TINKERING LABS- ELECTRONIC MOTOR CATALYST

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Recommended for ages: 8+ (My old is 6 and did great though!)

Includes: Supplies for 10 challenges

Time: 30-60 Minutes per challenge

Top four reasons we love Tinkering Labs:

  • Easy: No Tinkering experience required. The instructions are easy to follow and it’s great that every supply or tool needed comes in the kit.
  • Fun: Each kit is designed to get hands and minds moving. What kid wouldn’t get excited over creating machines that draw,  making mechanisms that function to do things like scramble a egg or build a vehicle that works.
  • Real: Real parts plus real challenges equals real creativity.
  • STEAM Learning: This high quality kit offers hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math through limitless opportunities and endless fun.

 

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

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When I said that you kit comes with everything you need… I wasn’t kidding!!! The kit includes: a bunch of wheels, safety glasses, elecrtric motors and their wires, a battery pack with 2 AA batteries, bushings, rubber bands, screws and winguts, springs, L-brackets, chassis, axles, wooden connectors, giant piece of paper, hardware tin, screw driver, washable markers, 10 challenge cards, storage bags and an instruction manual that walks you through how electronic motors work.

WHAT ARE THE 10 CHALLENGE CARDS?

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  • Create something that can make a loud noice.
  • Invent a tool that can cut a piece of paper.
  • Build a machine that draws curvy lines.
  • Make a ride for one of your toys.
  • Create something that moves in a straight line.
  • Build a creature with spinning arms.
  • Make a machine that can scramble an egg
  • Invent a robot that moves without wheels.
  • Build something that can launch a wheel across the room.
  • Create a vehicle with a suspension system.

WHY WE’RE BIG FANS OF TINKERING LABS

DSC_0002.JPGI hear from many parents that it is a challenge to pull kids away from electronics (video games, tablets, television, etc.) What I find to be helpful is to engage them in toys that help them become electronic suave and not consumed; what helps is to use toys that don’t require screen use. This is where open ended STEM toys such as Tinkering Labs comes in handy.  I’m glad that I discovered Tinkering Labs and our  Electric Motors Catalyst Kit came in the mail for use to tinker with this month.

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The challenges are a lot of fun and definitely worth the money. Tinker Labs is a great resource for exploring and growing in the STEAM field. The offer free videos on their site that inspire, as well as offer tips and tricks for tinkering with electric motors.  There is a community of fellow families who enjoy building, where they can share and see what other young inventors are coming up with.

***Thank you Tinkering Labs for donating a kit so that The Playful Parent could test it out and share with other families. All photos and content are intellectual property of  The Playful Parent. All Information provided is my own non-biased opinion and NO financial incentives were received for the post.***