Construct A Clock, By Heebie Jeebies - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Clock-building kit      

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love science, engineering, and building stuffs! 

Ever wonder what’s the magic within an elegantly ornamented grandfather clock that chimes the sweetest tune every hour, whilst ticking away in its mechanical wisdom? Heebie Jeebies sent us this “Construct A Clock” recently; we are impressed with the intricate system of this time-telling device, and we can’t wait to share it with you today! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Creative Clock-Building Kit With Gears, Pendulum & All Components Included 

We had never built a clock before, so we were truly excited to test out this construction kit! Included in the box are all the bits and pieces needed to make a clock, from gears of different shapes and colours, hammer spring and bell, supporting pin and buttons, pendulum and fork. We inserted and assembled the parts, slotted the gear teeth, affixed the clock hands, connected the pendulum components, wound up the spring winder, and watched the time ticks away in harmonious chain of reaction. We watched how the timekeeping and power gears come together, rotating in synch with mesmerising, circular movement. We watched how the swinging pendulum cleverly interacted with the inner mechanical gear that slowly pushes a “tooth” forward at every second. We watched how the spring case (weight drum) and the system of gears work together to drive the minute and hour hand. The process is fascinating, hypnotising, and real fun to watch! 

(2) Easy & Quick Clock Building Process  

I was seriously surprised by how quick the entire building process was! No tool was needed to assemble this boldly colourful timepiece; the colour-coded, illustrated instruction included is clear and easy to comprehend. 

(3) Spring-Driven Clock - No Battery Is Required 

I love that the clock is spring-driven, non-electronic, and no battery is required. It “sounds” like a clock (we love the ticking sound!), equips with a small hammer and bell (that chimes every 15 minutes), and I love the clear plastic case design so we can observe how the inner mechanical parts work once we completed the construction. According to the website, the clock can apparently run for over 8 hours with one winding! 

(4) Construction Kit With Sturdy Components 

I love that the components are sturdy, and they can be constructed and deconstructed over and over again. I love the functionality and educational value of this kit! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://professorplums.com.au/products/construct-a-clock-build-your-own-clock-kit?_pos=1&_sid=768d91540&_ss=r (Australia)

Enjoy the video! 

HMS Endeavour Ship Building Kit, By Heebie Jeebies - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Wooden model building kit 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone (kids and adults) who loves DIY / 3D puzzle /craft/ building kits  

We LOVE wooden building kits! We enjoy fitting individual pieces together, and watching solid timber models come into life. It gives us a sense of achievement, and I love that mindful moments spent with the kids. Today, I would love to share about this “HMS Endeavour Ship Building Kit”, kindly gifted by Heebie Jeebies. 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Beautifully-Designed Ship Building Kit

We have tested out quite a few timber building kits before, but this Heebie Jeebies version is the largest wooden model we have ever built. The set comes with a small sandpaper, and a few plywood sheets with removable laser-cut pieces. First, label the individual pieces with pencil in accordance with the instruction sheet. Next, scan the QR code (which would lead you to the Heebie Jeebies YouTube video with step-by-step building instructions). Now, push the wooden pieces out, and connect them as it goes! I love it whenever a building kit works well, with all separate pieces click and fit perfectly without too much extra effort. I’m super impressed with the easy-to-follow video, the precision of the pieces, and the meticulous design. There are a total of 89 pieces. Glue is needed only for a few minor parts (eg the additional decorative details on the bowsprit); The rest of the pieces connect beautifully without need of any adhesive material or tools. 

(2) Gorgeous Ship Model With Realistic Sails

I LOVE the strings, thick papers, and sticks included in the kit - to give the sails a more realistic and grandeur feel. There is not much instruction given on how to tie the multiple sails onto the masts, and I probably didn’t do quite a good job on this. But despite this, I think the different textures and materials give the ship a really gorgeous touch, and I’m very satisfied with the impressive ship model! 

(3) HMS Endeavour Ship Model 

Whilst the model might not be a 100% replica of the real HMS Endeavour, I think the result is fascinating enough. I can definitely see the resemblance between the two! I got to share with the kids the history of HMS Endeavour - being the first ship to reach the east coast of Australia. It has sturdy square stern, box-like body, multiple masts, white sails, and the elegance of an old English ship. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://professorplums.com.au/products/hms-endeavour?_pos=1&_sid=06d3ead56&_ss=r (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Quercetti Skyrail Suspension Basic Marble Run, By Quercetti - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Marble run with unique suspension cables 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Adults and older kids that love constructing and admiring the magic of marble run! 

 “Quercetti Skyrail Suspension Basic Marble Run” by Quercetti - it’s eye-catching, dangerous-looking. It reminds me of a hair-raisingly scary roller coaster experience, with narrow tracks spiralling downwards and suspended midair (supported by thin cables). Thank you Heebie Jeebies for providing another super COOL toy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Roller Coaster Style Marble Run

This is one of the few most exciting marble runs I have ever tested; It has stunning red tracks turning and revolving around a central pillar, and a uniquely-design suspension cables that can be adjusted in height and inclination. In this set, you will find 132 pieces, including 7 straight tracks, 12 curved tracks, 8 marbles of two types / dimensions, 5 base, 6 tie rods with hook and wire, 9 columns, 16 brackets and joints, and 18 connections. The illustrated guide is easy to follow; our 7 year-old completed most of the construction independently (apart from the final installation of the suspension wires, where he needed a hand). We were extremely thrilled to see the final structure comes into life! It’s an astounding, vibrant, and visually-gripping 16 feet of track! I find the tie-ropes suspension innovative and original, and I love the fun but a little serious touch to the ball run track. 

(2) Unique Marble Run Set With Suspension Cables To Adjust Height & Inclines

It’s mesmerising watching the 8 marbles rolling and spiralling down along the track, and halted gracefully at the “stopper”. It’s a visually engaging way to observe and learn about basic engineering principles in the world of physics - gravitation, velocity, kinetic energy, centripetal acceleration (ie. changes to velocity when an object travels on circular path). And if any of these sound too complex, we can just simply enjoy the breathtaking structure and admire the beauty of marbles racing around the course.  We also love experimenting with the cables to find the right inclines and height, and to create optimal speed for the marbles to complete the run! 

(3) Made-In-Italy Marble Run Set 

Quercetti prides itself as one of the few companies that control its production chain directly. The entire production cycle (from the design to delivery) was carried out in Italy. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Professor Plums (Australia)

Enjoy the video! 

Kaleido-Craft DIY Timber Kaleidoscope, By Heebie Jeebies - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          DIY kaleidoscope kit 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids that love art & craft, and those who would love to find out how a kaleidoscope works "behind the scene" 

Do you remember your first experience with kaleidoscope? That magical moment when you first saw the burst of colour, symmetrical pattern that moved with each spin, and the never-ending array of intricate arts? We are absolutely in love with “Kaleido-Craft DIY Timber Kaleidoscope” (provided by Heebie Jeebies), and I can’t wait to tell you about it today! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Make-Your-Own Kaleidoscope Kit - There is no better way to learn about the science behind a kaleidoscope than to “get your hands dirty” and make one yourself! Kaleido-Craft is a 17-piece experiment kit, a simple craft that allows us to discover the wonder of light and colour, an exploration that would leave us spellbound for hours! Through the DIY process, we learned how three inclined mirrors, arranged in triangular tilted angles, could create enchanting image with symmetrical pattern through repeated, reflecting surfaces. We learned what gorgeous optical scene an ordinary object (such as flower or leaves) can produce with the right assembly of mirrors. We learned how to  use the motion of loose and glittery pieces to create ever-changing visual art. We learned how to create a peephole, how to seal the objects within the glass discs, and how the device works “behind the scene”. 

(2) Experiment With Different Materials And be Mesmerised! - Once we have assembled the instrument, we can experiment with different materials by replacing the items on the discs. We were mesmerised by the incredible and stunning displays when the objects and light interact with each other, shifting each time when we rotate the wheel. We tested it out with wild flowers, leaves of all shapes, sparkly sequins, shiny foil, and colourful confetti. The potential is endless, the variations is infinite! Rumour says, we never see a same pattern twice through a kaleidoscope. 

(3) Great Components - I love how the simple components work together; we don’t need any glue or extra tool to assemble the device. I love the timber material, the reflective mirror surfaces that stick nicely on the timber pieces, the nut and bolt, the magnet embedded octagonal wheels that securely enclose the objects between the two discs, and the step-by-step illustrated instructions. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://professorplums.com.au/products/kaleido-craft-creator?_pos=1&_sid=bcac88951&_ss=r

Enjoy the video! 

Lemon Clock -DIY Powered Kit, by Heebie Jeebies

Nature/ Type:          STEM toy that teaches about electronic circuit, with a twist of "craft" 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science + Craft Lovers!   

Heebie Jeebies aka the creator of COOL things provided us this Lemon Clock -DIY Powered Kit in exchange for review. I wasn’t the best science student and am definitely not a STEM Mum with clever ideas. A readily-packed science kit such as this really helps clueless parents like myself getting experiments done effortlessly at home. Thank you Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums , this is awesome! 

Why I love ❤️ this kit: 

(1) Science + Craft - This cardboard package contains timber clock pieces, LCD clock, copper and zinc sheets, sand paper, copper wire, and illustrated instructions. I love that this science experiment is preceded with a crafting session. We enjoyed building the wooden structure for the clock and lemon using the light-weight and thinly-cut timber pieces. It felt like constructing a 3D puzzle, without need of tools or glue. I love the step-by-step illustrative instructions- they are comprehensive, nicely labeled, and can be understood even by a five-year-old. 

(2) Electrolysis Process Using Lemon- The only household ingredient needed for the experiment is a lemon (cut into halves). Place the lemon pieces at their respectively seats, connect the zinc and copper to the wire, pluck them into the lemon flesh, and watch the miracle happens! The boy was impressed seeing the clock immediately lighted-up and started working, and wanted to know what sort of magic was that. We got to “Google it” and read about the process of electrolysis, how lemon juice served as acidic electrolyte and connected to a circuit using the zinc and copper sheet. We compared this to to our previous experiment using batteries to build a circuit (see my previous review on ClipCircuit Electro Lab on 28 November), and discovered the similarities and differences. The boy wanted to know whether we can replace the lemon with an orange, and whether that circuit will still emit equivalent power to run the clock. We can’t wait to try it out! 

(3) Functional Clock - I love that the clock is functional although the set time was no longer accurate after around a day (probably due to drying out of the fruit). Despite that, I think the clock structure makes a stylish “homeware” display. Absolutely loving it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.heebiejeebies.com.au/

https://professorplums.com.au/products/wood-kit-lemon

Enjoy the video! 

ClipCircuit Electro Lab, by Heebie Jeebies

Nature/ Type:          STEM toy that teaches us about electronic circuit! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science lovers! 

I always wanted to be that COOL mum that kicks a soccer ball, swings on monkey bar, and builds an electronic circuit with the kids. 🤣 I am so grateful to Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums for making one of the little dreams of mine comes true; thank you for sending me this ClipCircuit Electro Lab for review! This set is mind-blowing! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 80 Experiments- The set comes with 28 electronic components including a transparent circuit board, battery packs, speaker, alarm IC, switches (dry reed switch activated by magnet, press switch, slide switch), red LED light, 2.5V lamp with mini bulb, motor, light-weigh fan, and connectors of different lengths. The 23-page instructions booklet contains 80 marvellous electronic experiments showcasing the wonder of electrical power, in a safe and kids-friendly way. I love the simple steps and easily-comprehensive explanations. We discovered differences between series and parallel circuit, explored how current flow can light a bulb and rotate a fan. Our ultimate favourite is the “Flying Fan” experiment; it’s exhilarating to watch how electrical power triggers spinning motion that lifts a fan off its motor. We love substituting and testing out the different switches, and changing configurations of the alarm IC to generate sounds of police car, machine gun, ambulance siren. I love the unique educational experience! 

(2) Snap-On Connectors- I love the quick snap-on connectors with press studs. No tools or soldering (meting of solder) are required for the electronics experiments. The components can be easily clipped-on using the circuit board as base. 

(3) Individually-Marked- Each components are colour-coded and individually marked with numbers (e.g. the green slide-switch is marked with “15”, and the yellow motor is labeled with “24”). The diagrams are clearly illustrated, with interesting explanations of outcomes and observations on how current travels. 

(4) Storage Box- The storage box has plastic insert that can fit all the components perfectly within. It’s organised and neat, exactly how I love it. 

Thanks Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums , this is super cool! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.heebiejeebies.com.au/

https://professorplums.com.au/collections/circuits/products/clip-circuit-electrolab-80-electronic-experiments-kit

Enjoy the video!