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  • Author Author: makerkaren
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Holiday Break Electronics Ideas (ya know, for kids!) -- The Learning Circuit Announcement

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element14's The Ben Heck Show

Join Karen as she shares her enthusiasm for teaching STEM subjects, gives you what you need to know to get started on electronics projects, and more.

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The holidays are quickly approaching and Karen wants to know what ideas you have for electronics projects to keep kids age 8-12 busy while they are home from school for winter break.

 

During the holidays, it's tempting to go out and buy another toy to keep the kids occupied. Here at element14, we like to take the DIY approach. What projects can be made from basic household items, or parts you can pick up on the cheap? Share your ideas in the comments below.

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  • Hi Karen!

     

    Timely question : ) someone asked a similar question on a e-mail thread recently, and my response was maybe something to do with audio?

    I was thinking two inductors, to show how to transmit sound.. all that is needed is 3.5mm jack plugs (from old earphones, or take a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable and cut it in half) and just twist on an inductor, and plug it into a phone, iPod, etc. The other inductor can go into an audio amplifier, e.g. home hi-fi system.

    It demonstrates transformer action, to send music from one inductor to the other : )

    And, if there is more than one kid, then they can try multiple 'transmitters' to one 'receiver', i.e. try to mix music.

    Something like 1mH inductors would work. They could be self-made, e.g. with wire taken from an old toy's motor or radio, or purchased inductor since they are cheap.

  • in reply to shabaz

    Very useful technique for solving ground loop problems in live audio situations. Can perhaps expand the idea to the basis of the direct inject 'DI box' and balanced audio signalling.

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