science kits Archives - Have Sippy Will Travel

Avoid the “Covid Slide”- Keep Your Kids Learning While Having Fun!

August 27, 2020 by Samantha Leave a Comment

If you are like me, you are willing to try ANYTHING to keep your kids active and learning over the summer- not to mention, really, since Covid became part of our existence. It’s hard when they aren’t in school, and many of us don’t know what to do to keep them from losing knowledge (or from wanting to be in front of the TV and video games all day, ugh). Here are a few DIY kits we’ve really loved.

Solar-Powered Rovers

Click Here for more info and to buy for your kids!

Want to build fun solar-powered vehicles and devices that move using electricity generated directly from sunlight? With this kit, you can construct five motorized models. Build three types of solar cars, a solar fan, and a solar robot model. Conduct science experiments with each model to learn about gear ratios, solar cells, and more. The ultralight materials, including strong bamboo rods, make your models speedy and durable. A modular gearing system lets you test out three different gear ratios. Experiment with a solar cell, electric motor, gears, and ultralight materials. Build five different solar-powered models. Learn about how solar cells work and about the energy from the sun. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95.

Creatto

Click Here for more info and to buy for your kids!

With CREATTO, you can design and construct illuminated, three-dimensional creations that literally light up your life! The kit includes flexible yet durable interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights that you can piece together to make animals, decorations, or your own custom creations. Each set includes an illustrated manual with easy, step-by-step instructions for multiple designs, but the building possibilities are nearly limitless using your imagination. Creatto is available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi. Kids can choose to build: Moonlight Elephant Safari: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Magical Moose & Forest Friends: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew: Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95; Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95; Sparkle Unicorn & Friends: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95.

Filed Under: crafts, entertainment, kids, review, toys Tagged With: craft kits, DIY, DIY kits, review, science kits

Can We Build It?

November 19, 2013 by Samantha 2 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to review. All opinions are my own and honest. See “I disclose” for more info.

LittleBits

Littlebits are an interesting take on the build it concept. Instead of blocks or pieces, these are parts of something bigger. The set includes LED lights, Servos, battery or power blocks and sensors of various types. These pieces are broken down into 4 categories- input, sound sensors, buttons, etc; output, LED lights, Servos; power and connectors, wires to transmit a signal long or short range, or to break up a signal by fixed intervals. When first looking at the box, it almost looks like someone took apart a complex electronic device, and it’s your job to put it together. However, this set is much more than that. When stringing the pieces together, the user can make simple or complex circuits that can do everything from massage your back, to working a backhoe, or if the creativity is really flowing bring a drawing to life. The instruction book is a great tool in learning how each piece works but the best way to really learn is hands on and with this set
hands on is easy to work with. There is no danger of electrocution when connecting or disconnecting pieces. They are held together with strong magnets and can only fit together in such a way that short circuiting the boards is difficult. When playing with LittleBits it was great fun watching Little Man make connections in his head, from what he wants to happen to how he can make it happen using the pieces at his disposal.

Air Stream Machines

Air Stream machines is an educational set which teaches kids about air pressure and air driven mechanics. The book included is part instruction book, part educational tool. Each project is broken down into simple steps while showing real world examples of air pressure, air flow and electrical to mechanical energy. The star of the set is the hover craft. This project is simple to build and rewarding as well. With an adult helper, the pieces fit together perfectly and work just as the instructions say. The hover craft can float over land or water on a pillow of air. Little Man’s eyes lit up like Christmas trees when the hovercraft’s air pillow inflated then started moving. This set is perfect for anyone young or old who is fascinated with vehicles and science in general.
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Filed Under: review Tagged With: building toys, Can We Build It, candy making kits, fun science toys for kids, science kits, science toys

Get Kids Thinking and Exploring with Nancy B

July 31, 2013 by Samantha 5 Comments

One of my favorite brands for educational, yet still truly fun toys is Educational Insights. I love how creative and interesting their toys are, and how engaged they keep the kids. As a teacher and mother, those “ah-ha!” moments are wonderful, but just as important are the moments that they are actively enjoying their learning experience- while playing. (Hopefully at least some of the time, with me!)

Nancy B’s Science Club toys debuted this year at Toy Fair 2013, and they were some of my favorite items of the show. Designed to inspire girls to become interested in and learn more about science, these were developed by former science teacher Nancy Balter. The colors are appealing to girls, but also young children in general. Each product in the Nancy B category comes with a science journal to keep track of your notes and progress, as well as access to an online science club. This club has partnered with female scientists from around the world who provide content to the site and contribute their knowledge. Just a side note- none of these products will break the bank, especially when compared to other similar items, and they are good quality.

The Nancy B’s Science Club Binoculars and Wildlife Activity Journal encourage outside play and exploration. The accompanying journal also includes a bird watching “find it” activity, and ecosystem challenges so that your child is not only active, but learning. This is a great first step into science, because all kids would love to see the world through binoculars. A little time searching the woods with mom and dad and some encouragement, and who knows what they will learn? The Wildlife Activity Journal lets them look back on all they have seen and accomplished.
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