I have a 5 year old daughter who is about to turn 6. A few weeks ago I was reading iWoz (Steve Wozniaks book) and he mentioned that he built his first crystal radio at 6. Hmm 6 thought I, I wonder if my daughter could handle building a crystal radio at this age.

Poking around the net, I came across snap circuits a collection of electronic kits aimed at kids. Being unsure of the reaction I ordered the SC-100 kit (which has a set of 100 simple experiments included LED, Motors switches etc). All of the parts are clearly labeled and are encased in solid plastic with clothing snaps to put them together.

She opened the kit and listened to her dad drone on about electricity traveling paths along the wires, parallel circuits and what a resistor is, but before too much time passed she was snapping the parts together on her own just to see how to make it work. We put together a flashlight first, and her eyes lit up. She then tried the motor, and was even more enchanted.

I literally had to pry the kit from her hands last night so she would go to bed. When she woke up this morning she ran down the stairs with the kit in her hands wanting to build a few more of the experiments.

The experiments are well constructed, fun, and entertaining. From a clapper to a launching fan, you can literally see the wheels turning in her head. My only regret is I ordered the smaller kit, but that will be soon rectified.

If you have a young child, I urge you to look at these kits. You can let them know Steve sent you.