"...The Kids Invent! approach to learning is a more engaging and natural way for kids to learn math, science, invention, and the process of transforming abstract ideas into tangible things. Through the inventing experience inherent in Kids Invent! Learning Activities, kids are faced with practical problems which they learn to solve through observations, thinking, and experimentation. As part of that process, they also learn how to use tools and materials, how to manage time and work with others...."
Unfortunately I did not have time to sit in through the entire workshop. I do not know the details but I would present a photo report so that you have a better idea what this is about. I like their approach to let kids do things on their own, let them fail, and let them try.
Straw Tower Game:
I played this in company's team building before. This simple game stimulates the kids to work together, and to explore what makes the tower stable.
Land Vehicle 1
I noticed that in this workshop, it's not so much about look, but self effort to make a functional toys.
Land vehicle 2
Look at the arrogant design of the land vehicle... the instructor did not teach step by step, but were shown basic step and kids just build per what they like
Aluminum Boat
Do you see the boat?
"Motor" boat
Yi Kai can explain why pouring water into the cup can make the boat move forward
Moving objects in the air... parachute
They experimented several parachutes and observe which one floats longest in the air
Another moving objects in the air
I am surprised that this cylindrical paper object can fly.
Paper Bridge
They experimented how to make a more robust bridge.
Preparation and Final presentation
The kids are free to make whatever toys they like and make presentation. They are supposed to sell their toys too!
Usually my son is always reluctant to go for this kind of workshop alone. However, he enjoyed this workshop very much and I can see that he always look forward to the next lessons.
Many people asked me about the price. And some people may have concern on transportation. The organizers are very helpful and they offered to transport my kids free of charge. I also obtained early bird discount. I know many of you will ask, but I paid SGD380. I know it's not cheap, but I would say worth the money. To me, it's not so much about learning how to make toys, but to cultivate the interest in learning, to have the ability to explore, to try, to fail, and to do things he likes. That is very rare in our education in this part of the world, right?
P/S : Photos are given to me by the organizer
