Electric Motors Catalyst Kit

Build Curiosity Through Creative Engineering

The Electric Motors Catalyst Kit from Tinkering Labs delivers an open-ended, hands-on STEAM experience designed to empower kids aged 8–12 to become confident inventors. Crafted by the founders of San Francisco’s Brightworks School, this award-winning kit blends durable wooden components with real motors, hardware, and simple tools to bring creations to life.

With more than 50 high-quality pieces—including two electric motors, metal axles, springs, wheels, connectors, and a battery pack—students design creative solutions to challenge cards such as “Scramble an egg” or build a doodling robot. Each challenge takes just 30–60 minutes, making this kit ideal for classroom rotations, after-school clubs, or home tinkering sessions.

What sets this Electric Motors Catalyst Kit apart is its blend of structure and creativity.

The 10 included challenge cards jumpstart imagination, and the flexible hardware supports endless re-imaginings. Kids learn core STEM principles—electric circuits, torque, friction, mechanical linkages—without screen-based instruction. Safety glasses, a real screwdriver, washable markers, and a 3-foot work surface encourage safe, hands-on experimentation.

Parents and teachers rave about its quality and engagement: “wood parts are cut with precision… challenges are clear… my son has spent over 100 hours playing”. Recognized by NAPPA and Creative Child, this kit inspires grit, problem-solving, and creative confidence.

An ideal blend of toy and tool, the Catalyst is more than a kit—it’s a journey of discovery where young engineers learn by doing, failing, and inventing. It’s the foundation for a lifelong passion for making.

Single Kit Includes:

• Electric Components:
  • 2 Electric Motors with Detachable Wires
  • 1 Battery Pack with Switch
  • 2 AA Batteries
• Wooden Components:
  • 1 Wooden Chassis
  • 12 Wooden Wheels in 6 Sizes
  • 6 Wooden Connectors in 3 Shapes
• Hardware & Connectors:
  • 2 Metal Axles
  • 4 Metal L-Brackets
  • 10 Small Bolts with Wing Nuts
  • 2 Metal Springs
  • 12 Bushings for Motor and Axle Connections
  • 12 Rubber Bands
• Tools & Supplies:
  • 1 Pair of Safety Glasses, Child Size
  • 3 Washable Markers
  • 1 Large 3-Foot Wide Paper Work Surface
  • 1 Full-Size Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Storage:
  • 1 Cloth Storage Bag
  • 1 Clear-Top Metal Hardware Tin
• Extras:
  • 10 Challenge Cards
  • 1 Clear Challenge Card Holder
  • 1 Safety Tips Card
  • 22-Page Building Techniques Booklet

Inspire your classroom or family with engineering exploration. Build machines. Solve challenges. Spark innovation—with the Electric Motors Catalyst STEM Kit!

Purchases of these single kits will not include supplemental curriculum aligned to NGSS standards and designed for K-5 classrooms. Curriculum is only included with purchases of the Catalyst Class Pack and Cabinet.