Shopping List for Unit 14

This Unit is different. While normally, we try to stick to everyday items, this advanced electronics course requires a trip to Radio Shack or online electronics stores.

We’re going to need additional supplies to those used in Unit 10. Keep both sets of electricity materials together (both from this Unit 14 and the previous Unit 10) until you need them, as there are lots of small parts! These two sets are the ones your kids will be using until they hit college and beyond.

Shopping List for Unit 14: Electronics: Click here for Shopping List for Unit 14.

Beginner (Grades K-4)

For younger students, we do NOT recommend this unit.  Instead, hop on over to a more appropriate Electricity course for your students here in Unit 10.

Intermediate (Grades 5-8)

There are TWO books recommended for this unit. Now don’t panic… you only have to get the first one to get started. When your kids hound you for more projects, then pick up the other. Here they are:

• Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest Mims III
• MAKE: Electronics by Charles Pratt
  

The following parts can be purchased at your local Radio Shack OR you can order these parts from us (includes DVD and parts below except 9V battery).

• Breadboard (2″x3″, 400-hole) (Radio Shack #276-003)
• Digital Multimeter (same one from Units 10, 11, and 12) (Radio Shack MultiMeters)
• Hookup wire (AWG 22g, solid), 6 feet (RS #278-1215)
• CdS Photocell (RS #276-1657)
• 100-ohm resistor (1/4 W) (RS #271-1311)
• 1K-ohm resistor (1/4 W) (RS #271-1321)
• 4.7K-ohm resistor (1/4 W) (RS #271-1330)
• 5.6K-ohm resistor (1/4 W) (RS #271-1125)
• 10K-ohm resistor (1/4 W) (RS #271-1335)
• 100K-ohm resistor (1/4 W) (RS #271-1347)
• PN2222 or 2N3904 (NPN) transistor (RS #276-1617)
• 2N3906 or 2N4403 (PNP) transistor (RS #276-1604)
• 0.47 μf electrolytic capacitor (>10V) (Substitute: 1μf at RS #272-996)
• 10 μf electrolytic capacitor (6V) (RS #272-999)
• 0.01 μf capacitor (RS #272-131) [capacitor code: 103]
• Bi-polar red/green LED with 2 leads (RS #276-012)
• 10 alligator clip wires (RS #278-1157)
• Electric buzzer (3-6V) (RS #273-053)
• 8-ohm speaker (RS #273-092)
• AA battery case that holds 2 AA’s (RS #270-408)
• 9V battery snap (RS #270-325)
• 9V battery (alkaline battery recommended)
• 2 AA’s batteries (Cheap dollar-store brand recommended that say “Heavy Duty” – you want the cheapest ones they have.  Do NOT use alkaline batteries: NO Duracell or Energizer!)

Advanced (Grades 9-12)

In addition to the materials for the Intermediate level (above), you’ll also want to pick up the following items:

There are THREE books recommended for this unit. Again, don’t panic… you only have to get the first one to get started. When your kids hound you for more projects, then pick up the other two. Here they are:

• Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest Mims III
• MAKE: Electronics by Charles Pratt
  
• Practical Electronics for Inventors by Paul Scherz
  

To get started, first figure out which project you’d like to do, then order the kit listed below. Most projects take a few hours to complete. We recommend starting with the Police Siren first.

Click here to order these parts from us (and we’ll also include DVDs, parts for the Laser Communicator, Crystal Radio, and optional wall transformer).

• Police Siren This is the first kit you’ll build to practice your soldering. The layout is larger than the rest, so it’s easier to build.
• Touch Door Alarm An annoying alarm sounds when a person touches the knob!
• Rolling clock Build your own clock with date display. Be sure to pick up the wall transformer if you want your clock to plug into the wall and not just run on batteries.
• FM Transmitter Picks up sounds or voices in the room and transmits them to a nearby FM radio. This is the ‘Bug’ from our spy kit series.
• Tools: You’ll need a soldering iron (with a stand and plenty of solder), wire strippers, needle-nose pliers, diagonal cutters, and helping hands to hold your board as you work.