LEGO® Chain Reactions: Design and build amazing moving machines

This was not an easy concept for the authors and product planners to execute. It's radically different than just assembling Legos from an instruction booklet. A lot of thought and effort went into the chain reaction concepts and resulting projects. The book layout, the security so that the parts actually arrive at the consumer, the durability of the non Lego paper components, the directions on how to fold the paper components etc, etc, etc. are thoughtfully done. I think they struck a very good balance so this would not cost an arm and a leg. Some might call it cheap (a few Lego pieces, a beautiful well laid out instruction book with nicely printed paper components) but I call it cost effective. A lot of what you're paying for here is in my opinion is the wow factor of the book and the well thought out concepts. I supported my 7 year old grandson's effort to build the first project. My 5 year old grandson looked at what was involved and walked away I think because it looks complicated and the projects contain very few pieces. Both of them are very skilled Lego builders who pride themselves on their ability to throw lots of pieces together quickly. Does that sound familiar to you? So... I think what motivates most young Lego builders is assembling lots of pieces quickly and having a relatively static object to play with when done. The chain reaction projects aren't that at all. They don't look like much -to an adult - when complete. They are challenging in my view mostly because of the need for precision alignment between the paper parts and the Lego motion actuators the kids assemble to create the Chain the Reaction. Once assembled and aligned, making it function can require trial and error, motivation to succeed, precision hand and eye coordination and patience. I think that doing the first project successfully might be a make or break point for this product. Failure would surely be a deterrent towards doing subsequent projects in the book so initial success seems very important at least for younger children. The greatest joy my grandson experienced (and it was great joy) was the moment the first project functioned properly for the first time after several complete and partial failures (just as his patience was wearing thin) and then joy again once the chain reaction was rehearsed and easily repeatable so as to show his parents without failure. Having achieved this first success he was excited about doing more projects. It remains to be seen what his long term interest level will be. Yes.. This is radically different than just sticking prices together and success is not easy considering that the projects are minimalist in the total number of pieces. However I think the lessons and skills this product teaches are very important, worthwhile and noteworthy. Aside from the skills mentioned above this is also elementary physics of motion, weight, angle, momentum, etc. In summary, it appears that, assuming success along the way, the complicated chain reactions are fun for children to assemble, challenging to make fully, reliably functional and thrilling once they work for that first time. It's all good stuff!

My 11 yo grandson loved this gift and used it with other Lego parts to make his own remote controlled robot. It was a big hit as a gift.

It was ok

The Lego Chain Reactions kit is a brilliant fusion of engineering principles and creative play, catering to the curious minds of budding engineers and enthusiasts alike. As someone with an engineer’s mindset, this kit provides a captivating journey into the world of mechanics and kinetic design. What immediately stands out is the meticulous attention to detail in the instruction manual. It not only guides users through the assembly of various moving machines but also introduces fundamental engineering concepts in an accessible manner. Each step is a miniature lesson in the mechanics behind the chain reactions, making it an ideal educational tool for understanding cause and effect in a tangible way. The modular design of the Lego Chain Reactions components allows for a diverse range of contraptions, sparking the imagination of aspiring engineers to create their own intricate setups. The inclusion of Lego elements seamlessly blends the joy of play with the precision of engineering, promoting hands-on learning through experimentation and iteration. From a technical standpoint, the reliability and durability of the Lego pieces ensure smooth operation and easy troubleshooting. This kit not only fosters creativity but also hones problem-solving skills as users analyze and refine their designs to achieve optimal functionality. As someone who values the marriage of innovation and play, the Lego Chain Reactions kit is a testament to the power of hands-on engineering education. It instills a sense of accomplishment as intricate systems come to life, making it a must-have for anyone eager to delve into the fascinating intersection of Lego and engineering principles.

Excellent quality and value priced

Totally worth it! Adds another dimension to Lego creations. Quality is good, and the pieces can be used in so many more ways if your child is so inclined.

This was sent to my Grandson as a Xmas gift. He likes building and planning his project at a young age. He enjoyed the challenge of putting this together. It’s an interesting gift for boy or girl who like an engineering type of puzzle.

Nice to add to the growing Lego collection. The balls are useful to make other contraptions too

Not much bricks.

Mon fils adore créer des circuits... je recommande