Gizmodo: educational

Why I Am Not Surprised

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:40:00 EST

Here is the top of the Educational category in the Apple Store, earlier today. [Sent by Max Justicz]

Jet Works Engine Inspires Tomorrow's Rocket Scientists

Sean Fallon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:20:00 EST

Let's face it—educational toys are not popular gift items. However, the Jet Works Engine is something that curious kids will be excited to find under the tree this year.

The kit comes with 50 parts for kids to assemble into a battery operated simulation of a jet engine. They can also control thrust, turbine speed and jet sounds using the control panel. The way I see it, $30 is a small price to pay to educate our youth—especially if those youth grow up to become successful engineers. Daddy wants a flying, fuel-friendly vehicle before he kicks the bucket. [Discovery Store via 7 Gadgets via DVICE]

Charge an iPod With Vodka? Sounds Educational, Incapacitating

Sean Fallon — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EDT

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies have launched the the Bio Energy Discovery Kit, a product that they are calling "the fuel cell industry’s first direct ethanol product." The kit directly converts alcohol into electricity and can run non-stop for days on end. The purpose of the kit is to introduce fuel cell technology to students, scientists, teachers and engineers using a simple gadget that is easy to understand.

However, they claim that the kit could be the first step towards replacing conventional batteries in portable devices like iPods or mobile phone chargers. I don't know how practical a commercial application would be, or whether or not I would be willing to give up a single drop of my precious vodka, but you can pick up the kit now for $99. [Horizonfuelcell]

Pocket Spelling Bee Looks Suspiciously Familiar

Sean Fallon — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:40:52 EST

Franklin's new Pocket Spelling Bee was unveiled at the NYC Toy Fair this week and despite its more than passing resemblance to the Sony Mylo, it appears to be a solid educational toy. The device allows kids to compete against one another or the computer in a spelling showdown for supremacy.

The Speaking Spelling Bee also features a 2" high-contrast LCD screen, the ability to play on the go or connect to the tv, clear speech and sound effects, the Merriam-Webster Intermediate Dictionary with over 70,000 words, the Merriam-Webster Intermediate Thesaurus and the Merriam-Webster Rhyming Dictionary. Pricing and availability have not been announced. [Franklin via Make]

Amadana's Warning Illustrations Are Something Special

Mark Wilson — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:05:31 EST

In the spirit of traditionally crazy Japanese product warning illustrations, Amadana—home to chicly designed toasters, ionizers and other home appliances—has gone a bit crazy with the graphics. Tongue-in-cheek illustrations include both very honest captions (such as a universal remote that they warn cannot control your girlfriend) and maybe the best use of stereotypes all year (yes, this Japanese company uses ninjas wherever applicable). We've made a gallery for you to enjoy them all. Just remember to never, under any circumstances, use an air purifier as a table tennis partner.

[amadana via bbg]

ION Gaming System, Wave Hello to Sponge Bob

blongo3 — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 17:08:05 EST

Hasbro is apparently throwing its hat into the gaming world by releasing their own system. Albeit an educational gaming system. What sets this one apart is that it has it's own built in camera, a-la Sony's EyeToy.

Warren Buckleitner of the NY Times, claims that the ION is easy to use, especially since the camera that is integrated into the unit itself is fully adjustable to account for different heights of little kids. Of course Warren being the genius that he is, also claims that there is no console involved. Well then what is this built in camera built into? And where do you put the games? Yea, that's what I thought.

And for all the parents out there with your Nickelodeon addicted little kids. They will spaz over the fact that they can be on TV with Dorah the Explorer and Sponge Bob. The best game by far has to be the Simon Says, where your kid must stay still in certain positions for an unspecified amount of time. $100 for the ION, $20 for a game, having your kid stay still for a moment while being monitored by a machine, Priceless.– Ben Longo

A Child Waves at the TV, and the Game Begins [NY Times]

Oregon Scientific SmartGlobe

Travis Hudson — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 13:14:16 EDT

As the military begins recruiting kids at younger and younger ages it is important for our youngsters to know exactly where they will be shipped off to. Even elementary school kids need to start learning about the different countries in the Middle East—the knowledge will come in handy. This SmartGlobe from Oregon Scientific is an educational toy that can teach kiddos about the world with fun games and quizzes. It has modes for all ages and the ability to compete against other ~~future soldiers~~ players or against the computer. Unfortunately this toy carries a hefty price tag: $130. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Consumer Electronics Net]

Leapfrog "Pentop" Computer

Travis Hudson — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 10:15:01 EDT

I thought I was the cat s pajamas when I brought my electronic handheld baseball game to class (unfortunately, it was in eleventh grade and I got beat up, yet again). Maybe things would have been different if I had cooler electronics, like this Pentop computer. The Pentop is essentially a PDA without a screen. All of the standard PDA-esque features are intact: calendar, calculator, time, notepad, games, etc. It works by reading and analyzing your written commands. The Pentop has an integrated ink pen and a camera that recognizes commands written on special paper. The con is that without a screen the Pentop has to read out information, which is a wee-bit impractical during classroom excercises. Also, the device gets confused by sloppy writing, so only the top third-grade penman need apply. The Pentop will be available later this year for $99 through major retailers.

Fly Should Soar with Kids [BusinessWeek]