Snap Circuits

J and K built a two speed fan with a light.

The boys each received a gift card to Indigo from their uncle for Christmas.  Of course, I stocked up on cheap Christmas books, but I spent many hours browsing their website for something new.  Something different.  That's when I stumbled upon Snap Circuits Jr. and I knew it was perfect.

 

Snap Circuits Jr. is a super cool and fun way for kids to learn about the electronic devices around them.  It's recommended for age 8+, but I generally disregard most age recommendations on toy boxes since I know I will be supervising them anyway.  Basically, you build a project (there are 101 to chose from) following the color coded instructions, using a variety of different pieces that just snap together.  Then when you turn the switch on, electricity flows through the snaps on the pieces to create sound effects, a flying saucer, turn on a light, and so much more.  It looked like so much fun.  I knew the boys would love it and, I must admit, I was dying to try it out too!

Just days after ordering it, I noticed that one of my favorite blogs, Play at Home Mom, posted a picture on Facebook of their preschooler playing with Snap Circuits too.  Now, I was even more excited.

Originally I was going to reserve this toy for alone time with J (when K would be napping).  However, K definitely found it interesting to watch what happened when the power was turned on.  He also enjoyed pressing the switch button whenever J would let him have a turn.

Building a project

K checking things out

K looks interested in what is going on.

My Review
I think that Snap Circuits Jr. is absolutely wonderful.  It is easy to use and has a wide range of interesting projects to make.  The pieces are all clearly labeled and color coded, which makes interpreting the instructions that much easier.  The instruction book also provides a nice summary for each project that describes an aspect of how electricity works, such as what a photoreceptor is or how a fuse works.  It only requires the use of two AA batteries.  Plus, the price point was quite reasonable.  It was only $30 at Indigo (you can check it out here).  The only downside I can think of is that the sounds are annoying, but I am thinking that has more to do with the fact that J likes to leave the alarms sounding FOREVER.

My only regret is that I didn't purchase one of the bigger sets, but that's OK since, at the moment, J seems to only want to build Project #13/14 (Two-Speed Fan/The Fuse) and Project #10 (Space War Alarm Combo) repeatedly.

J turned on a light!

K's turn to press the buttons.

J created a flying saucer (note the red blur).

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