How many of these items do you already have? We’ve tried to keep it simple for you by making the majority of the items things most people have within reach (both physically and budget-wise).

You do not need to do ALL the experiments – just pick the ones you want to do! Look over the experiments and note which items are needed, and off you go!

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NOTE: Radio Shack part numbers have been replaced. Click here for full chart.

Materials

Materials for the Laser Light Show

• Red laser pointer
• Old CD you can scratch
• 5-6 small mirrors (like mosaic mirrors from a craft store)
• Ice cube
• Window
• Feather
• 3 large paper clips
• 10 brass fasteners
• Index card
• Cardboard
• Rubber band or zip tie
• Scissors
• Tape
• Two 3V DC motors
• Two AA battery packs
• Four AA batteries
• Three alligator wires
• Optional: plastic gem pieces

Materials for the Flashlight-Laser Tag, Laser Burglar Alarm, Door Alarm

• Red laser pointer (NOT GREEN!)
• 2 AA batteries
• Old pair of headphones (you need the plug section)
• Computer OR laptop OR portable amplifier
• CdS Cell
• One AA battery holder
• PNP Transistor 2N3906 or 2N4403
• NPN Transistor 2N3904 or 2N222A
• LED
• 4.7k-ohm resistor 
• Soldering equipment or breadboard
• Optional: NC (normally-closed) switch

Materials for Crystal Radio Project: (This is a battery-free radio!)

• Toilet paper tube
• Magnet wire
• Germanium diode: 1N34A
• 4.7k-ohm resistor
• Alligator clip test leads 
• 100’ stranded insulated wire (for the antenna)
• Scrap of cardboard
• Brass fasteners (3-4)
• Telephone handset or get a crystal earphone