K'NEX Education - Simple Machines Deluxe Set

Product Description

Exciting STEM Set! The K'NEX Education Simple Machines Deluxe set is designed to introduce students to the scientific concepts associated with simple machines  -  Levers, Pulleys, Wheel & Axles, Inclined Planes, including Wedge and Screw, and Gears. Students are provided with the opportunity to acquire skills using a hands-on, inquiry based approach to information and concepts. Working cooperatively, students are encouraged to interact with each other as they build, investigate, discuss and evaluate scientific principles in action. The teacher's guide provides a glossary of key terms and definitions, includes an overview of the concepts associated with the different simple machines, identifies student objectives for each investigation, and offers plans and scripts to successfully present selected models and their associated activities. Student Activity and Reference Sheets comprise illustrations and definitions of some of the concepts featured in the model building activities. The K'NEX Education Simple Machines Deluxe set includes 3447 K'NEX parts and building instructions to build 60 simple machine models! This set supports 10 - 15 students working in teams, and is recommended for 3rd through 9th grade classrooms. A comprehensive teacher's guide CD outlines lesson plans aligned to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Standards included. Packaged in 3 strong storage trays with Snap-on lids. STEM Education focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts taught through problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning and critical thinking. STEM Education requires students to be active participants in the learning. K'NEX® models offer hands-on learning opportunities that encourage scientific inquiry, investigation and experimentation. Our inquiry-based lessons challenge students as they build, investigate, problem solve, discuss, and evaluate scientific and design principles in action. Aligned to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math standards.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75271 in Toys & Games
• Brand: K'Nex
• Model: 79520
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 12.50" h x 14.00" w x 20.25" l, 19.84 pounds

Features

• Introduces students to the scientific concepts associated with levers, pulleys, wheels & axles, inclined planes, and gears
• Builds 60 fully-functioning replicas of real-world machines!
• Includes 3,447 K'NEX pieces packaged in three strong storage trays with Snap-on lids
• Building instructions and comprehensive teacher's guide CD included
• For 3rd through 5th grade classrooms

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Deceptive Marketing - Teachers Beware
By middle_school_frazle
I purchased this item to use in my 7-8 science classroom. After researching three different web sites, it appeared that this could be use in small groups. My plan was to have several small groups building the same model. That is not possible, you can't even build multiple compatible models, you can build only one model per kit. For example, I can't build four different gear types and conduct a gear unit. This seems a little ridiculous considering that there are over 3,000 parts. Not real handy after spending $600 on these kits. My biggest issue with the product is that I feel the description misrepresents the product. The company sent the following e-mail in response to my complaint.

"Greetings from K'NEX. Thank for sharing your comments with us regarding your new Simple Machine Deluxe Set. We appreciate your feedback and we have also passed it along to our Education Division. Although you as an educator are welcome to use the set in whatever way you choose, we have found that the set is most effectively used with groups of 2-3 students each are working on a model from one of the five different machine types. This method will allow the 10-15 students, working in teams, to be accommodated as is indicated on our website. If your plan was to have all the students learning about one machine type at a time you may want to build a model and have it displayed in the classroom as you teach (two sets would allow you to build two of the same model built at a time).

Your friends at K'NEX."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Exceptional value for something that teaches engineering, geometry, science, and design so effectively. (MS Science Teacher)
By JJ
I am an ex-middle school science and presently a middle-school technology teacher... I give this 5 stars without reservation.

To parents: This is ideal for one to three kids to play/explore/learn together. I can think of no better way to really grab concepts related to engineering, design, geometry, and general science than the KNEX Simple Machines Deluxe set that you are looking at. Yes, it is not something under 100, and I understand that for some, the expense will be a real factor. But what else of real educational value will you be purchasing for your children? A computer? A Tablet? After a PC (which can be used many hours with very little benefit), I can't think of a better investment in your child's future... especially if you think that he or she has any interest in any of the areas mentioned: Engineering, Design, Physics, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Programming, Logic, Building projects, etc, etc.

If you child needs extra help in these areas, this set will be involving and fun way to learn and re-learn. Ideally, I would like to see any child with aptitude in these ares to be able to explore and design with it... consider it enrichment activities. These things are tested and children who don't actively work with these skills to get confused. So academically, I have to encourage this. Age group? You really have to judge this one... I see 8 year olds that do well with this...I see 9th graders who are engrossed by this... it is all a matter of where your child is at. As his or her parent, you are best able to judge this. I will tell you this much, kids see this as a toy... like advanced blocks.. and they take to it like any other toy.

To educators: As one educator gave this a one-star review, let me point out that her review was not based on what this educationally engaging "toy" but rather she was concerned that she couldn't use one set for 20-some kids. Really? It is pretty obvious that you can't have everyone doing the same machines at the same time. But can you use this in a larger class setting? There is actually a way to do that... but it would take some good pedagogy and planning as all kids could not be using the same 'machines' at once. Break them into groups and pre-instruct certain table leaders in what they will be doing... you will create self-guided, student-led learning centers.

Still, I understand that this educator wanted to do something that everyone was engaged with together. Nope. Not this set. However, I tend to think that if the children in the classroom can't be student-lead into learning centers, with teacher supervision over all learning centers, then the students are too young for this set....unless you, as an educator, want to buy 5 or more sets of this. Ouch. :)

I can't knock even a point off of my rating for the fact that it isn't designed for the simplicity of the teaching method. Not everything can be simply led from the front of the room. But, I know that there are some great educators out there that would disagree. Read their reviews and judge for yourself.

5 stars for fun, engagement, and educational value.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
K'nex review
By T.R. Swan
I bought this set to use in a homeschool co-op with groups of students various ages. The kids love building the sets and they are durable. It doesn't really explain how to use them in a group setting, although the product description states it is for groups. It just took some thought to work something out. Overall, the product itself is great!

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