Reviews for Electronics
Star Pilot Young Scientist Space Kit$34.99 at Amazon.com |
If your grandchild (age 10+) is interested in stargazing and learning about astronomy, consider this new Star Pilot Space science kit by the award winning Young Scientists Club. The Star Pilot kit is much more than just an introduction to the night sky, although it does an excellent job of covering the basics. It includes an age-appropriate informational booklet, new technology (the “Star Pilot” device) that provides a visual hands-on approach to locating asterisms and constellations (like the Big Dipper), practice cards of the southern and northern hemispheres to help your grandchild learn how to use the Star Pilot, a large visual diagram which doubles as a decorative poster, and supplies to convert an ordinary flashlight into a night vision light. As a bonus, the kit also includes a card that grants you 40 minutes of free membership (and a user’s guide with suggested activities) to SLOOH, a website that allows real-time viewing of space through high-powered professional telescopes in Europe, South America and Australia. As the manual explains, it does take some time and practice to get the hang of using the Star Pilot device. It has a “star ball,” that shows and names the stars that form constellations, a magnifier eyepiece, where you view the lit star ball with one eye, a compass, and dials for focus and brightness control. Our testers needed to use the practice cards, adjusting the distance between them and the Star Pilot, until they learned to align the stars diagrammed on the star ball with those on the cards — as you would do with real stars in the night sky. It’s really a matter of your eyes adjusting to the process via a principle called “binocular fusion,” when one eye sees a picture and the other eye sees a similar (but not exactly the same) picture — and the brain fuses the two pictures into one! The kit’s manual is loaded with facts, snippets of history about the field of astronomy, suggested experiments, and explanations of various worldwide cultural myths and legends about constellations, such as the stories of Orion and Leo. The Star Pilot kit is appropriately targeted to children ages 10 and up, and adults interested in learning a bit of astronomy may also enjoy it. A younger grandchild will probably have difficulty using the Star Pilot device accurately. However, The Young Scientist Club also makes a Magic School Bus Secrets of Space science kit, in addition to other Magic School Bus science kits, that are targeted to age 5 and up.
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The latest and 6th installment of the Mia Adventures is chock-full of learning objectives, cleverly layered within 12 engaging activities and one giant adventure that allows you (or your grandchild) to jump right into a movie of sorts, manipulate its main character (Mia), and play a decisive role in the ins-and-outs and outcome of her adventure. And, oh, by the way — you’re grandchild will learn plenty in the process. You can’t really compare this DVD-ROM to other reading software for this age group (grades K - 3) because the graphics alone make it stand out. It is movie-quality with unique characters, sets, props and game ideas that will make you chuckle and scratch your head, thinking, “How on earth did they come up with that idea?” Suffice it to say that the experience is refreshing. The DVD-ROM is split into 2 parts: Activities and Mia’s Adventure. The activities require less of a commitment, and your grandchild can hop from one game to the next fairly easily, choosing levels of play from 1-4. Each game or activity has stated learning objectives, such as reading comprehension, upper and lower case, singular and plural, rhyming, verb tense, word recognition, etc. We’ve found that some will be easier for the younger-aged audience (Kindergarten and Grade 1) to play than others. For instance, the activities focusing on rhyming, word-letter associations or letter sounds might be less intimidating for this set. Furthermore, they will most likely need your assistance with the Activities — even though each activity does begin with instructions and demos by amusing characters — and most certainly with the Adventure portion of the DVD-ROM. At first, the Adventure will seem like you and your grandchild are watching a movie, as it is story-based. Mia is a mouse who lives in an old Victorian house where many generations of her family have lived. The new twist in this game is a collection of amusing pests (the Bugaboo Bugs) that have also moved in. The objective is to help Mia send the bugs on their way. Each adventure that your grandchild starts can be saved and re-selected. It will likely take a little while (and viewing the demo and instructions) to get used to the nuances of the game, including how to use the mouse to manipulate Mia. Again, the younger children will need your assistance. But once the basics are mastered, it truly is an adventure! For very good reasons this collection of Mia DVD-ROMs continues to grow in size and popularity. Enjoy!
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Giggles Computer Funtime for Baby$24.99 at Amazon.com |
We tested this Giggles Computer Funtime software with babies (its intended market), as well as toddlers and preschoolers, to see how they like it. It was a big hit with all three groups! This is due to the expertly designed, entertaining graphics that are set to a variety of kid-friendly music that you can select for baby, or that a toddler can select for herself. There are three packages to choose from (ABC’s & 123’s, Shapes, and My Animal Friends), each featuring 14 activities and more than 50 songs. When your grandchild hits any key or moves the mouse, something fun instantly happens. For instance, in ABC’s & 123’s, when you hit a key, a number or a letter immediately pops out, floats up, or somehow appears. Cause-and-effect relationships are introduced in all of the activities through these instantaneous visuals, as well as zany little sounds that indicate that a key has been pressed and that something fun has “happened.” In an ABC’s & 123’s Activity called “123 - What Do You See,” babies and toddlers are even passively (and age-appropriately) exposed to some basic counting principles, whereby the number 3 may appear on the screen with three adorable little bugs. As a grandparent or parent of a baby (6-24 month old), you’ll certainly appreciate how engaged your grandchild is, sitting on your lap at the computer, having fun and simulating something he or she sees mom & dad (and you) doing all of the time. You’ll also appreciate the fact that your important computer files are protected and safe while the Giggles software is running. Babies can press several keys at once and nothing but more onscreen fun happens! And the music choices are also appealing to both children and grown-ups, from very recognizable kid favorites (toddlers and preschoolers will boast that they “know that song!”), to classical, jazz, and even cowboy music. This software has won too many awards to mention — you can’t go wrong with this gift purchase, whether it’s for your own computer time with your grandchild, or for time at home with parents. Go ahead and “Get the Giggles!”
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This one’s actually for you, grandparents! Forward this along to your children or purchase it yourself and share it with them. It’s a new, simple way for you to instantly see photos of your grandchildren on your computer. One great example of its use is when your children and grandchildren are on vacation. They can take photos using their cell phone and then email the photos from their phone to their Kangadoo account. As a member of the family’s Kangadoo account, those photos will then instantly be available to you on your own family’s homepage! And if you choose to have Kangadoo as your “Start Page,” (a simple click of a button if you use Internet Explorer), the latest photos will instantly pop up when you start your web browser. Each family’s homepage is private and secure, and you can invite anyone you like to have access to it via email — yet you do not need to use a password. If you’re interested in signing up for Kangadoo or having your children sign up, just click on our “Learn More” link and when on the Kangadoo homepage, click on “Product Tour” and “Instruction Guide” to learn more. You can purchase the product by clicking “Purchase” and following instructions. (Note: You don’t need to enter your “Activation Code” when you’re first purchasing Kangadoo). Enjoy every moment and every photo!
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Young children want computer time these days, whether to use educational software, or access great kid-friendly websites such as sesameworkshop.org or PBS.org to play games and learn. The challenge for grandparents and parents, however, is that we use our computers for other things, and want to prevent kids from mistakenly getting into work files or accessing inappropriate websites. This is where Peanut Butter Software comes in! It’s a very simple program that you load into your computer (easy to do) that provides a child-friendly “screen” for your grandchildren. This screen sits on top of your normal desktop (which you can re-access easily) and makes computer time safe and stress-free. The Peanut Butter Software screen allows kids as young as 3 to log on themselves and access websites, games and educational software that you’ve pre-selected for them, without them ever going anywhere near your important files or inappropriate websites. My husband and I have always been insistent on being with our children (ages 3 and 5) during computer time, but with Peanut Butter Software, they’re now enjoying some independence, and loving every minute of it! The desktop or “launch pad” (which gets placed over your Windows desktop), is designed to look like a backyard. You can install a photo of each of your grandchildren for them to click on and load their personal settings, and then the programs you’ve pre-selected for each of them. Once the kids are logged on, the Peanut Butter Software Browser takes over. It’s just like our desktop and browser, yet extremely simple and intuitive, making it possible for very young children to navigate. For instance, they don’t need to know the addresses for their favorite websites, or use a search engine to find them (and you don’t either). They just click on the icon for that website which is right in front of them on the screen. No more frustration and no more getting lost in grandma & grandpa’s files! And I should mention that it’s quite simple to install (trust me, if I can do it you can), and even simpler to exit back to your Windows desktop (simply click “CTRL,” “ALT,” & “P”). This is a great investment for $24.95 that your younger grandchildren will love, and that will give you peace of mind. Click on the link below to go to Peanut Butter Software’s website where you can learn more, see a demo, and even download a free trial version of the software to try it yourself!
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Our young mechanically inclined son has been aching to learn more about electronics and how things work. Snap Circuits Jr. are a perfect fit for him and other children like him, who enjoy building, creating, and learning. Snap Circuits electronics kits have been a huge hit with kids and parents since they were introduced a few years ago. Although the recommended age is 8-12, younger children (like our son) still love the projects but need some assistance from an adult. What makes Snap Circuits so accessible and fun for most children is that the electronic components are neatly packaged within Lego-like blocks that are easy to manipulate and seem more like “play” and less like “learning.” Yet learn they do! Children can configure the 30 Snap Circuit pieces to build a.m. radios, burglar alarms, doorbells, and other electronic gizmos. Most importantly, the kit is safe, powered only by 2 AA batteries. And who can resist the price? It’s a wonderful value considering the hours of delightful learning it provides. We weren’t surprised to find that the kit has won several awards, including the National Parenting Seal of Approval and Dr. Toy’s Best Children and Educational Products awards. Larger kits that enable more projects are also available.
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This rocket ship by International Playthings is great for toddlers, as there are no small or complicated parts. It’s also great for preschoolers who are at the height of their imaginary play phase. Although made of plastic, it’s of quality construction with lots of fun accents you might find in a real space shuttle (cockpit, cargo hold, microwave, Murphy bed, toilet, etc.). In addition to the rocket ship, the set includes 2 astronauts, space dog, alien, dune buggy, and moon crater. And, of course, there is a button that when pushed, takes kids through the “lift off” sequence (10, 9, 8… lift off!), simulates other rocket sounds, and lights up the “boosters.” A really fun and popular toy!
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Finally, a video game system that promotes physical as well as mental exercise! Yes, there’s the Wii system for older children, but the Smart Cycle by Fisher-Price is specifically designed for 3-6 year-olds — an age group that really needs to expend energy, regardless of the weather outside. The Smart Cycle “physical learning arcade system” plugs right into the TV, where your grandchildren can ride their onscreen car through virtual environments by pedaling (to keep the car moving) and steering (with the cycle’s handlebars), making sharp turns and negotiating other obstacles, while “catching” letters of the alphabet along the way. The Smart Cycle also has a console with buttons and joysticks (both sized and positioned appropriately for this age group) to play other games. It comes with a few games (on one cartridge), including “Math Mountain,” which reviews numbers, and “Shape Lake,” which introduces different shapes. Also included are a car racing game that allows 2 children to play at the same time, and a “creative journal” in which your grandchildren can create pictures of their travels. Of course, there are other game cartridges available for purchase, including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and other common characters. Regardless, there are plenty of essential skills that can be learned from these games, and along with the indoor exercise it offers, the Smart Cycle is an overall plus. It should be a big hit with your grandchildren, and Parenting Magazine agrees, having chosen it as one of their Best Toys of 2007.
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iPod Touch (8 GB 2nd Generation)$220 at Amazon.com |
By now you probably know about the iPod revolution. Your grandkids (12 and older) long for this new iPod that incorporates Apple’s “touch” technology introduced earlier this year in their beloved iPhone. Of course, the iPod Touch plays and stores music and photos, as Apple’s other iPod models do, and also plays video (tv and movies), as is featured in the latest iPod Nano (see our review). But the iPod Touch also allows you to browse the internet comfortably and in style! The iPod Touch’s “multi-touch interface” allows you to control everything using your fingers on the touch-sensitive screen (there’s no physical keypad). And it is so intuitive that, for example, if you turn the device horizontally, the display will automatically switch to “wide-screen” mode. We could describe its features in much greater detail (Amazon’s product description and the Apple website can fill in the blanks). Just know that any grandchild who receives this gift will be one very thrilled person, because the Touch is truly magical and highly prized! We’re featuring the iPod Touch 8 GB second generation model.
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Most preschoolers (and even some toddlers) are already interested in computers. Here’s a great new affordable kids computer that is designed specifically for 3-6 year-olds! LeapFrog’s ClickStart has alleviated many of the problems that occur when young children try to use computers meant for grownups. The television becomes the computer screen, the keyboard is wireless (no getting twisted up!), the mouse is downsized, and the buttons are colored for easy identification. ClickStart comes with four educational games that teach letters, phonics, counting, and computer skills. And of course, there are several other games that can be purchased separately, featuring preschooler favorites like Thomas & Friends, Dora the Explorer, and many more.
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