Now, many people don’t know this, but I am terrible, I mean terrible at geography! I think I must have missed the lessons teaching you about countries when I moved schools, by the time I got to high school, geography was all about rainforests and clouds. So, I know all about those, I aced several projects on them, however, ask me about countries and well…. I fail miserably. When asked to review a super duper globe, I knew this was a must. Not only for the kids, as lets face I am no help, but I thought I could learn a thing or two myself. When the Oregon Scientific Smart Globe Explorer AR arrived I was astounded by a number of things this can do and all the information you can learn from it. You might want to read on, it’s a brilliant educational toy. Possibly, my favourite to date.
The Oregon Scientific Smart Globe Explorer AR has so many different ways to learn. It has three different age levels as you can see on the screen above and lots of different options within each section. Everything works through the Smart Learning pen (Rocket), USB cable and instructions are included. The pen is amazing, it works by touching the globe and says where it is. The touchscreen menu, allows you to select so many different options from learning about their national anthems to currency and weather, just as a few examples. There are lots of facts too.
At the side of the globe’s base, there is a sliding drawer. You remove the plastic book like an item and within is a local map that includes a more detailed look at the United Kingdom and Ireland. It opens up to reveal the map and instructions on opening the globe. There is an activating code that is located on the other side. This is needed for the app. You can activate the app on up to five smart devices.
One of the other amazing things this globe does is when you push the button on the top of the globe, these releases it. You then, open the globe to reveal the earth’s core and the solar system. This is then placed on the tray/book like an item you took out of the side with the map of the UK. You turn it the other way round and it sits in the drawer. This holds it in place to allow you to explore this further. Using the touch pen rocket, you can learn all about the solar system from the planets names, to a number of moons they have a much more. The other side tells you all about the earth’s core. It really is fascinating stuff and looks fab too. It is sturdy and well made, so you don’t need to feel like it’s fragile or breakable.
We didn’t need to charge the pen out the box, but when you do, you charge it via a USB cable. It does last 2 hours on one charge so it’s a fair amount of time. The light on the rocket flashes red when it is needing to be charged. By connecting the Rocket Smartpen to a pc or laptop via USB you can update the information. If say there is a new leader of a country or something else happens globally. There is one year’s worth of free updates included with your globe. I think that is a great way to keep up to date with current affairs.
The main screen on below the Oregon Scientific SmartGlobe Explorer AR contains over 42 fun and educational activities and games. With over 2 1/2 hours of educational content and the fact you can break these down into different levels based on your child’s age and ability, this is a toy or product that will grow with your child. It can be used with everyone in the family young or old. Some of the games allow for multiple players, so I have seen both boys play the games against each other. They have learned so much about the different countries and where they are, as well as the capital cities and a plethora of information about them.
Just when you through this was the most awesome toy that there ever way, there is more, yes more! Inside the UK Map and instructions section that pulls out there is a QR code. Download the SmartGlobe Explorer AR app, also available for Android, scan in the code and this opens up a whole new world. I used my iPad to install this, you can install it on up to 5 different devices. Hold it over a country on the globe and watch it come to life. There is an animal section which as you can see above brings the animals in that country to view. There are also dinosaurs which looks fab as they move around on the screen. Landmarks look incredible with the Statue of Liberty, etc appearing on the screen before you. Really, it’s incredible.
My favourite part of the augmented reality with the weather section. How cool does that tornado look coming out of the screen towards you. Incredible isn’t it? It even rains and snows. In your house. There are several other sections within the app to try out too. We have really only scratched the surface, this is something that could take a long time to try it all out fully and explore all the different options. No-one will get bored of this toy.
Have a watch at our video, when we try to show you everything this amazing Oregon Scientific SmartGlobe Explorer AR can do.
I cannot tell you how much we love Oregon Scientific Smart Globe Explorer AR. It is pricey at £129.99, but this is a great toy for all the family. It is educational but in a fun and interactive way. The Augmented Reality brings a whole new and incredible dimension. The globe looks great, it can be used as a normal globe, it spins and you can spot countries. The rocket smartpen works exceptionally well through a touchscreen. There is a volume control and even headphone jack if you don’t want to listen to it while they are playing. It grows with your child and there is so much to learn, see and do. You cannot go wrong with this toy. I would highly recommend this to everyone.
Disclaimer:- We received the sample for the purposes of this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
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