Nebraska Library Commission

Introduction to Snap Circuits Extreme

Snap Circuits Extreme is a fun and easy way to learn about electronics. There are over 750 projects with full-color instructions available with the kit.

• For ages 8+
• Beginner to Advanced level options
• Start with a basic circuit and work your way up.
• No soldering required. The snaps are real snaps!
• No computer required for beginner to intermediate.
• Advanced level project options show how electronics interact with computer sofware!
• Easy to set up and play right out of the box
• Check out Elenco's Snap Circuits website for more details.

If you're just beginning with electronics, Get Started with the Snap Circuits Extreme Librarian's Preparation Guide and Introductory Lesson Plan.

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Elenco shows what's in the kit and demonstrates how Snap Circuits work in this video:

Get Started with Snap Circuits Extreme

Libraries provide new opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the technology that impacts us every day. As librians, we cannot expect to know anything and everything about electronics before venturing forth, but we can all learn by dong!

Step 1: Librarian's Preparation Guide

The Librarian's Preparation Guide is designed to do the following:

• Understand the basics of Snap Circuits, and explore the kit.
• Know how to guide patrons through circuit building and troubleshooting.
• Identify real-world uses of circuits.
• Know where to find additional resources.

Step 2: Teach it in the Library!

After some practice, you can start with the Snap Circuits Extreme Robotics Introductory Lesson Plan, or go to the Activities page to explore ways to have fun with Snap Circuits!

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Activities

Elenco has plenty of activites with full-color diagrams already available. Here are the links to their Activity pages and instructions if you want a preview:

• Snap Circuits Home Learning Kit: The activities in this kit have the diagrams, instructions and discussion questions to help learners connec the dots of learning.
• Snap Circuits Training Program: This page is an overview of what will come with the kit and how to use the materials. There is a downloadable manual if you want a preview.
• Snap Circuits Extreme Manuals: These manuals will be available in booklets with the kit. You can preview them all in pdf here.

The Real World Problems section has additional activity ideas that are associated with real-world problems.

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Real World Problems

Circuits are the building blocks for electronics large and small. Here are some examples to put these smaller projects into a larger context to encourage people to think big with their projects:

• AM Radio: When students build a radio with Snap Circuits (Project 65 in the book), start the lesson off right by talking about how NASA uses radio waves to communicate via satellite in space. There are other space related projects that could fit in nicely.
• Light Controlled Alarm: Project 71 in the book shows how to turn on a light bulb when a light is shown on the circuit. Introduce this project by talking about how we can program our porch lights to go on when it gets dark outside. This is great for home security!
• Go Solar: Projects 549-568 are great ways to introduce solar power as an alternative energy source. Learn more about solar power at Energy Kids.
• Internet of Things: Find out how Snap Circuits can introduce students to the Internet of Things (IoT), a network of connected devices that can use sensors to gather data, and communicate remotely with other devices. Note: Many of the projects on this hackster.io Snap Circuits page require additional parts.

There are a variety of other ways to incorporate Snap Circuits project into real-world problems. These ideas should get you started on your way!

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