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Homeschoolers Say: Robots Rule! Ancient Dinos and Mod Bots Capture All Ages
Participants were former art teacher Lynn Costine with Sarah (13 years), Anna (11), Emily (9) and Will (7); Julie Petoia, RN, with Cabot Lee (12), Talia (10), Malynne (8) and Jeremiah, Jacob and Gabriel (5); Susan Ledford, editor of the "Homeschoolers Resources Directory," with Victoria (11) and Joe (7); Alison Shanahan with Elizabeth (12), Emily (10) and Katie (6); and Teresa Wilson with Timothy (13), Andrew (11), Elise (7) and Steven (6). CLICK HERE to view the full results of the survey. National Geographic - Dinosaur Skeleton Kit by THAMES & KOSMOS (ToyShow)  What It Is: A dinosaur model-puzzle that lets kids build their own tiny dino.What the Moms Thought Nine-year-old Emily was so excited about the prospect of building her own dinosaur that she left the room when her 7-year-old brother got the first turn "so I won't get any clues," she told her mom. "They took it apart and redid it several times," added Costine. While playing with the kit, "my kids spent some time talking about comparative anatomy with bird and stegosaurus hip bones," shared Shanahan. "It appeals to a wide range of ages," added Petoia. What the Kids Said  "I was able to do this by myself and that made me proud!" glowed 6-year-old Catherine. "I learned that the stegosaurus had hinged jaws for chewing, and I examined the hip, leg and backbone configurations," proclaimed Elizabeth, 12. "Can I use this in my Science Fair display?" wondered Timothy, 13. How to Improve It Shanahan thought that a full set of accompanying game cards should be included in each kit instead of just three. Wilson's kids suggested including a display stand. Ledford thought the skeleton should be poseable and more pliable. She noted that the model's stiffness led to one of the legs breaking off when its post was accidentally forced into the wrong hole. Would You Want Another Toy Like This? Everyone answered yes except for Ledford, who wound up with a 1-legged model. "This puzzle works equally well as learning or playing toy," summed up Costine. National Geographic - Dinosaur Expedition Kit by THAMES & KOSMOS (ToyShow)  What It Is: A plaster slab that kids chip away to reveal a T. Rex fossil inside.What the Moms Thought "All four children enjoyed the opportunity to model a career in paleontology," said Wilson. "I am also grateful that the full set of 24 fact cards is available to download online." "It would work well as part of a homeschooling curriculum or as a birthday gift," Costine told TDmonthly. What the Kids Said  "Emily (10) liked the reading materials best, but also liked revealing the hidden 'treasure' of the skeleton," reported Shanahan."Gently!" Elise (7) admonished her brothers as they picked away at the fossil. "'I want another turn' was heard more than once,'" noted Wilson. How to Improve It "The fact card games suggested in the instructions were formulated for three players, but including ideas for 2 and 4 players would increase interest in playing," suggested Wilson. Ledford thought the kit should include a jar of lacquer or paint to properly finish the project. Would You Want Another Toy Like This? "Can we get some more of these?" all four Wilson children asked their mom. The "yes" vote was unanimous in the other families, too. Bilateral Robot by OWI (ToyShow) What It Is: A robot that kids build and then program to navigate obstacles courses they've created. What the Moms Thought  Costine's kids needed help from their computer-savvy dad to assemble the robot, but "Once they actually got it made, it's really cool," she told TDmonthly. "There's a lot of cognitive thinking involved in planning how you're going to make the robot move around the room." Ledford raved: "This is the way to teach a student about circuits and electricity. It's a terrific kit because it is challenging and engaging." "This is a toy that appeals to older kids, which is hard to find," added Petoia. What the Kids Said "This is a real robot!" enthused Andrew, 11. "Timothy (13) and Andrew (11) were very pleased that the instruction manual was easy to understand and directions clearly outlined," said Wilson. "They also enjoyed learning why tasks needed to be performed in a particular manner." "I can't believe we made it work!" exclaimed the Petoia kids. How to Improve It Wilson suggested the inclusion of a file or emery board in the list of "necessary tools." Costine agreed, since her husband had to file down one of the parts to make it fit. "Drawing paper and black drafting ink also should be added to this list as optional materials," continued Wilson. Ledford suggested increasing the size of the instruction charts and perhaps color coding them to increase legibility. "Larger size!" for the robot was the only suggestion for improvement from the thrilled Petoias. Would You Want Another Toy Like This? The homeschoolers and their parents all loved the OWI Binary Player and would recommend it to other kids and parents — homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers alike. Here are the toys the homeschoolers evaluated, plus a couple more from each manufacturer:
 Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author |
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