Almost three years later, Makey Makey is back; new and improved. The possibilities are endless with this wildcard of a toy. Turn bananas into a xylophone, your own drawing into a touchpad, play-dough into a game controller, buckets of water into a dancing platform, or your staircase into a giant piano!
Confused? Watch this informational and awesome video made by the creators:
Makey Makey is essentially a circuit board with alligator clips that connect to your computer via USB, making any objects connected interactive and fun.
With Christmas around the corner, you and your kids will love the time you’ll be able to spend together, inventing new gadgets using your household items!
No programming knowledge is required, no software is to be installed, and Makey Makey is compatible with Mac and Windows computers.
I’ll be right back… I’m going to scroll through Facebook using marshmallows as arrow keys… and then… not… eat them when I’m done…
Get your Makey Makey for $49.93 while they’re in stock now from Amazon!
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Remember when the most sophisticated item in the classroom was a calculator and maybe a computer with a CD-ROM? Those days are long gone. But it’s not just about bringing devices and Windows 10 into the classroom anymore, Microsoft has been rethinking how we use technology to encourage our kids to learn. Here are 4 ways that Microsoft is using technology to change the way our kids learn.
1. Minecraft Education Edition
It’s no secret that kids absolutely LOVE Minecraft, so it’s no surprise that Microsoft’s Minecraft Education edition has been a smashing success. To that effect, since its launch a little over a year ago, Minecraft Education Edition now has over 2 million licensed users and over 250 lesson plans available that educators have contributed. Today, Microsoft is releasing a new Minecraft Hour of Code tutorial called Minecraft: Hero’s Journey. The tutorial includes introduces computer science concepts and such as debugging and functions. After kids are done coding their own Minecraft level, they can share it, play it, and even bring the level into Minecraft: Education Edition on a Windows 10 PC.
2. Making 3D Accessible
The Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update heavily focused on making 3D object creation super simple. Thanks to an update to the Paint app, it has never been this easy for kids (and adults) to create advanced 3D objects. The 3D objects can easily be brought into Office apps like Powerpoint. You can even bring your 3D objects into reality using the Mixed Reality Viewer.
3. Mixed Reality
Think Mixed Reality is just for video games? Think again. Brands like Samsung, Acer, Dell and Lenovo are all releasing relatively affordable mixed reality headsets this holiday season, and all it takes is bringing one into the classroom to change everything for students. I experienced an educational demo where I was transported to Machu Picchu. I learned about the fascinating geography and history behind this world wonder, and was even transported back in time to get a picture of what Machu Picchu looked like over 500 years ago. This type of experience is a game changer in the classroom since it essentially brings the field trip to the classroom – especially when it comes to places and experiences that would otherwise be too expensive or impractical to travel to.
4. Hacking STEM
Despite all this talk of using digital media to educate kids, Microsoft is also aware of how important it is for kids to get “physical” with their learning. Hacking STEM offers free lessons which include hands-on activities. All of the activities can be easily put together using inexpensive everyday materials that Hacking STEM lists on their site. The lesson plans include everything from building a machine that emulates humans, to measuring speed using Hot Wheels tracks and cars.
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Let me state up front that the Anki Cozmo robot is a difficult review to write. It’s not because I don’t like it (frankly, negative reviews are easy to write); it’s because I really like this robot and it does so many things—most of them silly—that I’m having a hard time deciding what to leave in and what to delete. So, let me start off the review by saying, “If you want the coolest holiday gift for 2017, this is it.”
Well, that was easy. Now for the hard part …
When I first saw Cozmo online in a series of hilarious Anki videos, I was reminded of Pixar’s Wall-E. Cozmo loosely resembles Wall-E with his various noises and pseudo-language as he expresses joy—or quite the opposite. I don’t know whether Cozmo is a he, she or it, so I will use “he” since Cozmo is a boy’s name and calling him an it robs him of his personality.
Cozmo is a small, intelligent robot that will win you over with his ability to learn and his desire to beat you in every game he plays with you. He learns and gets more competitive as you interact with him. He is self-centered, petulant, moody and lovable—much like a cat.
Cozmo knows some games and will perform some tricks right out of the box, but as you spend time with him, other games and tricks are opened up. When you play with Cozmo each day, you’re awarded play tokens. Acquire three and you can unlock what Anki calls Bonus Boxes where you can redeem rewards—sparks, games, and tricks. Sparks are like points that are used to start a game or trick with Cozmo. Different games require different amounts of Sparks. Cozmo can also earn Sparks by winning games. Sometimes Cozmo chooses a game to play and sometimes it’s up to you. Either way, he’s constantly reminding you he wants to play.
Note: I made some videos, but they don’t do justice to everything Cozmo can do. There are countless Cosmo videos on YouTube that do a better job. Plus the quality is lacking—I had to use my iPad to shoot video because the Anki app will not work in the background on a smartphone, so multitasking is not possible.
Cozmo gets bored easily and can cause mischief. He always wants to pounce on your finger, play a song or go exploring. He’s even recognized our pet dogs! Speaking of recognition, when you first unbox Cozmo, you go through this facial recognition by typing your name and letting Cozmo scan your face. A built-in camera performs the scan and then Cozmo clearly pronounces your name. Anki assures us that no personal info ever goes out and that everything is stored in Cozmo himself and not shared with anyone. Note: Should you decide, Cozmo can be easily and completely erased.
Sometimes you can play tricks on Cozmo. Either putting him upside down or rearing him up on his back wheels will upset him. He will do everything he can to right himself up. Many times, his head, lift (arms) and tread (wheels) need recalibration. This is easily done in the free iOS or Android app that must be downloaded for Cozmo to work. This app controls everything Cozmo. It tells you what he’s thinking, how to set up a game or trick, and even keeps count of the sparks left in your “bank.”
The app also lets you know then Cozmo’s battery is getting low or when he needs to be fed. It also keeps track of the three cubes which are Cozmo’s toys. These blocks have specific icons for identification. The cubes have colors that turn on and off depending on how they’re used. A blue cube means that Cozmo sees it, but a green glowing cube means that Cozmo will interact with it. Which blocks become blue or green seems to be completely random. The cubes can display many different colors during game time.
Starting Cozmo up is a multi-step affair. First, you have to place him in his base regardless of whether he’s charged or not. Then he needs to be connected to a smartphone via his own WiFi network. Once that’s done, he wakes up and rolls off the base. Usually, Cozmo needs tuning up and feeding before any activities can take place. Feeding Cozmo involves shaking a blue glowing cube until it remains bright and then letting him find it and ‘drink’ from it. Sometimes, he even gets the hiccups. Of course, it’s all for show since it has nothing to do with a charged or empty battery. But hey, it’s a pet, ya’ know?
Tuning up requires scanning Cozmo and then following instructions given by the app to “fix” him by aligning his tread wheels, calibrating his lift and adjusting his head. I not sure how necessary this procedure is, but it’s fun to do as the app asks.
Once you have Cozmo set up, you’ll want him to recognize you. If you’ve already performed facial scanning, he will see you and say your name. Sometimes, you may have to re-introduce yourself after you power him up. I told Cozmo my name was “Billy Bob” because my name is actually William Robert and it sounds better than just “Bill”.
After you play a few games and spend time with Cozmo, you collect sparks that are used as tokens to play more games. As days go by, more sparks are added and conversely, with these sparks, more games are added. Be careful though, Cozmo does not like to be ignored and will throw a fit if you don’t pay enough attention to him. He also expresses displeasure when he wants to play a game and you say no or you say yes and then beat him. However, it’s fun to watch Cozmo randomly play games and performing tricks to amuse himself (and us in the process).
There are more advanced activities for Cozmo in the Discover section of the app.
My favorite Cozmo activity is Explore Mode. This utilizes the built-in camera (what Cozmo “sees”). You see what he sees on your smartphone screen. You can then control Cozmo by moving, turning and manipulating his arms and head. Plus he will recognize a cube, human or even a pet and will greet you (or your pet) by pressing the Greet button on the screen. Cozmo can be made too either lift or roll a cube. Plus, you can drive him around using his camera as an eye. It allows you to see your surroundings from Cozmo’s viewpoint. More than once in this mode, he recognized me and said my name. I also had fun terrorizing my 75 lb dog with Cozmo driving around on the floor and seeing it from Cozmo’s point of view. My poor dog didn’t know what to make of him, so he walked away. If he had attacked Cozmo, this review may have ended quickly! You can also type anything into the app and Cozmo will say it.
Another mode for the adventurous is what the app calls Code Lab. This allows you to instruct Cozmo in different tasks by piecing together code blocks to make a program. It’s rudimentary, but it works flawlessly. Even though I don’t have a coding bone in my body, I could program simple tasks for Cozmo. I can envision kids gaining an interest in coding with this simple and intuitive game just to make Cozmo do what they want. Note: There is also a Cozmo Software Development Kit (SDK) for hard-core coders.
When you turn off the app, Cozmo lets out a disappointed sigh (or two or three) and begins snoring quite loudly. After a bit, he shuts down completely and must be re-awakened using the app’s Connect button. He then looks around and will call out your name when he recognizes you.
Cozmo is one of those intelligent toys that rewards the kid in all of us. As we spend more time with him, he becomes even more entertaining and opens up more games. I have yet to discover everything Cozmo has to offer despite the time I’ve spent with him. And isn’t that one of the joys of any toy—discovering new things about it even after hours of playtime?
Cozmo is not an inexpensive toy, but considering all he does and the hours of fun he promises in addition to learning as you play, what more can you ask for?
The Anki Cozmo robot sells for $179.99 US and is available from Amazon. I received the graphite colored Collector’s Edition, which costs the same as the white regular edition.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Anki. Please visit their site for more information and Amazon to order one.
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Due to my German last name, I’ve always been interested in my ancestry and would daydream what it might be like to visit Germany someday and look up Strietelmeiers in the phone book. I love the TV series Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are? When I was offered the chance to review the MyHeritage DNA kit, I was excited to find out my results.
What is it?
The MyHeritage DNA kit helps you collect your DNA to reveal where your ancestors came from and can help you create your family tree by finding DNA matches.
What’s in the box?
2 cheek swabs for DNA collection
2 vials to store the DNA
1 Ziploc baggie
1 padded envelope
Instructions
Activating and collecting DNA
To get started, you first are instructed to activate the kit by going online and typing in a serial number that is unique to each kit.
Then you just follow the simple instructions.
The MyHeritage DNA collection kit is very easy to use. It doesn’t require you to collect blood or spit in a tube like other kits from competing DNA services. The MyHeritage kit has two swabs that you rub inside each cheek for 30 seconds each and then break off in each vial.
The vials then go inside the plastic bag.
And the plastic bag goes inside the addressed mailer. I was surprised that the mailer requires that you have to pay the postage to ship it back to the MyHeritage labs.
As you can see from the image above, your account on the MyHeritage site shows each step in the process from the time you order a kit, activate it, mail it and finally receive the results.
The worst part of the MyHeritage DNA service is waiting. Their website says that the results can take 3-4 weeks and their instructional video says the results can take 4-6 weeks. I mailed my test kit to MyHeritage on 7/31/17 and I finally received my test results on 10/20/17. That’s 11 weeks and 4 days, which I think you would have to agree is insanely long.
Was it worth the wait?
When you click on the link to view your results, there’s a cool animation of the Earth that revolves around as it shows you where your ancestors are from. You are then presented with a top level list of regions and the percentage that makes up your DNA. No big surprises with my ancestry… darn it.
You can drill down even farther into each area.
The MyHeritage DNA results include more than just showing you where your DNA comes from. It can also help you find relatives and build your family tree.
The site will pull up your DNA matches and review information about the matches and then add them to your family tree if they are actually part of your family.
Some of the information even includes pictures of long gone relatives.
This information comes from a variety of sources and does not have to be from someone that has also done the MyHeritage DNA test. For example, the MyHeritage site had my grandmother who I don’t even remember because she died when I was 1 year old. But her info was on the site so I could add it to my family tree.
Researching genealogy is fun and fascinating. The MyHeritage site links out to census records and old newspaper clippings that you can search by name and year. But the only problem is that you have to pay extra if you want to view that info.
I think MyHeritage should give you a month or two of free data access to those extra services instead of requesting that you pay extra for them.
Final thoughts
If you’re into genealogy, then you’ll enjoy the information that you can get from the MyHeritage DNA kit. Just be prepared to wait a LONG time for the results and pay extra for features that will help you build your family tree.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by MyHeritage. Please visit their site for more info.
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I’ve always enjoyed building sets like models and construction sets from LEGO, Erector, and more. The Arckit GO Colours is a model building system that is used by schools and universities as a classroom teaching tool of STEM concepts for developing fundamental design skills. But is this set fun to build? Let’s find out.
What is it?
Arckit sets are construction “toys” that are in the same general realm as LEGO sets, but Arckits are more architectural in nature and are marketed as STEM toys. STEM stands for Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This particular set is rated for kids ages 10 and up.
What’s in the package?
Arckit offers a variety of sets, but I was sent their GO Colours set which includes 175+ pieces.
The larger pieces fill the box and groups of smaller pieces are packaged in clear plastic bags.
The pieces themselves are made of hard plastic and come in various colors.
The pieces either have tiny holes…
Or tiny posts that fit in the tiny holes.
A pictorial instruction sheet is included with the model to help you build it step-by-step.
Let’s get building!
My first thought about the Arckit was that it would be easy to build because they are similar to LEGO sets of which I’ve built many over the years/decades.
I didn’t take long into the task of building the set, that I started re-thinking that notion. First of all the illustrations in the instruction sheet are not that easy to understand because the drawings are too small and it’s tough to see the individual parts.
I constructed the base layer incorrectly twice due to this issue. But once I got the first step completed I thought I was home free. I was wrong.
Building the walls was frustrating because the wall pieces either have straight edges or angled edges. It’s not easy to determine which type is needed by looking at the instructions without using a magnifying glass.
Once I got past the base layer, the rest of the build got wonky really quickly because it’s not easy to seat the pieces with the posts into the pieces with the holes.
Trying to fit the second-floor layer on top of the structure was almost impossible. As you can see from the image above, the posts and holes don’t want to line up together. Trying to force the pieces in place just results in the other end popping up or other parts unconnecting.
This is what the model is supposed to look like when it’s completed. I never got that far.
Final thoughts
I devoted a couple hours to the task of build this model but got aggravated at the 30-minute mark and gave up which isn’t something I usually like to do. I’m an adult and got frustrated really quickly, so I can’t imagine that a 10-year-old child will fare much better.
While I love the idea of these building sets and all construction sets, I think Arckits are too fiddly for the average child (or adult). They are also too expensive compared to other more mainstream model building construction toys on the market.
If anyone out there has tried Arckits and has had a different experience, please let me know. But as it is, I’m not impressed and did not have fun building the set that was sent to me.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Arckit. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.
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