Hands-On Learning: TeacherGeek

TeacherGeek sells products that teach students engineering, math, science, and technology in a fun, hands-on manner.  Students learn by doing interesting projects where they are involved in the process from beginning to end – no boring textbooks!  They are guided through the process of asking questions and then answering them through a series of tasks related to the current project.  By the end of the project, they will have a better understanding and working knowledge of the skills presented for the project on which they’ve been working.

We received a “Catch the Bug” single kit ($22.98) to review.  At first, Munchkin wasn’t too excited about the whole project because she didn’t see the point.  Sadly, Daddy wasn’t much help as he kept asking the purpose of the project.  After reading over what they were going to be doing together and understanding the purpose of the project, they started to get more interested.  As the bug project continued, they got more excited and more involved in the project.  They laughed and talked their way through building the bug.

Before I continue, let me tell you a little bit more about the “Catch the Bug” kit.  Most of what you need is included in the kit.  You’ll want to take a look at the supply list on the website to see if you have the other necessary supplies.  If you don’t, you can order them directly from TeacherGeek, or you can pick up the supplies locally.  Because of all of the work that we do around here and on vehicles, we had the necessary supplies to complete the project.  The “Catch the Bug” kit teaches about:

• Circuits
• Parts of a circuit
• Series circuits
• Parallel circuits
• Electron flow/operation
• Current
• Voltage
• Resistance
• Switches
• Schematic representation

Knowing that Munchkin is going to need to do rewiring on her truck, these skills are extremely useful which made her perk up during the learning process.  Plus, it’s pretty fun to make the bug move this way and that.  And let me tell you, that bug can really move!

Now, back to the project…

The “Catch the Bug” project kit has 3 different steps.  In step one, you build the bug, but you don’t connect the wires – yet.  Munchkin and Daddy took turns putting this first phase of the bug together.

In step two (optional, but important if you want to actually learn the above mentioned skills), students will complete the electronics lab.  Through a series of questions and tasks with the bug, students will learn a variety of skills.

Munchkin had several “oh, I get it now” moments throughout the labs.

Learning about circuits, voltage, current, switches… can be fun – especially when you get to make the bug go crazy.

In step three, students finish making the bug.  The attach the wires and solder them in place.  By this point, Munchkin was tired of me taking pictures as you can see by her look.  Both Daddy and Munchkin give the TeacherGeek “Catch the Bug” kit two thumbs up.  After they were done assembling the bug, Munchkin had a blast playing with the bug. It went crazy all over our dining room.

Mom thinks this was a wonderful project for Daddy and daughter to do together.  While I would have no issue doing this with Munchkin, it provided a great opportunity for them to spend quality time together while gaining some valuable knowledge. Daddy did a great job explaining some of the things that weren’t completely clicking for Munchkin.  I’ll definitely be looking at more TeacherGeek products for the future.

Safety Note: Parental supervision is recommended. These products are intended to be used as educational tools which is best achieved with adult supervision. Even though they are a fun, educational tool, they are not intended to be used as toys.

I received a Catch the Bug kit to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed. All opinions, experiences, and images are my own.