Fun Tech Projects for Kids - Ideas & Activities
Combating Childhood Boredom with At-Home Computing Projects
The phrase "I'm bored!" is a common lament from children, particularly on quiet weekends. Finding engaging activities when traditional entertainment, like video games, loses its appeal can be challenging for parents.
Fortunately, a wealth of at-home computing projects are now available.
These kits offer children a unique opportunity to build their own computers.
Beyond simple entertainment, these projects provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Benefits of Computing Kits for Kids
- Computer Hardware: Children gain practical knowledge of the physical components that make up a computer system.
- Software: They learn about the operating systems and applications that run on the hardware.
- Programming: Many kits introduce basic coding concepts, fostering problem-solving skills.
- Mechanical Engineering: The building process itself often involves principles of mechanical engineering.
These projects allow budding technologists to have fun while acquiring valuable skills in a variety of STEM fields.
Most importantly, these kits are designed to be shared experiences between children and their parents.
And, as a bonus, the vast majority of these systems are capable of running popular games like Minecraft.
Raspberry Pi
Let's begin with a prominent choice: the Raspberry Pi.
This minimalist PC is remarkably affordable and has become surprisingly popular. It prioritizes simplicity and educational use over powerful components like large processors or noisy cooling fans. The Raspberry Pi utilizes a custom operating system, "Raspbian," designed to foster learning and exploration.
The Raspberry Pi uniquely appeals to both children and adults, offering numerous projects that encourage skill development for all ages. It allows kids to learn alongside adults, and provides adults with a sense of playful discovery.
Instead of further extolling its virtues, I will direct you to Jason Fitzpatrick, How-To Geek's Raspberry Pi specialist, and his comprehensive guides. These resources detail projects suitable for family participation, either collaboratively or individually with budding computer scientists:
- How to Run Low-Cost Minecraft on a Raspberry Pi for Block Building on the Cheap
- How to Enjoy Dead Simple Raspberry Pi Setup with NOOBS
- Turn a Raspberry Pi into a Steam Machine with Moonlight
- Build a $35 Media Center with Raspbmc and Raspberry Pi
The Pi offers a wealth of project options. It strikes a balance between accessibility for beginners and a complex system for advanced customization and expansion. "Easy to learn, difficult to master" aptly describes its appeal, as users continually discover and share innovative ideas.
The latest iteration is the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, launched earlier this year. It's available on Amazon for under $40 for the base model. Additional modules range in price from $15 to $150, depending on desired features.
Kano
Imagine taking the core strengths of the Raspberry Pi and refining them specifically to educate children about the fundamentals of computing and coding. The resulting product would closely resemble the Kano computer.
Origins and Design
Initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign, Kano is described by its co-founder and CEO, Yonatan Raz-Fridman, as “a computer that anyone can make.”
Fridman explained in an interview that Kano was developed to bridge the gap between children's interest in computers and the availability of suitable learning resources within current educational systems.
The Kano is designed for both classroom and home use. Its components assemble easily, much like Lego bricks, and are housed within a transparent case.
This allows budding hardware enthusiasts to observe the internal workings as the device powers on and operates.
Software and Educational Approach
The Kano computer is fully compatible with Minecraft, a popular choice among young users.
Recognizing this, the developers integrated a series of Minecraft-based coding challenges.
These challenges subtly introduce programming concepts while allowing children to enjoy their favorite game.
Through guided tasks, kids can construct structures within Minecraft, not just through manual block placement, but by utilizing an accessible coding system.
This system fosters an understanding of the foundational principles behind programming languages like Java and C#.
It functions as a modern equivalent to educational games like "Mario Typing," but geared towards the next generation of students entering STEM fields.
Pricing and Availability
A basic Kano starter kit is priced at $99, with a shipping cost of $19 for customers in the US.
An additional "Screen Kit," which provides instruction on the technology behind LCD screens, is available for $120.
LEGO Mindstorms
It was quite a discovery during research for this piece to revisit a childhood favorite and find it still thriving. LEGO continues to produce updated versions of its “Mindstorm” line.
These build-it/code-it kits empower children to construct their own robots and, crucially, learn to control their actions as they navigate their surroundings.
Often described by current youngsters as a precursor to “Minecraft,” the newest “EV3” version of this kit, which has been around for almost twenty years, introduces kids to robot programming.
Robots are programmed for unique adventures using a wireless or Bluetooth connection in real-time.
Programming and Problem Solving
Successful mission completion—whether it's navigating an obstacle course or delivering an object—requires careful, pre-planned routes.
This process reinforces fundamental programming principles and encourages strategic thinking.
The blend of coding and mechanical engineering presents a compelling learning experience. It can even engage children who might typically resist technical subjects.
It encourages them to consider machines and the technology that drives them in innovative ways.
The LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kit is available starting at $349.99.
The final cost varies based on the chosen model and the number of sensors included, such as IR or GPS capabilities.
- Core Concept: Building and programming robots.
- Key Skill: Developing a programming mindset.
- Price Range: Starting at $349.99.
Intel NUCs
Our previous coverage highlighted Intel's NUC, or Next Unit of Computing, systems. These compact, do-it-yourself PCs deliver a compelling blend of simplicity and performance within an incredibly small form factor – comparable in size to a stack of playing cards.
Each NUC is supplied as a kit requiring assembly. Essential components like a storage drive, memory modules (RAM), and the desired operating system must be installed in a specific sequence before the system can be powered on.
Performance and Capabilities
Featuring Iris HD graphics, NUCs represent some of the most powerful mini-PCs available. This capability allows for gaming, even titles involving resource gathering and crafting, such as those found in virtual mining environments.
However, successful operation necessitates careful adherence to the assembly instructions.
Technical Difficulty and Cost
Assessing the technical challenge of building a NUC, it's moderately more complex than assembling a Kano computer, yet significantly less demanding than constructing a full-sized desktop PC from individual parts.
Pricing for NUCs is variable, contingent upon the chosen model. Basic Celeron-based configurations start around $100, while high-end models equipped with a quad-core i7 processor can reach $500.
Regardless of the investment, all NUCs arrive disassembled, requiring manual assembly via snapping and screwing components together before use.
Educational Benefits and Recommendations
Successfully assembling a NUC provides a child with valuable insight into the internal workings of a PC. They gain an understanding of component placement and the fundamental principles behind devices like tablets.
Furthermore, the resulting PC is both affordable and robust, offering increased peace of mind in potentially messy environments.
For a balance of gaming performance and budget, we suggest the NUC 5i5RYH. Priced at $349, it includes an Intel HD Iris 6000 graphics chip and an efficient i5-5250U dual-core processor.
- Key Features: Intel HD Iris 6000 graphics
- Processor: i5-5250U dual-core
- Price Point: $349
This configuration allows for running most games, including educational titles, at medium to high settings.
Building a Custom PC
Related: Overcoming Initial Concerns: Constructing a Personal Computer is More Accessible Than Anticipated.
While both the Raspberry Pi and the NUC provide an initial entry point into the realm of computing, a full-fledged DIY PC might be the next logical step if your child is maturing and demonstrating increased technical aptitude.
My personal journey into technology was significantly influenced by my father, who guided me through building my first PC at the age of nine. This experience sparked a lifelong passion. If you believe your child possesses the capacity to grasp component placement and understand safe power handling procedures, constructing a computer can be an incredibly enriching experience.
It’s a captivating exploration for aspiring engineers with a genuine curiosity about the inner workings of a modern gaming desktop. This project fosters a deeper understanding of how technology functions.
Of all the options presented, undertaking a DIY PC build will likely represent the most substantial financial investment, contingent upon the desired specifications. However, despite the potential cost – ranging from under $400 to several thousand dollars – it offers the greatest long-term value.
This is a superb way to ignite your child’s, teenager’s, or future university student’s enthusiasm for the opportunities available in computing and technology-related careers.
These are merely a selection of the numerous independent projects available that equip children (and adults!) with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to comprehend modern technology. Although these projects may initially appear focused on activities like playing Minecraft, they serve as valuable tools.
They can effectively stimulate your children’s interest in engineering, programming, or broader computing concepts, preparing them for future endeavors.
Image Credits: Kano, Stephen Chin/Flickr 1, 2, LEGO International, Intel, Wikimedia