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 the construction of fairly complex mechanical devices.
This month, we got the SKETCH MACHINE BOX.
Everything arrives together in a single Tinker Crate – the supplies, a fold-out instruction sheet, and the Tinker Zine.
DEAL: Use this link to save 30% on your first box of Tinker Crate! (or Kiwi Crate and the KiwiCo family subscriptions Koala Crate and Doodle Crate).
Tinker Zine
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 full of well-written, historically and scientifically accurate background and explanatory materials. This where the lessons really take shape!
This month’s Tinker Zine discusses the technology behind machine art.
Machines are equipment that enhance and simplify some complicated tasks. This page features a variety of machines that can make art all on their own!
This part of the magazine talks about algorithms, how they are used, and how they affect the performance of machines.
The sketch machine looks pretty complicated at first glance, but it got my daughter really excited. It has different parts, including string loops, pulleys, marker, and knobs.
This one shows sketch recipe samples, or algorithms, which enables you to make repeating patterns.
Tinker Crate Blueprint + Materials
The instructions and other essential project information are printed on a faux blueprint fold-out sheet.
One side of the sheet has pointers for using your newly-constructed device, plus an inventory of all the materials provided in the Crate.
This side of the sheet contains a step-by-step procedure of the project with detailed illustration.
It has a lot of explanatory notes, highlights on highly important and technical areas.
It also contains a lot of arrows to show how and where the parts are to be placed.
Here are all the materials provided to build our own sketch machine.
Tinker Crate Activities
We started making our sketch machine by building the board base.
Next, we added the string loops!
You just have to put the orange sticky foam donut on both pulleys to form two knobs. Then, turn the knobs back and forth making sure that the strings move smoothly.
We used the cord lock to tighten the gray cord and made sure that it is positioned in the middle.
Once all the cords are put in place and assured that they are moving as instructed, the next step is to add the marker.
For this project, we really had to be careful about working with the scissors to avoid cutting the strings because it could destroy the project.
Then, we inserted the pen into the small orange sticky foam donut and stuck it down into the big hole in the mount.
The machine works just fine! Good job!
Well done! A little more practice and they will get used to it!
Tinker Crate Extension Activities
Wow! Now we are talking about coordinates. This page teaches the kids to read coordinates using left, right and up, down to represent the x and y-axis.
My daughter tried it for herself…
…and she was able to sketch a star using the machine!
Tinker Zine also has book suggestions for kids which includes Coding Games in Scratch and The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage.
Tinker Crate has delivered another fun-filled activity this month and they have been so consistent in bringing challenging activities that will enhance the kids’ imagination, analysis, and creativity. The preparation and building of this Sketch Machine was quite long and detailed, but seeing my daughter enjoying while working on it made it all worth it. There are a lot of things to love about this subscription, and first is that almost all the materials are already provided, so we don’t need to worry about looking for substitute items then they provide a very detailed step-by-step procedure. Also, they explain complex scientific and engineering principles in a manner that the kids will easily understand. Learning and discovering new things are fun with this crate!
Have you tried Tinker Crate yet with your kids?
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