Tinker Crate is a subscription box that inspires kids to learn about science, engineering, and technology, all while having lots of fun. Each month, the box explores a field of study within a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline. Kids practice their problem solving skills and learn how to engage in both structured and open-ended exploration and investigation. Most boxes walk the tinkerers through construction of fairly complex mechanical devices. This month we are building a race car!
Everything that arrives together in a single Tinker Crate – the supplies, a fold-out instruction sheet, and the Tinker Zine. In addition to the cool stuff found in the Tinker Zine, most crates have a secondary project that builds on the primary project, extending the exploration and focusing in on the science principles demonstrated by the main project.
The kit includes all the materials needed to construct the main project, the Race Car. Sometimes you need to provide some simple items from home for the second project or the additional explorations suggested in the Tinker Zine.
The instructions and other project info are printed on a faux blueprint fold-out sheet. Along with materials and instructions, you get some handy pointers and a troubleshooting guide. The sheet tells you everything that came in the box, some tips, and help if you can’t get it to work. This is a well-designed and tested box — we’ve never had a project with a fatal design flaw or any frustrating, unresolved engineering issues. Plus, there is help available if needed!
The instructions are clear and easy to follow and include both visuals and text, with lots of tips and checkpoints to make sure you’ve done everything correctly as you go. You aren’t expected to be an expert or know all the principles behind the project coming into it — the instructions are well thought out and anticipate areas where a novice might go astray. We can tell from the exquisite detail and thoughtfulness of the instructions that the projects are designed and tested, with lessons from testing and re-testing make their way into the instructions.
The main project is always a great hands-on activity and a great demonstration of the scientific principles featured in the box, but the Tinker Zine is where the lessons really take shape! This edition started off with an introduction to some race cars of the past and present.
The Tinker Zine really explores the principles behind the project — this section translated the important characteristics of a race car from layman’s terms into more scientific terms, explaining their meaning and relevance. The text is perfectly suited for the target age. The discussion of scientific principles and concepts is accurate and uses correct terminology, but the style is light and exciting.
The Zine always has some very in depth exploration of the principles behind the project, as well as examples of real world applications. The main project in this box was the construction of the car, but it was constructed in such a way that there was much more tinkering to be done — nearly every dimension of the car was adjustable, allowing numerous tweaks to alter performance characteristics.
Our daughter sometimes holds our projects up a bit because she insists on reading every bit of the Zine before we can start — this time, everyone got in on the act!
This project included both artistic and technical components.
The race care skin is reversible, allowing Tinkerers to design their own look.
The illustrated instruction sheet is very user-friendly. You can tell that the instructions have been tested and refined, as every conceivable ambiguity seems to have been explicated by textual or graphic explanation.
The chassis has a simple design and bonding mechanism, allowing easy adjustment and reconfiguration.
Our fabulous racer, with maximum rear to front wheel ratio. And yes, that paint job is custom.
The rubber band driven propulsion was easy to wind and release — and the Crate even included some checkered tape for marking the course.
We really love Tinker Crate, because the projects are extremely well designed, with a comprehensive and engaging STEM-grounded lesson built around the project in each box. It is a great box for tweens, but the projects are interesting enough that mom or dad will have fun helping younger kids tackle the projects, too!
Have you tried Tinker Crate yet with your kids? Use code MS30 to save 30% on your first box! (or Kiwi Crate and the KiwiCo family subscriptions Koala Crate and Doodle Crate).
Visit Tinker Crate to subscribe or find out more.
The Description: Tinker Crate help kids gain crucial STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills through hands-on activities that are also seriously fun. Every crate includes all the materials and inspiration for a super-cool project. Ages 9 to 14+
The Price: $19.95 per month
The Categories:Kids Craft & Activities Subscription Boxes, Kids Educational & Learning Subscription Boxes,Subscription Boxes for Kids,Subscription Boxes for Teens & Tweens. KiwiCo Family, STEM Subscription Boxes, Subscription Boxes for Dads, Subscription Boxes for Teen Girls, Subscription Boxes for Teenage Boys.
The Reviews: See all our Tinker Crate Reviews.
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