TOS Review: Pitsco’s Medieval Machines Pack

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One of the most fascinating aspects of studying medieval history is learning about siege warfare.  I don’t know anyone who could resist building and playing with some flinging type weapon such as a catapult.  I think getting to play with a catapult is the real reason my daughters wanted to study that time period!

As a member of the TOS Review crew I received the Medieval Machines Pack from Pitsco Education.  The pack included a Trebuchet Kit, Catapult Kit, Mass Plates, and the Siege Machines book. Pitsco also included some extra clay for us.  This package retails for $21.95. For more information about the Medieval Machine Pack click here.

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Turtlegirl’s friend came over to help her build the machines. He had this to say: It was fun but frustrating to build. They need stronger wood.”  We did have a piece of the catapult break while building but fortunately,it was only the trigger so the catapult still works you just have to hold it down manually while loading.  Release your finger to fling. 

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Thoughts from Turtlegirl:“The trebuchet was a bit more complicated to build. The directions were reasonably clear, but it would be best to read through the whole thing first, and then go back and start building. We didn’t read through the whole thing first, so  we would do steps and then have to go back re-do them because we didn’t have enough information. Catapult instructions were crystal clear. We didn’t have a problem with those directions.  I liked the trebuchet because it was cool to watch and figure out the mechanics. I also liked the catapult because it flung stuff really well. (Sorry Mom for hitting you and Tailorbear)  The book is very interesting and I am planning on doing more with the activities. I’m especially looking forward to playing with the variables on the trebuchet.”  

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My Thoughts: I think this is an excellent package to use to add science and math to a Medieval or Middle Ages Unit Study.  I don’t usually comment on the value of a product because value is so subjective but for $21.95 I think it is a steal!  I love that the Siege Machines book addresses standards from three national education organizations.  This would be very helpful in planning how to integrate these activities into a unit study to cover math and science.

Pitsco Education has a section just for homeschoolers.  Check it out here.

Click on the banner below to read what my fellow crew mates had to say about the Medieval Machines Pack.PhotobucketAll information is correct and accurate as of the date of this review.

Disclaimer: As a TOS Crew member, I received the Medieval Siege Machines Pack free of charge to review. This review is my honest opinion with, hopefully, enough detail as to why I liked or did not like a product so that my readers can make an informed decision. I received no compensation.

Comments

  1. My kids liked the catapult and trebuchet too. But we did have the exact same problem, the trigger piece broke when they were putting the catapult together.

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  2. This looks like a really fun product. We'll be studying Middle Ages again next year, and now I want to build one, too! :)

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