@stemlabkids Bertie the Balance Bot Review

I really like toys that kids can build themselves. Recently Isaak got Bertie the Balance Bot from STEM Lab Kids to review. 

I was thinking he'd want help building Bertie. NOPE! Isaak wanted to build Bertie the Balance Bot himself. I sat back, watched, and took pictures between each step. 

It took about an hour for the bot to be built. It was a good afternoon. Isaak didn't get too frustrated. He did make a mistake, but it was way at the end. All was good. 

Parts:

There weren't a lot of parts. 

• Wooden pieces that were pre die cut
• Plastic pieces
• Screws - the set included extras if needed
• A battery holder
• Batteries
• A mini screwdriver
• Stickers
• A manual 
• A file - I'm assuming was for the wooden pieces if needed 

Isaak got right to work!

The manual wasn't too hard to figure out. He only struggled with two areas. Considering this toy was made in China, I was wondering if the instructions would be hard to follow. They weren't. 

The wheels were first on the list to be built. Popping them out of their wooden background makes Isaak uneasy. He feels like he's going to break them. I suggested he use a kitchen knife to help him push the pieces out. Of course you wouldn't want to make this suggestion, for any kid younger than Isaak. I was watching him the whole time. 

Isaak liked that the instructions had visual photos, along with text. He's an artsy kid, so visuals help. 

Step 1: 

Sometimes Isaak and I take things a bit to literal. One of the first instructions was to insert the axle into the pulley. They mentioned to use a wooden piece to help push it in. In the visual they show a wooden piece pushing the axle. Isaak was looking for that exact wooden piece, but the piece didn't exist. It was just to assist with pushing the axle in. I suggested to Isaak he go use his hammer he had from Lowes Clinic. He got that, and tapped the axle into place. 

Step 2:

Isaak got to put the battery holder in. 

The Middle Steps: 

Forming the box wasn't too hard. Isaak didn't need any help.

Finishing the last cube like panel was hard, for Isaak. He got it. 

Finishing it up:

I always panic inside when kids get to this point. Like will it work? Did he do this all for nothing? I knew this was for a review, so it could have totally flopped.

Isaak messed up with the batteries. That's something I've done countless times. What can I say? He's my son. We were both thinking it was not going to work. I suggested he put the batteries in the other way. Boom it worked. 

Finishing Touches:

Isaak used the stickers to decorate Bertie. You could go as far as painting the bot if you wanted to. 

Positives: 

• It encourages STEM Learning = Science | Technology | Engineering | Math 
• There's problem solving skills that occur with this toy
• Kids make Bertie the Balance Bot themselves 

Negatives: 

• They left out "A" in STEM to be STEAM - A = Art - Bertie uses art with the stickers and kids designing it themselves - Being a former art instructor this is important to me 
• The batteries are not the best brand
• The toy its self was made in China

Overall I think it's fun to watch kids process through something. It was like watching Isaak's brain wheels move right along with Bertie's actual wheels. 

Disclaimer: I got this product for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Puzzle Toy Rollable Magnets Fidget Toy Review

I love fidget toys. We have a small basket full of different fidget toys. I like to keep some at work for my students.

Recently I got a Puzzle Toy Rollable Magnets Fidget Toy for review. It's a lot of fun!

Where to Get it:

It comes in a small gift bag, and you can get it here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B494QYX.

Cost:

It's $10.99 on Amazon Prime. That's a great price for a small toy topper for a gift, or stocking stuffer at Christmas time.

What to Make With it:

Anything! Just keep in mind it is small. I wouldn't have one if you have a small child. The company recommends to not have this for ages 12 and under. If I give this to Isaak I'll have to keep an eye on him.

You can roll up up into a ball, make objects with it, or jewelry. I want to try and make more jewelry with it. All the magnets come apart, and pull together again.

I haven't played with it a lot because I do plan on giving it to Isaak. I can see him making jewelry with it.

What would you make with it?

Disclaimer: I got this product in exchange for an honest review. I only review products that I feel will fit my family and readers.

NUBARKO Fidget Spinner Toy Review

I got the coolest NUBARKO Fidget Spinner to review: 

Why is it the coolest you might ask? It's quiet, and the center is gold. It also comes in a tin case, and felt bag.

The hard case to protect the fidget spinner:

The felt bag that also helps protect the fidget spinner: 

The Fidget Spinner:

About:

• It has a pattern on it, which mimics a swirl and ripple wave effect when you spin it. I have to admit that it is relaxing to watch. 

• It has a 623 ceramic stainless steel hybrid bearing. It could be replaced if needed. On their site the way they worded it, I thought they had a replaceable bearing. That is not the case. The bearing is quiet and smooth.

• There is 2 to 3 minutes spinning time. That's not unusual for any fidget spinner to spin that long. 

• Materials: TC4 Titanium and Brass with precise CNC process. Durable, Non-Toxic and corrosion resistant. Hand-polished with skilled craftsmanship, smooth surface finishing and comfort hand feeling. 

• Compact and light weight. You could easily fit this in your pocket to carry it. It would also fit in the smallest backpack pocket. Dimension: Length - 1.78"(45mm), Width - 1.78"(45mm), Height - 0.43"(11mm), Weight: 1.5oz (42g)

• This is for both adult and kids. I'm not giving it to my kids though. It's too expensive, and knowing them they'll loose it.

• Great for Relieving: Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Stress, Quitting Bad Habits, Staying awake on long car drives 

You can get this Fidget Spinner Here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XH1B12V

For $36.99 on Prime. The price would be my main complain. It's pricy for a toy that a kid might loose. I'm giving this to my oldest nephew that's more responsible, and in high school, or I'll keep it at work. I'd like to have a box of these type of things for students when I'm talking with them one on one. I really don't like to see them nervous to talk to me.

Do you have any fidget toys?

Disclaimer: I was received the items mentioned in this post from NUBARKO. They certainly inspired me to write this post. I only review things that I think my family or readers will enjoy, or find useful. 

SENQIAO Fidget Toy Review

I love all the fidget toys that are out. I think they are fun, and great for anyone that's creative!

SENQIAO Flippy Chain Fidget Toy is so fun! You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y41M7Y2. It comes in a pack of 2: Blue and Orange, or Yellow and Black. 

Stress Reducer:

This toy is a stress reducer. It helps with highly creative people. People that are creative in nature listen and concentrate more when they are actively doing something: Drawing, active, or fidgeting.

EDC Fidget Chain is also great for ADD, ADHD, and Anxiety.

This is a toy for both adults and children.

Colors:

Orange and Blue
Yellow and Black

I get into toys like this, and so do my kids!

It fits perfecting in my hand, and makes very little noise! The focus chain is smooth rolling & twisting. The flippy chain is portable, and can put it in your pocket and take it to wherever you want. I'd actually like it if the boys could leave their fidget toys here, for when they do their homework. They could be taken to school, the library, to church and more.

Cost:

$16.99 and on sale for $10.99. That's with Prime.

Do you have any fidget toys? I think my first fidget toy when I was little was Silly Putty. 

 Disclaimer: I received SENQIAO Fidget Toy for a discount to assist with this review. I wrote this post, and was not influenced at all with an opinion. I only review things that I find interesting, or that would benefit my readers or family.

Tri-Spinner Fidget Spinner Toy Review

I love creative toys. I have a box full of them. I just got another Tri-Spinner Fidget Spinner http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XJZDXDF to review. I think these things are so much fun, and relaxing.

It comes in a small box. It's so perfect for a gift. I plan on giving my boys Tri-Spinners for Easter. They'd work great for any holiday really. These fidget toys would even fit in a stocking at Christmas time.

Glows in the Dark:

This one is a light grey color. Guess what? It glows in the dark!

Here it is not glowing-

Here it is glowing-

Spin:

It spins for about 5 minutes if you give it a really good spin.

It's not meant to stare at. It's just meant to spin, and sometimes look at. It's for people that love to fidget. I know a few of my art students have them. They are great for anyone with: ADD, ADHD, and on the spectrum. My sons don't have any social issues. I do notice that they always have something in their hands though.

What I Love About This Toy:

• There isn't any noise 
• It takes up very little room
• It's glow in the dark
• It helps increase concentration 
• It's not expensive: $20.99, but on sale for $14.99 with Prime

If you have kids what kind of things do you give them for Easter? What kind of things did you get when you were younger? I got a basket with a spring outfit in it. 


I received the Tri-Spinner mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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.