ELECTRONICS$show=/search/label/electronics

We think it's really important for kids to get hands-on with electronics and learn how to make circuits and write code to control hardware. Younger kids can start with conductive playdough. For kids who like to combine craft and tech, littleBits are fab. And we love SAM Labs wireless electronics components for making it easy for kids to make Internet of Things inventions. Lots of electronics kits for kids have support for the Arduino microprocessor environment. The DuinoKit Jr is one of our favourites. Arduino is a fab skill for older kids and teens to develop.

MAKING AND CRAFT$show=/search/label/making

We're advocates of the creative use of technology, but this needs to be balanced with developing physical skills such as papercraft, woodwork, clay modelling, technical drawing and soldering. If children don't develop these skills as they grow up then physical making projects can become frustrating rather than fun. The Maker Community uses the term 'making' as a broad term to include all sorts of artisan skills or craft activities. Being able to make things can lead to life-long hobbies or even careers. It's a great feeling to be able to take a project from an idea in your head to a real object that does something. We're particularly interested to explore products that combine maker skills with tech skills such as electronics but others focus purely on the physical making skills that are still important to modern making.

Gift Ideas for Young Astronomers

TechAgeKids Friday 17 January 2014 Edit this post

My 7 year old is currently fascinated with astronomy. It's definitely a hobby and interest we want to encourage. He got some astronomy-themed Christmas gifts and there are other things we'll be getting.

We've taken him star-gazing for real a few time which is always exciting because it involves staying up late! But we've found that we need to either go to an organized event or make sure we're prepared beforehand so we know what we'll be able to see and can explain it.

The Everything Kids' Astronomy Book: Blast into outer space with steller facts, integalatic trivia, and out-of-this-world puzzles @ Amazon BUY NOW

Smoothfoam Styrofoam Solar System Kit for Modeling, White @ Amazon BUY NOW

There's nothing like making your own solar system for understanding the relationships between the planets and the Sun and Moon. A Styrofoam modeling kit is a classic way to do this. We've started making a solar system from colored modeling clay - this means that the boys can play with their planets and lay them out on the floor to get a idea of relative distances (they really enjoyed a talk we went to that did this within a lecture theater until the distances got too large even at a small scale!).

Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope @ Amazon BUY NOW

Provided the child you are buying for has an adult that is willing to support them, a proper telescope is an excellent gift for a child who is interested in astronomy.

There are various children's telescopes on the market, but for a science-minded child who doesn't need to be encouraged with bright colors, we think the Celestron FirstScope is a great bit of kit.

It's a proper beginners telescope at an affordable price. It has a good manual which explains how to use the scope and also some introductory information on stargazing.

The scope has some interesting ties to the history of astronomy too - watch the video to find out more.
The Mountain You Are Here Sun Galaxy Child T-shirt
@ Amazon BUY NOW

A T-shirt is always a good conversation starter. And most kids love to share their knowledge on their favorite subjects.

This purple solar system design shirt from the Mountain comes in a range of kid sizes and is suitable for boys and a lot of girls too.
Uncle Milton Solar System In My Room @ Amazon BUY NOW

My boys have the Uncle Milton Solar System in my room ceiling light. I think you have to set your expectations with this one and it's good value know it's been available for a while and the price has dropped.

It looks cool and kids enjoy the light up and rotation features, but don't spend too much money on it.
DK Eyewitness Books: Astronomy @ Amazon BUY NOW

We're very big fans of the DK Eyewitness reference books for children so I was pleased to see that the Astronomy book has been recently updated.

It's packed with color pictures and well as loads of facts.

It's a physical book but it also comes with a clip-art CD.
Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking
@ Amazon BUY NOW

A factual documentary is an excellent way for older children to learn about astronomy. It has a PG rating.

We've picked Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking. Why? Well Hawking is a real physicist with an amazing story and this series is very well produced and accessible. It asks lots of big questions and explains what we know about the universe. Oh and the voice over is shared with Benedict Cumberbatch (the voice of Smaug from the Hobbit.)