Energy Wiz

Science
Energy Wiz

Aimed at kids 8 and up, this kit has real heart. Its 48-page workbook and components (solar cell, buzzer, two motors, LED, capacitor, copper rivets, pinwheel, etc.) take you through lessons and fun experiments that teach the basics: What is energy, as distinct from force? What forms does it take? How can it be converted between forms?

My daughter and I had fun making the solar-powered fan, electric car, and other projects. She’s a bit young for the kit, so as she used various bits to decorate a finish line for the solar car, I experimented with what else I could power, and for how long, with the 6-farad supercapacitor — those things are amazing. One recommendation: add your own alligator clips (without the leads) to make the solder-less joints less tweaky.

What will the next generation of Make: look like? We’re inviting you to shape the future by investing in Make:. By becoming an investor, you help decide what’s next. The future of Make: is in your hands. Learn More.

Paul Spinrad is a broad-spectrum enthusiast, writer, maker, and dad who lives in San Francisco. He hatches schemes at http://investian.com.

View more articles by Paul Spinrad
Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!

ADVERTISEMENT

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 16th iteration!

Prices Increase in....

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
FEEDBACK