MindWare KEVA Contraptions
Best Product From MindWare
Creative Fun
I bought this for my 9yo son. We have only had it for 2 days, but he and his 14yo brother have been immensely enjoying it. Unlike the previous reviewer, I understood what we were getting -- a set of 200 identical wooden planks with instructions for *building* ramps, chutes, funnels and "crazy contraptions". Because no glue or connectors are used, it *is* challenging to build the contraptions but that is also what makes it an extremely open-ended toy. The first night my 9yo was a bit frustrated. We talked about how it wouldn't be much fun if I got him a toy where he "beat the boss" on the first night, and that with this toy he'd have a chance to improve and get better at using it over time, and that as evidenced by his older brother, he'd probably still be enjoying 5 years from now. He took that to heart and by the next morning was already starting to master some of the building forms and had created his own working contraption.
This toy requires patience. It would be...
Young thinkers can build unbelievable ball track structures with this simple stacking plank system. Create ramps, funnels, chutes and crazy contraptions like the "Black Hole" and "Bounce Plate." Then find out if the ball rolls as expected. Fostering unlimited creativity and experimentation, KEVA planks build an early understanding of proportion and balance, while teaching basic principles of physics and engineering. No glue, no connectors-just loads of constructive fun! Includes 200 identical wooden planks, 2 specially designed lightweight balls for maximum action and an 18-page idea book with project photos and quick-start instructions. KEVA Contraptions planks are made from pine.
- Learning that's right on track
- Create ramps, funnels, chutes and crazy contraptions like the "Black Hole" or the "Bounce Plate"
- No Glue, no connectors - just loads of constructive fun
- Includes 200 identical wooden planks, 2 specially designed light weight balls for maximum action
- And an 18 page idea book with project photos and quick start instructions
- Ages 7 and up
the next step
My 8 and 9 year old boys are Lego fanatics and have built the most complicated kits we can get, they also are fascinated by the Rube-Goldberg type contraptions they have been able to build during science camps and classes. Contraptions seemed like a great addition to their building collection. I was a little put off by some of the reviews that said they were frustrating but ordered them anyway. These do demand a degree of patience but my kids have amazed me with their creations, building 3 foot tall and 8 foot long contraptions that are truly complicated and wonderful. with young boys, the fun doesn't end with the build and roll, the destruction part is equally fun for them!! A great and durable product!
Challenging toy for older children
I bought this for my 10 year old son for Christmas and could tell that he was a little overwhelmed when he looked at the instructional booklet. I sat on the floor and helped him build the hopper and funnel, easing his anxiety. He has since built quite a few contraptions on his own, and so has his twin sister. A steady hand is a must and so is patience because towers can be knocked over fairly easily if not constructed well.
This toy has so many possibilities and will still be played with years to come because of its potential complexity. It's hard to outgrow this toy.
The Keva balls may need to be replaced with ping pong balls since one of the them was accidentally dented by my son, but as we found out through trial and error, heavier substitutes don't work, so I see why the balls are so light. I have not been able to find Keva ball replacements, so I will shop for ping pong balls.
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