Tangiplay

What it is/what you do with it: educational STEM set designed to introduce preschool, kindergarten and early elementary school kids to coding in a game-like environment.

In the set there are 12 bot figures that can be used as controllers in the iOS/Android app.

The app contains about 120 puzzles divided into 5 levels. To complete each puzzle you have to program your bot to repair the rail track to let the train go through.

Instructions for the program are added by tapping the coding bots on the screen. Extra parameters (direction, loop count etc) can be adjusted by turning bots when placed on the screen.

You start with simple puzzles on Level 1 (with Move/Fix Rail commands) then on subsequent levels more commands (Loops, If commands) and obstacles are added.

More information about Tangiplay seet can be found on the official Tangiplay website.

What we liked: the concept. Innovative way of interacting with the device for adding coding commands (especially useful for younger kids). Fun game theme. Tons of levels to explore. Simple visual tutorials introducing new commands and extras. Simple debugging system. Solving puzzles requires careful planning and is good for developing logical thinking skills.

What we didn't like: we wish the hints would be more consistent (sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint the error in your 'code').

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