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Gifts for Students 11 to 14 Years Old (Middle School Grades 6 to 8) Section

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The middle school years are a period of amazing change in kids. As they mature from "kids" to to adolescents -- often going back and forth several times in the course of an hour -- they can begin to handle adult tools and projects. When choosing gifts you need to match the product to the receiver's skills. You really need to focus more on skills and maturity than manufacturer's age recommendations. Someone who had done very little building may need to start with a simple project to learn basic skills and demonstrate the maturity to handle dangerous tools. A young person who has demonstrated the ability to follow complex instructions, safely handle sharp tools and stay focused for long periods of time may be able to tackle adult projects.
Products Requiring Hand Tools
 

Picture of productElectromagnetic Science Set



Build a doorbell, telegraph system and even a catapult all using a true electromagnet. Kit includes: disc, latch and neodymium magnets, compass, straws, wires, sand paper, switch plates, wood screws, nails, light bulbs, battery holders, iron filings, pre-drilled word blocks, light emitting diode (LED) and experiment and project book. Manufacturer: DOWLING. Manufacturer's Part Number: 731102.

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Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H02305-01E Add To CartElectromagnetic Science Set$23.99In Stock

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Picture of product30 Model Erector Set
from Erector (Meccano)




This kit contains 352 parts including a 6v motor and detailed plans for 30 models. Manufacturer: Erector (Meccano). Manufacturer's Part Number: 837530. Requires four AA batteries, not included.

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H01796-01V Add To Cart30 Model Erector SetSale ends May 19.
Order now!
Our Regular Price: $54.99
Now: $49.49
In Stock

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Picture of productDynamics and Statics Educational Building Set
Profi Mechanic & Static from Fischertechnik




The ultimate technology kit for all future mechanical engineers and technicians. This kit provides a hands-on introduction to the subject of dynamics and statics which is a required class in all engineering degree programs. How does a manual gearbox work? What is a planetary gear? How do you make a windscreen wiper work? How do you build a sturdy bridge? This kit answers these and many other basic questions in mechanical and structural engineering.BRBRThe kit contains a mini motor, contact switch, gears and structural components for a total of than 550 components. The set also includes a full color assembly manual with detailed plans for 20 models and a tutorial on the subject of Mechanical and Structural Engineering. The 18 page tutorial is printed in black and white so it can be easily copied for classroom use. This is a fun, eductional building set for home use and a powerful classroom tool for teacher demonstrations or student labs. The parts in this kit are compatible with all other fischertechnik building sets. Manufacturer: Fischertechnik. Manufacturer's Part Number: 93291.

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H01822-01Z Add To CartDynamics and Statics Educational Building SetSale ends May 19.
Order now!
Our Regular Price: $129.95
Now: $116.96
In Stock

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Picture of productCHEM C2000



You and this kit have good chemistry together

CHEM C2000 is a complete introduction to the most important topics in chemistry. Discover how fascinating the world is when you know the chemistry behind how everyday things work.

Understanding chemical reactions turns the ordinary occurrences around us into remarkable events. You will start with fun experiments to learn basic chemistry principles. Build a mini fire extinguisher and float a soap-powered boat. Write with invisible ink and test colored markers on the chromatography racetrack. Manufacturer: TK. Manufacturer's Part Number: 644512.

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Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H02325-01C Add To CartCHEM C2000$149.95Will ship approx. 12/11/2007

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Products Requiring Programming
 

Picture of productScribbler Robot
from Parallax




Scribbler is a real programmable robot that is perfect for beginners age 8 and up. The robot is fully assembled including a built-in BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller brain. It arrives pre-programmed with 8 demo programs that are selected by pressing "virtual pushbuttons" on the front of the mouse. The demo programs include searching for a light source (photovore), object detection, object avoidance and line following. The robot has a "pen port" which holds a standard marking pen, allowing Scribbler to draw as it drives.

Scribbler programs can be written using either the standard Basic Stamp Editor or a new drag and drop graphical programming language created exclusively for Scribbler. The graphical environment generates PBasic code which you can study and modify when you are ready to make the transition from the visual programming enviornment to "real" text programming. Manufacturer: Parallax. Manufacturer's Part Number: 28136. Requires six AA batteries, not included.

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Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H02176-01Z Add To CartScribbler Robot$79.95In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     No Soldering Required
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Picture of productMicrocontroller



Computer systems engineering kit

Microcontrollers small, self-contained computers are the brains inside dozens of the devices and appliances in your home. Microwaves, washing machines, telephones, and stereos all have microcontrollers inside them. A microcontroller is a computer-on-a-microchip, and includes a processor, memory for storing data, timers, and ports for connecting to other components. As our everyday devices become increasingly smart with embedded technology, microcontrollers are becoming more and more important.

This kit introduces you to microcontrollers, sensors, and programming through 100 experiments. Build devices that use sensors to monitor and record data, and use the data to control motors, buzzers, lights, and a digital display. Write programs to control the devices you build. For example, you can build a light meter using a light dependent resistor and record the light levels in a room over a 12 hour period. Or measure and record the temperature outside with a temperature sensor, then graph the results. The number of possible experiments is infinite.

First, assemble a circuit and write a program, following the detailed instructions in the manual. Then, upload the program to the microcontroller using an infrared interface. The program tells the microcontroller how to perform your experiment and store the data. Finally, the data stored in the microcontroller can be downloaded to the computer using the infrared interface.

The 100-page, full-color experiment manual guides your circuit assemblies and programming.

Requires one 9-Volt Battery (not included) or a standard Power Adapter (not included). Adapter specifications: DC 9-Volt output, barrel connector with out diameter of 5.5 mm and inner diameter of 2.5 mm, positive pole on outside, negative pole on inside. Do not use a "switch-mode" type adapter. Manufacturer: TK. Manufacturer's Part Number: 614515.

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H04058-01X Add To CartMicrocontroller$149.95In Stock

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Picture of productBoe-Bot Complete Robot Kit v2 Serial & USB Compatible
from Parallax



This bundle consists of one Boe-Bot Complete Robot Kit v2 Serial, one Parallax USB to 232 Serial Adapter and one USB A to mini B Cable. Save up to $44.89 with this bundle!

The Boe-Bot has a high-quality brushed aluminum chassis that provides a sturdy platform for the servo motors and Board of Education - Serial Interface which is included this kit. The chassis has plenty of mounting holes and slots to add your own sensors and actuators. The rear wheel is a drilled polyethylene ball held in place with a cotter pin. Wheels are machined to fit precisely on the servo spline and held in place with a small screw.

This kit includes everything you need to get started in robotics including the robot base, motors and wheels, a Basic Stamp controller, a starter kit of sensors and actuators and a great book which guides you through building and using your robot. This bundle provides everything you need to program your robot using either the USB or serial interface of your computer. Requires 4 AA batteries-not included. Manufacturer: Parallax. Manufacturer's Part Number: 910-28132.

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Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H04070-01C Add To CartBoe-Bot Complete Robot Kit v2 Serial & USB CompatibleSale ends May 19.
Order now!
Our Regular Price: $159.95
Now: $149.95
QtyPrice
1 to 4$149.95
5 to 9$143.95
10 to 19$135.96
20 or more$127.96
In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     No Soldering Required
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Products Requiring Hand Tools and Soldering
 
Soldering is an essential skill in electronics, robotics and some household repairs. While you can achieve a certain level of success in these fields using solderless techniques your options are definitely limited. While parents need to be concerned about handing their "baby" a 700 degree soldering iron, they can't let themselves be overcome with fear. Most kids have the dexterity and maturity to begin soldering somewhere around age 11 or 12. While soldering may seem mysterious and dangerous, its really not a complex skill to learn. Most kids and adults are ready to tackle simple soldering projects after just a few minutes practicing with scrap wire.

The minimal soldering toolkit consists of needle nose pliers, diagonal wire cutters, a low cost soldering iron and a tube of solder. Many of our electronic kits can be built using just those basic tools. A larger set of tools makes some tasks easier and allows construction of a wider range of projects.
 
 

Picture of productFM "Bug" Transmitter Electronic Kit



This is a fun kit to practice soldering and learn a little bit about electronics. This is the most powerful 'bug' available for its size, 3V supply and number of components. It is guaranteed to transmit over 100 meters within buildings and up to 500 meters in the open. Easily tunable in the FM band. Greater range can be achieved with higher voltage and/or a better aerial. An excellent introduction to the theory of 'simple' 2 stage transmitters is available for download. Manufacturer: KITSRUS. Manufacturer's Part Number: K007.

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H01481-01U Add To CartFM "Bug" Transmitter Electronic Kit$9.99Out of Stock

     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productLight Alarm Electronic Kit



This is a fun kit to practice soldering and learn a little bit about electronics. It detects very small amounts of light and sounds a piezo alarm in response. Put it in your cash box or secret drawer. Uses Darlington photo transistor MAL12 and a 14011 IC. Manufacturer: KITSRUS. Manufacturer's Part Number: K008.

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H01482-01R Add To CartLight Alarm Electronic Kit$9.99Out of Stock

     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productStairway To Heaven Electronic Kit



This is a fun kit to practice soldering and learn a little bit about electronics. This is a game of skill in which you turn on the Stairway of 6 LEDs by pressing a button in response to a flashing bi-color LED. It is a surprisingly difficult game to play. A black box included to provide a finished appearance. A 9V battery (not included) is required for operation. Manufacturer: KITSRUS. Manufacturer's Part Number: K005.

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H01236-01C Add To CartStairway To Heaven Electronic Kit$12.99Out of Stock

     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productRockit Robot - Soldering Robot Kit
from OWI Robots




This is Rockit Robot Kit, except that you get to solder the electronic components in addition to assembling the mechanical components. Manufacturer: OWI Robots. Manufacturer's Part Number: OWI-769K.

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H01417-01Y Add To CartRockit Robot - Soldering Robot Kit$24.95In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productHyper Line Tracker - Soldering Robot Kit
from OWI Robots




This is line following toy robot provides an intermediate bulding experience including soldering of two circuit boards and attaching a moderate number of interconnecting wires. Manufacturer: OWI Robots. Manufacturer's Part Number: OWI-973K.

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H01565-01E Add To CartHyper Line Tracker - Soldering Robot KitSale ends May 19.
Order now!
Our Regular Price: $49.95
Now: $44.96
In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productScoutwalker 3 Soldering Robot Kit
from Solarbotics




ScoutWalker III is more capable, less expensive, and more expandable than any other two-motor walking robot kit on the market. This kit is the ideal base for your walking robot experiments! ScoutWalker III utilizes BEAM Microcore technology in a very robust topology to give this two-motor walker unusually good agility. This kit features:
  • GM2 and GM9 gear motors
  • Steel subframe construction
  • Built-in phototropic behavior via IR sensors
  • Two-stage turning gaits (gentle / hard)
  • Dual tactile sensors
Scoutwaker III also accepts Sumovore brainboards for building inteligent walkers! Your programs can either influence the built-in behavior or or you can take full control Manufacturer: Solarbotics. Manufacturer's Part Number: KW3.

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H02185-01A Add To CartScoutwalker 3 Soldering Robot Kit$109.99In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productSumovore Mini-Sumo Soldering Robot Kit
from Solarbotics



This bundle consists of one Sumovore Mini-Sumo Soldering Robot Parts Sub-Assembly and two 2-5/8" Plastic Wheel w/Traction Band for GM Axle. Save up to $3.98 with this bundle!

Sumovore sets the standard for mini-sumo kits with its outstanding power drive, complete sensor array, modular design and outstanding price. Sumovore's designers invested over 500 man-hours of development time and built 21 prototypes to get this kit right. It shows. It meets the size and weight for official mini-sumo competition and it is built to win!

We are now shipping the upgraded Sumovore with steel base plate. Manufacturer: Solarbotics. Manufacturer's Part Number: KSV.

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H02169-01U Add To CartSumovore Mini-Sumo Soldering Robot Kit$89.00In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Products Requiring Soldering and Programming
 

Picture of productSumovore Mini-Sumo Robot Kit w/Basic Stamp Bundle USB


This bundle consists of one Sumovore Mini-Sumo Soldering Robot Parts Sub-Assembly, two 2-5/8" Plastic Wheel w/Traction Band for GM Axle, one Sumovore Stamp Brain, one Stamp Stack II Kit, one Parallax Software CD, one Parallax USB to 232 Serial Adapter and one USB A to mini B Cable. Save up to $9.88 with this bundle!

This is a complete bundle of everything you need to build and begin programming your Sumovore using the Basic Stamp microcontroller using the USB interface on your desktop or notebook computer.

You can also program the robot using your computer serial interface using a Serial Cable (not included).

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H04069-01U Add To CartSumovore Mini-Sumo Robot Kit w/Basic Stamp Bundle USB$169.00In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Picture of productSumovore Mini-Sumo Robot Kit w/Basic Stamp Bundle Serial


This bundle consists of one Sumovore Mini-Sumo Soldering Robot Parts Sub-Assembly, two 2-5/8" Plastic Wheel w/Traction Band for GM Axle, one Sumovore Stamp Brain, one Stamp Stack II Kit, one Parallax Software CD and one Serial Cable. Save up to $16.98 with this bundle!

This is a complete bundle of everything you need to build and begin programming your Sumovore using the Basic Stamp microcontroller using the serial interface on your computer.

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H02170-01C Add To CartSumovore Mini-Sumo Robot Kit w/Basic Stamp Bundle Serial$149.00In Stock

     This product is covered by our No-Fail Guarantee, click for details     For Intermediate Builders     Soldering Required To Build This Kit
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Tool Sets
 

Picture of productBasic Hand Tool Set


This bundle consists of one Slot Head Screwdriver 1/8" x 2" (Shirt Pocket Size), one Slot Head Screwdriver 3/16" x 3", one Phillips Head Screwdriver #0 x 2" (Shirt Pocket Size), one Phillips Head Screwdriver #1 x 3", one Mini Long Nose Pliers, one Mini Diagonal Wire Cutters, one Pick-Up Tool, one Precision Modeling Knife w/ 5 Blades and one Stackable Storage Box w/ Lid. Save up to $2.91 with this bundle!

This package contains the basic hand tools needed to do the mechanical assembly of models, robot kits and many other projects. These are economical, good quality tools that will provide years of service if properly cared for. We use these tools at our own development and repair workbenches. The package includes a sturdy plastic storage tub. Manufacturer: BIZNODE.

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H01925-01A Add To CartBasic Hand Tool Set$19.99In Stock

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Picture of productBasic Soldering Tool Set


This bundle consists of one 25w Professional Soldering Pencil, one Soldering Iron Holder, one Solder 63/37 10' and one Desoldering Pump.

This package includes a good quality soldering iron and the basic accessories you need to begin soldering robots and other electrontic projects. Manufacturer: BIZNODE.

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H01927-01W Add To CartBasic Soldering Tool Set$21.99In Stock

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Gifts for Students 11 to 14 Years Old (Middle School Grades 6 to 8) Section Menu
      Products Requiring Hand Tools
      Products Requiring Programming
      Products Requiring Hand Tools and Soldering
      Products Requiring Soldering and Programming
      Tool Sets




The content on this page was updated on 05/08/2008