K'NEX Education - Computer Control: STEM Explorations Building Kit Review

Customer Ratings:

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Within one sturdy plastic container the size of a toaster oven students will find the electronic componenets, the structural components, the software, and the instructions to explore a world of robotics, physics, electronics, design and engineering. The projects that can be undertaken using this kit are limited only by imagination--the components are almost endlessly modular and can be purposed for a wide variety of end uses. The greatest feature is the opportunity to learn programming skills. With relatively simple on-screen programming tools, students can learn about how interfaces between computers and the projects work, including for models of cars and a swing bridge. I did not try the other models so cannot comment on them, but they include an amusement park ride and a toll booth. Software is compatible with PC, OS is Vista or XP. While this is designed for classroom use (but seems a little small for an entire public school sized classroom of more than 20 students--probably one kit per 5 students or so would be optimal?), would also represent an excellent homeschool learning aid for the STEM-inclined.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I would like to see this toy made available in every sixth grade science unit in the US. One of the reasons for that is that I believe if the child is working/playing with this Erector Set-type toy with someone with tons of knowledge, it could be a ten-star plus teaching aid. I rate myself an excellent teacher but only so-so (or a little below) at mechanics and electronics and could see how I wasn't taking full advantage of all it offered (for me or my youngster). That's not to say we didn't get a lot of value from it.

As a marketer I can't resist some marketing advice here. I think the company (K'NEX Education) could do a better job with the packaging and the instructions. They were probably aiming at the educational value of the product, but it should have shown more of the sizzle to entice interest from the youngster at the get-go. Say a picture of a 12 year old building it and then letting it do some fun work like hoisting around some household items or toys. I mean parents and teachers can always use a little help introducing a new concept to a reluctant ten-year-old.

Best Deals for K'NEX Education - Computer Control: STEM Explorations Building Kit

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program K'Nex Education are building sets designed around a curriculum are meant for structured learning. This set is designed for ages 5-9 as a tool to build 9 models which are then computer controlled.

The kit is meant to show basic engineering and basic programing.

I used the kit with some rather clever 11 year olds and they were just facinated to see how programing can make models come to life. Tools like this are very important for homeschooling as well as building curiosity for science and technology at home. I could see it being intergrated into a traditional education curriculum as well, but that is not how I used it.

These kits are more expensive than the regular K'Nex, in part because of the teaching tools that come with them.

All and all very cool and highly recommend it.

Honest reviews on K'NEX Education - Computer Control: STEM Explorations Building Kit

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program This K'nex set is designed for classroom use. Of course, it can also be used in a homeschooling environment as well.

There are parts and plans to build nine (9) models which may be, to a very limited extent, more or less controlled by a very simple computer.

K'nex describes the set as "designed for students to investigate a variety of concepts related to science, technology, engineering and math". It does this, but is not really intended for individual student solo learning. The K'nex components fit together as with any other full-sized K'nex set. The models are a bit more complex and are intended for kids 10 and older.

The real value of the set should be in its ability to help teach children the very basics of computer programming.

K'nex supplies several manuals, including one specifically devoted to explaining the very simple programing language. Programs are constructed using a flowchart model. Anyone around in the 1970s is probably familiar with this paradigm: it enjoyed a burst of popularity in 1970s-80s. Sadly, it pretty much fizzled learning how to program and teaching kids to program never really caught on, which in terms of technological development in the United States, I think is disappointing.

While the programming concept is simple and the directions are clear, I think classroom teachers who lack a background or interest in programming are not going to do a very good job of teaching young kids even the basic concepts of program development, much less get them excited about it.

The capabilities enabled by the programming language and the set are very limited. Switch on and control the speed and rotational direction of motors. Turn lights on and off. Energize and de-energize magnets. Sound a buzzer.

A 56 page programming manual is provided in PDF format and I think a child 10 or over with average or better reading and reasoning skills could follow it, but it is not written in a style that will capture the young mind. At least I don't think so, but I hasten to point out that my experience with kids that age is very limited. My grandchildren and that's it.

The program to control the model can be stored on a host computer or downloaded to the controller itself. But he controller has only a 256 byte capacity shades of very ancient days.

Overall, I think K'nex STEM Explorations can be a very effective teaching tools in the hands of a capable teacher, despite its inherent limitations. But the person teaching its use must be technologically literate, excited about technology and able to convery the basic concepts to a youthful audience.

Jerry

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for K'NEX Education - Computer Control: STEM Explorations Building Kit

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program The thing I love most about K'Nex toys, besides the imagination and creative play without noises and lights, is the durability of them. They withstand anything and can be used/re-used time and time again. There's not much to say on this variation. Like the Lego sets, this is merely a set to use and assemble. But...hours of fun from a new version of an old classic.