Happy Lunar New Year STEM Sparkers! I've got to hand it to Lego: they sure know how to celebrate various holidays (check out this). I wanted to introduce Jack to the Lunar New Year, which is January 25 this year, and the Lego BrickHeadz Dragon Dance Guy was a good way to learn about the Lunar New Year while adding a STEM component. Here's a quick review of the STEM toy.
Will your kids like it and/or will you hate it?
I handed Jack and his friend their Lego BrickHeadz Dragon Dance Guy, and Jack proclaimed, "I always wanted this one!" As they built their own Dragon Dance Guy, I went into a brief explanation about the Lunar New Year (or Spring Festival): " festival typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later (source Encyclopedia Britannica)." Again, props to Lego for making STEM toys that can also introduce children (and adults) to different cultures. Combining history/culture with STEM is not an easy feat, and that's one reason why we review so many Lego here on STEM Spark (that and we are obsessed).
How long will it keep them entertained?
So at Jack's and his friend's age (5 and 7 years old), a 170 piece Lego BrickHeadz set is a relatively easy set for them to build. Jack's friend built his Dragon Dance Guy in under 30 minutes. Jack took a little longer, maybe 45 minutes. But that was 30 minutes for me to go down a Google rabbit hole-- I learned so much about the Year of the Rat!
Are they a good value?
Unfortunately, Lego is not making the Lego BrickHeadz Dragon Dance Guy anymore. But they are making the BrickHeadz Lucky Cat at $9.99 and the Lion Dance set at $79.99. The BrickHeadz Luck Cat is the same price the BrickHeadz Dragon Dance Guy set was, and $9.99 is a reasonable price for a Lego set that will briefly occupy time, but more important, teach you something about the Lunar New Year.
Ninja-like STEM Skills
Yes, Lego sets always have Ninja-like STEM Skills. You read more about those skills on this previous post or this one.
Overall, this STEM product (the Lego BrickHeadz Dragon Dance Guy set) scores a 5 out of 5 (using the Amazon scale) from us. And we happen to have an extra one to raffle off! Use the Raffecopter options below (or click the Rafflecopter link here), and please only STEM Sparkers with a US shipping address! Good luck!
Happy Lunar New Year STEM Sparkers!