Top tips to get your child interested in electronics
Kids are naturally curious about how things work. That’s why they like taking toys apart, explore a mobile phone’s working faster than we do, and take so easily to new tech. It’s easier than ever before to lead kids towards electronics now, since so many online and hybrid courses on basic electronics and hardware are easily available. Here are our tips for you to get your kids interested in the wonderful world of electronics.
Show your kid basic circuit diagrams
Electronic circuits are explained through diagrams. Bring these to life by showing them a simple gadget like a switch board, a toaster or heater, and then a simple diagram showing how the insides of the gadget work. Many of these examples are available online and in electronic makers kits. Teach your kids the symbols for basic electronic components we use in diagrams. Start with the symbols used for the most common components: batteries, resistors, LEDs, capacitors, and transistors. Explain how the lines between the components represent wires connecting them in actual circuits. Don’t go too heavy on electronic theory. Help them draw the diagrams on their own and decide on components. They will start exploring on their own from there.
Teach some basic concepts of electronics
Encourage all those ‘why’ and ‘what’ questions that pop up once your kids get interested in electronics. Here’s a quick collection of terms for you:
Closed loops: For electricity to work and current to flow, a closed loop is needed between the postive (+) and the negative (–) poles of the battery. This is an important first lesson. From there, go on to show them with a simple circuit that when you break the loop, the flow of electricity stops.
Voltage, current, and resistance: These are fundamentals of electricity and your child will find it easier to be more creative once they understand these basic concepts. Cartoons are always great for teaching kids concepts, and you will find many of them online.
Resistors: Why does an LED need a resistor? Simple electronic DIY kits can show kids how LEDs get destroyed without resistors. That is a lesson in electronics, and safety, they will not easily forget.
If you're not sure about the details of these concepts, look up basic beginner’s resources first.