The Ultimate Kit Guide

5

littleBits Starter Kit

littleBits Starter Kit

Make Kit Reviews

littleBits Starter Kit

$130

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Reviewed: November 14th, 2011

The littleBits kit is like Lego for basic circuits. Each “bit” is a small circuit board that enables a single electronics component or electronic function, like a potentiometer, light sensor, LED, or motor. The bits snap together magnetically with edge connectors that are color-coded to indicate their general role within a circuit; for example magenta […]

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Learn to Solder Merit Badge

Learn to Solder Skill Badge

Make Kit Reviews

Learn to Solder Skill Badge

$3

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Reviewed: November 12th, 2011

Thousands of people mastered soldering for the first time at this year’s Maker Faire events in the Maker Shed’s “Learn to Solder” tents, with the helpful coaching of Mitch Altman, Jimmie Rodgers, and dozens of other hackerspace volunteers. Participants left the Maker Shed with smiles on their faces, new skills, increased confidence, and a cool […]

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Energy Wiz

Energy Wiz

Make Kit Reviews

Energy Wiz

$20

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Reviewed: November 8th, 2011

Aimed at kids 8 and up, this kit has real heart. Its 48-page workbook and components (solar cell, buzzer, two motors, LED, capacitor, copper rivets, pinwheel, etc.) take you through lessons and fun experiments that teach the basics: What is energy, as distinct from force? What forms does it take? How can it be converted […]

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Snap Circuits Pro

Snap Circuits Pro

Make Kit Reviews

Snap Circuits Pro

$90

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Reviewed: October 25th, 2011

The award-winning Snap Circuits Pro 500 Experiments kit contains more than 75 parts and detailed project books that allow you to build over 500 snap-together circuits — no tools required. You can assemble a musical doorbell, laser gun, race game, lie detector, electronic kazoo, mind reading game, telegraph, AM/FM radio, and so many more projects. […]

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Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Make Kit Reviews

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

$280

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This latest version of Lego’s popular Mindstorms robotics kit includes a new 3-in-1 color and light sensor with LEDs; a new ball shooter; and tank treads. On the software side, an image editor now lets you convert your own images to fit the LCD display, and a sound editor records and converts sound clips, to play […]

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