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This is ideal for ages 10-15, though we've had plenty of adults and older teenagers that have learned a lot and been stumped by some of the puzzles. We have had plenty of 7-9 year olds go through it and love their experience too. If they're younger than 7-8 then we suggest waiting a year or two so it's not as difficult and they can enjoy it more.
Each level covers a different topic. Over the course of all 15 levels kids come to understand the topics of:
Over the course of all 15 levels, kids will open up packages that include items like:
Hi! We're the Jensens. We are a homeschooling family of six that loves science and games. Linsey (Mom) has a bachelor's in physics and a master's degree in education. Scott (Dad) has a PhD in physics. And all four children are great play testers of all our experiments.
We are most proud of this game because of the way it uses our physics knowledge, education and parenting experience, as well the fun and excitement of games to create something truly captivating and memorable.
These kits are hand put together in our home in Heyburn, Idaho by everyone in the family.
Did you learn to ride a bike by reading instructions? As humans, we all learn better through experience, through trial and error, and through problem solving. Not from reading a textbook. Each of the 15 challenges guides kids to discover solutions through problem-solving, allowing them to learn by experimenting and exploring.
The challenges are specially curated to slowly but surely build on each other so that it pushes kids to the edge of their understanding -- everything is within their grasp. It’s designed to be engaging while building confidence and real understanding because they are solving real problems!
Nothing beats the look on that child's face when they get that lightbulb to light up all by themselves!
Most kids will spend a couple weeks progressing through the levels. Plan on 5-8 working hours to get through all the challenges if they don't have any experience with circuits. The beginning levels are easier and kids can go through them quickly once they get the hang of of it, but the levels at the end of the kit are tricky even for adults!
Once the challenges are finished, kids will have all the components they need to make their own circuits. Everything is reusable and they can create and take a part different creations to their hearts content. So this kit doesn't end after the challenges are completed.
Yes! Everything in this kit is reusable. Each of the components can be used over and over again. It does include AA batteries that might need to be replaced eventually. And there are extra lightbulbs included for when the original ones burn out.
Not only that, but the entire kit is resettable! On each level's challenge card there is a list of the components needed to solve that challenge and the bolded items are the components that go in that bag. So if your grandchild wanted to reset the kit for someone else to try they can put the components in the correct bag and it will be all ready to go.
No worries! I got you! This is meant for beginners and veterans alike. The first few levels are pretty simple to help the players understand the basics of electricity. Also included are some basic "troubleshooting tips" that covers the most common situations that kids get stuck (for example, when the alligator clips are attached to the plastic coating instead of the actual wire).
There have been plenty of families go through this kit not knowing anything about electricity to begin with and come out at the end as Circuit Whizes!