INTRO TO SIMPLE MACHINES:GEARS

If you have an aspiring your engineer, this is the perfect toy (don't tell them it is educational - that could ruin the fun :). Anyway, it includes almost 200 peices (198 to be exact) and includes instructions that will allow you to build working replicas of seven real world machines (one at a time - not all at once). Of, course with a little imagination you can build all kinds of creatins with this set. This K'NEX Building Set supports multiple students (two or three) workingtogether as a team. It includes both building instructions and a teacher's guide aligned to science, technology, engineering and math standards so this is great for classroom or homeschool use. The product is packaged in a durable storage tub with snap-on lid for easy storage when not in use. A great product, if you looking for "STEM" Education (focasing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The product specificaly states the taget ages as 8 through 11 years old, but I believe it could be expanded in both directions - younger childen would be interested, but may need help with some of the more complicated assembly, and older children could be more creative and come up with unique inventions all their own.

The package says for 8 and up but I got it for my 5 1/2 year old daughter. She had been seeing the commercials and begging for a set. So this afternoon my husband and her sat down to try it. While he did help her get organized and showed her how to follow the direction she was able to do 90% of them by herself. They built 3 of the gear items and only stopped with the promise they could do it again tomorrow. She absolutely loved it. Not a huge surprise as her older brother loved the sets also. Its so nice and rewarding to see hear mind gears working and the pride on her face when she had completed a project. We will definitely be getting her more sets for Christmas. I cant wait to take my turn with her tomorrow