This invention is an apparatus consisting of components that can be assembled and reassembled in various configurations allowing students to perform multiple physics and engineering experiments, with sensors and electronics integrated into the apparatus that allowing extraction of data via integrated data links, while computing and displaying results graphically in near real time. The principal component of the system is a linear drive system with a movable carriage, the position of which is measureable by various rotary and linear encoders. Load cells are able to measure forces of compression and tension. Temperature and Pressure sensors are able to measure gas pressure and the thermal conductivity of materials. The various components of this flexible educational tool can be disassembled and stored in a portable toolkit, the size of a small briefcase.

Disclosed herein is a microcontroller board for the learning and practice of coding. In the microcontroller board, a platform area (S1) including a platform circuit board (10) in which a microcontroller is provided and module areas (S2) each having a cut line and including a module circuit board (20) are divided and formed on a single board array (S), corresponding header socket holes H are formed in the platform area (S1) including the platform circuit board (10) and the module areas (S2) on both sides of each of the cut lines, a plurality of machine holes (30) is provided along each of the cut lines between the header socket holes (H), via holes (40) are formed by plating the inner circumferential surfaces of the machine holes (30) with metal layers (35) in order to conduct electricity, and V-cut grooves (50) are formed along each of the cut lines.

Disclosed herein is a microcontroller board for the learning and practice of coding. In the microcontroller board, a platform area (S1) including a platform circuit board (10) in which a microcontroller is provided and module areas (S2) each having a cut line and including a module circuit board (20) are divided and formed on a single board array (S), corresponding header socket holes H are formed in the platform area (S1) including the platform circuit board (10) and the module areas (S2) on both sides of each of the cut lines, a plurality of machine holes (30) is provided along each of the cut lines between the header socket holes (H), via holes (40) are formed by plating the inner circumferential surfaces of the machine holes (30) with metal layers (35) in order to conduct electricity, and V-cut grooves (50) are formed along each of the cut lines.

An electronic breadboard system may include a computing device including a display screen. The display screen has a first portion to display an electronic circuit model and a second portion directly adjacent to the first portion. The electronic breadboard system also includes a translucent breadboard on the second portion of the display screen. The translucent breadboard includes a translucent face plate having a rectangular grid of openings exposing a plurality of contacts. The plurality of contacts are arranged lengthwise along each row of the rectangular grid of openings and orthogonal to a transparent back plate coupling the plurality of contacts to the translucent face plate. The electronic breadboard system includes a graphics controller. The graphics controller may illuminate a row opening and/or a column opening of the translucent breadboard to direct placement of electrical components of a computer model in response to user interaction with the electronic circuit model.

A system of interconnecting trainers is provided. The trainers may share power and/or exchange control signals, resulting in reduction in weight/size and increase in portability. Some of the trainers may include a rechargeable battery to allow the trainers to operate without being connected to an AC outlet. A power source selector switch may select an external AC power source or the internal battery to be used by the trainer. Some the trainers may include one or more DC and/or AC signal distribution relays that may receive control signals from student designed circuits or controllers and may provide DC and/or AC signals to other trainers. Some of the trainers may include built-in devices such as oscilloscopes, signal generators with displays, multimeters, and pneumatic devices.

Modular frames for instructional use that provide secure mounts for geometric solids are presented. Some contemplated modular frames can be assembled into three dimensional modular devices and are particularly suitable for instructional purposes. Modular devices comprising two or more frames could be coupled via a clip in two or more different configurations. Containers including conductive material and configured to provide a Faraday cage around their contents are also provided.

Motorized building set system with interlocked gears. A system includes a perforated panel, wherein the perforated panel comprises a plurality of holes disposed therethrough. The system includes a gear comprising a plurality of gear teeth and a central bore and an attachment device configured to releasably attach the gear to the perforated panel. The system includes a motor in mechanical communication with the gear and a safety clutch in mechanical communication with the motor.

A Lenz' Law demonstration device. The invention is a child's educational toy that demonstrates magnetics, Lenz' Law (which creates a current within the tube by creating a magnetic field that opposes the field of the falling magneticmaking the magnet fall more slowly as opposed to a nonmagnetic drop that would fall at the speed of gravity). A magnet is dropped into a larger diameter copper (or other ferromagnetic material) tube. The magnetic resistance then causes the magnet to drop at a slower speed in the tube therefore creating the appearance of anti-gravity and generating an electrical charge through the resistance.

A system for assessing electrical wiring skills that includes an electrical assessment circuit for transmitting a unique power signal through each of the hot, neutral and ground wires in an electrical circuit, whereby correctness of wired connections can be detected and wiring defects can be reported with an identification of the specific wire or wires that are incorrectly connected.

A hand-made circuit board includes a substrate and a medium layer disposed on a surface of the substrate to form a pattern. The medium layer has a non-conductive zone configured with a plurality of electrical blocks. The electrical blocks are discontinuously distributed in the non-conductive zone, so that the electrical blocks on at least one cross-section of the non-conductive zone are not electrically connected. In addition, the medium layer has a conductive zone configured with a plurality of electrical blocks. The electrical blocks are continuously distributed in the conductive zone, so that the electrical blocks on at least one cross-section of the conductive zone are electrically connected.