I can hardly believe August is here already, where did the summer go? This month our Guidecraft Educator’s Team was sent a set of PowerClix to review. PowerClix would make a wonderful addition to your science center and provide excellent opportunities for supporting inquiry and questioning skills.
About PowerClix
This is an innovative, new product from Guidecraft and one that I was very excited to review because of its implications for supporting S.T.E.M. in the early childhood classroom. PowerClix is a 3D building system that allows young children to easily create and build their own structures.
PowerClix Features
- Super-strong magnetic force allows children to quickly connect pieces together
- Sturdy translucent plastic pieces
- Colorful geometric shapes and extender rods
- Activity Guide with step-by-step building instructions in case your little engineers need some inspiration
Educational Benefits of PowerClix in Your Science Center
Some of you may remember my previous Guidecraft review for Magneatos focusing on the development of S.T.E.M skills. Just like Magneatos, PowerClix can also help support S.T.E.M. skills in addition to many other skills at home or in the classroom. I’ve compiled a list of the educational benefits of PowerClix for you below:
- S.T.E.M. Skills {Science, Technology, Engineering, Math}
- Construction
- Engineering
- Math {Common Core: slide, flip, and turn shapes to construct new shapes, construct 3D shapes)
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Open-Ended Play
- Fine Motor Skills/ Hand-Eye Coordination
- Problem Solving
PowerClix Idea for Your Science Center
One thing that instantly came to mind when adding PowerClix and Magneatos to the science center is to take pictures of the children’s structures and create a class book that is kept in the science center. We already do this in the block center so it only seems fitting to extend that same idea over into the science center. I already have a tub of science books in my science center so this class made book would make a perfect addition. Children love to look at pictures of their own creations and those of their classmates. I suggest including simple text on each page such as “Justine made a ____________, can you?”
As they build bridges, skyscrapers, animals and more, PowerClix inspires children in preschool, kindergarten and beyond to explore the principles of science, construction, and engineering while sparking creativity and imaginative play.
Available on Amazon
I received a set of PowerClix to review, I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are 100% my own.
