Hi!
So I'm putting together a workshop based around the idea of getting primary school kids to make something basic out of recycled electronics - hopefully along the way they'll learn how to safely solder, and gain the confidence to try and fix things themselves in the future. I've done BEAM robotics stuff myself, but it was mostly following instructions from various sources and adapting them a bit (eg, a pummer I made: https://secure.flickr.com/photos/towelinmonk/4003786187/in/photostream)

But the problem is, my electronics knowledge isn't hot enough yet to come up with something fresh by myself - so I need a little help! I'm trying to find/think of a fun, simple project that kids will be able to (reasonably) reliably find the pieces for - I reckon resistors, caps, LEDs, small motors, switches

Does anybody have anything which might fit?

Thanks!
Brian

Well you need to walk before you run. I had to google BEAM to figure out what it is, but they do look very specialized, complex and well designed and not geared towards small kids/learning electronics.

I've been searching for the simple intro to electronics on a shoestring budget as well and it is harder than it looks. I would start out with the super basic, LED throwie, then add blinking, then have the kids tear old toys apart for the LEDs. Lots to learn here, simple circuits, LED data sheets, how things are put together, what happens to old toys when they die.

From there you can graduate into the edge-lit cards featured on this site (use a CD case) and then to bristlebots using the motor from a recycled cell phone.

If you want to really see something cool, build a bristle bot out of the motor from an N64 rumble pack!

Jim

Hmm, that's a good idea, getting them to look for specific components - would allow me to calibrate the timings better too...
Thanks!

Check here: http://mightyohm.com/blog/products/geiger-counter/

Kits are out of stock as of 10/31/11 on this link. Try google: geiger counter kits