Brown Dog Gadgets was founded in 2012 by a group of STEM educators. They wanted to design kits and projects that unlock student creativity while remaining fun and practical. They offer a wide variety of products geared towards alternative energy. They aim to supply users "with the freedom to explore life with their favorite gadgets by their side, thus reducing the world’s dependence on traditional power sources."
Midwest Technology Products offers an education-focused selection of Brown Dog Gadgets kits for older elementary and middle school students.There’s a lot to choose from so we’ve put together this guide that highlights the features of each kit to help you decide.
Crazy Circuits Beginner Sets
Brown Dog Gadgets’ line of Crazy Circuits kits are compatible with LEGO™ and other brick building systems. All sets are ready to go right out of the box so there's no need for soldering. Visit the Brown Dog Gadgets website for project guides to get started!
Crazy Circuits - Starter Set
Create your own electronics projects from scratch or follow one of the many Project Guides. This kit covers topics such as circuitry, programming, logic, art, design, and sewable technology. Use the included conductive thread to create eye-catching wearables.
Crazy Circuits - Coding Kit
Includes an Arduino-powered robotics board for the easy addition and programming of included sensors and parts without a breadboard or soldering. Learn about circuitry, programming, logic, art, and design through online lesson plans, projects, activities, diagrams, and videos. Ages 10+
Crazy Circuits - Makerspace Set
Create projects both big and small with over 160 included parts. Use the Touch and Robotics boards to follow one of the programming guides, or create your own code from scratch. Have your students create wearable technology using conductive thread.
Crazy Circuits Classroom Sets
Crazy Circuits Classroom Sets are the complete solution for teaching electronics and more. Teachers can easily pass out boxes to groups of students and use the continually-updated online curriculum and resources to run lessons. Every set includes one Teacher Box which includes a full set of supplies with some replacement materials. Each Student Box has a complete set of supplies for one group.
Crazy Circuits - Circuits 101
Options: 1, 5, 10, 25 pack
Teacher Boxes include additional batteries, tape, and info cards. Circuits are assembled on a plastic board while components press on top of conductive tape. Ages 10+
Crazy Circuits - Programming 101
Options: 1, 5, 10, 25 pack
Teach basic programming and modifying of more complicated code to learn how different parts interact. Teacher Boxes include additional ribbon cables, tape, and info cards. Programming 101 kits also include Squishy Circuits Dough and Bare Conductive Paint as alternative inputs to control the electronic parts. Ages 10+
Crazy Circuits - Bit Board
Options: Basic, Standard, Classroom Set (1, 5, 10, 25 pack; with micro:bit or without micro:bit)
Teach basic micro:bit programming and modifying more complicated code to learn how different parts interact. Teacher Boxes include additional ribbon cables, tape, components, and info cards. Bit Board kits also include Maker Tape conductive tape for connecting parts to brick-based building environments. Ages 10+
Additional Brown Dog Gadgets Kits
Bit Board Rover Kit
Options: 1, 5, 10, 25 pack
Learn how to code, create your own bots, and design your own projects! Thanks to the robust features of the micro:bit you'll be able to program with block based programming through Microsoft MakeCode, MicroPython, Python, Arduino, or JavaScript. Create a robotics rover or tank with the 207 included brick-compatible components. Ages 10+
Paper Circuits
Why mess with wires when you can just use conductive tape?! That's the philosophy behind the Paper Circuits Conductive Tape Kit. Designed from the ground up to be engaging for kids of all ages, this kit fits right at home at a kitchen table, workshop, or classroom.
Sewing Circuits
Making wearable electronics and soft circuitry projects has never been easier thanks to the Sewing Circuits Kit. Using Conductive Thread and the Crazy Circuits components, you can easily sew a circuit onto any fabric. Create a shirt, bracket, or pillow in minutes using only basic sewing skills. Ages 10+
Bristlebot Kit
Options: 4, 10, 25 pack
Bristlebots are small robots made by combining a toothbrush head and vibrating motor. By changing the position of the pipe cleaner arms, Bristlebots will travel in circles, straight lines, or scoot around randomly. Great for teaching engineering, motors, circuits, and principles of balance. Ages 9+.
Solar Bug 2.0
Options: 4, 25 pack
The new solar bug design has students creating a simple solar circuit in minutes using only conductive tape! Cut out your bug, decorate it, then add your solar cell and vibrating motor! These bugs will zip around any smooth surface when in direct sunlight and make a silly clattering sound.