Top 5 toys for future inventors

December 10, 12:42 PMGadgets ExaminerDan Appleman

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Roller coaster kits have endless possibilities

Where do gadgets come from? Someone has to invent them, and odds are most inventors start out as kids by building things, often using toys or kits. Not every toy or kit encourages the kind of creativity that leads to invention. There are some great educational toys that are interesting, fun and educational but consist primarily of following instructions. Following instructions can be interesting, fun and educational, but it does not develop invention and creativity. Finding those toys that are fun and empowering, but flexible enough to encourage true creativity, is a greater challenge, but these toys qualify. Most come with plans for one or more projects, but those are just a launching point for modifications and completely new projects. These toys are also great for parents to work on with the kids or as a family.

Riding roller coasters is fun. Building them can be just as much fun. And there are plenty of roller coaster building sets to choose from. If you get a larger set, several people can work on a coaster at once.

Erector sets - Yes, they are still around. And now they have motors and even radio remote controls. Buy a larger set or two smaller ones for maximum flexibility.

GeoMag toys – With magnetic rods, spheres and different shaped panels, you can create all kinds of structures.

K’nex and TinkerToy – These are both strut and connector toys, where TinkerToy is for younger children and K’nex for pre-teens and up. Check out the K’nex series of amusement park rides.

Legos - Probably the most popular of the construction toys, there are sets for any age, interest and price range.