springmama Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 My 5 year old boy thinks he's an inventor. He draws diagrams of machines and inventions all day long. He tells strangers that he is an inventor and tells them all about his latest idea. For Christmas, all he wants is an "invention kit". When asked what he wants to be in the kit, he just says "things to help me build my inventions." I do not want to disappoint him. Ideas? Remember, he's only 5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 My 5 year old boy thinks he's an inventor. He draws diagrams of machines and inventions all day long. He tells strangers that he is an inventor and tells them all about his latest idea. For Christmas, all he wants is an "invention kit". When asked what he wants to be in the kit, he just says "things to help me build my inventions." I do not want to disappoint him. Ideas? Remember, he's only 5. Oh! Someone else had a great thread going about this! Let me see if I can find it... Try here for ideas: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218374 http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222767 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kebo Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 We haven't tried them (yet---I've got one kit to give this year), but many rave about Snap Circuits and I have seen some reviews about children that young using them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherLinda Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 Toysmith has little boxes with invention type things. You'd have to do some looking to see if there are any that look appropriate for your son. I found them on Amazon but also at our Hobby Lobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabelle Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 A friend of mind published this article a few years back...thought you might find it helpful: http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-home/article/creating-an-inventors-lab.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 mindstorm catalog has some great things is fall. Lots of multipurpose sets (not just building one thing but pieces to match together in multiple ways). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 Oh, I've had that kid and it ain't easy! One thing he might enjoy is a book of Rube Goldberg cartoons. Here is one option. You want one with mainly pictures, obviously. I cannot begin to explain how inspirational this can be. Then I'd go with a bunch of assorted stuff. NOT snap circuits - because they are designed to snap so easily together, taking the "tinkering" part out of the equation. Inventors don't want to put together something that someone else already invented. They want to tinker about with bits and pieces of things. Old-school battery holders, bulb holders, wire, a fan, a buzzer, a motor or two, perhaps some old-school switches, and some batteries. The best method would be to find discarded appliances, take them apart together, and use the pieces. The best type are old CD players, as they have motors and gears and often a fan. Other stuff can work too - we've used a sewing machine, a rice cooker, computer keyboards, etc. etc. etc. You'll need someone who can identify this stuff (the motors, etc.) to help. A string of twinkle lights can be cut into individual bulbs with wires already attached, or strings of 3 or 4 lights. The best batteries are 12volt, as they can power some stuff that the usual AA batteries can't. A vintage meccano set might be handy, if you come across one. I've done this kind of "Take Apart Day" with a public school class full of 3rd graders. I cannot begin to tell you how much they loved it. They used the parts to build "robots" out of cardboard boxes, etc., with fans and lights and motors attached that they imagined did various things. Being able to actually have powered stuff was positively thrilling for them. We did solder (sp?) some of the connections to reduce frustration. The TOPS electricity curriculum is excellent for teaching the basics of electricity to younger kids. Building a simple circuit to power a fan, buzzer, etc. is within the reach of a motivated five year old with a bit of help from mom. Some screwdrivers and a pair of wire cutters will be useful. Duct tape, of course. The Junior Solar Sprint challenge is a good place to look for inspiration - kids build solar cars from junk (and a specific motor and solar panel) - the stuff they make is crazy-looking but that's the idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 We occasionally patronize a store near my mother called The Scrap Exchange where they sell you a bag and you fill it with random bits of stuff. It's great for "inventions" - if you have anywhere like that near you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 I have a five year old boy like that. He is getting the old 'pile of PVC pipes and connectors' as well as clothes pins, rubber bands, and PINK masking tape. He adores pink and masking tape. He will be in heaven! Oh, I will toss some magnets and twist ties and pipe cleaners into the mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.