The Space Rover Inventor Kit has been designed to inspire creative kids and future astronauts to build and customise their very own Space Rover, then take it on missions inspired by NASA astronauts.
This kit comes with 15 bits, 10 paper templates, 7 accessories (including tech sensors, paper templates, wheels, mounting boards, LED light and motors), sticker sheet, 9V battery with cable, and a free app with instructions. This app has over 30 activities with step-by-step instructions and tutorials that clearly guide kids through building and customising different entertaining inventions to explore the final frontier. They can start their training in the academy and progress step-by-step through missions designed to replicate real life challenges our astronauts face today.
The Space Rover is much more than a toy and its high price tag means you will have to seriously consider whether the child has an active interest in this sort of thing, as well as the patience and skills required to fully enjoy the Space Rover. This kit is aimed at 8+ but could still be too complex for some 8-year olds. Having said all that, for the right child (and adult), this is a lot of fun to build and, once assembled, it can be programmed and controlled via the app. It will help to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills and children can enjoy both hands-on play and digital programming.
The delicate cardboard components mean the overall Rover is light weight, but it needs to be handled delicately. The overall design has the perfect combination of technical and cute, there is the potential for hours of playtime and the app missions are engaging and fun. However, a genuine interest in space or STEM is required to fully enjoy this kit. RRP £199.99
4 out of 5
Pros
Easy to assemble and control
Cute and entertaining
STEM skills
Physical and digital play
30 activities with step-by-step instructions
Cons
Expensive
Lacks imaginative play
8-10 might be a bit young
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