Thames & Kosmos SolarBots: Cosmic Explorers STEM Experiment Kit

Build five out-of-this-world robots that are powered by the sun — batteries not required! First assemble the main robot, Helio, complete with solar panel, electric motor, and gear wheel. Then construct four space exploration vehicles to help Helio travel around the universe. As you quickly move Helio from one vehicle to another, the gears click into place, and the compact solar panel instantly begins converting sunlight into electricity, which powers the electric motor. Build a walking bot that marches along on two legs, a bug bot that crawls on six legs, a trike bot that rolls around on three wheels, and a sleek orbiting platform. Each model demonstrates how solar power can be used to make different mechanisms move. The 36-page, full-color manual guides solar power pioneers through model assembly and offers fun scientific facts about the real-life applications of solar technology. Where will the sunlight take your cosmic explorers next?

• SOLAR POWER TECHNOLOGY: The kit includes all materials needed to build five out-of-this-world robots that are powered by the sun--batteries not required!
• INNOVATIVE BUILDING SYSTEM: Assemble the main robot, Helio, and four robot vehicle bases simultaneously—no disassembly and reassembly required.
• QUICK-SWAP, CLICK-AND-GO ROBOTS: Build Helio with an electric motor, powered by the included solar panel, and quickly and easily click it in and out of the different bases to create four additional robots that move in different ways: the Walking Bot, a two-legged robot that loves to explore; the Trike Bot, a three-wheeled robot that adds speed and steering as it rolls around; a Bug Bot with six legs for stability and traction; and the Orbiting Platform, a resting spot for Helio to rotate gently in place.
• REAL-WORLD CONNECTIONS: Through the hands-on building activities, kids will explore relevant technology like solar power, and the importance of the Sun’s energy in our everyday lives.
• FOR A RANGE OF AGES & ENVIRONMENTS: The 36-page, full-color manual guides kids through assembly (ages 6+ with help from an adult; 9+ for independent play) and use; the solar panel powers the robots when exposed to direct sunlight or with a light source of 50 Watts or more (e.g. a halogen lamp or incandescent bulb) when used indoors.