So many of our electronic gizmos are designed using microprocessors and microcontrollers these days that we take the tiny things for granted. To the non electronic enthusiast/engineer, these little black "computer chips" can appear mysterious and bewildering, but this learning kits wants to change that.

Contained in a nice plastic case, this Thames & Kosmos kit packs a microcontroller, LEDs, digital displays, switches and sensors into a neat, easy-to-use package. Using the 100 page manual, anybody ages 12 and up can learn about building a circuit using microcontrollers and then program it to do their bidding. It's just the tip of a life-long learning trip that will be useful for building projects such as robots and home automation goodies.

The Thames & Kosmos Computer Systems Engineering Kit is $149 and includes most everything that you'll need other than a computer (for programming) and a 9 volt power supply.