New construction kits connect science and fun

Thames & Kosmos kits scheduled to arrive in stores in September

By -- Gifts and Dec, May 21, 2010

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Thames & Kosmos has introduced its 2010 Construction Series, a new line of seven science and building kits designed to cultivate a challenging and participatory learning experience in and out of the classroom. Developed to engage young scientists through both individual study and creative collaboration, this new collection is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to arrive in stores this September.

The Construction Series joins the existing line of award-winning Thames & Kosmos products, which includes over 60 kits in 11

Wind Power 2.0 takes a closer look at electricity-generating turbines and generators. As the wind spins the turbine, the electric generator begins to rotate, charging two standard AA batteries that can be used to power six different models and other battery-operated devices.

Wind Power 2.0 ,from Thames & Kosmos, takes a closer look at electricity-generating turbines and generators. As the wind spins the turbine, the electric generator begins to rotate, charging two standard AA batteries that can be used to power six different models and other battery-operated devices.

different science and technology-based categories.

With emphasis on the hands-on assembly of multiple models familiar to everyday lives, the Construction Series literally builds accessible pathways between science and its practical applications. Each kit demonstrates how different forms of energy, particularly renewable energy, can power a broad range of vehicles, tools, and machines. But first, each model has to be built from the ground up, using the trademark Thames & Kosmos full-color, easy-to-read manuals as a guide through a world of scientific principles and processes.

The high-quality plastic building pieces in these sets – including gears, axles, pulley wheels, sprockets, and frames – have been specifically designed to enable children to easily assemble functional models that really work, effectively combining physical science, engineering, and mechanical skills in a comprehensive, tactile way.

This same construction system has been used in Thames & Kosmos science kits since 2005, making the individual pieces compatible not only with the other Construction Series kits, but with 10 existing Thames & Kosmos products including all four Physics kits, Wind Power, Hydropower, and several Little Labs kits. Children can design their own custom models using the pieces in any one kit, and greatly enhance their model-building potential by combining two or more kits.

Thames & Kosmos’ first kit dedicated to wireless remotes, Remote-Control Machines, uses a six-button infrared unit, complete with easy-to-activate touch sensors that simultaneously control three different motors, moving each of them forward or in reverse. In addition to forming the 10 suggested models – including a car, crane, plow, and robotic arm – the motors can be combined to make complex machines in a number of configurations limited only by the imagination. The kit contains three motors, remote control unit, battery holder, 182 building pieces, and 48-page full color manual, and retails for $70.

With Electric Generator, students construct and power 11 electric vehicles and machines – including a racecar, “flying” car, propeller airplane, and portable camping torch – by transforming mechanical work into electricity with a hand-cranked generator. By altering crank time and frequency, students observe how their actions influence the performance of each vehicle as they strive to create the fastest model. Plus, the hand-cranked generator doubles as a hand-powered LED flashlight. The kit contains 122 building pieces and a 36-page full color manual, and retails for $40.

Elastic Power stretches the possibilities for a simple rubber band while exploring the principles of potential and kinetic energy. After forming the 11 different models outlined in the 48-page full color manual – including a catapult, motor bike, trolley, and paddleboat – children can use the 170 building pieces to create their own unique vehicle. And don’t worry about fuel; a rubber band is all that’s needed under the hood. It retails for $40.

In keeping with Thames & Kosmos’ dedication to alternative energy and sustainability, the four remaining kits explore the ways in which energy can be harvested from our natural resources.

Air + Water Power investigates pneumatic-hydraulic engine systems with different air and water-powered systems: water-jet propelled cars and hydro-pneumo (“air pressure” and “water pressure”) powered engines. With 15 different models, this kit is sure to inspire hours of friendly competition inside or outdoors. The kit contains a 48-page full color manual and 165 building pieces, and retails for $40.

Wind Power 2.0 takes a closer look at electricity-generating turbines and generators. As the wind spins the turbine, the electric generator begins to rotate, charging two standard AA batteries that can be used to power six different models and other battery-operated devices. Adjust the angle and number of wind turbine blades to light an LED, and race to see who can charge their batteries the fastest. The kit contains two styles of wind turbine blades, a gearbox with three different gear ratios, a 40-page full color manual, and 133 building pieces, and retails for $40.

Solar Power invites children to join in the exploration of one of the word’s fastest growing energy technologies. The special solar panel consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity (equivalent to an AA battery). The combination solar panel and battery holder allows for switching out the solar panel for an AA battery, and can be positioned to maximize sun exposure. Use the solar panel to charge up rechargeable AA batteries, power the six suggested kit models or energize a child’s own vehicle designs. The kit contains a combination solar panel and battery holder, a 24-page full color manual, and 177 building pieces, and retails for $40.

For a greater challenge, try Solar Power PLUS, a gigantic photovoltaic science lab that navigates the fundamentals of solar energy, the conversion of light into electricity, and circuits. This kit includes two of the special solar panels from the Solar Power kit, that when connected, generate up to 3 volts of electricity to power 22 different models. Whether outside on a sunny day or inside under a high-wattage incandescent light bulb, this kit challenges and entertains with problem-solving and creating thinking. The kit contains solar panels, a 48-page full color manual, 265 building pieces, and retails for $80.

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