Ugears @UkrainianBridges Review

I love toys like Ugears! 

Why do I like them? 

1. They make my kids think before, during and after they create. 


2. They are toys for older kids. Mica still likes getting fun things, but he's growing out of many toys on the market. The sets we got from Ugears actually are for ages 14 and up.


3. Their models help push STEM learning: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Except I like to add in STEAM: A = Art. Their models have it all. 


4. It was a bonding experience between Dad and the boys when they were built. 

Sets:

Ugears were so kind to send us 2 kits to review.

1. Ugears Dynamometer $19.90 | 48 Pieces | Level Easy


2. Ugears Tractor $29.90 | 97 Pieces | Level Intermediate

Wood:

The parts are all in sheets of a high tech wood. They really do not waist on packaging. I love that these models are not plastic!

The sheets look like this:

You want to pop the pieces out evenly to prevent them from breaking. We had to correct Isaak.

Here's one of the gears in the process of being put together:

Travis loved helping the boys put these together. He's like, "I could see making sculptures like this!" 

We did have some hiccups. Like how Mica thought he needed no help. He also thought he could get by without measuring things. Umm...no! I think he learned how important it is to measure with his model. He also learned that not all instructions are just like Lego. The instructions for Ugears are all pictorial. 

Isaak relies on help much of the time, since he's 9 almost 10. He just learned to pop the pieces out evenly. 

Instructions:

The instructions had no words. I think the boys wished they had some words. It's nice for the company because their models are sold in other spots around the world besides the US. Their pictures are really detailed. 

I Almost Want to Keep the Left Overs: 

Ugears Dynamometer: 

This really turned out to be fun! Isaak did need help putting together the 48 piece set. It reminded me of something that would be in the movie Hugo.

Ugears Tractor:

The rubber band still could be added. Otherwise it's finished. Mica needed assistance with this 97 piece model.

Here They Are Together:

Excuse Isaak's, "The sun's in my eyes!" look, even though the sun was on the other side of the house. Ha!

Check Out Our Video:

Which Ugear model do you like the most? The Tractor or the Dynamometer? What could you seeing them add to their collection? They have 35 or so models on their website.

Disclaimer: I got both Ugears Models to review. Ugears did not tell me what to write, or think of their products. I choose to write about products that fit this site.

MakerStudio Propellers Set Review

We got MakerStudio Propellers Set By ThinkFun. This can be purchased on Amazon as well. 

ThinkFun has MakerStudio Gear Set and MakerStudio Wrenches Set to. 
 
All of the MakerStudio Sets are $19.99. 

About:

Maker Studio is meant to inspire the imagination for budding engineers. In this set featuring propellers, you can build: 

• A Chopper
• A Biplane
• A Windmill 
• A Plane 

Isaak made a Chopper with Dad.

For Each Build the Child is Given Engineering Challenges:

• Experiment with friction
• Torque and propulsion  
• Skills in Science
• Skills in Technology
• Skills in Engineering 
• Skills in Math (STEM) 
• Stimulates Imagination and Creativity 

Once you’ve mastered all four builds, get creative and design something that’s all your own!  

Isaak and Dad kind of built something all on their own due to the fact that there was a few missing things in the kit. They couldn't make the back of their Chopper. That's ok they still had fun.

Parts:

• 1 X-Linkage
• 1 Spool
• 2 Exra Long Connectors, 3 Long Connectors, 4 Short Connectors
• 2 Small Wheels
• 1 5.5" Rod, 3 4.25" Rods, 5 1.5" Rods
• 24 Hub Caps
• 1 Hole Punch
• 3 Rubber Bands
• 10 Engineering Challenges

Make sure after opening the packaging the pieces are cross-referenced with the instruction booklet. The pieces are lightly colored and blend in easily with the cardboard. Also, some of the items, which can be seen in the window on the front of the packaging, aren't included with the majority of the pieces inside the box. If you open the box too quickly or throw out the packaging, you may miss them given the separate location.

  
Top View

Back View

Side View

3 Quarter View

What We Thought:

This set was harder than we originally thought it would be. I think it should be for ages 8 and up. Isaak's almost 7, but thinking back to when Mica was that age I don't know if he could have done it at age 7 by himself. Both our boys are good at building things. It was really hard when we noticed a bag a parts were missing. I know that happens. It's just makes it hard to review when that happens. 

Isaak did however have fun making this with Dad. He had to show it off to Grandma and Grandpa. He was proud of his new made toy. 

I liked that it is creative, makes kids think, fun, and resourceful. You use things in your house to complete the construction. 

Check out that smile on Isaak's face! :)

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above from ThinkFun. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

A Toy That is Great For Mica's Age!

One Savvy Mom! is also hosting to giveaway: Gears! Gears! Gears!® Lights & Action Building Set.

This type of toy is great for anyone that likes to build. Mica loves to put things together. Give him a train track or puzzle and he's all over it!