*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Howtoons for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post. All thoughts are strictly my own.
As a homeschooling mom, I'm always looking for great activities to encourage STEAM learning. We recently got to try out a couple of Howtoons kits and couldn't be more excited to share our experience with you!
Howtoons kits foster creativity and spark imagination with hands-on STEAM-based projects. Each box contains everything kids need to build, learn and play.
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Howtoons projects are designed to help kids ages 7–12 build intuition about how the world works by building real-world creations.
Each kit comes with a comic book, complete with step-by-step instructions. This visual storytelling style engages kids and is proven to be an effective way of communicating complex ideas.
Check out the kits we reviewed:
Marshmallow Shooter/Stomp Rocket
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
all materials to build the marshmallow shooter project (PVC pipe, fittings, marshmallows, and alien target)
all materials to build the stomp rocket project (PVC pipe, fittings, bottle, paper rockets and fins, scissors, clear tape, and duct tape)
magazine that includes an 8 page comic, instructions to build the projects, education behind the projects, an interview with NASA engineer Kenneth Cheung, and extra DIY project toons
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PROJECT
Teaches kids the science behind the build - Newton's first three laws in action.
RECOMMENDED AGES
Howtoons kits are designed for ages 7-12
Gami-Bot
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
all the materials to build 4 different origami robots (Battle-bug, Rattle-cat, Horsepower, and Skitter'n Scorpion)
4 motors, 5 batteries, mounting tape, scissors
battle arena
paper for the Rattle-cat drawing bot
bonus hexaflexagon project
magazine that includes an 8 page comic, instructions to build the origami robots, education on simple circuits and origami, an interview with Kevin Albert (Roboticist), and extra DIY project toons
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PROJECT
Teaches kids about origami, circuits, motors and vibration, and why scientists are using origami principles to create innovative technologies.
RECOMMENDED AGES
Howtoons kits are designed for ages 7-12
These kits are amazing! 9-year-old D blew through the Marshmallow Shooter/Stomp Rocket Kit and while he really enjoyed it, I thought "Wow, that was it? Less than 30 minutes and done?" Boy, was I wrong! Here we are, a week later, and he is still using the kit components to try to find new ways to build the best shooter...the one with the longest range, the most simple design, the loudest pop. Asking questions like "What if I use heavier ammo?" "What if I rearrange the pieces?" "What if I use fewer pieces?" Finding something that sparks creativity and curiosity and imagination like this kit did with my boy is absolutely priceless!
That is the power of these Howtoons kits. They offer projects that kids can do independently, instilling confidence in their abilities. They give them a basic idea, a starting point if you will, and plenty of room to explore within the theme...it's open-ended and how far it goes is up to the kiddo.
D is having a blast with this kit and when I pointed out to him that he is learning about physics, aerodynamics, design and so much more, he shrugged and said "It's fun Mom!"
Boy, oh, boy do I love Howtoons!!
Inspire creativity, curiosity and a love of learning with Howtoons!
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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