A Present for a 13 year old boy for Christmas

[Chris0nllyn]

Assuming you're talking to me, but mine just joined the Robotics team! He LOVES it it has made his interest in the mechanics of everything come to life, something I've noticed was in him for quite awhile. He's always been one of those kids who wants to take it apart so he can put it back together again. He's been messing around with computer programming too.

If you have any more suggestions like above, please throw them my way!

Was talking to you and the OP (and anyone willing to read ).

It's pretty amazing the talent some of these kids have building and programming robots. I was the same way as a kid. Loved taking things apart and loved electronics. Led me to my career which I enjoy doing every day.

Another option is Raspberry Pi but without getting too technical it's different than the VEX or Arduino. Raspberry Pi is essentially a very tiny computer (running Linux) while the other 2 are programmable microcontrollers. They aren't really the same but it's still very cool.

I'd personally go with an Arduino if he doesn't have one. VEX stuff is pretty expensive and really just cheap sensors packaged in plastic and marked up a ton. They make it easy to connect and program though.

I planned on building a pellet stove controller with an Arduino but ended up just building one using relays instead, but my next real project is to build an automated watering system for my wife's vegetable gardens. It'll have sensors in each bed determining the soil's moisture content and when it gets below a certain threshold, turns the water on.

 

[lucky_bee]

Was talking to you and the OP (and anyone willing to read ).

It's pretty amazing the talent some of these kids have building and programming robots. I was the same way as a kid. Loved taking things apart and loved electronics. Led me to my career which I enjoy doing every day.

Another option is Raspberry Pi but without getting too technical it's different than the VEX or Arduino. Raspberry Pi is essentially a very tiny computer (running Linux) while the other 2 are programmable microcontrollers. They aren't really the same but it's still very cool.

I'd personally go with an Arduino if he doesn't have one. VEX stuff is pretty expensive and really just cheap sensors packaged in plastic and marked up a ton. They make it easy to connect and program though.

I planned on building a pellet stove controller with an Arduino but ended up just building one using relays instead, but my next real project is to build an automated watering system for my wife's vegetable gardens. It'll have sensors in each bed determining the soil's moisture content and when it gets below a certain threshold, turns the water on.

Thanks Chris! Great info.

 

[SamSpade]

Was talking to you and the OP (and anyone willing to read ).

We're leaning towards a "gaming chair". It has speakers and ports on the seat and the head rest area.

I would LOVE for my son to get into STEM and science toys but alas! That will never be.
I've tried, but after 7 years, he still only reads at a second grade level and can't follow simple written directions.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

We're leaning towards a "gaming chair". It has speakers and ports on the seat and the head rest area.

I would LOVE for my son to get into STEM and science toys but alas! That will never be.
I've tried, but after 7 years, he still only reads at a second grade level and can't follow simple written directions.

Oh man they can feel the farts!

 

[gary_webb]

We're leaning towards a "gaming chair". It has speakers and ports on the seat and the head rest area.

I would LOVE for my son to get into STEM and science toys but alas! That will never be.
I've tried, but after 7 years, he still only reads at a second grade level and can't follow simple written directions.

Oh man they can feel the farts!

Does it come with Aroma therapy?

 

[gary_webb]

Doesn't sound like he would be interested, and I don't know if they even make them anymore, but when I was about that age I got a Chemistry set. When I discovered how to make gun powder it was a blast!

Pun intended.