Google Project Bloks

That's cool: 2D arrangement of functions instead of lines of text.

I prefer schematic design and block diagrams to text. You can absorb a diagram instantly, and zero in on an interesting part, instead of reading through thousands of lines of jumbled punctuation and abstraction.

I think that we will eventually have some really good graphical programming languages, something like LabView done better.

Like the lady says, some people relate to spatial arrangements and objects and flow better than pages of text.

All kids should be exposed to some programming (and machining, and electronics) even if it's not their career path. These blocks look great.

I suppose it's the modern version of these

NT

My grandson is expressing some interest in electronics. I think I'll start with a 9V battery and some axial resistors and LEDs and clip leads, and do the math to set the currents and brightness. Kids love LEDs.

Give him some RGB leds and watch his eyes light up.

Don't use such a high voltage! ;-)

I was more into NE-2H neon lamps in my kindergarten days. I remember taking apart a night light. "What's this 22K resistor for, Daddy?" "Plug it in without it and see."

Small explosions are good teaching aids. Between the flying glass shards and the arc flash, this one wasn't all that small. So it was an even better teaching aid.

-- john, KE5FX

You'll probably like this too

Grandson? How old? Do you have more than one offspring? I bought snap circuits for my son, but the biggest hit was turning on a motor and launching a spinning blade into the air.

We did a few other projects together, but he never got into it on his own.

George H.