Art of science meets science of art
Anyone who loves — or even just appreciates — science will tell you there’s something beautiful about it. At the same time, those who love — or even just appreciate — art, often admire the technique and scientific precision that can go into creating a masterpiece.
This week we had a chance to experience several engaging products that blur the lines between art and science.
VIRTUALI-TEE
Curiscope
Among its many applications, augmented reality has the capacity to revolutionize education, and the Virtuali-Tee is a great example.
Just download the free iOS/Android app, have someone put on the included T-shirt (or, if you’re alone, use selfie mode), and get ready to explore the circulatory (bloodstream), respiratory (lungs), and digestive (intestines) systems in a truly eye-popping way. Each one uses 360-degree videos that make you feel like you’re stepping inside your own body.
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If you’re looking for a way to spark — or deepen — an interest in human anatomy, you can’t do better than this.
For ages 6 and older. $29.95. curiscope.com
AUGIE AUGMENTED REALITY ROBOT
Pai Technologies
As far as we know, Augie is the first coding robot that comes with augmented-reality technology.
What’s especially cool about Augie is that after introducing the basics of coding (using Blockly), it then grows with your child through six distinct progression-base modes. Your little programmer will soon have Augie dashing around your house, nimbly avoiding obstacles, spinning and making sounds, all while stealthily stimulating your child’s imagination, critical thinking, logic and problem-solving skills.
The app is free, as are more than 60 coding tutorials that follow the standards set by Code.org.
For ages 5 and older. Under $95. pai.technology
BOOLEAN BOX
Boolean Girl
While we applaud any and all efforts to get girls interested in technology and engineering, there’s absolutely no reason why this product needs to be targeted only at girls.
Boolean Box is a well-designed, high-quality kit that comes with everything (keyboard, processor, wires, resistors, buttons, lights, etc.) a child of either sex would need to build a computer, and then use it to code and create other tech projects. Software, including Minecraft, is preloaded.
The only thing that’s not included is a monitor, but there’s an HDMI cable that will allow you to connect it to your TV or computer screen.
Inspiration and instructions for hundreds of projects are on the Boolean Girl website, as is admission to “Boolean University,” which has even more coding and electronics projects.
For ages 7 and older. Under $150. booleangirl.org
Armin Brott and Samantha Feuss are the authors of the popular parenting blogs mrdad.com and havesippywilltravel.com. For more reviews of toys and games, visit parentsatplay.com.