Learning toys for the classroom
Last week, we looked at some of the best educational toys available for young scientists and mathematicians who love to explore at home, on their own or with parental guidance.
Edward and Monica Sy have made it their life’s mission to make abstract learning fun, by supplying mathematics games, science kits, hands-on models not just to stores, but also directly to schools, such as Ateneo de Manila Grade School, Xavier School, International School, British School, Beacon School, among others.
Recently, public schools also expressed interest in their products.
“We pick safe, high-quality, functional toys that make math and science learning interesting,” says Edward.
Take geometry, for instance. “Instead of taking a long time to draw figures on the board, or asking students to look at the textbooks,” Monica says, “teachers can use our models to help students visualize sizes, shapes, volumes. Why make life hard for everyone if good materials are available?”
Here are my top picks for the math and science classroom.
Math toys
Number Equalizer Balance (Gigo) is a nifty way to display number relationships. By placing weights on selected places on the balance beam, students can literally see whether a number is greater than, less than or equal to another number. They can add and subtract weights to see what happens next.
Older students can use the Measuring Balance that compares the weights or volumes of solids or liquids. (Preschool to Grade 2)
Hide and Seek Pirates (Learning Resources) helps develop logic and problem-solving skills. Children arrange puzzle pieces on the board so that only the required picture is shown. The game is an excellent way for kids to literally get hands-on with problem-solving. (Preschool to Grade 4)
Construction Rods (Gigo) is a deceptively simple way to introduce children to basic geometry. The kit consists of bendable plastic rods of different sizes, with fasteners to join them together. By handling basic materials, students can readily grasp the concepts of point, line, edge, plane. Children can build pyramids, cubes, prisms, to discover and explore their properties. (Grades 2-5)
GeoSolids (EDX Education) makes the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional a lot easier, and a lot more fun! What does a pyramid, a cone, a cylinder, or a prism look like when flattened? These remarkable collapsible structures can be folded into spatial shapes, or opened out to become plane figures. (Grades 3-5)
Fraction Squares (EDX Education) are accurate representations of how common fractions look like. If a whole measures 10 square centimeters, how does one-sixth compare to one-fourth or to 1/12?
Fractions are often difficult for primary students. Seeing these models can help them understand the principles in more depth. Afterwards, students can look at Percentage Squares, and compare percentages with fractions. (Grades 3-5)
Science toys
Super Chem (Power Tech) is a chemistry kit with a hundred experiments. Using everyday things, children can create a geyser, clean old coins, make invisible ink, build a gas cannon, detect iron in cereal, and even remove the shell from an egg without touching it. This kit can also be used in the home, but it would be a hit in a primary school science lab. (Grades 3-5)
Remote Controlled Robots (Gigo) uses simple models to showcase cutting-edge technology. Students can assemble cranes, bulldozers or robots, and their motor-controlled movements can be adjusted with infrared and touch-sensitive remote control devices. (Grades 4-6)
Electric Vehicles (Gigo) allows children to build their own cars and power them using a dynamo. They can vary the time and the frequency of cranking to see which models run faster. Physics principles are explained in a simple way in the manual. (Grades 4-6)
Animal Cell (COG) makes biology come alive! Ever wondered what the inside of a cell looks like? This plastic model consists of take-apart nucleus, mitochondrion, cytoplasm and other parts, with detailed cross sections to make young biologists understand the structure of our cells.
Other models include plant, bacteria, virus, white blood and red blood cells. (Grade 4 to high school)
Physics Workshop (Thames and Kosmos) introduces elementary students to mechanical physics through hands-on construction of machines, from simple pulleys and clocks to complicated Mars robots and pinball games. A total of 300 building pieces, complemented by a 64-page assembly manual, guarantees hours of fun and learning. (Grade 4 to high school)
Contact Gentle Star Trading Corporation at 747-1421 or 638-8630 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. Contact Monica Sy at 0917-5294604.
E-mail the author at [email protected].
