Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this box free for review.
Tinker Crate “Hydraulics” Review
Tinker Crate is a box for older kids (9-14+) that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Tinker Crate inspires kids to explore and learn about science, engineering, and technology—and have fun doing it. Every month, you get a new crate to help kids develop a tinkering mindset and creative problem solving skills. Tinker Crate is $19.95/month, but you can get your first box of Tinker Crate for 50% off. Just click HERE and use the code SHARE10
Tinker Crate comes in a little orange box by USPS.
Tinker Crate sends a little magazine every month, filled with information about this month's theme and various projects you can do. This month's theme is “Hydraulics”, which is using liquid to make something move.
This is a look inside the book.
The first project is Water at Work. Using a syringe, you experiment pushing in the syringe with your finger on the end, then you try the same thing with it filled with water. From this experiment, you learn that gases and liquid act differently under pressure.
Make A Plastic Cup Squirt Gun: Using hydraulics, you can make a squirt gun out of plastic cups, a straw, putty, a pencil and water.
Hydraulics Design Challenge: Once you make you hydraulic design there is a several page activity challenge to complete. You test your machine with weight, and distance.
Hydraulic Elevator: You can use your box to make a house and then use hydraulics to move an elevator up and down.
Also in the book was an article on animatronics and a project to make a stuffed animal move using hydraulics.
Making the Tinker Crate Project
Tinker Crate includes all the materials to make your own hydraulic assembly.
The instructions are made to to look like blueprints, which is pretty cool.
The first step in your big project is making the hydraulic assembly and claw.
Once you make the basic hydraulic claw, you can continue to make your big project. The main project consists of two parts: the control panel and the base.
We laid out everything we needed to get started.
My 5 year old wanted to do the project, but his is a bit young. My husband helped with most of the project and let our 5 year help.
My husband is showing L how the hydraulic arm works. As you move the syringe in and out, the claw opens and clothes.
My son was really excited to do this project.
This is the finished project. Each syringe controls a different part of the claw. You can move the claw up/down, and move the claw open and closed.
Final Thought: This was a really fun box and it was challenging enough for a 9 year old. Tinker Crate really dives deeper in Science in Engineering, and teaches kids while letting them have fun. This project was really fun and my 5 year old has had a blast. You can get your first box of Tinker Crate for 50% off. Just click HERE and use the code SHARE10
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