The Uberstix Uberpult (for ages 8 and up)---a kit obviously designed with learning in mind. The Uberpult comes with everything you need to build and test your very own catapult, including 177 Uberstix, an instruction booklet, 2 plastic spoons, 4 rubber bands, and even a lab sheet for recording your results. The kit also includes a little explanatory sheet on simple machines and instructions for making a “Minipult.”
I found the instructions simple to follow, though my almost-10-year-old pointed out they were a little vague in a few places…since the kit is intended for ages 8 and up, I’ll have to bow to his judgment. He said he would prefer larger pictures, with the new pieces being added highlighted, and to be told ahead when multiples of a particular construction are needed. I would also like to see actual instructions on how to fire the catapult. It is not completely obvious from the construction and the only clue you get is from the picture on the front of the box.
The catapult went together fairly easily (a few pieces were hard to slide together and required Mommy power), though my son, who is already a skeptic, ahem, insisted throughout that arm was much too long to get any real distance. He was right, of course. But the makers of Uberstix thought about the need to modify the design. They actually include more pieces than you need to complete the catapult as directed. David created a shorter arm (he didn’t even have to disassemble the original one) and the catapult went from firing the projectile a couple of feet to over 10 feet! Pretty impressive.
A few notes:
- The Uberpult is a tad unstable when firing on a hard surface (you’ll want to fire with one hand, and hold the Uberpult down with the other), but was perfectly fine on a carpeted floor.
- The Uberstix themselves are flexible and might be prone to breakage, though none have broken on us. Uberstix, very cleverly, touts breakage as an advantage! Broken Uberstix can be trimmed, sanded, and transformed into unique pieces otherwise unavailable.
And what do I love about Uberstix?
- They have been engineered to work with any of the major building systems already on the market and a number of household materials, greatly expanding the creative possibilities.
- Many of their kits encourage the use of recycled components, like plastic spoons and plastic water bottles to create functioning projects.
- Moving joints make your creations do something, and they give educational support for understanding the why behind it.
I received one free Uberstix Uberpult 183 piece set from www.AllChildrensFurniture.com for review and promotion purposes, and the promise of one identical set to be sent to the winner of this giveaway. I received no compensation. The opinions expressed in this review reflect the experiences of me and my family.
Buy it:
The Uberstix Uberpult is on sale right now at www.AllChildrensFurniture.com for $19.29! That’s 23% off the retail price.
Win it!
www.AllChildrensFurniture.com has generously offered to send one Uberstix Uberpult to one lucky reader! This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
Please read the instructions carefully. You must leave a separate comment for each entry. If your email is not visible in your profile or you use the anonymous option, you must leave your email or web addy in your comment so I can contact you (you can use the name at somewhere dot com format). If there is no contact info, you will not be included in the draw.
Entries will close on Sunday, March 28th at midnight EST. Each comment will be assigned a number and one number will be chosen at www.random.org the next day. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email. If I don’t here from him/her before then, a new winner will be selected.
- Mandatory: Visit www.AllChildrensFurniture.com and tell me about something you like on the site. (No other entries will count unless you do this one.)
- For 1 additional entry: Follow me using the Google Friend Connect widget in my right sidebar (I’ll follow you back!). If you already follow me, leave a comment telling me.
- For 1 additional entry: Subscribe to my email feed (see right sidebar). If you already subscribe, leave a comment telling me.
- For 3 additional entries: Blog about this giveaway, be sure to link to this post. Include a link to your post in your comment.
- For 1 additional entry: Follow me on Twitter. Leave your Twitter id in your comment.
- For 1 additional entry: Tweet this giveaway. Link to your tweet in your comment. You may copy and paste the following for your tweet:
I really like the butterfly lamp they have there http://www.allchildrensfurniture.com/CoCaLo-Baby-716129-DJ1117.html
ReplyDeleteMainly because it is purple and a butterfly. Two things together that my oldest daughter loves.
I really like that Kid Kraft 2-in-1 Lego and Train activity table. My 2 year old would just love that! :)
ReplyDeleteHe really likes Thomas and really likes to get into his brother's Legos, so it would serve both purposes, plus is more compact than a plain train table! :)
I really like KidKraft Pastel Cottage Kitchen - my girly girl would love this!
ReplyDeleteFollowing you on Google Friends
ReplyDeleteAKA Canadianladybug
isa(dot)ocinc(at)gmail(dot)com
Following you on twitter
ReplyDeleteCanadianladybug
isa(dot)ocinc(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweeted about it on Canadianladybug with @susanadale
ReplyDeleteIsa(dot)ocinc(at)gmail(dot)com
Three Cheers for Girls lapdesk would be fun for my 14 yr old daughter who likes to work on the couch.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
kkovach at sc dot rr dot com
I am following you . . . please follow me, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Kimberly at
kkovach at sc dot rr dot com
I just blogged about your contest here.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kovach/772088/
I want more entries:)
Thanks.
kkovach at sc dot rr dot com
Visited the website. Really like the wooden Melissa and Doug chess and checkers set. My son is loving chess and his set is just a cheap one.
ReplyDeletelovinglearningathome.blogspot.com
Follow you.
ReplyDeletewww.lovinglearningathome.blogspot.com
I like the Alligator Treasures Wardrobe - I7300 - XX.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the The Young Scientists Club Young Scientists Series Complete: 12 Sets/36 Kits-SKU #: YSC1032
ReplyDeleteI'm following you on google!
ReplyDeleteI already follow you on twitter - http://twitter.com/tink38570
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about it - http://twitter.com/tink38570/status/10591603608
ReplyDeleteI like all of the Thames and Kosmos science kits
ReplyDeleteI follow on Google Friend Connect.
ReplyDeleteI blogged about your giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/
I blogged about your giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/
I blogged about your giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/
Something I liked on their site is the Legare Furniture Children's No-Tool-Assembly Desk in Strawberries and Cream. Cute!!! (and practical!)
ReplyDeleteroseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
I tweeted about this...
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/HSBSuzanne/status/10604230855
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
I follow you on Twitter (@HSBSuzanne).
ReplyDeleteroseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
Lots of fun stuff at All Children's Furniture. We like the Ohio State comforter set. Go Bucks!
ReplyDeleteWow, everything over there is gorgeous. I like the Patch Match Horse Quilt - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm following you via Google Friend :)
ReplyDeleteI'm following you on Twitter:)
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about this giveaway: I @susanadale so you will see it in your @ feed :) Here's my twitter link: http://twitter.com/thehsdesk
ReplyDeleteI like the coat racks, especially the double flower one, and the Little Farmhouse one. Perfect for my kids' rooms.
ReplyDeleteApril E.
I follow you on google friend connect.
ReplyDeleteApril E.
I really enjoy the "Offi YooDo Large Scale Construction Toy" and mostly because it looks like something that even momma can participate in easily, lol.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the "Offi YooDo Large Scale Construction Toy" and mostly because it looks like something that even momma can participate in easily, lol.
ReplyDeleteJust followed you via Google Connect; Enjoy discovering your blog!
ReplyDeleteFollowing you via Twitter; My twitter id is sunflowerfaith
ReplyDeleteJust retweeted about it via Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI love the KidKraft Savannah Dollhouse
ReplyDeletevrtheriot@gmail.com
I am following via google
ReplyDeletevrtheriot@gmail.com
I like the Thames and Kosmos Science kits.
ReplyDeletefollow on google friend connect
ReplyDeleteI like the Guidecraft Tea Party Kitchen. Thanks!
ReplyDeletemigdaliamart at gmail dot com
I would also like to try the MOBI TykeLight GloMate Color Changing Portable Nightlight
ReplyDeletea10small at hotmail dot com
I follow you using Google Friend Connect.
ReplyDeleteroseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
I blogged about this...
ReplyDeletehttp://anitamartin.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/thirsty-thursday/
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
entry 1 of 3
I blogged about this...
ReplyDeletehttp://anitamartin.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/thirsty-thursday/
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
entry 2 of 3
I blogged about this...
ReplyDeletehttp://anitamartin.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/thirsty-thursday/
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
entry 3 of 3
I'm subscribed to your email feed.
ReplyDeleteroseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
They have so many fun products! I especially like the "How's & Why's of Science" kit.
ReplyDeletebkittie@hotmail.com
Hi There! Stopping by from Marketing Mondays and I am so glad I found your blog! You have so great ans cute stuff! I am always looking forward to reading new blogs and if you get a chance you can swing by mine at www.miamamiah.com Have a great week and I look forward to blogging with you!
ReplyDeleteI love the Wildon Home Denmark Loft Bed with Single Bed with Casters Set
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
signed up for e-mail
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
i like the gettin' around toybox
ReplyDeleteohhhfire@hotmail.com
i am a google friend connect follower
ReplyDeleteohhhfire@hotmail.com
i am a twitter follower
ReplyDelete@ohhhfire
ohhhfire@hotmail.com
I love the pink princess crown clock.
ReplyDeletejune_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
I like the organic bedding (twin) for my three children "Lions, Tigers and Kitties, Oh My".
ReplyDeletemaureenruble@yahoo.com
The surfboard growth charts are the coolest thing. Never seen one like it.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower with google friend connect
ReplyDeleteI love all the bookshelves, especially the girly ones. :-)
ReplyDeleteFollowing!
ReplyDeleteI love all the Thames & Kosmos science kits. I'm particularly intrigued by the Egypt Archaeology one, and the Power House Science kit.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Google Friend Connect
ReplyDeletei love the Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set. It's so cute! dilem.mama{AT}gmail{DOT}com
ReplyDeleteI follow!
ReplyDeletedilem.mama{AT}gmail{DOT}com