I chose Snap Circuits Extreme as for my product review. They were a lot of fun to try out and I think kids would love to work with these in a classroom. Here is my video review:
I am in the elementary program so I only focused on how these could be used in the elementary grades. I think they would be really fun to include in the 4th grade electricity unit as well as the 5th grade sound/light unit.
VA SOL 4.3
The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include
a) conductors and insulators;
b) basic circuits;
c) static electricity;
d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into light and motion, and to produce heat;
e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.
VA SOL 5.2
The student will investigate and understand how sound is created and transmitted, and how it is used. Key concepts include
a) compression waves;
b) vibration, compression, wavelength, frequency, amplitude;
c) the ability of different media (solids, liquids, and gases) to transmit sound; and
d) uses and applications of sound waves.
VA SOL 5.3
The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of visible light and how it behaves. Key concepts include
a) transverse waves;
b) the visible spectrum;
c) opaque, transparent, and translucent;
d) reflection of light from reflective surfaces; and
e) refraction of light through water and prisms.
Since this kit came with so many different parts and they were all well made and sturdy, I would say that the price was fair at $83.99 (found on Amazon). I would suggest purchasing a AC adapter cord for use instead of batteries as well. Everything else came with the kit.
The kit was ready to go in the box. There was no assembly required before working on the projects in the manuals. Everything was very clear and nicely labelled.
VA SOL 4.3
The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include
a) conductors and insulators;
b) basic circuits;
c) static electricity;
d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into light and motion, and to produce heat;
e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.
VA SOL 5.2
The student will investigate and understand how sound is created and transmitted, and how it is used. Key concepts include
a) compression waves;
b) vibration, compression, wavelength, frequency, amplitude;
c) the ability of different media (solids, liquids, and gases) to transmit sound; and
d) uses and applications of sound waves.
VA SOL 5.3
The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of visible light and how it behaves. Key concepts include
a) transverse waves;
b) the visible spectrum;
c) opaque, transparent, and translucent;
d) reflection of light from reflective surfaces; and
e) refraction of light through water and prisms.
Since this kit came with so many different parts and they were all well made and sturdy, I would say that the price was fair at $83.99 (found on Amazon). I would suggest purchasing a AC adapter cord for use instead of batteries as well. Everything else came with the kit.
The kit was ready to go in the box. There was no assembly required before working on the projects in the manuals. Everything was very clear and nicely labelled.
There is quite a bit of information on their website as well so pop over if you have a minute and want to learn more about Snap Circuits Extreme!
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