Connetix Tiles are an amazing STEM toy. STEM toys are educational toys designed to promote learning and development in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Connetix Tiles are crafted to engage children in hands-on activities that stimulate their curiosity and help them develop important skills while playing.
Here are some reasons why STEM toys such as Connetix Tiles are beneficial for children:
1. Learning through play: STEM toys make learning fun and engaging, allowing kids to explore STEM concepts in a playful and enjoyable way.
2. Critical thinking: They encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills as children tackle challenges and overcome obstacles.
3. Hands-on experience: STEM toys provide hands-on experiences that help kids grasp abstract concepts and develop practical skills.
4. Creativity and imagination: Many STEM toys encourage creativity and imagination by allowing children to design and build their projects.
One of our favourite ways to use Connetix in a STEM project is by creating a Magic Answer Machine. You put a card with a question into the machine and it gives you the answer! Cool right??
Below are step by step photos and instructions of how to build the machine yourself and also a video.
To create this machine you will need:
- 16 squares
- 2 equilateral triangles
- 2 rhombus
- 2 trapezoid
- 1 gate
- 1 3-piece rectangle
- 1 4-piece rectangle
The Connetix Tiles range is getting quite large with a big variety of shapes and colours.
Squares and equilateral triangles are available across many Connetix Tiles sets including; Starter, creative and mega packs and the gates are included in some of these packs as well.
The rhombus and trapezoid are available in the Shape Expansion Pack. You can also use multiple equilateral triangles instead.
The rectangles are part of the Rectangle Packs.
Let's Get Started
Step 1: Create the base of the tower with 4 squares. There is no bottom or top on this yet.
Step 2: Continue to build the tower another level.
Step 3: Add another level, however only use three tiles this time. Leave a gap for the ramp in step 4.
Step 4: Carefully place the 4-piece rectangle as a ramp from the top of the tower down on an angle. It will be resting on a single square tile to make it less steep.
Step 5: Add one more layer on top of the tower, again only using
3 tiles to keep the front free.
Step 6: Add a gate piece as the fourth tile on the top level, and close the tower off with a square tile as the roof.
Step 7: Add the 3-piece rectangle as an extention of the ramp.
Step 8: Add a trapezoid and triangle on each side of the ramp to help the cards stay on the ramp.
(p.s. You can use triangles for step 8 & 9 instead if you don’t have the new shapes)
Step 9: Add a rhombus on either side to increase stability.
Step 10: Create little question cards with the question on one side, and the answer
on the other. Insert the card question up into the Magic Answer Machine, and voila! The answer will slide down the ramp.
You don't just have to do maths sums, you can get creative and do the same with facts too!
We love using this creation for school work. I prepare the card for Benji and link it to his homework, but he also loves creating them himself.
It’s a fun and hands on way of learning and educational too!
Will you give this machine a go? Please share your version with us!
Written by Lisa from @labyrinths.and.lovehearts