Browsing Category

Product & Book Reviews

Product & Book Reviews

Gettin’ Fizzy with the Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab

 

Beaker Creatures

Raising Nerd Product Review: Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab

Rogue Mom Rating 4.5 Nerds (out of 5)

The 7 second summary is this super cool reactor lab is a great science toy for kids who love to experiment. But don’t worry, kids who aren’t very interested in science or adults who want to control the mess in their house will also enjoy the fun as well.

Beaker Creatures

What We Like About Beaker Creatures

  • SCIENCE! We love that the guide explains how acids and bases react to form carbon dioxide. NERD FACT:  In this experiment, you’re adding water,
READ MORE
Product & Book Reviews

With The Aquascope, Your Budding Marine Biologist Can Get Up Close & Personal with Water Life

Educational Insights Aquascope™ Review

During the spring and summer, my Nerds practically live in the water. Whether they’re wading through a creek, diving into the pool at swim practice, or splashing around in the surf, they love taking a plunge. In addition to cooling off, one of the big draws for my curious girls is being able to explore what life is like below the surface. They love touring aquariums and other aquatic adventures.

Educational Insights, makers of the GeoSafari line among other STEM toys, knows that kids like mine love diving into nature. That’s why the toymaker … READ MORE

Product & Book Reviews

Kids Daily Planner Gets Your Creative Nerds Psyched About Their Future – One Day at a Time

National Geographic Kids Daily Planner Helps Busy Kids
Get Creative and Organized in a New Old-Fashioned Way

Summary

Now that my Nerds are back to school, everyone’s hectic schedule has gotten even more so. Managing my girls’ Tae Kwon Do schedules was tough enough over the mostly relaxing summer. With the fall session in full swing, we’ve now added soccer practices and games, PTA meetings, choir performances, ice cream socials, fall festivals, field trip/permission slip deadlines, birthday parties, play dates, Brownies and Girls Scouts, ad infinitum.

For my rising 3rd and 5th graders, that’s a lot to keep up with … READ MORE

Product & Book Reviews

Meet LEGO Boost: The New Robot on the Block

LEGO Boost Review

LEGO Boost Review:
Making STEM Learning Fun and Nerdy



Looking for a fast, easy and fun way to get into robotics? Meet LEGO Boost, the new LEGO robotics system that allows you to build and code as easy as snapping a few bricks together. With the LEGO system of play and the new Bluetooth-enabled LEGO Move Hub, you can build endless combinations of interactive models.

For years, LEGO Mindstorm has been considered the pinnacle of robotic engineering toys, but many found the system complex and challenging for younger, less experienced LEGO fans. LEGO Boost bridges the skill level for aspiring … READ MORE

Product & Book Reviews

MindWare Toys & Games Unboxing

Nerd Reviews: MindWare Unboxing

I covered as much ground as I could at Toy Fair last month (here’s my roundup, ICYMI) and probably saw more creative science-related toys and games in two days than my kids have played with in their entire lives. Although it’s taken us some time for me to follow up with every exhibitor whose STEM products piqued my curiosity (and that list is LONG), this week, I received my first products to consider for honest Raising Nerd reviews.

MindWare unboxing1_3-23-17

First, a big “thank you” goes to the good people at MindWare, maker of “brainy … READ MORE

Product & Book Reviews

What We Learned at New York Toy Fair

 

During the holidays we published our Raising Nerd Wish List, a shopping guide for parents looking for the best Nerd toys and books for their Nerds. Last month, Raising Nerd’s Imperfect Dad traveled to a place where those wishes come true: New York Toy Fair 2017.

For the past 114 years, the Toy Industry Association’s North American International Toy Fair has welcomed thousands of toy manufacturers, mass and specialty retailers, distributors, importers, and inventors from nearly 100 countries. The first Toy Fair in 1903 included fewer than 10 exhibitors, including Lionel Trains. This year’s event boasted more than … READ MORE