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In
either your local toy store or
online you can find your child’s
dream toy to help him or her learn
about the universe. Two categories
of intriguing toys for children are
robots and space toys.
Robots
have fascinated children for
generations and the complexity of
robot toys has evolved over the
years to provide multiple choices at
a variety of prices. Science
fiction stories and movies have
brought robots into the mainstream
and toymakers continue to provide
options for the young. The term
“robot” refers to the growing range
of interactive devices that have
beneficial effects on how children
develop and grow. Robots available
from leading designers and
researches offer a unique
perspective for children through a
wide age range.
Robotic
toys have advanced through the years
as all technology has continued to
develop. Today, robot toys have a
range of capabilities, from simple
functions to much more complicated
operations. These toys can walk,
run, turn, use their arms and
basically perform many human
movements such as sitting, standing,
lying down and waving.
Additionally, some of the newer
models can even recognize color and
interact with people and objects.
As much of the technology has become
less expensive to develop (decrease
in cost of microchips), robot toys
have become more affordable. Robots
do not necessarily have to look like
the classic tin robots of
yesterday. Non-traditional robots
are being developed - animals such
as a dinosaur can even be robotic –
these robots allow kids to
manipulate the robot by
realistically moving the head and
tail sections.
Children’s robot kits are available
which are designed to motivate the
inventor in all kids. A more
advanced robot kit is one which
allows kids to build and program a
wireless robot through computer
software. These robot kits are
generally for kids around ten and
up.
Studies
of robots have shown that they may
help children grow social skills and
interact with others more
effectively. Robot toys are a trend
of today – whether they walk, talk
or perform more complex functions
there are a variety of robotic toys
for all age ranges.
Space
toys also captivate children’s
attention. Following are some of
the most popular space toys for
kids:
-
Model Space Ships/NASA Products:
Children often dream of being
astronauts, so they especially
enjoy astronaut toys.
-
Flying Saucer or Alien Spaceship:
You can find battery powered
remote control spaceships or
saucers similar to remote
control planes or cars.
Utilizing the controls, the
altitude and speed of the saucer
can be determined by the user.
-
Figures and Dolls: Like
other action figures, children
can use their imagination when
playing with space figures. The
common space figure that can be
found is an astronaut; however,
for make-believe play, aliens
can also be fun figures to have
around.
-
Space Food: You might not
find it delicious, however your
child will have fun tasting!
Try some astronaut ice cream as
a crunchy, sweet treat. Also
available are freeze-dried fruit
snacks that taste similar to
fresh fruit, however they have a
big crunch. Freeze-dried fruit
snacks can provide you with a
healthy portable snack that may
be of interest for your child.
Let
your child enjoy interacting with
the scientific world – robots and
space toys make a unique gift for
any child and help both social
skills develop as well as an
interest in the universe. |
