I like to do various semi-education activities with my kids, most often on Saturdays. We call these Science Saturdays activities. I am going to post about some of the successful activities and the less-than-great semi-educational activities.

KiwiCo Civil Engineer Starter Kit

We have used many kits from KiwiCo they are a great company that provides fun and educational toys and kits. They are sometimes hit-and-miss. Today, we will cover the Civil Engineer Starter Kit.

The KiwiCo Civil Engineer Starter Kit is a captivating and educational introduction to the world of civil engineering, tailored for curious young minds. This comprehensive kit empowers children to delve into the realms of design, construction, and problem-solving through hands-on exploration and creativity.

Kid Approved? Yes

We brought this kit to a family gathering, so we used it to entertain kids of varying ages from 4-8. We broke it into two sessions. In the first session, we built towers, and we stress-tested them, and added weights. The kids loved the “earthquake” machine. They enjoyed playing with the weights and laughed delightfully as the towers collapsed before we added additional support.

In the second session, we built a bridge. This required a bit more coordination, so I had to help put this together. It was enjoyable to the kids but not nearly as engaging or fun as the shake table and tower activities.

Replayability

The shake table and putting other things on it, and just knocking over the towers is enough of a hit that you can pull the kit out from time to time and the kids will re-engage with it. Months later, the youngest kids still enjoy playing with the shake table. Watching things fall over and laughing.

I will also so I enjoyed this kit quite a bit and had a good time playing with it and going through the activities.

Kit / Toy Detailed Description

Inside the KiwiCo Civil Engineer Starter Kit, you’ll discover a treasure trove of carefully curated materials and components. These include high-quality building supplies, engaging activity cards, and an assortment of fascinating challenges that guide children through the process of building their own miniature structures. The kit is designed to offer an immersive experience that mirrors the tasks and responsibilities of real civil engineers.

At the heart of the kit is a series of thoughtfully designed projects. Each project introduces a unique aspect of civil engineering, such as constructing bridges, designing skyscrapers, or creating sturdy foundations. The activity cards provide step-by-step instructions that empower children to take the lead in the building process. This hands-on engagement fosters essential skills like critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and attention to detail.

The KiwiCo Civil Engineer Starter Kit doesn’t just teach the mechanics of construction; it also encourages creative thinking. As children follow the instructions and build their structures, they’re also prompted to consider variations and modifications that can enhance their designs. This aspect of the kit nurtures innovation and encourages children to approach problems from different angles, a fundamental skill in the field of engineering.

Beyond individual projects, the KiwiCo Civil Engineer Starter Kit fosters collaboration. It’s an ideal activity for families, friends, or classroom settings, as multiple participants can work together to solve challenges, share ideas, and bring their collective visions to life. This collaborative element encourages communication, teamwork, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.