Pros
Great for learning about hydraulics and engineering
Excellent customer service with prompt replacement parts
Bright materials and clear, detailed instructions
Good supplementary educational content
Cons
Difficult to assemble, especially for children aged 6-14
Hydraulics are prone to leaking, causing functionality issues
Parts can be flimsy and may require additional tools to fix
Main Product Advantages
9 Customer Support
The customer service provided by Thames & Kosmos is exceptional, often offering replacements for faulty parts and handling issues promptly.
8 Educational Value
The product is designed to teach kids about hydraulics and engineering concepts in a hands-on way.
6 Included Components
The kit includes all necessary parts to build the machine, but some users reported missing parts which were eventually replaced by customer service.
5 User Experience
User experiences vary significantly; some find it a disappointing and frustrating toy, while others appreciate the educational value despite the flaws.
4 Material Quality
The plastic materials used are not very durable, leading to frequent breakages and malfunctions.
3 Functionality
The product often fails to work as intended, with common issues including leaking hydraulics and non-functional components.
2 Assembly Difficulty
The product is difficult to assemble and is not suitable for younger children without significant adult help.
2 Age Appropriateness
The toy is recommended for ages 6-14 but is generally too complex for the younger part of this range.
Thames & Kosmos Candy Claw Engineering STEM Experiment Maker Lab Review
Step right up and try your luck! Do you have what it takes to grab a claw-full of candy with the Candy Claw Machine? This STEM experiment kit allows you to build your own working model of the classic claw machine, an arcade staple known for its enticing challenges and rewarding gameplay.
Engaging STEM Challenge
Experiment to develop your motor skills and engineering chops to conquer this awesome STEM challenge. The Candy Claw Machine features cranks, gears, and belts to move the claw arm left and right, and forward and back. Hydraulic levers add another layer of engagement by moving the arm up and down, and opening and closing the claw. The machine leverages hand power and mechanical advantages without the need for batteries or electricity.
Multiple Claw Shapes
The kit includes three different claw shapes, referred to as “end effectors” by roboticists. Experiment with each shape to see which works best for picking up specific candies or prizes. This aspect adds a layer of customization and experimentation, perfect for budding engineers.
Hydraulic and Mechanical Learning
Learn how gears, levers, belts, screws, hydraulics, linkages, cranks, and claws all contribute to the machine's functionality. This hands-on approach to learning makes complex engineering concepts accessible and fun.
Interactive Gameplay
The game includes a spring-loaded trap door that shoots collected candy at you if you succeed. You can time yourself or compete with friends to retrieve specific objects within a given time. This interactive aspect makes it more than just a static learning tool; it’s a fully-fledged game that sharpens dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Customizable Fillings
Though the kit comes with 6 lollipops and decoys, you can fill the claw machine with any small candies, toys, or objects of your choice. This adds a personal touch and broadens the scope of what you can do with the machine.
Conclusion
The Thames & Kosmos Candy Claw Engineering STEM Experiment Maker Lab offers an innovative take on a robotic arm with the added fun of winning prizes. It blends education and entertainment seamlessly, making it an excellent tool for developing motor skills, engineering knowledge, and dexterity. Whether for individual or group play, this advanced difficulty kit is sure to captivate and educate.
