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Home | Unit Study | Companion Crate: Explore Simple Machines - Extra Supplies

Companion Crate: Explore Simple Machines - Extra Supplies

$89.00
$89.00
Sold Out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This Companion Crate requires the Explore Simple Machines Elementary Unit Study (sold separately). It does not include books or shared core items.

The Companion Crate is a simple, stress-saving add-on that lets siblings work through the same Knowledge Crates unit study side by side—without buying a second full crate and without ending up with duplicate books you don’t need. These are also a great option for co-ops! 

A Companion Crate is a material-only homeschool unit study add-on that pairs with any of our unit studies. It includes the child-specific, hands-on activity materials from the full crate (especially consumables and project supplies), but skips the shared extras families can easily use together. Most importantly, it does not include the book bundle—because one set of books is usually plenty for a family. In units that include a shared game or together-play item, the Companion Crate skips that too, since it’s meant to be used together.

This is the easiest way to keep your homeschool day moving when you’ve got multiple kids who want to do the same theme at the same time. Instead of negotiating over who gets the last craft piece (or trying to recreate a second set of materials from random drawers), each child gets their own project supplies. You get less prep, fewer substitutions, and a calmer, more realistic “everyone’s learning together” day.

The Companion Crate works especially well if you’re teaching siblings close in age, teaching the same unit in a homeschool co-op, or if you simply want to streamline your routine by keeping everyone on one theme. You’ll still use your full Unit Study Crate as the main guide and resource, but the Companion Crate gives you the extra hands-on materials so each child can fully participate.

Additional Resource: Want to see this unit in action? See Our Blog Post Here

Additional Information: Items may vary due to current availability. This desert unit study crate contains products not manufactured by the seller. Please be advised that crates may contain small parts that may not be suitable for children under 3 years. Do not consume crate contents.

    • Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines STEM Kit (26 Experiments): Build and test models of levers, pulleys, and gears with this comprehensive kit that makes abstract concepts tangible.
    • Ferris Wheel Model Kit (Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included): Construct a working Ferris wheel to explore rotational motion and mechanical advantage.
    • Popsicle Stick Catapult Project: Build and launch a mini catapult while learning about force, energy, and trajectory.
    • Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt: Go on a mission to find simple machines hidden in everyday objects around the house.
    • Array Capture Multiplication Game: Turn multiplication practice into a fun, hands-on game that reinforces math skills through playful learning.

    Creative Art Projects:

    • Colorful Gears Art: Paint and design interlocking gears to understand mechanical movement.
    • Chore Robot Art & Writing: Create a "chore robot" and write a short story about how it helps with household tasks.
    • Silhouette Art – Simple Machines & Brilliant Minds: Celebrate inventors who changed the world with their mechanical innovations.

    Who Is This Simple Machines Unit Study Perfect For? Elementary

    • Homeschooling families seeking engaging STEM activities aligned with educational standards.
    • Parents looking for screen-free, hands-on learning experiences for their children.
    • Curious kids who love building, experimenting, and asking, "How does that work?"

    We work hard to process and ship all in-stock orders as quickly as possible! While we strive to ship same day, but please allow up to three business days for processing. As a small business, we appreciate your patience and are committed to getting your order out the door as fast as we can.

    • For out-of-stock items, please contact us for a more specific timeline on when the item will be restocked, we're happy to help!
    • For new releases, including our upcoming unit crates, will ship after the product's official release date. Crates are released on September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and June 1st.

    Shipping Methods & Tracking

    • We ship via UPS and USPS, with shipping costs calculated at checkout based on your location. 
    • Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking notification to keep you updated on its journey. While we can’t control what happens to packages once they leave our hands, we want to ensure they arrive safely. 
    • If there’s an issue with your shipment, please contact us—we’ll do our best to assist. If your tracking shows the package was delivered but you haven't received it, you'll need to follow up with the shipping carrier for further assistance.

    At this time, we only ship within the U.S. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our small business! 

    🎯 What Will Your Child Learn?

    • STEM Skill Development: Introduces key science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through hands-on experiments.
    • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Encourages kids to design, build, and test simple machines to solve real-world problems.
    • Creativity & Imagination: Combines STEM learning with creative art projects to engage both sides of the brain.
    • Independent Learning: The step-by-step guide helps kids take ownership of their learning journey while developing confidence in their abilities.

    🎯 What academic standards does this crate align with? 

    Common Core Standards: 

    • RI.4.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
    • RI.4.3: Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text. 
    • 3.MD.A.2: Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units.
    • 4.MD.A.1: Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system.

    Applicable Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

    • 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
    • 3-PS2-2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object's motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. 
    • 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
    • 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
    • 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

    Companion Crate: Explore Simple Machines...

    $89.00
    $89.00
    Sold Out

    The best educational activity kits for kids are hands-on, engaging, and provide a mix of learning and fun. They should include high-quality materials, clear instructions, and opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. Some of the best options include:

    • STEM Kits – Focus on science, technology, engineering, and math with experiments and building projects.
    • Art & Craft Kits – Encourage self-expression and fine motor skill development.
    • Literacy & Language Kits – Introduce new vocabulary, storytelling, and early reading skills.
    • Cultural & Geography Kits – Explore different countries, traditions, and history.
    • Sensory Play Kits – Help develop fine motor skills and encourage exploration through textures and hands-on activities.

    Knowledge Crates stand out as one of the best educational activity kits because they combine all of these elements into themed, hands-on learning experiences. Each crate is thoughtfully curated with books, a variety of projects, and all the materials needed—making it a stress-free way for parents to provide enriching activities at home.

    Homeschooling can be overwhelming, especially when planning lessons and gathering materials for activities. Knowledge Crates simplify the process by delivering pre-planned, hands-on learning experiences straight to your door. Here's how they make homeschooling easy:

    • All-in-One Convenience – Each crate includes everything needed for activities, eliminating extra shopping trips.
    • Books & Guides Included – Every crate features carefully selected books and a step-by-step guide to walk kids through each lesson.
    • Hands-On Learning – Engaging, screen-free activities help kids learn through play and exploration.
    • Saves Parents Time – No need to search for lesson plans or supplies—everything is ready to go!
    • Variety of Topics – From science and art to geography and life skills, kids get a well-rounded learning experience.

    With Knowledge Crates, homeschooling feels less like a chore and more like an adventure! Whether you’re supplementing a curriculum or looking for engaging activities, these kits make learning at home easy, fun, and stress-free.