Reviews

Products that have been tested.

Review: Snap Circuits

Programs, Reviews, Snap Circuits

Robot Basics:

  • What is it?
Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun. Just follow the colorful pictures in our manual and build exciting projects such as AM radios; burglar alarms; doorbells and much more. You can even play electronic games with your friends. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Enjoy hours of educational fun while learning about electronics. No tools required. Includes Projects 1-305 manuals. (includes all of the SC100 projects and 200 new ones.) (from the manufacturer)
  • What’s in the box?

This package comes with 2 manuals with over 300 projects to build.  It also comes with 60 components.

  • How much is it?

The cost of this package is around $45.00.  You can get additional packages for more or less.

  • How did we acquire it?

My library purchased three kits for use in programs.

Ideas for Use

I used these kits in my Robot Test Lab programs.  Many kids were already familiar with the snap circuit kits.  They had them at home, or knew of friends who had them.  I paired two kids together per kit to attempt to put together a project listed in the manual.

Time Involved

This program takes no time to prepare.  I played with the kits a bit before I put them out.  I enjoyed figuring out how to build an AM radio.   Building a project from the manual can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour.

One-time or Recurring Program

This could be an on going program, however I found that most of the kids already knew how to use the Snap Circuit kits.  They were more interested in creating new projects and not following the directions.

Extension Activities

You could use these kits in a variety of ways.  The students could be challenged to build the same project in the shortest amount of time.  The students could create an entire new project using the three boards as opposed to just the one in the kit.  Many of the kids I worked with were enthusiastic to see what they could come up with.  They were quickly bored by the directions from the book.  Once they understand the concept of circuitry, they can do many things.

Skills You Need

The ability to read directions and then, the ability to do your own thing.

Other Tools You Need

4 AA batteries

Good Stuff

I love this kit.  As someone who gets nervous around STEM theories and programs, this is something I found interesting and manageable.  I spent a bit of time building my own Snap Circuit AM Radio and when it finally came together and worked, I felt proud.

Frustrations

I wish the kids would think outside of the box a little more often.  Many of them wanted to create their own circuit but did not understand the basics of circuitry before starting their own projects.  Of course, this could be my own problem.  I want kids to understand what they are doing before they start branching out.  I forget that the point of all of this is to experiment.

Ending Thoughts/Observations

I used these kits with middle school kids.  I think they could best be used with elementary age.  The middle school kids were bored more easily.  Many of them had used the kits before at home.  If you can get started with a younger group, you may have more luck with keeping their attention for a longer period of time.

Overall Rating:

I think these kits are a great deal.  They are wonderful for those of us who still feel a little squeamish around robotics and STEM programming.

Review: Sphero

Reviews, Sphero

Robot Basics:

  • What is it?

Sphero is a sturdy, buoyant, waterproof, hard shelled ball that changes color and responds to commands via a handheld device – a smartphone or a tablet. At the most basic, Sphero can be used as a game controller for a number of downloaded games. But there are more complex functions that teach programming as well. It’s very sturdy and waterproof which makes me much more comfortable about handing it to a rambunctious teen or extremely eager toddler.

  • What’s in the Box?
Sphero: what's in the box

Sphero: what’s in the box

There’s the Sphero itself, an inductive charging base and plug, holder, and best of all — two ramps with rubberized feet. Pencil here for scale.

  • How Much?

Sphero 2.0 retails for $129.99. The original Sphero is available for $79.99. Either can be purchased at a discount in an educator 10 pack.

 

  • Age Range?

Game play and the pre-coding apps are friendly with kids as young as Kindergarten but Sphero is fun and useful for pretty much any age.

  • How Did We Acquire it?

Purchased with ILEAD funds.

Ideas for Use

Sphero can be used just like you’d use any other gaming platform at the library. It’s really so much fun to play with. But for someone who wants to dig deeper into the technology angle with a more active approach, I like the way Sphero allows for scaffolding skills.

Begin by showing users the basic Sphero app. This introduces the capabilities of Sphero, couched within an origin story and a fun game. Then it’s easy to move on to apps that allow users to code without knowing they’re coding. Something like Sphero Draw ‘n Drive has users draw pictures on their handheld device, and then Sphero will act out the drawing that was created, changing direction, speed, and color just like the artist did while drawing. Beyond that, you can move to Sphero MacroDraw or MacroLab which give allow you to add different action components together to build programs, then give you real-time feedback on the macros that you program.

Time Involved

Sphero needs some time to charge, then you’ll need to download the apps you intend to use, and get your bluetooth connection up and running. Plan at least an hour of playing around with it before you introduce it to kids so you’re comfortable with the basic controls.

One-time or Recurring Program

Plenty here to expand into a recurring program.

Extension Activities

Once your kids have mastered the basics, there are lots of educational projects you can embark on, and another app, orBasic for Sphero, that delves deeper into the coding element. You could also use this in a more hands-on Maker program by creating mazes, obstacle courses, and challenge courses for Sphero to compete in.

Skills You Need

You need to be able to connect a device to the bluetooth on your handheld device.

Other Tools You Need

A bluetooth enabled tablet, smartphone, or iPod for each Sphero.

Good Stuff

It is SO MUCH FUN. The fun is really a huge draw for getting users to engage with it. And it’s SO EASY to begin. There are no necessary skills, beyond basic hand-eye coordination, to start having fun with it. If you’re going to jump in an purchase an Educator pack, I think that would be a good, long-lasting value.

Frustrations

The Bluetooth connection on my Android device was pretty fussy. It was much smoother when used with Apple products. I don’t know if this is a function of the Sphero or of my Xoom, but it happened.

It’s a pricier prospect. It works best as a one device per person project, but you could fairly easily construct your event so that two people share one Sphero. But beyond that, each Sphero must have a dedicated handheld device to control it. If your library already has iPads, you’re set. If your community has a 1:1 tablet program in schools, that should work too. Otherwise, this may be a significant limiter.

Ending Thoughts/Observations

I really like this device and think that there are lots of opportunities for fun, education, and expansion.

Overall Rating:

Have a ball! –But proceed with caution (solely due to the cost and additional tablet constraints).

Review: Obstacle Avoiding Robot Kit

Obstacle Avoiding Robot, Programs, Reviews

Robot Basics:

  • What is it? Assemble a robot that uses sensors to detect and travel away from obstacles
  • What’s in the Box? Paper body components, motor assembly, wire, and double-sided tape
  • How Much? $15.99 at MakerShed
  • Age Range? Ages eight and up
  • How Did We Acquire it? ILEAD-USA Grant

     IMG_20141020_113545_543

    Ideas for Use

    Because a large part of the experience with this robot is assembling it, this would be a good kit for one or two kids, or as part of a station-style robotics program.

    Time Involved

    It took three and a half hours (including a lunch break) to mostly assemble the kit.

    One-time or Recurring Program

    Assembling the kit is a one-time activity, as it’s made of cardboard and held together in places with tape. It could not be easily disassembled and reassembled. Once built, it could be used again and again durability may be a limiting factor.

    Extension Activities

    You could set up different courses for the obstacle-avoiding robot to avoid.

    Skills You Need

    You need a great deal of patience and ability to work with tiny parts, but the instructions are detailed enough that no prior electronics expertise is necessary.

    Other Tools You Need.

    Batteries (2 AA) are not included. Although everything needed for assembly was included in the box, we ended up also using our own double-sided tape and some extra wire.

    Good Stuff

    This is extremely appealing for kids who are into tinkering or are looking for a challenge.

    Frustrations

    So many frustrations. It contains so many tiny parts, the double-sided tape provided was not sticky enough, the wires provided were not long enough to connect what needed to be connected, and in the end the robot is made of cardboard, so you know your efforts are not going to something of enduring value. After three and a half hours of assembly time, it still does not actually run; we’re going to have to work on that another day.

IMG_20141020_113556_956

Ending Thoughts/Observations

My department head looked at this robot and said, “I would not recommend this as a purchase.” However, the twelve-year-old girl who supplied most of the labor and expertise in assembling it had a great time, and plans to use her allowance money to purchase one for her own use.

Overall Rating

The Obstacle Avoiding Robot would be a good individual purchase for a child or teen who is interested in tinkering or robotics, but it is not a good fit for library programming purposes.