Green Energy: The confluence of circuitry and alternative energy exploration. Perfect for classrooms that want to discuss sustainability in civil and electrical engineering, architecture, and design. This kit contains solar cells; consider checking it out during fall and spring terms.
Snap Circuits Bric Essentials: LEGO meets Snap Circuits in the Bric Essentials kit. Bric Essentials is a stand-out option for teacher that want to incorporate creativity and design-thinking into their tech and engineering curriculum.
Put a Snap Circuits kit on hold today!
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