Reviewed by
Mary
KiwiCo produces a variety of STEAM project boxes for all ages! There are science and arts/craft themed boxes, all creating a wonderful variety of items.
The three main age groups are 0 – 8, 9-13, and 14+.
The boxes are slightly differently priced, depending on which box you pick; the simpler boxes for younger children are cheaper, but of course they are also less complicated.
Of course the 14+ box means it’s suitable for adults too, and so as an adult I’m trying the KiwiCo Eureka Crate, which is focused on Engineering and Design. It costs from £23.99 a month.
One thing that’s really useful to have in the home is an Electric Pencil Sharpener! What a wonderful thing to make.
As you can see from the peek into the box, many of the components are made from wood, which is not only sustainable but also looka very attractive and unusual.
The Makers Guide is incredibly comprehensive. Not only does it contain instructions, but there is a ton of additional information, including history of the pencil sharpener, explanations of the different electrical components, and an insight into how KiwiCo designed the sharpener you are going to build.
Absolutely fascinating and well worth keeping.
Here are the box contents all laid out. The various pieces are neatly bagged together, which keeps them separate and also protects them, as some are quite fragile.
As an extra bonus there are four pencils – very important for making sure it works! – and also a little notebook.
As you can see, the instructions are a combination of written and graphics. They are beautifully designed, and are extremely clear and easy to follow.
Every step is shown in detail, and there is even a little diagram of the sheet of black pads that shows you exactly which one to use.
As you can see here, there is a diagram that shows how the switch will work. It’s a lovely clear explanation, and it’s included at the point in the instructions that you are going to add it to your device.
It’s all starting to come together! Not only are the instructions superb, they even warn you which pieces are especially fragile so you know to take special care with them.
It’s all completed, and this is a slightly blurry picture of the sharpener in action! Of course as pencils were included it was very east to test it, and it does work just as it’s meant to.
One beautifully sharpened pencil.
The sharpener itself also has space to store four pencils – included – which is a very thoughtful addition!
By Evelyn 
