What’s more exciting to a kid than LEGO’s? Except mine were not this sophisticated. Introducing the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox. These LEGO’s are awesome because you get to build some pretty cool stuff. Your kid has a choice of five “multifunctional models” tapping directly into their creative coding skills. Whether coding Vernie-the-Robot or The Guitar4000 – this is an action-packed LEGO building system and a perfect way to introduce your kids to technology.
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Make no mistake, if your kid loves technology, at the right age, and you want to tap into their analytical side – this is a great choice. It’s a great way to introduce them to technology and give them a sense of accomplishment after coding, then building one of these models. It’s engineering 101 – but so much fun.
For example, The M.T.R.4. (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) is “a robust, versatile rover with 4 different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter.” Another project: The Guitar4000 – where the builder gets to put together a musical instrument and adjust various pitches and sound effects. One of my favorites and one I would tackle right out of the gates: The Autobuilder. This is coding an ‘I Love Lucy’-like production line that builds miniature LEGO models. What kid wouldn’t love building a mini-factory production that creates other LEGO creations?
These are Smart LEGO’s so they come with an iOS/Android compatible companion app. This gives a glimpse into the different projects, the step-by-step instructions, and the interface to start coding models. The LEGO’s come in different color schemes (white, orange, blue) and have built-in intuitive sensors capable of detecting distance, motion, and color. They can also be used as a light source. Here a glimpse at the LEGO Boost package:
• Includes over 840 LEGO® pieces, plus a LEGO Move Hub, Interactive Motor, and a Color & Distance Sensor.
• Move Hub features Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, two encoded motors, activation button, internal tilt sensor and a light.!
• Build and code robots and models, and complete exciting activities with the playmat and intuitive LEGO® BOOST app, available for iOS and Android tablet devices.
If you’re a LEGO lover, like I am, you remember the nostalgia around building a fortress out of LEGO’s. Or what it was like to include your construction guy Minifigure into the LEGO Bridge you were building. Nowadays, this is “Childs play” – no pun intended – for kids are now able to program their LEGO’s. Make them come alive and then check it out on a smartphone.