Ugears Math Kit Stem Lab

The mechanical calculator kit is a compact calculator that works by moving rack and pinions using a pin provided. By moving the sliding racks, marked with arrows and numbers from 0 to 9, you add and/or subtract numbers. The mechanical multiplier is a flat hinge mechanism that performs binary operations on numbers. Moving the double slider multiplies numbers from 1 to 12.

The UGEARS Mechanical Counting Kit is a do-it-yourself wooden model kit based on a math kit invented in 1846 by a St. Petersburg music teacher, Heinrich Kummer. Its simple design and compact size made it a popular mathematical tool in its time. Today, this simple, fun mechanism is part of UGEARS’ STEM Lab collection. The UGEARS Mechanical Multiplier is a fun 3D wooden puzzle based on the children’s toy “Consul the Educated Monkey,” invented in 1915 by William Henry Robertson, an American mathematics teacher. Robertson applied for a patent for the toy that ingeniously uses a hinged mechanism to perform simple multiplications, designed to “stimulate children’s interest in the study of numbers.

Using the mechanical calculation kit and the mechanical multiplier.
The mechanical math kit is used to add and subtract numbers. To do this, the user enters a number value with the stylus and then uses it to enter a second number. The device then displays the result of the desired mathematical operation depending on where the second number is entered (top row for addition, bottom row for subtraction). But the math kit can do more – you also use it to multiply and divide. The mechanical multiplier is a simple and interesting way to learn the tables from 1 to 12, and to understand the simple principle of a hinge lever mechanism. When the two sliders are moved to different numbers, you will see the outcome displayed in the window above.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 11 x 2.3cm and 24.8 x 25.5 x 4 cm
Package size: 20.5 x 18.8 x 6.3 cm
Number of parts: 117
Estimated assembly time: 2.5 hours