Photo: Kickstarter
You want to help your kid break the basics of engineering and physics, but things today are so connected. It’s all about computers and programming as if we don’t even need to interact with each other anymore. But we do, of course, we do, but how? Introducing children and even adults to engineering principles and physics concepts through dynamic model kits could be one way.
At least that is what Adam B. Hocherman, the founder of a young product design company based in Boston, Massachusetts thinks. Together with his team they have created Marbleocity STEM. The STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – all terms that regularly put the young ones on a run; but not in this configuration they won’t.
Each ‘marble machine’ kit is an engaging lesson that is told through the eyes of a cast of characters called - the Tinkineers – in a graphic novella format. Here’s when things get truly interesting. The principles introduced in the comic are then reinforced through the construction of the kit and, finally brought full circle with real-world examples and applications.
Due to the great design and the use of Baltic Birch plywood that the company laser cuts into complex-looking kinetic structures this is so much more than just the regular game. Each kit has a story and a learning message. The first in the line is the Dragon Coaster, inspired by the real wooden roller coaster of the same name, located at Playland in Rye, New York.
It’s designed to be performed alone or with a parent (depending on age and ability) in a series of bite-sized sit-downs. Here’s how its creators describe it:
“Our hope is that you and your child will look forward to carving out an hour each night, after dinner, to share some maker time together! Each day's ‘build’ ends at a logical point in construction. You can set things aside and easily pick up later or power through if you're just having too much fun!”
This is the first out of nine future interconnecting kits planned for the Marbleocity line. Each assembled kit is designed either to stand alone or to be combined with the other modules. The company is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to get their product into production. Judging by the number of backers, it’s safe to say we’ll soon see it on the shelves.
Each ‘marble machine’ kit is an engaging lesson that is told through the eyes of a cast of characters called - the Tinkineers – in a graphic novella format. Here’s when things get truly interesting. The principles introduced in the comic are then reinforced through the construction of the kit and, finally brought full circle with real-world examples and applications.
Due to the great design and the use of Baltic Birch plywood that the company laser cuts into complex-looking kinetic structures this is so much more than just the regular game. Each kit has a story and a learning message. The first in the line is the Dragon Coaster, inspired by the real wooden roller coaster of the same name, located at Playland in Rye, New York.
It’s designed to be performed alone or with a parent (depending on age and ability) in a series of bite-sized sit-downs. Here’s how its creators describe it:
“Our hope is that you and your child will look forward to carving out an hour each night, after dinner, to share some maker time together! Each day's ‘build’ ends at a logical point in construction. You can set things aside and easily pick up later or power through if you're just having too much fun!”
This is the first out of nine future interconnecting kits planned for the Marbleocity line. Each assembled kit is designed either to stand alone or to be combined with the other modules. The company is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to get their product into production. Judging by the number of backers, it’s safe to say we’ll soon see it on the shelves.
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