Pitsco Balsa Truss Tester
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
The Pitsco Balsa Truss Tester is an engaging tool that brings structural engineering concepts to life for students and parents alike. This hands-on resource allows learners to explore the principles of tension, compression, and load distribution through the construction and testing of balsa wood trusses. As a parent or educator, you’ll appreciate how this interactive experience fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills while making learning fun and memorable.
Our Top 5 Picks
Balsa-Wood Glider Fun for All
Our Rank:
S&S Worldwide Balsa-Wood Top Gun Glider Model Planes offer a unique and hands-on way for kids to explore the principles of aerodynamics while unleashing their creativity! With easy assembly and options for decorating with paints or markers, these gliders are perfect for encouraging STEM learning in a fun and playful environment. Ideal for summer camps, field days, or birthday party favors, each plane inspires imagination and fine motor skills as kids build and personalize their own flying creations. 5-12 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Balsa-Wood Glider Fun for All includes easy assembly and personalization options, making it a delightful way for kids to explore flight while flexing their creative muscles.
Balsa Glider Planes for Creative Fun
Our Rank:
Guillow's 12" Balsa Glider Planes are the perfect blend of fun and learning for curious minds! Not only do these delightful wooden gliders spark imagination, but they also promote fine motor skills as kids assemble and decorate their own planes. What’s more, they will marvel at the principles of flight as they experiment with adjusting wing positions to see how their gliders soar or loop through the sky. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Balsa Glider Planes for Creative Fun invite kids to assemble and decorate their own planes, turning the principles of flight into a soaring adventure that blends creativity and learning.
BanaSuper Wooden Balance Beam Adventure
Our Rank:
BanaSuper Wooden Balance Beam for Kids is not just a toy—it's a gateway to a world of exploration and skill-building! Crafted from premium birch wood and designed for creativity, this balance beam set empowers our little ones to unleash their imagination by constructing various shapes like straight paths or zig-zag courses. As our kids engage with this versatile set, they're not only having fun; they're also developing essential skills like balance, coordination, and concentration, while building confidence in their physical abilities. 3-7 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
BanaSuper Wooden Balance Beam Adventure is crafted from premium birch wood, turning playtime into a confidence-building exploration of balance and creativity that parents can enjoy alongside their kids.
Bonsai Building Fun with Nanoblocks
Our Rank:
Bonsai Sakura from the Sight to See Series is an engaging building kit that nurtures creativity and fine motor skills in children aged 8 and up. With 250 intricately designed pieces, this level 2 challenge enhances problem-solving abilities and allows young builders to express themselves through stunning 3D art, all while learning about the beauty of bonsai culture. Parents and educators will appreciate not just the hands-on learning experience, but also the impressive display piece that results from this enjoyable construction journey. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Bonsai Building Fun with Nanoblocks includes 250 intricately designed pieces that transform building into a beautiful display while nurturing creativity and fine motor skills in young builders.
Build Bridges, Build Minds!
Our Rank:
The Perfect Stix Wooden Truss Bridge Kit is an exciting hands-on STEM project that invites children to explore engineering concepts while crafting their very own bridge. As kids build and test their creations, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of foundational principles in physics and design. Made in the USA from recycled materials, this eco-friendly kit not only inspires young innovators but also aligns with educational goals, making it a favorite for parents and educators alike. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Build Bridges, Build Minds! invites kids to construct their own bridges using eco-friendly materials, turning playtime into an inspiring lesson in engineering and teamwork.
GraviTrax Bridges: Build, Learn, Play!
Our Rank:
GraviTrax Bridges Expansion Set is an exciting way for kids to explore the world of physics right from their playroom! With this innovative STEM toy, children ages 8 and up can unleash their creativity while learning about gravity, magnetism, and kinetics as they design and construct their own race tracks. It's not just a marble run; it's a hands-on educational experience that fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a passion for building. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
GraviTrax Bridges features an innovative design that lets kids explore gravity and magnetism while they build, turning playtime into a thrilling physics experiment in their own home!
GraviTrax Adventure: Build and Learn
Our Rank:
GraviTrax - Speed Starter Set (185 Pieces) is more than just a marble run; it’s an invitation to unleash creativity and learn through play! As we dive into building our own marble track systems, we’re not only engaging our minds but also enhancing skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial awareness. We love how this interactive construction toy allows our kids to experiment and iterate, creating entire marble run worlds—perfect for sparking their imaginations. 8 and up
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
GraviTrax Adventure: Build and Learn includes 185 pieces that invite kids to create custom marble tracks while exploring the fundamentals of physics through playful experimentation.
Magnetic Building Racer Set
Our Rank:
The Tegu Magnetic Racer Building Block Set, Blue Big Top, is a fantastic way to inspire creativity and imaginative play in our little ones! Designed to encourage open-ended exploration, this set lets children build, race, and reimagine their creations, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Made with responsibly sourced hardwoods and free from plastic and toxins, this toy not only nurtures our kids' development but also supports meaningful social impact through job creation in Honduras. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Magnetic Building Racer Set includes responsibly sourced hardwoods that allow kids to create and race their own designs, merging creativity with a dose of environmental responsibility!
GraviTrax PRO: Build, Learn, Play!
Our Rank:
Ravensburger GraviTrax PRO Starter Set is an interactive adventure that fuses creativity with critical thinking! As parents and educators, we know the importance of nurturing our children's problem-solving skills, and this engaging STEM toy does just that. With 152 unique components, kids will unleash their engineering potential, constructing marble runs that challenge their imaginations. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
GraviTrax PRO: Build, Learn, Play! features 152 unique components that transform STEM learning into an exciting marble run adventure, igniting both imagination and engineering skills in our little builders.
Exciting Kids Club House Playhouse
Our Rank:
The Pacific Play Tents Kids Club House Playhouse is perfect for sparking imaginative adventures at home or in the backyard! With its generous size of 50" x 40" x 50", this playhouse encourages cooperative play, creativity, and storytelling among children. The no-see-um mesh promotes air circulation, making it a safe and comfortable space for kids to explore their imaginations. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Exciting Kids Club House Playhouse is a spacious 50" x 40" x 50" adventure haven that turns any backyard into a world of imagination and collaboration.
Da Vinci Catapult Engineering Adventure
Our Rank:
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Da Vinci Model Kit - Catapult Kit for Kids is an exciting way for children to explore engineering principles while constructing three remarkable machines: a Ballista, a Bombard, and a mighty Catapult. This hands-on 3D puzzle encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, making it an ideal choice for parents and educators seeking to enrich STEM learning. With everything needed to build and launch projectiles, kids will not only engage in creative play but also gain practical experience in mechanics and physics. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Da Vinci Catapult Engineering Adventure includes everything needed to build and launch projectiles, turning kids into budding engineers while sneakily teaching them about physics and mechanics.
John Deere Stakeside Trailer Adventure
Our Rank:
The Peg Perego John Deere Stakeside Trailer Ride On is an exciting way for children to explore their environment while developing essential skills. With a spacious cargo area perfect for hauling toys, pretend supplies, or even tiny friends, this trailer ignites imaginative play and teamwork. Parents will appreciate how it encourages outdoor activity, fine motor skills, and coordination, all while making each adventure a fun learning experience. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
John Deere Stakeside Trailer Adventure has a spacious cargo area perfect for hauling toys, turning every outside excursion into a mini adventure that sparks creativity and collaboration.
Unleash Imagination with AT-ST Model Kit
Our Rank:
Bandai AT-ST 1/48 Scale Star Wars All Terrain Scout Transport Walker is more than just a model kit; it's a gateway to creativity and engineering skills! As we dive into the world of Star Wars together, our little builders will engage in critical thinking while figuring out how to assemble the highly detailed Walker. This kit not only fosters fine motor skills through the assembly process but also ignites discussions about storytelling and the fascinating universe of Star Wars. 180 months to 720 months
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Unleash Imagination with AT-ST Model Kit features articulated legs and a rotating head, allowing kids to blend creativity with engineering while diving into the Star Wars universe.
Explore Engineering with Fun Models
Our Rank:
Thames & Kosmos Structural Engineering: Bridges & Skyscrapers is a hands-on science and engineering kit that allows kids to build 20 different models while learning about crucial concepts like force, load, compression, and tension. Designed for intermediate builders, this kit not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also encourages teamwork as kids explore the fascinating world of structural engineering. With over 285 interchangeable pieces and a detailed manual, parents and educators will appreciate how this award-winning kit makes learning both engaging and educational. 8-14 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore Engineering with Fun Models features over 285 interchangeable pieces, making structural engineering an exciting challenge that builds teamwork and critical thinking while having a blast.
Unlock Sky Adventures with Synapse 140 Kite
Our Rank:
Prism Kite Technology Synapse 140 Dual-line Parafoil Kite is the perfect gateway to the exhilarating world of kiting for your little adventurers! This kite not only provides instant fun but also teaches essential skills like coordination, motor control, and teamwork as they master moves like spins and dives. With its compact size and easy setup, we can easily take it on family outings or picnics, encouraging outdoor play and exploration. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Unlock Sky Adventures with Synapse 140 Kite is a dual-line parafoil kite that transforms outdoor play into a lesson in nature as kids discover the magic of wind.
E-flite Float Strut Set for Exciting Flight!
Our Rank:
E-flite Float Strut Set Carbon-Z Cub SS 2m, EFL12419 is an exciting way to introduce children to the thrilling world of model aviation. This set not only enhances the fun of flying with realistic float struts but also engages young minds in understanding the mechanics of flight and engineering concepts. As they assemble and test their aircraft, kids develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of responsibility. 10+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
E-flite Float Strut Set for Exciting Flight! includes realistic float struts that transform model building into an educational adventure in aerodynamics, making every flight a chance to learn.
Medieval Trebuchet 3D Puzzle
Our Rank:
The Eco Wood Art 3D Puzzle Trebuchet offers an exciting journey into the world of medieval engineering! This engaging 94-piece challenge is not just a puzzle, but a hands-on learning experience where we’ll explore gravity, gears, and the fascinating principles of design. Perfect for family bonding, this wooden puzzle sparks curiosity and hones problem-solving skills while we're enjoying quality time together. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Medieval Trebuchet 3D Puzzle, with its 94 pieces, turns our living room into a medieval workshop where we can tackle engineering principles and bond as a family—all without catapulting our phones.
Kids First Engineering Design Kit
Our Rank:
The Kids First Engineering Design Kit invites young explorers to dive into the exciting world of mechanical physics! With 22 action-packed science experiments, your budding engineer will construct amazing models like a pulley system and a crane, demonstrating core principles of force and motion. As they play and create, they're also building critical thinking skills and sparking curiosity about the universe around them. 5-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Kids First Engineering Design Kit features 22 action-packed science experiments that turn complex physics into tangible projects, igniting a passion for exploration and creativity.
Snap Circuit Extreme: Build & Learn
Our Rank:
The Elenco Snap Circuit Extreme transforms playful curiosity into tangible learning experiences, packed with over 750 experiments just waiting to be unraveled! As a parent and educator, we know how important it is to engage our kids with hands-on projects that develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. With components like a sound-activated switch and even a lie detector, your child will be immersed in the wonders of electronics while exploring STEM concepts in an exciting, interactive way. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Snap Circuit Extreme comes with over 750 experiments that turn learning electronics into a fun adventure, ensuring kids become the tech innovators of tomorrow while having a blast!
60-in-One Electronic Playground Set
Our Rank:
The Elenco Electronic Playground 60-in-One Experiments kit is an incredible way for kids and families to dive into the fascinating world of electronics! With 60 unique projects to explore, from a finger touch lamp to a transistor radio, this hands-on experience nurtures curiosity and critical thinking. Parents like us will appreciate how it seamlessly blends fun with learning, reinforcing STEM concepts while sparking imagination. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
60-in-One Electronic Playground Set offers 60 unique projects that transform learning about electricity into a delightful family adventure, turning curious minds into budding inventors.
Build History with B-24D Liberator Kit
Our Rank:
Guillow's Consolidated B-24D Liberator Model Kit is the perfect way to spark a child's interest in aviation history and hands-on learning! As parents and educators, we know the joy that comes from building something from scratch, and this kit fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills. With a 48 1/2" wingspan and high-quality balsa materials, kids will not only enjoy the model-building experience but also gain insights into engineering and design principles. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Build History with B-24D Liberator Kit features high-quality balsa materials and a 48 1/2" wingspan, turning model-building into an exciting journey through aviation history and hands-on learning.
Build and Fly with Aeronca Champion
Our Rank:
Guillow's Aeronca Champion Balsa Model Airplane Model Kit is a delightful way to inspire creativity and critical thinking in our young builders! With its precision laser-cut balsa parts and a generous wingspan of 24 inches, children can learn valuable skills like spatial awareness and problem-solving as they construct their very own airplane. Not only can they enjoy the rewarding experience of flying it with the included rubber power motor, but they also have the option to convert it for electric or gas engines, offering open-ended exploration in engineering principles. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Build and Fly with Aeronca Champion comes with precision laser-cut balsa parts, allowing kids to experience the joy of aviation while developing essential engineering skills.
TickiT Natural Architect Panels: Build & Create!
Our Rank:
TickiT Natural Architect Panels are a fantastic way to spark imagination and creativity in our little builders! With 24 beautifully crafted wood panels in four unique shapes and six sizes, children can explore endless possibilities through open-ended play. Not only do these panels enhance spatial reasoning and construction skills, but they also introduce essential STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way. 2-5 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
TickiT Natural Architect Panels are made from sustainable Beech wood and offer 24 beautifully crafted panels that inspire endless creativity in our little builders.
Balance Beam for Confident Movers
Our Rank:
The We Sell Mats 9 ft Folding Foam Balance Beam Bar is perfect for children eager to enhance their gymnastics and cheerleading skills. With its sturdy 6" base and cushioned support, this balance beam not only fosters balance and coordination but also encourages kids to practice safely and confidently at home or on outings. It's an excellent choice for parents looking to promote active play while nurturing physical development and self-esteem in their little athletes. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Balance Beam for Confident Movers features a sturdy 6" base, promoting safe practice for little gymnasts while boosting their self-esteem and physical development in a fun way.
Engaging Bruder Bale Transport Adventure
Our Rank:
Bruder 02220 Bale Transport Trailer with 8 Round Bales is the perfect toy to spark imaginative play while teaching kids valuable skills! Made in Germany from high-quality ABS plastic, this trailer not only encourages role-playing as little farmers, but also helps develop fine motor skills as children learn to load and unload bales. With its functional coupling to Bruder tractors, kids can explore concepts of mechanics and transportation. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Bruder Bale Transport Adventure comes with 8 round bales that spark imaginative farming role-play, teaching kids teamwork while they tackle loading challenges like mini farmhands.
Discover Science with Hands-On Play
Our Rank:
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Science Laboratory STEM Experiment Kit is an engaging gateway to the world of science for young learners ages 3 and up. This colorful set encourages curiosity and hands-on exploration while developing crucial STEM skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking. With durable tools and exciting experiments, it's a fantastic way for parents and educators to inspire a lifelong love of learning in their children. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Discover Science with Hands-On Play features durable tools and exciting experiments, making science feel like an adventure and sparking your child's curiosity in the most delightful way.
Explore with Snap Circuits R/C Snap Rover Kit
Our Rank:
The Snap Circuits R/C Snap Rover Electronics Discovery Kit ignites curiosity and innovation in children as they explore the world of electronics and engineering. Designed for kids who love to build and control their creations, this kit not only allows them to construct up to three rovers simultaneously but also teaches them essential skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, and teamwork. With a user-friendly, illustrated manual and a multi-function wireless remote control, we're excited to see our kids enhance their tech-savviness while enjoying countless hours of hands-on fun. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore with Snap Circuits R/C Snap Rover Kit includes a user-friendly manual that turns electronics into playtime, encouraging our kids to think critically while having a blast.
Unleash Fun with Machrus Swingan Trapeze!
Our Rank:
Machrus Swingan 18” Trapeze Swing Bar for Kids is the ultimate playground accessory that transforms your backyard into a realm of adventure and learning! As parents, we know how important it is for our children to develop core strength, stamina, and confidence. This amazing trapeze swing lets kids swing, hang, and even flip like little monkeys, all while having a blast! 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Machrus Swingan Trapeze features a durable design that allows kids to swing, hang, and flip while developing their physical limits and having endless fun in the backyard.
Swing-N-Slide Shade Tarp Adventure
Our Rank:
The Swing-N-Slide WS 4403 52" x 90" Swing Set Replacement Tarp brings a world of comfort and creativity to outdoor play. This vibrant tarp not only provides essential shade, allowing children to play safely beneath the sun, but also inspires imaginative play scenarios, from pirate ships to secret hideouts. With reinforced durability and easy installation, parents can feel confident that their kids are not just having fun, but also developing social skills through cooperative play in a vibrant, protected environment. 2-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Swing-N-Slide Shade Tarp Adventure provides essential shade, transforming any swing set into a magical play space where imaginations soar and friendships bloom.
Elenco Deluxe Soldering Adventure Kit
Our Rank:
Elenco Deluxe Learn to Solder Kit opens up a world of creativity and engineering for our budding young makers! This fully adjustable soldering station, complete with essential tools and clear instructions, helps children grasp the fundamentals of working with printed circuit boards. It's not just about soldering; it's about building perseverance, fine motor skills, and technical knowledge that can set them up for future STEM success. 10+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Elenco Deluxe Soldering Adventure Kit comes with a fully adjustable soldering station, turning kids into young engineers while they learn patience and precision—who knew soldering could spark such joy?