SparkFun Inventor's Kit v4.1 (SIK, RedBoard Plus, 16 Projects)

A well-loved first Arduino kit

The SparkFun Inventor's Kit (SIK) is a great way to get started with programming and hardware interaction using the Arduino programming language, which is based on C and C++. It contains 16 interconnected circuits across 5 overarching projects, and the culminating project is your own autonomous robot.

No previous programming or electronics experience is required, and the kit is suitable for ages 10 and up.

What is inside

The kit includes the SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic, an Arduino and breadboard holder, a white solderless breadboard, a carrying case, a 16x2 LCD, a SparkFun motor driver, a pair of rubber wheels with hobby gearmotors, a small servo, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a TMP36 temperature sensor, a 6 foot USB micro-B cable, jumper wires, resistors, LEDs, buttons, a photocell, a piezo speaker, an AA battery holder, the SparkFun Inventor's Kit guidebook and a mini screwdriver.

Work through the guidebook circuit by circuit. Each circuit introduces a component, and by the final robot project you will have used the motor driver, the distance sensor and the wheels together. Keep the parts in the carrying case so nothing is lost between sessions.

Who it suits

New makers, students and teachers who want a full, guided introduction to Arduino with real hardware, from sensors to a moving robot.

Tips for success

Read each guidebook page before you wire the circuit, and check each connection twice before you power the board. Use the mini screwdriver for the motor driver terminals, keep the batteries out when you wire the robot and write a small test sketch for each component. The kit also works well as a classroom set because each circuit builds on the last.

Questions buyers ask

How many projects does it include?

Five projects, made up of 16 circuits.

Do I need experience?

No previous programming or electronics experience is required.

What is the final project?

Your own autonomous robot.