The Young Scientists Club–Funtastic Robotics

I was recently approached to review some cool products from the Young Scientist Club.   In the next four months, I will present you four different products offered by the Young Scientists Club for kids to do at home.  These fun products will help to discover the world of science and robotic in a fun way. 

The first product I would like to present to you today is a member of the Funtastic Robotics line of products that The Young Scientists Club offers

INFRA the robot moves when receiving an IR (Infrared) signal from any home remote control. This build-your-own robot kit is one of the products from the Funtastic Robotics series.  This series of projects that your child can do at home will introduce him/her to the exciting world of robotics.The box contains a double-sided 24 in. x 24 inches colorful instruction and activity poster as well as all the components such a computer module, motor, chassis, gears, and colorful unique shaped cover to build your robot. Detailed illustrated instructions for building the robot are included on one side of the poster and learning activities are located on the other side of the poster.  This specific product is geared for children ages 8 and up.  We also received a set of screwdrivers and batteries for the purpose of this review.

I asked my son, Jérémy, to work on this project on a greyish day.   First let me tell you that part of this robot is already build up.  What I mean by this is that the computer module, the motor and gears are already set to be used.  This project will allow your child to put all the parts together, use the screwdriver to assemble the parts and insert the electrical cables in the appropriate places.      The whole process can take 15 to 30 minutes depending of the child.    The instructions are pretty clear on the poster and it is easy to assemble.

Once the robot is assembled, it is time to test it.  For this specific product, we needed to take a remove control we had in the living room and click toward the robot.  The remote control needs to be within range for the robot to work.

Here’s how Infra reacts to the remote control.

As mentioned, the other side of the poster has activities that can be done.  You will be encouraged to calculate the speed of the robot, investigate if a different remote control will affect the mechanism of the robot,  determine if the number of remote controls will affect the result, and you will be encourage to create your own activity.  Here’s a look activities suggested for Infra.

Note that three other robotic projects are also available.  Metali the robot buzzes and lights up when metal objects are detected. Sunny moves upon receiving artificial and natural light signals.  Hurdle the robot will stop, back up, and change direction when sensing an obstacle.

In conclusion, for my son who is 12 years old, this project was easy to put together.   It would be interesting if one day Young Scientists Club decide to put together other robotic projects that a bit more complicated for older children.  The kit is very creative and encourage children to explore new areas of science from the comfort of home.  

The Young Scientist Club Funtastic Robotics kits are available on their website as well as on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

INFRA

 

Other Robots are also available.

SUNNY

 

HURDLE

 

METALI

 

Disclaimer: I received this kit for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Awesome Minds series

Awesome Minds – The Inventors of Lego Toys

Everyone has played with LEGO® toys, but not many people know who is behind this awesome invention. This fun and engaging book tells the story of how a Danish carpenter and his family turned a desperate situation into the most popular toy in history. With full-color illustrations and lively text, and chock-full of interesting facts, Awesome Minds: The Inventors of LEGO® Toys is the perfect read for those with creative spirits and curious minds.

This book is an independently authored and published biography of the family that created the LEGO® construction toy and is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated in any way with the LEGO Group of companies, owner of the LEGO® trademarks.

Awesome Minds – The Creators of the iPhone 

The iPod, iPhone, and iPad changed the way we communicate, play, learn, and work. This wouldn't have been possible without the amazing minds of Steve Jobs and his inventive team. With full-color illustrations and lively text, and chock-full of interesting facts, Awesome Minds: The Creators of the iPhone® tells the true story of these life-changing devices. It is the perfect read for those with creative spirits and curious minds.
Lexile Level 850L

This book is an independently authored and published biography of the inventors of the iPhone® mobile device and is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated in any way with these individuals, their families, and/or Apple Inc.

My Thoughts on the books

These two books did not take long to be read by my kids – with two subjects that interests them it was easy to make them read these books.   The books introduce the children of the history on how Lego and iPhone came to be and how the creators invented a toy and a device that is beloved by millions of people through the years.

Let’s face it – Lego blocks and iPhone are part of the lives of many people on this planet.   Lego allows kids everywhere to develop their creativity in many ways.  My own kids make small movies using their Lego and enjoy creating new things with them.  As for iPhones well…..  is there anything else to say about them?   Without them we would not be as connected with work and loved ones, we would be bored while waiting at the doctor’s office and so on….. Yes some would say that life would be more entertaining and less individualized if iPhones were not existing but for the matter of this review, let’s not point out the negative of iPhones.  I appreciate having mine for emergencies.   And self-control is something to work on every single day of the year. 

The book in the inventors of Lego will present the whole history behind the famous bricks – including the humble starts of wooden toys.  Through the reading of this book, you will also learn fun facts as well.  For example, did you know that the word Lego in Latin means “I build” or “I assemble”?     Apparently the inventor did not know that when he came up with the name.   Pretty cool eh?  Today you will find Lego in many households, watch Lego movies as well as visit Legoland!  

The book about the creators of the iPhone is a bit different as it will allows the kids to read about the history and evolution of the iPhone.  Yes you will have a few pages on Steve Jobs and how is started the company but the goal of this book is to show how the simple idea of a portable phone was developed to become the most used portable phone throughout the world.

Both books are packed with interesting information and colorful illustrations.   Both books are considered juvenile non-fiction and geared for ages 7-10 years old.  Still I find that some information is interesting even as an adult.

Both books are available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned book for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Star Wars The Visual Encyclopedia

Star Wars The Visual Encyclopedia
Published at DK

About the book

Covering more than 2,500 characters, creatures, planets, vehicles, Droids™, weapons, technology, and more from the Star Wars™ universe, this visual tour is the ultimate compendium for the epic saga and beyond.

With a full history of the galactic politics, the Jedi Council, and the Empire, Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopediawalks fans through the entire timeline of Star Wars. Galleries of images and information on every page, including lightsabers, languages, clothing, and more, are showcased with fascinating facts and trivia. See the blasters of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope™, look at the stormtroopers of Star Wars: The Force Awakens™, and study the geography of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story™.

Discover the food, architecture, transportation, and more from this galaxy far, far away. Each section of the book focuses on different topics to dedicate special attention and detail to every part of the universe, no matter how small. From the planets in the outer rim to Padmé's bridal wear, nothing is missed.

A celebration of all things Star Wars, this visual museum is the perfect addition to any fan's bookshelf.

My Thoughts

This book is a great resource for anything and everything related to the Star Wars universe.  The reader will discover, through the pages of this book, all the geography, nature, history, culture, science and technology that has made Star Wars popular through the years.    Whether you are a huge fan of Star Wars or just getting introduce to this world that your friend or family member keeps talking about, this book will open up the whole universe and will inform you about all the characters and more.

I am always impressed with DK books but this particular one based on Star Wars is a jewel in itself because of all the details included through the pages.   You will have all the different droids at the thumb of your fingers, you will be able to discover all the helmets, outfits, armor used by the characters, explore the aquatic creatures that can be found on different worlds and discover much more in these pages.

The images in this book are stunning.  The information will provide hours of reading for anyone interested in the Star Wars universe.   Do you have a reluctant reader that is a huge fan of Star Wars – this book is definitively for him or her.   I believe strongly that a child can enjoy reading if we place a book on their interests.  Consequently if a child enjoy Star Wars and desire to learn more about it, this book is definitively the best one to have because it is well designed and contains a ton of information on the Star Wars Universe.

The book not only covers all the movies but also all the other television shows based on Star Wars.  This means that sometimes you will have pictures of cartoons or real life characters.   Seeing that all is linked together, I think it is good that DK has included everything from the galaxy, far, far away.

Star Wars The Visual Encyclopedia is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote their books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.