(NOTE: I was given this Zig and Go kit to review but opinions are my own.)
Have you heard of STEM? No, it’s not part of a flower — nor a watch. (Do you remember back in the day – before digital watches – that a watch had a stem that you pulled out so you could set the time? I’m NOT referring to that stem here.)
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is an educational approach to learning that uses these areas to help kids develop skills like problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking. In my humble opinion, it is vital that kids develop these skills! (Physics is also part of the learning process here — the action/reaction effect. But don’t tell the kids that physics is involved! It might scare them away . . . .)
So, I’m thrilled when I discover toys that make kids think and solve problems. This Zig and Go chain reaction kit fits that criteria. PLUS it’s fun to use!
This kit comes with metal marbles, a wooden ball, a wooden bar bell, a mallet, a curved track, and various-sized wooden blocks.
It also has an instructions booklet that shows three different course designs that kids can build. It’s easy for kids to understand.
Our granddaughter and grandson were excited to try it out. They mastered the first design in no time at all.
They went on to the second design.
They got a wee bit sidetracked before they made the third design. They started building their own course. Wonderful! That’s exactly what I hoped this kit would lead them to.
At first, the metal ball wouldn’t go. So they made a few changes. Still didn’t work. They tried again. And again. Their interest didn’t wane during the whole process.
Here’s a short video of them (trying) to get their design to works.
My grandkids loved playing with this and gave it two thumbs up.
I give it two thumbs up, too. Lemme tell you why.
First, everything is sturdy and well-built. It will last through hours and hours and hours of play. No flimsy cardboard stuff or weak plastic here. Sweet.
Next, there is a good variety of the building shapes and sizes. Similar kits might have only one or two shapes. That doesn’t encourage creativity. Not. At. All. With those types of kits, kids soon think ‘meh’ and lose interest.
Not so with this kit! This variety helps spark innovative ways to build designs. If one size doesn’t work, kids immediately try to figure out if a bigger or smaller size would. Or if more of one kind of shape needs to be used. You gotta have variety for critical thinking and problem solving. Double sweet.
The appropriate age for this toy is quite wide. Our grandson is six. He could follow the directions and could also come up with his own design. Our granddaughter is 11 and she really liked this kit, too. To me, that is the mark of a good STEM toy.
Christmas is just around the corner. This chain reaction set would be a perfect Christmas present for a grandchild. (It would also be a perfect birthday present.)
Click here to see the Zig and Go set. Then go to Presently Goods to see all of their products. You’ll find lots of toys on their site that would be a great gift for a grandchild or as an addition to YOUR toy box for when grandkids come for a visit.
Now, pardon me. I’m off to check out the Waffle Block Builder set . . .
