Super Fun Electronics, Programming and Inventor Kits
There are teen boys who have minds that work in a creative, mathematical and logical way.
He may love to tinker, to mend things, work out how gadgets are put together and work as well as create and invent different devices. If you know a teen like this they may appreciate some of the various kits and toys that encourage invention and creation through electronics, programming and coding.
Smart technology has made these kinds of toys really fun and interesting to use and work. Check out 11 super fun ideas below.
*Please note as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may get a small commission for purchases made through Amazon links in this article.*
He may love to tinker, to mend things, work out how gadgets are put together and work as well as create and invent different devices. If you know a teen like this they may appreciate some of the various kits and toys that encourage invention and creation through electronics, programming and coding.
Smart technology has made these kinds of toys really fun and interesting to use and work. Check out 11 super fun ideas below.
*Please note as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may get a small commission for purchases made through Amazon links in this article.*
Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy
  
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There are 12 different building robots which can move on land or water for your child to build,
There are two levels of complexity, starting from entry level for a younger child to advanced level for an older child so perfect for teenagers to have a go. The robot kit includes a solar power panel that collects solar heat energy into an electric energy drive motor, which drives the gears to to make the machine run smoothly. |
Learn how to engineer a robot that uses solar power, while developing manual dexterity, problem solving skills and improve logical thinking. It is also a perfect toy to encourage learning of mechanics and engineering .
Ultimate Starter Kit w/Tutorial Compatible with Arduino IDE
  
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This is perfect to for teenagers who want to get started with electronics and Arduino (which is an open source electronics program used for building electronics projects). Read more about Arduino.
It's recommended for kids aged 10 plus (with adult help for the youngest of users). It comes with a CD ROM with step by step instructions. It is a bit strange that they are still putting the instructions on a CD ROM in 2021. However you can also download the instructions from their website. |
There are 16 lesson tutorials on the included CD.
You will need access to a computer or laptop for the kit. You connect the mega board (in the kit) to your computer using a USB cable and by uploading programs to the mega board you can create digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical and digital world (like robots).
The kit is both great for both novice users as well as people who have some experience.
You will need access to a computer or laptop for the kit. You connect the mega board (in the kit) to your computer using a USB cable and by uploading programs to the mega board you can create digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical and digital world (like robots).
The kit is both great for both novice users as well as people who have some experience.
Snap Ciruits Light Exploration Kit
  
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This is an awesome snap circuits light kit with over 175 different exciting projects.
It's a good choice for young teens for an introduction to electronics circuits. Learn how to construct real working circuits, devices and fiber optics He can plug in his iPhone, Android phone or any MP3 player to see the circuits react. |
It includes full a color instruction manual with over 100 pages of educational fun.
It's a great kit for young teens but if they are already competent at electronics already if may be a bit simple for them and I would go for the arduino kit above or the Elenco electronics playground (featured later on in the article instead). Having said this there are reviews of 13, 14 and 15 year olds enjoying this kit so don't rule it out!
It's a great kit for young teens but if they are already competent at electronics already if may be a bit simple for them and I would go for the arduino kit above or the Elenco electronics playground (featured later on in the article instead). Having said this there are reviews of 13, 14 and 15 year olds enjoying this kit so don't rule it out!
Sphero BOLT : Robot App-Enabled Ball with Programmable Sensors
  
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This has amazing potential for teaching programming, coding as well as just generally having fun.
It works by pairing with a phone, tablet or other device via bluetooth to code and drive the sphero. You can then download the sphero edu app to use with sphero. This enables you to program using draw and drive commands, scratch blocks, or even JavaScript text programming. |
BOLT's programmable sensors include a compass, light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, motor encoders, and infrared communications, along with an eye-catching 8x8 LED matrix that can animate and display real-time data.
You can also just simply have fun by driving the robot too. And put BOLT’s advanced sensors to work by driving your bot and playing a variety of games through the Sphero Play app.
Lots of fun, educational and inspirational. It could inspire a generation of programmers. It's great both for beginners as well as more seasoned programmers. It's something that can be used by people of all ages.
You can also just simply have fun by driving the robot too. And put BOLT’s advanced sensors to work by driving your bot and playing a variety of games through the Sphero Play app.
Lots of fun, educational and inspirational. It could inspire a generation of programmers. It's great both for beginners as well as more seasoned programmers. It's something that can be used by people of all ages.
Robot Car Starter Kit for Aduino.
  
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This set has everything teens need to build their own robot car. They can drive and control it using the remote control.
They can use it learn Arduino programming (connect the car to your laptop or PC with the cable provided). The car can do some cool stuff including self navigation (the droid can detect obstacles in front of it and change course). |
You can get the car to follow an object or track a line. As well as the remote control, you can control it with a device via wifi. If you have two kits you can even engage the two robots in a battle.
You have access with a detailed tutorial to help you get started.
It's a great and fun educational kit for teens to independently learn how to build and program fully functional robots.
You have access with a detailed tutorial to help you get started.
It's a great and fun educational kit for teens to independently learn how to build and program fully functional robots.
Wonder Workshop Cue Coding Robot For Kids
  
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The Cue robot is another toy designed for kids who have an interest in coding. The robot is designed to teach real multifunctional code at any experience level.
It has different levels of coding (from block based to text based javascript) so it grows with kids and teens as their coding skills improve. There's something for beginner coders and advanced coders alike. Cue is loaded with 40 different challenges to get stuck into. |
Elenco Kits
Elenco do a great range of kits to teach older kids, adults and teens about robotics and electronics. They are the makers of the Snap circuits range (featured above). Another great range they do is the "Teach Tech" range. Find below some excellent options for teen boys.
Elenco Teach Tech “Hydrobot Arm Kit"
  
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The hydrobot arm kit is powered by water (the arm is powered by hydraulic plungers) so no batteries are needed. This kit is recommended for ages 12 and up so is perfect for teenagers.
Teens build the arm using clear, animated instructions. Once built the hydrobot arm kit lever allows builders to move, grip and even suction cup different objects. |
Elenco Teach Tech "Mechanical Coding Robot"
  
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This robot is great for teaching teens about mechanical engineering and coding.
Firstly teens have to build the robot, which isn't easy. It's quite challenging. The coding aspect is done without an app or computer. It involves snapping in coding buttons inside a coding rim in the middle of the robot. |
The robot can throw, lift, draw and more. All by snapping the coding buttons onto the coding wheel.
Raspberry Pi
  
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A Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized computer which plugs into a monitor and keyboard.
It can do all kinds of things and is a popular computer with hobbyists. You can do all kinds of things with it such as playing games, coding, browsing the Internet, learn to program, robotics and electronic projects. The kit featured is a starter kit for Raspberry Pi 4 and there is a quick start guide included. Check out the video below for more information on Raspberry Pi. |
What Can You Do With A Raspberry Pi?
Elenco Electronic Playground 50-in-One
  
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This is another great kit to introduce teens to electronics. It's recommended for ages 10 and up and the instruction manual is definitely for older kids, teens and adults.
The 76 page booklet has lots of exciting projects to try out including an alarm, an electronic keyboard, a finger touch lamp, metal detector and transistor radio. |
WEmake FM Radio DIY Soldering Kit
  
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This is a great kit for teenagers and adults. Some teenagers may require a bit of help
The kit has everything you need to build to build your own radio including wire cutters, safety goggles, lead free solder and a 25 watt soldering iron. It's good to develop an understanding of the functions of electronics, IC, and radios as well as modern radio functionality. |
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