[a fool in paradise]

Allegedly this is a kit that was once commonly sold by Radio Shack. Different than merely removing the casing from an existing clock.

Since this kit dates back to the mid-80s if not the 70s, it is possible that he either purchased a deadstock (old) kit someplace or even purchased such a project that was already constructed.

TSA would not look favorably on such a clock if you tried to board a plane with it. And who plugs a homemade clock into the wall (when it already has battery backup) in English class?

[notfornothing]

Source? I don't think it's a kit. Look at the widely circulated picture of the clock - the kid even left in the 9 volt connector for the battery backup - a dead giveaway if I ever saw one. The circuit board is obviously factory printed and not hand soldered. Have you seen this video? If you haven't I highly recommend you watch it.

Ahmed Mohamed Clock is a FRAUD

[notfornothing]

For comparison, this is what the Radio Shack type home project clock kits typically look like: