Author: Michael Carroll / Illustrator: Lindsay Balfour
Description: Scrappy Circuits is an imaginative “do-it-yourself” way to learn about electrical circuits for less than $1 per person. Raid your junk drawer for simple office supplies, add a little cardboard, pay a visit to a local dollar store, and you are on your way to countless fun projects for learning about electronics. No soldering or expensive equipment is required.
- Hands-on
- Safe
- Inexpensive
- Fun for girls and boys
- Perfect for ages 8-14
Teachers can build take-home sets for an entire class for around $20.
Review:
I was already familiar with Scrappy Circuits when I saw the Kickstarter campaign last year and knew immediately it was something I wanted to support. Mike Carroll’s website (www.scrappycircuits.com) was already a great resource, but I hadn’t had the opportunity to actually try making Scrappy Circuits on my own. When the book arrived, I was so excited to check it out and in about 5 minutes, I knew it was going to be a game-changer for me!
Micheal’s easy-to-read instructions in conjunction with plenty of step-by-step photos can help any educator/parent/student build their own set of “bricks.” Start with the Core Bricks (the five building blocks that can get you started–battery brick, LED brick, switch brick, push-switch brick, and the dial-switch brick). From there, you can build and expand your set to include action bricks, switches, control bricks, and even alternative power sources! Students will have a blast making things light up, designing games, and much more!
Taking it to the next level
Where I’m really excited about Scrappy Circuits are the infinite possibilities for creativity, learning, and exploration. As a certified Makey Makey educator, I can’t wait to include Scrappy Circuits in my Makey Makey toolkit and workshops. I can see students making their own bricks and incorporating them into their Makey Makey inventions and I can’t wait to explore those design possibilities with students!
What’s not to love about Scrappy Circuits!?! They’re inexpensive, fun, hands-on, and great for kids of all ages. Every classroom should have a set of these. What are you waiting for… get your copy today so you can start building your own set of bricks!!
Have a STEM book you’d like reviewed?
I’d be happy to review your book… I’m especially interested in reviewing books featuring:
- Equity in STEM
- Early Learning (Pre-K – Early Elementary)
- Careers
- Coding
- Making & project-based learning
Feel free to contact me!
