Our world needs vaccines to challenge viruses, clean energy to fight climate changes and finding new ways to battle global hunger. These are some of the real world problems which scientists, engineers, statisticians and researchers are battling in their everyday lives. These careers are in high demand because we now lived in a knowledge-based economy. Therefore, it is essential to give our children STEM-based curriculums to prepare them for global competitiveness.
What Is STEM Education And How It Can Improve Learning
STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and is one of the most talked about topics in education today. Unlike individual subjects such as language, math and science, STEM focuses on technology and integrate these subjects together.
STEM is not about scoring good grades but rather developing high-level thinking in students. They are exposed to real-world problems and learn to collaborate, research and communicate. Students are also encouraged to process critical thinking, able to problem solve and be more creative. These are essential skills which are required for any jobs, interest or careers today and in the future.
One of the easiest ways to get your child to be interested in STEM is through toys. For different ages, these toys or kits are designed to teach children basic programming languages, electronics and robotics. Learning through play, children can see what is possible for them and what they can achieve through these toys.
Droid Inventor Kit By LittleBits
Besides those lightsaber action scenes, Star Wars have many loveable droids. I would rank R2D2 for being the cutest droid for its quirkiness. Winner of 2018 Creative Toy Of The Year, LittleBits brings fuss-free building kit of the famous Star Wars, R2D2 droid, to everyone who is new to engineering.
What’s In The Box?
There are six little bits (that’s the name!) included in the Droid Inventor Kit. They are the Control Hub, DC Motor, Power, Proximity Sensor, Servo and Wire Bits. These little bits, or modules, are essential parts to power on and control the droid. As these tiny electronics modules are connected through magnetic contacts, no screws are needed.
Rest of the items packed inside the box includes clear plastic parts, stickers for customisation and a quick start guide. For more detailed instructions with how-to videos, fun missions and controls, you can download the free Droid Inventor app on iOS and Andriod.
Time to get inspired and build the Droid Inventor Kit!
I am an Engineering University graduate, and I am impressed with LittleBits Droid Inventor Kit. The Star Wars’ R2D2 is easy to assemble because there are not many parts and the instructions are clear. Simply align and connect the electronic modules, you are good to go.
The only problem which my seven-year-old boy faced was taking notice of the correct orientation. He needs to relook at the 3D instructional videos to make sure he is on the right track.
In the free app, there are 20 original droid sound effects and 17 in-app missions for my little boy to challenge. You can also record your voice and sent it over to the R2D2 toy through Bluetooth. By rearranging the electronic modules, you will unlock more exciting features.
In conclusion, this kit by LittleBits encourages the understanding of basic electronics, enhancing STEM and creative space for DIY skills.
Tinkercademy Makes STEM Learning Fun Like R2D2
Singapore’s long-term vision is to be a smart nation. Today, many schools are encouraging their students to attend STEM-related courses. However, most parents may find it difficult for their children to have interest in such competency.
To help the parents, Tinkercademy makes coding and electronics learning fun like building LittleBit’s R2D2 kit. For students from age seven years to 18 years old, the school aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and possibly other potential skills in their students.
Tinkercademy currently carries Droid Inventor Kit By LittleBits in Singapore, together with their own Tinker Kit and a large catalogue of other toys. You can find all of them at Tinkercademy’s online store, GetHacking.com.
Want to win LittleBits’ R2D2 Droid Inventor Kit? To enter,
- Like @lemonfilmblog and @tinkercademy on Facebook.
- Subscribe to my blog here so that I can contact you through email.
- Then, leave a comment here telling me what is the name of Tinkercademy’s online store.
Entries close next Friday, March 23rd at 2359hrs and one winner will be chosen at random. Good luck! *This giveaway is open to readers in Singapore only! Please do not leave your email or web address in the body of the comment. Winner will be contacted via email once comments close, and announced at the bottom of this post soon after.
Winner Announcement For LittleBits’ R2D2 Droid Inventor Kit Contest
Congratulations to Dorry Lim. We will contact you through your email.
