Leonardo da Vinci: Mini Bicycle - Ages 8+
The incredible bicycle image discovered hidden in the Codex Atlanticus folio of Leonardo’s drawings and writings is regarded widely as being done by one of his students, perhaps from a drawing Leonardo had originally made.
There is some controversy as to whether the drawing was even authentic, some think it may have somehow been slipped in at a much later date.
Interestingly, he was drawing bicycle like machines – like a bicycle powered ornithopter, and he had done many drawings of chains and gears – very similar to how a bike would work, so we think he did draw it (and I’m a professional after all…).
It is a testimony to his inventiveness that he designed a bicycle 300 years before anyone was even thinking of self propelled two wheel transport.
This is a great kit for bicycle aficionados, and to inspire you to invent something no one has ever thought up – like a thing that takes one thing and moves it to a different place, but also can generate colourful sounds and help you communicate with people (well, aliens) in a multidimensional universe, while deleting photos that you don’t need anymore. You know…
- Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 18 cm
Pathfinders is a Canadian company dedicated to creating compelling, innovative, wooden science kits that challenge children of all ages to explore the link between science, design, and technology in the world around us. They aim to help the student integrate knowledge gained from constructing the kits by providing links to educational resources to enhance their understanding of math and science as well as historical principles. Their chief educator, Derek Wulff, is a BC certified teacher who has been teaching grades K to 10 for the past 13 years. Derek designs all of the kits produced at Pathfinders for educational and recreational use. He spends time with kids in schools, making and using the kits to see how well they deliver curriculum for teachers, and to make sure they are engaging and appropriate for both fun play and educational aspects. They are an environmentally friendly company and use recyclable materials, natural, untreated wood, and local resources and production as much as possible. All of their kits are tested to make sure they are 100% kid and pet safe! They like to work with other local companies too. Their manufacturer in Taiwan is a local family-run factory, and most of the retail stores they sell to are small businesses and neighbourhood toy stores.
Recommended for ages 8+.