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

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.

Gave it to a friend and his grandsons (Christmas). They have had a blast making the different machines.

Very educational science kit!

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.

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

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.

Clunky

My granddaughters were very excited about this kit. The oldest (age 9) was able to put it together for the lever machine and do the experiments with the weight. I do wish that there was an explanation on how the difference in weight with distance of the lever could be plugged into the formula. We haven’t got to the other machines yet, but overall it is an excellent kit.