Toy Review - Knowledge Wheel - Countries of the World

April 3rd, 2009

Knowledge Wheel - Countries

The Knowledge Wheel - Countries of the World, is one pretty clever learning toy. It’s a lot faster and easier to use than a globe. This interactive map will provide you with valuable information about the 192 countries of the world. Did you even know there were that many countries? I didn’t. I thought there were about 130. But now, thanks to this cool learning toy, I know different. This flat disc can be used anytime thanks to it’s “Try Me” feature. Turn the wheel at the bottom to locate the information desired. Available wherever the best educational toys are sold.

Great for classroom use or the homeschooling parent.

Each Knowledge Wheel is protected by a transparent case and measures 11.5” x 13.25”.

Posted in Early Learning, Geography | 8 Comments »

Toy Review - Thames and Kosmos, Little Labs Plants

August 11th, 2008

Thames & Kosmos Science Kits

This is one pretty cool kit from Thames and Kosmos. I personally love all their science kits and the Thames and Kosmos, Little Labs, Plants kit didn’t disappoint. In this one, for kids between the ages of 5-7, they’ll learn how plants germinate from seeds, how they grow, what they need to grow, what they produce, and how their roots, stems, and leaves work. It comes with a 16-page color guidebook which is one of the best aspects of these kits. The Little Labs line begins with Stepping into Science, a starter kit that covers five topics. The kit teaches science fundamentals through 25 experiments, while at the same time introducing children to the concept and process of experimentation.

The simple pictorial instructions included in all Little Labs have just enough text to reinforce vocabulary and aid in language learning, and also to advise parents and adult supervisors. The instructions are written in both English and Spanish, to help teach Spanish as a second language to native English speakers and also make the kits more accessible to native Spanish-speaking children. Although numbered, the kits do not have to be used sequentially.

Overall review: another great kit from Thames and Kosmos. For about $15 US, you can pick one up at a few online toy stores out there. Check out my favorite and their best selling toys here.

Posted in Early Learning, Plant Science | 16 Comments »

Toy Review - Thames & Kosmos Physics Pro

June 6th, 2008

Thames & Kosmos is well known in the educational toy industry and this kit is one of their best. This one is their most advanced, biggest physics kit and as far as science kits go, it’s one of the best available anywhere. Some of the topics students will study are fluid dynamics, hydraulics, energy science, pneumatics and the physics of oscillations.

Following along with the very instructional guide book (almost as detailed as a physics lab textbook), you’ll learn how to build some pretty cool models like pneumatic shocks, a wind tunnel and a hydraulic lift. For the future college physics major, this kit will provide a very sound foundation in the principles of Newtonian mechanics, classical physics and the advanced topics such has fluid dynamics and hydraulics.

For about $100 US, this kit gives students, be they either homeschool students or traditional students a great education and solid background in physics. Like all of the Thames & Kosmos science kits and educational toys, I can highly recommend this one. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed.

Posted in Physics Kits | 21 Comments »