Programming Ideas

• Build & Spin Challenge: Have patrons build a structure with at least 10 gears that can spin together with one turn. You can set time limits or themes like “spinny animals” or “gears at the playground.”
• Story + Build: Read a book like Rosie Revere, Engineer or What Do You Do With an Idea?, then invite participants to build a gear-powered invention inspired by the story.
• Simple Machines Station: Set up a STEM station with other kits (like pulleys, ramps, or LEGO WeDo). Let kids explore how different simple machines work—and how gears play a role.
• Gear Maze: Challenge teams to create a spinning path of gears that turns an object (like a flag or mini character) at the end. Longest chain wins!

Build Plans & Challenges

• Tallest Spinning Tower: How tall can you build a gear-based structure that still spins?
• Crank-a-Flag: Use the crank to raise a flag on a pole using gear rotation.
• Creature Creations: Build a creature with spinning limbs or a wagging tail.
• Theme Build: Assign themes like amusement park rides, robots, or Rube Goldberg machines.

Books to Pair With the Kit

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
• If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
• Andrew Learns about Engineers by Tiffany Obeng
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Tips for Use

• For ages 5+, but younger kids will love free play with adult supervision.
• Use trays or mats to contain pieces and make cleanup easier.
• Pair with a whiteboard or chart paper for sketching ideas.
• Great for pop-up maker programs, STEAM nights, or quiet play stations.

Water Suspension - Water Magic

Bubblology activity

Amazing Scientist Laboratory Activity Short

Newton's Beads

 The Science of Inertia

Wonder of Wind Bags

Quick Pour Soda Bottle - Vortex Racer

Cartesian Diver

Tornado Tube

Root Beer Genie

Balancing Nail Puzzle

Balancing Stick Challenge

Cornerstones of Science Activities:

• GOING WITH THE FLOW!
• KEEP YOUR COOL!

Newton's Laws of Motion Links:

• Britannica
• Glenn Research Center - NASA

Programming Ideas

• Design & Fly (Planes set): Let children build their own airplane, then "fly" it across the room (walking or tossing gently). Pair with a book like Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton.
• Blockaroo Races (Roadster set): Build roadsters and race them down a ramp or hallway. Let kids modify their vehicles and experiment with speed and design.
• Free Build + Story: Set up a free-build station and invite kids to build a creature, structure, or machine. Then ask them to tell a story about what they made. Encourage caregivers to join in!
• Sensory STEM Bin: Use a water-safe bin or sensory table for floatable play. Perfect for summer reading programs or toddler discovery times.

• Storytime Tie-Ins: Pair the Plane and Roadster builds with books about transportation or travel.

• Water Play Station: Use in bins or sensory tables.

• Spin & Count Game: Have kids spin a block and count how many rotations or build with a number of pieces shown on dice.

• Build & Tell: After kids create a plane or car, have them share where it’s going or who’s riding in it.

Build Prompts & Challenges

• Can you build a tower taller than your arm?
• Create a tower as tall as you can without tipping.
• Build a robot that spins?
• Build a flying car.
• Make an animal using 6 pieces or less.

Book Pairings

Here are book ideas to match the transportation theme:

• Revver the Speedway Squirrel by Sherri Duskey Rinker

• Go Girls Go! by Frances Gilbert, illustrated by Allison Black

• The Wheels on the… Uh-Oh! by Sue Tarsky, illustrated by Alex Willmore

• Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey

• Go! Go! Go! Stop! by Charise Mericle Harper

• Freight Train by Donald Crews

• Planes Fly! by George Ella Lyon

• If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen

• Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry

• Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro

• How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk

• The Airport Book by Lisa Brown

Care & Cleaning Instructions

• Blocks are top-rack dishwasher safe.

• Can be cleaned in multiple ways:

  • Mild soap and warm water

  • Vinegar and water solution

  • Antibacterial wipes

• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

• Air-dry completely after play in water to prevent mold or mildew during storage.

Set included material: Blackaroo Care and Idea Guide