Abstract: An educational toy for use with children in an age range of about 4 to 12 as a mounting base with an upper surface on which various action modules are mounted. The action modules include a DC power source, and a switch. The action modules can include a number of devices capable of producing light such as light bulbs, sound such as a buzzer or bell and motion such as a DC motor and gear box and drive belts. The wire connecting the switch to the action modules are connected by realtively large alligator clamps that can be manipulated by a relatively young child. The base for the toy comprises an internal hollow cavity. During shipment from the factory to the retailer and from the retailer to home, the action modules, the battery module, batteries and the like are all stored within the cavity of the base. The cavity can be closed by paste on paper or shrink wrap or the like. This provides a cheap but intellectually challenging variable top for experimentation by the developing child.