I’m always looking for ways to get my 10-year-old son out from in front of a screen. I have found that keeping his hands busy and mind actively processing and strategizing is key. Obviously, there is reading and board games, but what about constructing and discovering new ways to create? We recently discovered the world of Owirobot. They offer Inquisitive Science Kits to challenge your children. Oh boy, it was so exciting to flip through their catalog. Imagine building solar-powered robots, salt-water-fueled vehicles, even air-powered racers. Lots to choose from, it may be hard to decide what to build first.

We were able to review the Magnetic Levitation Express RobotiKits. When Kaden opened the shipping box to reveal what was inside, he was ecstatic. I appreciate that it shows on the side of the box the actual side view size of the product. It also offers a photo on the back with the kit’s contents and what is needed additionally to complete your kit. You will need a few tools, like a screwdriver, diagonal cutters, and 2 AAA batteries. 

I also love that they provide a bit of information about the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world, the Shanghai. Yes, you read correctly . . . levitating. It is the world’s fastest train, clocking in at 268 MPH. Here you get to build a train with no wheels that has no motor, but uses magnetic power. It literally floats in the air while using an electromagnet to zip it around the track. We honestly have not seen anything quite like this model before. It was great because not only was it cool to build, but we were able to elaborate our studies further, and Kaden didn’t even think of it as school or learning. We investigated more about trains in general. We watched videos on how Maglev trains are built and did some research on pollution-free transportation. This inevitably had us reading about China, magnetic energies, the poles and how they repel on themselves but attract each other.

The model is really a high-quality product; Hubby and I were very impressed. The instructions were clear, organized, and easy to follow. This particular kit is for 8 years old and up. Obviously, you are dealing with magnets, and if swallowed, you could have a serious problem, so I would not recommend this to a family that had very young kids. I also want to share that it took my husband and Kaden about 4 hours to complete. The one tedious thing that slowed them down was cutting the plastic burrs from each piece. Kaden has delayed motor skills, so Dad had to help with this (there were tons to clip off). But I would say it was worth every snip to see the enjoyment on his face and the hours of conversation that went on and on long after completion. We look forward to adding a few more sets in the near future. If you are looking to give a gift to a child that will spark invention and creativity, this is for you. If you have a child who loves building or admires trains, this is for you. Even to add some excitement to your homeschool day or summer afternoon, then this is for you. There are so many reasons to consider Owirobot today.

-Product review by Sheila Quach, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2017