Chess is a great game that offers intellectual challenge to kids and adults alike. Studies have shown that kids who play chess experience a significant increase in cognitive development as well as improved test scores. On top of that, it’s just plain fun. I decided, recently, that my kids — at least the older two — needed to learn to play. But, of course, I can never do things the normal way. I had to have a chess set that was unique and would capture their imagination.
Archive for the ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Category
Building A Better Chess Set
Monday, December 13th, 2010The World’s Oldest Computer Made From LEGO
Sunday, December 12th, 2010
LEGO is big in our house. Pretty much everyone, including the kids, likes building with it. My oldest has made some pretty impressive models using LEGO bricks. I’ll admit, however, that none are anywhere near as impressive as Andrew Carol’s functional model of the Antikythera mechanism.
Halloween Costumes: The Milk Jug Storm Trooper Helmet
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
Although my kids are not huge Star Wars fans (they’re too young for it), quite a few of their friends are. So for them, this Storm Trooper helmet, made from two 1-gallon milk jugs, has got to be one of the coolest ideas ever. I’m not sure I could make it without a few practice runs, but that’s only because I’m completely inept at such things. It actually does look pretty easy to make.
The way I see it, this is a fantastic re-use of a discarded item and would make for the basis of a great holloween or a nifty addition to the dress-up corner. And if that isn’t enough for you, the same site has instructions on making your own lightsaber from a flashlight and a balloon. So get out the hot glue gun and send your children off to join the legions of the Galactic Empire’s finest!
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