Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment & Model Building Kit, Introduction to Mechanical Physics, Build 26 Models to Investigate The 6 Classic Simple Machines

Got this as a gift for my nephew and he absolutely loved it. For the price, it kept him busy for hours. Its nicely made and for a kid who loves taking things apart and putting things together, this hit the bullseye. Would buy this company’s products again.

Pros: 1. The instructions are easy to read and understand. 2. The plastic pieces are very durable. 3. Each "simple machine" diagram explains the use and function of the machine. 4. Very educational and useful in a homeschool setting when studying Simple Machines, one at a time. Cons: 1. The pieces sort of "lock" together making disassembly a bit difficult, especially if you put the wrong pieces together. 2. You can only make one "machine" at a time. So, you need multiple sets if you want to have multiple machines constructed at the same time.

Got this for my 10 year old to supplement his homeschool science simple machines unit. He is very interested in science and had no issues following the directions to build each machine. I love that the instructions include information about each simple machine and how it relates to work and mechanical advantage and included a “what’s happening” explanation for each machine. This isn’t just a toy build, they do a good job of actually describing what is happening with educational value. The downsides however are the pins and anchors. I thought they would go together with the ease of Lego technic pins, but these are much more difficult to insert and remove. Thankfully they include a tool to help remove them but they were much more difficult than I expected. By the time we hit experiment 11 one on the connecting rods had cracked because it takes so much force to insert and remove the pins for each build. I think design wise they could have done better. We use Legos to create huge sturdy builds so I’m not convinced the pins needed to be so tough to use and still be a sturdy machine. Overall, my son and I both enjoyed the kit and I would recommend it.

I homeschool my 7 year old. He's a grade ahead (3rd grade). I really like this kit. The instructions are mostly pictures that tell you how to make the machines so its easy for him to follow. The little booklet explains very basic physics and how the simple machines work. I have to simplify the explanations a lot still but he can still build them and get an idea of the basic concepts behind them. Its great quality, however some of the pieces are kind of difficult to take apart so I have to use pliers.

Looks promising Still waiting to give to the child on his birthday

Exactly what I was look for to organize my classroom. A little expensive but the product is sturdy. Will by another one.

Overall a great kit. Ages 5 and under struggle but great for 7 to 15 year olds.

Good, but plenty of room for improvement in instructions. Not everyone is an engineer and can easily visualize how things go together.

My 8 year old grandson loved this. The instructions were clear and easy for him to follow without much help from Dad! He has remade the model several times each time with enthusiasm. I will look for another similar "toy".

Le prétexte idéal pour réviser nos cours de physique et occuper l’esprit de nos enfants

Toy made from plastic, almost no metal parts so for Grade 2-4 kids excellent home learning on simple machine kids learn at school.

Uno de los mejores juguetes que le puede regalar a un niño que le gusta la ciencia y que en edades escolares, pueden por ellos mismos entender mejor como funcionan algunas cosas.

As expected