I talk in detail about the Kiwi Co line of subscription boxes in this post and a bit on our Educational Resources page, but this post is all about the Eureka Crate specifically and why we’re fans of it in our house.

What is the Eureka Crate?

I guess we should start with the most important question. What exactly is the Eureka Crate? It is a monthly subscription box sent to your door with a STEM related project inside that gives teens (and adults) a hands-on lesson in the design process and uses engineering skills to make things that solve real-world problems.

As the most advanced of the Kiwi Co lines, it’s meant for ages 14 and up, or kids with more advanced skills. Especially those who have experience with the Tinker Crate which is for 9-16 year olds.

Eureka Crate challenges brains, builds skills and encourages creativity.

What are the projects like?

Each month a different project of varying difficulty arrives in the mail. They vary between fun and more practical projects.

This is a 2-in-1 lantern that we actually used when the kids camped in the backyard.

This fun table tennis robot lets you practice your ping pong skills in a small space–without a partner.

He’s also made a desk lamp, a table fan and a lock box.

What comes in the box?

All boxes come with the pieces needed for the project, and a few spares.

There’s also the instruction book that gives step by step instructions with pictures.

Near the back of the book there is more about what went into the design, and how to take the skills even further.

Who is the Eureka Crate for?

This particular line is for teenagers and up because the projects are more involved and complicated than those in the Tinker Crate. It’s officially for ages 14+, though we have it for my 12 year old. But, he did have the Tinker Crate for a year and wanted something a little more advanced. He sometimes feels that the Eureka Crate projects are a bit too complicated/hard though.

The Eureka Crate is appropriate if your child is really advanced in engineering and building, has used the Tinker Crate line for a while, or is of the “appropriate” age.

How much does it cost?

The Eureka Crate, like all the others, is a subscription with a few options. There is monthly, which costs $29.95. If you get a 3 month subscription it’s $28.95/month. For 6 months the price drops to $26.95/month and the best value is the 12 month subscription at $24.95/month.

We opt for the 12 month subscription because I know we’ll want it that long anyway, and I like the nearly $200 in savings over the monthly price. We give it as a gift for a birthday or Christmas. We’ve also had grandparents contribute because they know we prefer quality activities over a quantity of toys.

Final thoughts on Eureka Crate

If your teenager is into building things, likes engineering, science or math, this box is a great option. It will help them learn more about those things, and give them practical applications–without you having to come up with ideas or find supplies all the time.

Here’s the final project:

The post Eureka Crate: Stem Engineering and Design Subscription Box appeared first on Vibrant Mom Society.

This is why Memorial Day is such an important holiday–because it honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Unfortunately, it often gets hijacked as summer’s opening party instead of getting the reverence it deserves.

Part of this is probably because in the US today, fewer people are personally connected to anyone who has even served in the military, let alone lost their life in a conflict. Because of this, makes it a bit abstract and can make it hard for kids to understand why they should care so much.

By learning about the history of the holiday, and wars that we have fought, the day can be more about memorializing and honor.

History of Memorial Day

What we now know as Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War. Families would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and say prayers over them. In 1866, the town of Waterloo, New York became known as the official birthplace of the holiday. They held it as an official town event where businesses closed and residents decorated graves with flowers and flags.

What began as a memorial for Civil War soldiers, Memorial Day now honors all of the fallen soldiers in all of the wars the US has fought in.

In Washington DC, there are memorials commemorating the major wars that have been fought by the US. Since most of us can’t travel right now, visiting them virtually is a great way to show respect and learn about American history too.

African American Civil War Memorial

This bronze statue serves as tribute to the United States Colored Troops (USCT). The wall lists the names of 209,145 USCT who fought for freedom during the American Civil War. 

This monument is part of the African American Civil War Museum. You can find out more info about that on their website here: African American Civil War Museum.

There are 18 other memorials and statues scattered throughout the District representing the Civil War.

You can find a list of them and directions here: Civil War Monuments in DC

World War I Memorial

The District of Columbia War Memorial is dedicated to the 499 service members from DC that lost their lives in World War I. This memorial also contains all 26,000 DC residents who served in the war.

A World War I Memorial honoring all of the US soldiers from that war is in the works. It will be in Pershing Park.

World War II Memorial

One of the newest memorials in Washington DC, and incorporated into the National Mall, is the World War II Memorial. The memorial was dedicated in 2004. It honors the service of 16 million members of the US Armed Forces, the support of millions of people at home, and the ultimate sacrifice of 405,399 Americans in the war.

For more info about the memorial itself, visit this National Park Service page here.

And, you can even visit this one virtually here: World War II Memorial

The WWII memorial is very large, partly because it was built around the existing Rainbow Pool. Granite columns representing each U.S. state and territory at the time of World War II surround the pool. Quotes, references to theaters, campaigns, battles, and two massive victory pavilions showcase the efforts Americans put in to win the war.

Korean War Memorial

The first time I visited Washington DC, and the National Mall, it was night time and this memorial stood out as something almost ghostly. I felt the spirit of this memorial immediately. Still impressive in the daylight, it’s definitely one of my favorites.

Dedicated in 1995 the Korean memorial honors the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed services during the Korean War. The memorial, located near the Lincoln Memorial, has 19 stainless steel statues wearing ponchos. They are about 7 feet tall and surrounded by juniper bushes.

Yeah, can you imagine being a teenager who had no idea about this memorial, walking around the Mall, and seeing these 7 foot-tall guys lit by little lights coming out of the dark? Part if me wants ti say there was fog, but I’m pretty sure that’s just my imagination. Awesome, creepy and very moving.

Visit it virtually here: Korean War Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial chronologically lists the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country in a 246-foot-long wall made of black granite.

The National Park Service created a short video that explains the purpose of the wall and what it means. Watch it here. Dedicated in November 1982, this monument’s design was very controversial.

Only 2 years later, on Veteran’s Day in 1984, this statue of 3 servicemen was added to the area around the original wall.

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial honors the U.S. women who served in the Vietnam War. It shows three uniformed women with an injured soldier.

Virtual Tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (click on the smaller square near the bottom right for more photos) You can also see it here from Google Arts and Culture

These are the major memorials in Washington DC that commemorate the major wars the United States has fought in. I hope that you enjoy looking around, learning something new, and taking time to honor the fallen US service men and women this Memorial Day.

Have you been to these? Which is your favorite?

Like this? Pin it for later:

The post 5 Monuments to “Visit” this Memorial Day appeared first on Vibrant Mom Society.