Product Description

Build 36 models of real-world machines and conduct 37 unique experiments with the models. Learn the fundamental laws of mechanical physics. This hands-on approach is both fun and effective, and vividly demonstrates the principles of physics. Kit includes a 64-page full-color book with assembly and experiment instructions. Requires 1 "C" battery (not included).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2935 in Toys & Games
• Brand: Thames & Kosmos
• Model: 625412
• Released on: 2008-01-01
• Dimensions: 14.60" h x 3.10" w x 11.50" l, 4.63 pounds

Features

• Kit includes more than 300 building pieces
• Build a windmill, two-speed crane, force scale, sail car, mars robot, hammer machine, centrifuge, pinball game, centrifugal switch, ship's lantern, and dozens of other models
• Experiment with simple machines: gears, levers, screws, inclined planes, pulleys, wheels and axles
• Learn and understand the most fundamental physics equations
• 64-page, full-color experiment manual

From the Manufacturer
Almost everyone has heard of a chemistry set. But until this kit was introduced, a physics set was almost unheard of. Physics is an essential science for everyone, and this kit provides a comprehensive explanation of mechanical physics. Through building 36 models and conducting subsequent experiments with the models, you will learn the fundamental laws of mechanical physics. Start by building small models, such as a fixed pulley, to learn about basic forces and simple machines. Then, work your way up to more complex machines, such as a pendulum clock, to learn more advanced concepts like work and centripetal force. This hands-on approach is both fun and effective because the principles of physics are demonstrated right in front of you.

Customer Reviews

Getting tired of Legos? Try this.
My son is always tinkering, building contraptions, etc. We could tell that the Legos were getting "old" for him, so we bought this. He really likes it, and is always building stuff like cranes, windmills, etc. Everything in the set is sturdy, with quality similar to Lego, but with more gears and pulleys.

Excellent teaching kit
I bought this kit to support a home-based learning program for a fifth-grade boy (11 years old). It is EXACTLY what I was looking for - there's the fun of building the labs, then the fun of trying the experiments. The included documentation is very good, as it describes not only how to build the equipment, but also how to conduct the experiments, and it also discusses the related scientific concepts. I'd suggest that parents/educators read through everything ahead of time if they plan to use this kit as a teaching tool, to become familiar with the flow of the material. You can easily jump around between topics within the book, as the labs generally do not depend on each other (with the exception of force scale).
The suggested age range for this kit is 8 - 12, but I'd be inclined to increase the upper limit, as some of the concepts are clearly in middle school territory.

OK - lot of extra parts needed
Parts are high quality. Manual could be written a little better - sort of jumps all over the place. Required extra stuff not included in the kit.