California has received $360 million from the Biden-Harris Administration to fund critical projects across the state, including the restoration of rivers and habitats, improvement of parks, and investment in clean transportation. This federal support complements the historic investments made by the Newsom Administration, advancing the state’s ambitious agenda for development and environmental stewardship. 

Nearly $45 million of the funding will go toward restoring and protecting California’s rivers and aquatic ecosystems. These investments are aimed at enhancing the health of fish and wildlife while promoting broader climate resilience efforts. In addition, $95 million has been awarded by the National Park Service for improvements to parks in underserved communities, marking the largest grant amount ever received by the state through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. These projects align with California’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to outdoor spaces for all residents.

The remaining $220 million will support clean transportation projects, including a new high-speed rail station in Madera and enhancements along the I-680 corridor. These infrastructure developments, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are expected to improve transportation options, reduce commute times, and enhance air quality while creating construction jobs and improving safety for California residents.

• Federal Funding
• Conservation
• Ecology
• Habitat Restoration
• Clean Transportation
• park access
• Parks
• Green Space
• Nature

I’m a firm believer in educational toys for children. As a former elementary school teacher, I’m on board with any plaything that not only entertains but also increases skills, such as hand-eye coordination, or imparts knowledge on a potentially difficult subject like, say, physics. Our picks include a well-rounded quadcopter with a camera that’s capable of tricks (our best overall, the DEERC D20 Mini Drone for Kids) all the way to a tiny but fun cameraless beginner’s copter to get the little ones up to speed with flying at speed at a price.  Fun, photography, science—there’s a little bit of everything in a drone. Here, then, are our picks for the best drones for kids of all ages … and a few adults, too.

• Best overall: DEERC D20 Mini Drone for Kids
• Best splurge: ZVFOTN 4K Drone for Kids
• Best value: Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
• Best rated: Mirason Drone with Camera
• Best budget: ACIXXX RC Mini Drone for Kids

When choosing these drones, we considered various factors. As these are devices for children, safety was our No. 1 priority. Next, we looked at ease of use. Will a child—or indeed any other beginner—be able to get up to speed with the quadcopter’s functionality quickly? Other points that we factored in included whether the drone could be used outdoors, indoors, or both, whether it had a camera and, if so, how good it was, and finally, the educational content of the device. Once we gathered this information, we cross-referenced our choices with those from our colleagues in the industry and consumer ratings to be confident we have chosen the best drones for kids.

Drones are tricky things that can require trial and error to get right, which is why safety is so important. Accordingly, the best child’s drone will have some kind of age-appropriate safety features built in, such as enclosures for the propellers or collision avoidance on higher-end models. They’ll also be lightweight to avoid breaking when they crash into something. And crash, they will. These are kids we’re talking about. And these are the best drones for kids we’re talking about.

DEERC

Specs

• Age: 8 years and up
• Type: 720p camera remote control drone
• Flight time: 10 minutes (includes two batteries)

Pros

• Ease of use
• 720p camera
• Great value for money

Cons

• Drifts in wind

Whether your child’s focus is learning to fly a drone or taking aerial selfies, the DEERC D20 can do it all. In terms of photography, the D20 features a 720P HD Wi-Fi camera for still photos and videos. Connect the drone to your smartphone via the app, and you’ll be able to see what it “sees” through the live video feed. It’s also capable of automatically triggering photos when you flash a V sign or show your palm to the camera. Pretty slick.

Your child doesn’t need to be an expert at piloting quadcopters either. The included remote controller with smartphone mount features single-key start and landing. You can also draw a course on your smartphone, and the drone will run the course hands-free. It even offers simple voice controls.

DEERC D20 Mini Drone For Kids includes two 500mAh batteries, each with a promised 10 minutes of flight time. The motors are not as strong as on more expensive drones, so they won’t do so well in a stiff breeze. However, for beginner children, this is a solid—and affordable—option.

ZVFOTN

Specs

• Age: “Suitable for all ages”
• Type: 4K camera remote/smartphone control drone
• Flight time: 30 minutes (includes 2 batteries)

Pros

• 4K camera with 90-degree adjustable lens
• Obstacle avoidance technology
• Foldable with carry case

Cons

• Drifts in wind

For something a little more than a toy but still suitable for children, we recommend the ZVFOTN A13 4K Drone For Kids. As the name suggests, this quadcopter features a 4K camera, making it perfect for older kids looking to up their social media game with aerial selfies (hello, camera gesture control) and TikTok flight footage.

The package includes a remote control with a mount for your smartphone, or you can control it entirely with your phone. It even has a gravity sensor mode and will react to changes in your phone’s orientation like a video game.

The A13 sports several features that you usually don’t find in drones for kids (more common in the best drones under $100), such as 360-degree obstacle avoidance technology and emergency stop. Its lithium-ion batteries promise 30 minutes of flight time—and you get two of them.

While the A13 might not be powerful enough to stay stable in strong winds, these small drones with cameras certainly hold their own in several other ways, making one a safe bet for a splurge.

Holy Stone

Specs

• Age: 8-12
• Type: Remote control drone (no camera)
• Flight time: 7 minutes (includes three batteries)

Pros

• Durable and kid-friendly
• Indoor/outdoor
• Includes three batteries

Cons

• No on/off button

Holy Stone is a well-respected name in drones, offering top-quality copters for adults in a variety of packages. The company brings this same level of professionalism to even its beginner products like the HS210 Mini Drone, making it one of the best drones for kids.

The HS210 is all about flight, with various trick flight modes to keep you and your child entertained. It offers one-key start, throw to launch, auto-rotation, circle fly, altitude hold, and 3D flips, plus a well-designed controller that, with its video game styling, will feel instantly familiar to most children.

The HS210 comes up trumps in terms of safety, with guards around all four propellers. It’s also very durable, meaning your child can crash it over and over, and it’ll keep flying. Just in case, the package includes extra propellers. Three batteries rated at seven minutes of charge round out the package.

Mirason

Specs

• Age: 8 years and older
• Type: 1080p camera remote control drone
• Flight time: 18 minutes (includes two batteries)

Pros

• 1080p camera
• Fully featured
• Solid battery life

Cons

• May be difficult for young children

For the best drones for kids, when it comes to ratings, one stands out more than the others, and that’s the Mirason Drone with Camera. It has many of the same features as other similarly priced drones, including gesture photo, headless mode, and 360-degree flip, and yet this one is consistently rated just that much higher than other quadcopters.

Users particularly like the quality of the 1080p camera, which does both stills and video and has a 90-degree adjustable lens. You can also view flight video on your phone, which mounts to the remote controller. Customers also praised its ease of use, which is particularly important for children who will no doubt be beginners.

“Overall, this drone delivers on what it promises,” said a customer on Amazon. “If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable drone, this one is a great choice.” It’s also a great price. If you don’t need 4K like the ZVFOTN A13 4K Drone For Kids (above), move this one to the top of your child’s birthday or Christmas shopping list.

ACIXXX

Specs

• Age: 14-17 years
• Type: Remote control drone (no camera)
• Flight time: 16 minutes (includes two batteries)

Pros

• Indoor/outdoor use
• Does flips
• Includes extra propellers

Cons

• Controls not incredibly precise

If your child’s wishes for a remote-control drone don’t include a camera or other extras—and you’re working within a limited budget—ACIXXX’s RC MINI Drone For Kids is the perfect quadcopter for you and your child.

You’ll be surprised what this little drone (and it is very small) can do for the price. We’re talking 3D flips, flying in circles, high-speed rotation, altitude hold, and one-key take-off and landing. It also has a headless mode, meaning it’s always oriented forward no matter which way it’s facing. It’s probably best for indoor use.

The package includes a remote controller, two batteries (up to 16 minutes of charge each), plus four extra propellers should the junior pilot get a little carried away.

When buying your first drone, you should consider several things—and this is particularly important when it’s the best drone for a kid. First, you should consider the age of the child first. The general consensus is that children ages 8 or above should be able to fly a beginner drone. However, you should check the manufacturer’s recommended age level for the specific drone, as some are much more complex than others.

Of course, safety should also be a concern. Young children will crash their drones into anything and everything so be sure that the copter itself is lightweight and the propellers are properly encased if necessary. This is doubly true if the drone is rated for inside use.

After that, you’ll want to consider the needs of the child: Are they primarily interested in the flying aspect, or is photography what interests them? If you want the latter, go for one with a camera.

Children eight and above should be able to operate a beginner drone aimed at young ones. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age, though, as some drones are more complex than others.

The amount that you spend on the drone will likely increase with the age and skill level of the child. Beginner’s drones for children as young as eight can start around $20 and increase from there. 

Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries tend to provide more charge than lithium-ion (Li-ion) ones. You’ll also want to look at battery capacity, which is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Bigger batteries will give you longer flying times but will also add weight to the drone.

Consumer drones typically can fly for around 10 to 30 minutes on a single charge. The best drones for children tend to be more lightweight, meaning they have smaller batteries, resulting in charges of five to 10 minutes.

• Best overall: DEERC D20 Mini Drone for Kids
• Best budget: ACIXXX RC Mini Drone for Kids
• Best splurge: ZVFOTN 4K Drone for Kids
• Best value: Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
• Best rated: Mirason Drone with Camera

Ready to go beyond simple robot kits for kids? When shopping for the best drones for kids, we recommend considering the child’s age and skill level first. Start with a safe and easy toy-like drone for the young ones. Once they have the hang of piloting their copter both indoors and out, think about leveling up to something more complex. At this point, consider the needs and interests of the junior pilot. Is it photography? Physics? Or even the piloting itself? This is the time to specialize. There’s no point in splurging on a drone with a nice camera and follow-me functionality if their goal is to race the thing. Still, even the simplest drone could spark some lifelong aerodynamics and engineering curiosity; maybe your child will even design a premium prototype one day.  

The post The best drones for kids in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

More cities are using sheep to trim vegetation, replacing lawnmowers with a whimsical and eco-friendly option, reports Kristin M. Hall for the Associated Press

Urban communities around the country are discovering the benefits of using livestock for prescribed grazing to manage invasive species, reduce fire risk, protect sensitive sites, and access difficult terrain.

In Nashville, a group dubbed the “Chew Crew” has been maintaining landscaping using sheep at a Civil War-era historic site since 2017. Today, sheep grave roughly 150 acres of city property, including in the Nashville City Cemetery. Chew Crew’s owner says the sheep are easier to manage than goats, which are more likely to climb and escape.

But sheep aren’t a silver bullet solution. They need to move regularly to prevent predator attacks and provide a varied diet, and herds of sheep can spread invasive seeds. Santa Barbara conducts environmental surveys before hiring sheep herds for grazing to ensure they won’t have a negative impact on local bird habitats and nesting sites.

• Sheep
• Grazing
• Vegetation

With the numerous wide freeways throughout the City of Houston, it's becoming more apparent that the space beneath the many overpasses can, and should, be made multifunctional. In cities like Houston where space is limited, these spaces can be reimagined to provide shade, shelter from rain, and safe under-crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Even adding simple interventions such as lighting or a splash of color to the environment can help make space underneath freeways more attractive and safer.

As Dug Begley explains in a Houston Chronicle article, public officials are engaging with communities to get a better understanding of how these spaces can best benefit the surrounding neighborhoods and residents. Options include parking, trails, vegetation, stormwater detention, and programmed park space.

The article highlights the importance of minimizing unused or wasted space. Communities within the U.S. and around the globe have already started repurposing beneath freeway spaces for a wide variety of uses including recreation, public art, and playgrounds. With a changing climate that is making summers increasingly hotter, these spaces represent prime opportunities to take advantage of already shaded areas. Engaging with communities to reimagine these spaces can also signify a step in building trust with the surrounding communities, some of which may have been disproportionately impacted by the presence of the freeways. Even with minimal intervention, programming, and maintenance, these under-crossings can show subtle “cues to care” that will increase the perception of safety and signify investment. Houston, as well as other communities strapped for space, should continue to take advantage of the many benefits and options that these unique places can provide.

• Houston
• Freeways
• Underpasses
• Highways
• Public Space

Improper arm positions sometimes used during blood pressure screenings may lead to significantly overestimated readings, according to a Johns Hopkins University study published on October 7 in JAMA Internal Medicine. Even small variations can potentially result in a hypertension misdiagnosis.

Blood pressure (BP) screenings are part of nearly every routine medical visit for good reason. Nearly half of US adults deal with elevated BP. High blood pressure, or hypertension, may have minimal symptoms, if any at all. Despite this, untreated hypertension often leads to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other potentially serious medical issues.

According to the American Heart Association, the best position to obtain an accurate BP reading is to have a patient seated with adequate back support with their feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed. Medical practitioners then need to ensure the automated BP monitor’s cuff is properly sized around the patient’s arm, which is positioned at mid-heart level while supported by a desk or table. During a screening, a BP machine then averages the blood flow pumped out of the heart (systolic BP) and the pressure in arteries between heartbeats (diastolic BP). A healthy adult BP is generally accepted as at or near 120/80.

The Johns Hopkins team’s study details just how easy it is to receive misreadings. The researchers first sorted 133 adults ranging in age from 18-80 into six randomized groups, each with a different order of the three most common arm positions. Medical experts then compared the advised arm position (resting on a desk) against two of the most usual alternative positions—supported on a patient’s lap and an unsupported arm hanging at a patient’s side.

[Related: Treating high blood pressure can save 76 million lives in 30 years, WHO says.]

The spectrum of results was striking. According to the study results, an arm in the patient’s lap can raise the top number in a blood pressure reading, known as systolic pressure, by almost 4 mmHg. Meanwhile, an unsupported arm’s results can generate systolic pressure readings nearly 7 mmHg over a person’s actual measurements.

“If you are consistently measuring blood pressure with an unsupported arm, and that gives you an overestimated BP of 6.5 mmHg, that’s a potential difference between a systolic BP of 123 and 130, or 133 and 140—which is considered stage 2 hypertension,” Sherry Liu, a Johns Hopkins epidemiology research coordinator and study author, said in a statement.

While it’s a clinician’s primary responsibility to ensure a patient’s proper positioning, study senior author and vice chair for clinical research at John Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics Tammy Brady said she hopes both the study’s results and increased medical literacy will help patients “advocate for themselves” during medical examinations.

The post How to ensure your doctor measures your blood pressure correctly appeared first on Popular Science.

“Ooooh, it’s electric,” squealed a passerby on the sidewalk as I whooshed away from the Chedi Andermatt hotel in Switzerland in the stunning $332,200 Jetstream blue Bentley Continental GTC Speed convertible.

The GTC’s fabric convertible top was tucked away despite temperatures in the 50s, with seat heaters and a forced hot air “neck scarf” blowing heat on my neck. As I experienced previously with the plug-in hybrid-electric McLaren Artura, purring through quiet villages in an electric car with the top down is a transformative experience. 

Rather than blasting the locals with exhaust noise or remaining haughtily separated by glass and steel, whisking along in silence while looking people in the eye and seeing their smiles makes drives like this vastly better.

Once into the mountains, the GTC Speed’s silence was replaced by a glorious basso rumble of the car’s V8 engine, exhaust sound reflecting off the rock face on the uphill side of the road. It might seem like this could be a jarring change, but the combustion engine’s growl is a soothing low note that suddenly seems to have been there all along, somehow unnoticed. The V8 sounds wonderful, but it is not loud.

The flip-up wind deflector behind the front seats reduces the turbulence that results from air tumbling over the Continental’s windshield and falling into its back seat. This not only minimizes any chill during cool-weather driving, it also contributes to the hushed sound levels in the cabin.

Put the top up and the GTC is quieter still. The hardtop GT is a sarcophagus of silence, buried deep within a tomb. This is partly thanks to the use of laminated acoustic glass, which muffles the passage of sound by nine decibels compared to non-acoustic windows.

But if you want sound, it can be provided by the Naim audio system, which powers 18 speakers with an eye-opening 2,200 watts. Naim, if you’re not familiar, is a legendary stereo manufacturer from Salisbury, England that was founded in 1973. There are active bass transducers built into the front seats to shake the occupants without even making more sound. Bentley offers eight different sound modes to choose from, ensuring the best possible sound to match the occupants’ preferences.

The only fly in the auditory ointment was a persistent squeal from the Continental GT Speed’s powerful carbon-ceramic brakes. This occurred under light pedal pressure and it manifested in all of the cars I drove, so it wasn’t a fluke. This is a common challenge for track-focused carbon ceramic brakes, so it may be that the standard cast iron rotors are a better choice for grand touring in a gorgeous Bentley.

In the hardtop, or with the convertible’s roof closed, the Continental GT also controls the quality of the air in the cabin. It features air ionizers and a new particulate matter filter that both seem newly relevant in the wake of increased wildfires. Neither of these technologies was put to any test in the briskly fresh Alpine air of the test drive.

While it looks like a light refresh on the previous model, Bentley terms the 2025 Continental GT a fourth generation of the car. The attractive styling changes look modest, but throughout the car a total of 64 percent of the content is new.

The “Speed” designation for the sleek Continental GT indicates that this is the twin-turbocharged V8 model, augmented by a plug-in hybrid-electric motor that lets the gorgeous drop-top roll silently around town.

As my colleague Kristin Shaw explained previously during her track test of the prototype, the new Continental GT Speed replaces the previous W12 engine with my test car’s hybrid V8 arrangement. While there is charisma in many-cylinder engines, the W12 was derived from the very old Volkswagen VR6 engine’s architecture, and there is good reason why VW retired that engine long ago.

While it makes for an interesting packaging solution to squeeze a narrow-angle 15-degree engine vee into an inline block topped by a single cylinder head that spans the two closely spaced banks, the resultantly compromised air flow through the intake ports makes the engine terribly inefficient.

That’s not only bad for fuel efficiency, it is also bad for power density. Turbocharging minimizes that shortcoming, but the new 591-horsepower V8 is a better design and with the addition of the 188-hp electric motor. The combined 771 hp and 738 lb.-ft. of torque deliver a driving experience that far exceeds anything that was possible with the W12. These numbers represent increases of 19 percent for total system power and 11 percent for torque.

That’s without considering the improved fuel consumption, though people who buy $300,000+ cars can afford the gas. Regardless of the performance, the experience of driving around in the incredible silence of electric power for as far as 50 miles using the 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack, provided you don’t stomp on the gas pedal and start the V8, makes the new Speed more enjoyable than the old one.

Driving someplace much flatter and straighter than the roads in the Alps, the car will launch to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and it can reach a terminal velocity of 208 mph. 

It is challenging to focus on the road with such absurd scenery in Switzerland. Snow streams down from Alpine glaciers like white lava from ice volcanoes. The Bentley’s silence was surely beneficial, leaving mental bandwidth to process the imagery surrounding the car. Hopefully the surprised person on the sidewalk at the hotel appreciated that the Continental didn’t stress her senses with any sound when I departed, leaving her better able to soak up the scenery.

The post The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed sounds posh appeared first on Popular Science.

In the 1920s, the city of Cincinnati abandoned construction of its subway with only 2 miles of twin tracks laid. Today, nearly a century years later, “the subway tunnel not only sits empty but costs city taxpayers money to maintain,” writes Sharon Coolidge in a recent article for the Cincinnati Enquirer. Now the city has issued a request for proposals for ways to repurpose the tunnel, for commercial or other purposes, reports Coolidge.

The city manager called the tunnel a “unique, underutilized, asset” and told the Enquirer they’re looking for “creative, fresh ideas on what could be done with the space, if anything.” When news hit social media, user after user on X — formerly Twitter — jokingly suggested the city use the tunnel, which sits below Central Parkway in downtown Cincinnati, for its original, much-needed purpose: a subway. But according to another Cincinnati Enquirer article from a few years ago, the city proposed using the tunnels for a light-rail system in 2002, but it was rejected by voters.

• Cincinatti
• Public Transportation
• Subway System
• Subway
• Abandoned Subway Stations

Building a robot at home is more than just a fun activity—it’s a hands-on way to explore the exciting world of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math]. Whether you’re searching for a children’s toy robot to inspire curiosity or a more advanced robot-building kit for older kids or teens, like our best overall Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy, the best robot kits offer options for all ages and skill levels. 

Robot building kits offer a perfect blend of creativity and learning, teaching essential skills like coding, problem-solving, and engineering through play. From preschool-friendly robot toys to beginner robotics kits for older children, these sets provide a fantastic introduction to the basics of robotics. If you’re ready to start a creative family project and make a robot kit together or are looking for DIY kits to give as gifts, there is a wide variety of robotics kits available. Whether you’re building a robot for kids for the first time or advancing your skills, these kits are designed to encourage learning through fun, making them ideal for everyone, from young beginners to future engineers.

• Best overall: Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy
• Best splurge: LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set
• Best for little kids (ages 5-7): Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot
• Best for big kids (ages 8-12): Jimu Mythical Series: Robot Dragon
• Best for teens (ages 13+): Makeblock mBot Ultimate
• Best budget: Nintendo Labo Robot Kit

Our best robot kit recommendations are based on extensive research. We combined personal experience, expert opinions, user feedback, and product reviews to compile a list of top contenders and then tested them thoroughly. Read on to discover the best robot-building kits that balance innovation, ease of use, and educational value, helping you and your child access the world of robotics with ease and excitement. 

Looking to purchase a robotics kit but unsure where to begin? We’ve handpicked the best robot-building kits to suit a variety of skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or ready for more advanced projects, our detailed reviews will help you choose the perfect robot kit to unleash your creativity and build something amazing. 

Sillbird

Specs

• Recommended age range: 8- 13
• Assembly required: Yes
• Number of pieces: 190

Pros

• Variety with 12 robot designs
• Encourages problem-solving
• Efficient energy use

Cons

• May need adult assistance

When it comes to choosing the best robot kit, this 12-in-1 solar-powered robot building set stands out as the top choice. Offering an impressive variety of 12 different robots that can move on both land and water, it caters to a wide range of skill levels, making it suitable for younger children and more advanced builders alike. Kids can sometimes lose interest in robot toys after a while, so the sheer versatility makes this kit more likely to hold their attention.

The kit effectively supports STEM education by promoting problem-solving, logical thinking, and teamwork while keeping children actively engaged in hands-on learning. While the step-by-step instructions make assembly straightforward, ensuring that kids won’t feel overwhelmed, although an adult may be needed for assistance.

One of its best features is the upgraded solar panel, which enhances power capture and ensures the robots run smoothly. This aspect not only makes the building experience more engaging but also educates kids about renewable energy, encouraging them to think critically about sustainable technology (PopSci is a big fan of everything solar energy).

Overall, this robot kit provides endless opportunities for creativity and discovery, making it an excellent educational resource. For parents seeking an innovative way to keep kids engaged while fostering valuable skills, this robot kit is the clear frontrunner in its category.

LEGO

Specs

• Recommended age range: 10+
• Assembly required: Yes
• Number of pieces: 528

Pros

• Over 500 LEGO elements and sensors
• User-friendly
• Versatile hub with Bluetooth and sensors

Cons

• High price

The LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set is an exceptional investment for STEAM enthusiasts, priced around $400. Though it may appear costly, this expansive kit delivers immense value, especially for students in grades 6 to 8. It combines vibrant LEGO building components with sophisticated hardware and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding interface based on Scratch, a programming language that many kids may already know from school.

The set’s heart is a highly programmable Hub with a 5×5 light matrix, various input/output ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated sensors. These advanced components empower students to build a diverse range of interactive models and robots, offering nearly limitless opportunities for creativity and learning. The set includes over 500 LEGO Technic elements, motors, and sensors, further expanding the potential for innovative builds. This kit is not just a toy; it’s a comprehensive educational tool that equips children with essential skills in coding, engineering, and design, making it an invaluable resource for young learners.

Learning Resources

Specs

• Recommended age range: 5+
• Assembly required: No
• Number of pieces: 77

Pros

• Interactive learning
• Screen-free play
• Durable and fun

Cons

• Requires AAA Batteries
• Young kids may struggle to follow custom paths

For parents looking for engaging and educational activities for their little ones, Learning Resources’ Botley the Coding Robot stands out as an excellent option. Specifically designed for children as young as five, Botley introduces the basics of coding in a fun and interactive manner. The set includes a friendly robot, a remote programmer, 42 coding cards, and various accessories, allowing kids to create exciting obstacle courses and challenges.

Botley promotes essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking while offering a screen-free experience, giving kids an opportunity for hands-on play. This approach encourages children to learn from a coding bot through active play, helping them develop a solid foundation in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] disciplines.

However, some parents have pointed out that Botley requires AAA batteries, which are not included. Additionally, younger kids may find it challenging to follow the custom-drawn lines necessary for the robot’s pathfinding. Despite these minor drawbacks, Botley’s durability, engaging features, and educational value make it a standout choice for fostering early STEM skills and providing hours of enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences.

Jimu

Specs

• Recommended age range: 8+
• Assembly required: Yes
• Number of pieces: 606

Pros

• Creative building
• Interactive features
• Educational

Cons

• Challenging assembly
• Small parts 

The Jimu Mythical Series Robot Dragon offers an exciting and interactive way for children aged 8 years and older to delve into robotics and coding. This engaging kit empowers kids to build their very own dragon robot, complete with flapping wings and cool LED lights that simulate fire. With 606 pieces included, the construction process encourages creativity while enhancing problem-solving skills as children navigate the assembly steps.

Kids can take pride in their creation as they see it come to life, promoting a sense of accomplishment. However, one notable downside is that the assembly process can be quite intricate, which might present challenges for younger or less experienced builders. Additionally, some of the small parts can be difficult to manipulate and manage, increasing the risk of losing them during the building process.

Despite these challenges, the Jimu Mythical Series Robot Dragon provides an enriching educational experience that is best suited for children who are passionate about building projects and ready to tackle the complexities of assembly. This kit not only enhances technical skills but also fosters imaginative play, making it a worthwhile investment for aspiring engineers.

Makebot

Specs

• Recommended age range: 12+
• Assembly required: Yes
• Number of pieces: 500+

Pros

• Diverse projects
• Works with Raspberry Pi and Arduino sensors for advanced projects
• Extensive online community

Cons

• Complex assembly 

The Makeblock mBot Ultimate stands out as an excellent robotics kit tailored for teens, igniting interest in technology and engineering. This kit offers the opportunity to build ten unique robots using over 160 electronic and mechanical components, making it not just a learning tool but a platform for creativity. With its app-enabled control modes, users can engage in various activities, such as driving robots, picking up objects, and even playing interactive games.

One of the kit’s significant advantages is its compatibility with both Raspberry Pi and Arduino sensors, allowing for advanced programming and project expansion. This versatility encourages users to delve deeper into robotics and coding, preparing them with essential skills for the future.

However, some challenges come with this kit. The assembly process can be intricate and may require dedication and patience, especially for beginners who might find themselves overwhelmed. Additionally, the lack of clearly marked parts can make the building process a bit confusing. Users may also need to invest in better tools to enhance their assembly experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the mBot Ultimate 2.0 is an inspiring and educational choice for aspiring young engineers.

Nintendo

Specs

• Recommended age range: 6+
• Assembly required: Yes
• Number of pieces: 48

Pros

• Affordable
• Interactive challenges
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Must own a Nintendo Switch

For those looking for an affordable and creative way to engage with robotics, the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Robot kit is a standout budget option. While it’s one of the cheapest robot kits available, it’s essential to note that you must already own a Nintendo Switch console to utilize this set fully, so it’s only the best value if you’ve already made that initial investment.

This innovative kit allows you to construct a wearable robot suit using pre-cut cardboard sheets and essentially become a Transformer! Simply follow interactive instructions that guide you through the assembly process, and once assembled, you can enter the game, where you’ll control your robot, smash through virtual environments, and tackle various challenges. The adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit for players of all sizes, and you can personalize your robot suit with markers and stickers to make it uniquely yours.

Beyond gameplay, the Toy-Con Garage feature allows for limitless creativity. This mode empowers you to invent new ways to play by combining different digital building blocks, giving you the freedom to experiment with your robot’s functionality. Whether competing against friends or crafting original designs, this kit offers a unique blend of fun and learning. 

There are many factors to consider when deciding which robot kit is right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide.

Ensure the kit matches the user’s age and skill level for optimal engagement and learning.

Look for kits that promote STEM learning, incorporating coding and engineering principles to enhance the educational benefits.

Select kits with multiple building options to keep kids engaged and foster creativity through various projects.

Ensure clear, comprehensive instructions are provided, such as step-by-step guides or video tutorials, to facilitate easy assembly and programming.

Choose kits that utilize user-friendly coding languages like Scratch or block-based programming for easier learning.

Consider your budget and assess the kit’s contents to determine if the price is justified based on all the included features.

Look for kits backed by active online communities or customer support, which can provide troubleshooting and idea-sharing resources.

Robotics enhances problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking in children. It engages them in STEM learning, promotes teamwork, and can inspire interest in future STEM careers. Robots also make great science gifts for kids. 

A robot development kit includes components like microcontrollers, sensors, and motors to help users build and program their own robots. It provides a practical way to learn about robotics and programming.

Common sensors in robots include ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement, infrared sensors for detecting light, accelerometers for movement tracking, gyroscopes for orientation, and cameras for visual recognition.

LEGO BOOST is valued for its engaging projects and educational benefits in coding and robotics, making it suitable for kids ages 7 and up. Some may find it less versatile than advanced kits. However, the line was discontinued in December 2022, so it is no longer available for purchase. Additionally, LEGO’s support for the associated software will eventually cease, limiting future updates or assistance.

Adult robot kits are typically more complex, allowing advanced customization and technical projects. In contrast, kids’ kits focus on simplicity and fun, encouraging creativity and learning through play.

• Best overall: Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy
• Best budget: Nintendo Labo Robot Kit
• Best splurge: LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set
• Best for little kids (ages 5-7): Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot
• Best for big kids (ages 8-12): Jimu Mythical Series: Robot Dragon
• Best for teens (ages 13+): Makeblock mBot Ultimate

From versatile solar-powered builds to budget-friendly options, we’ve compiled a selection of robot kits designed to engage kids of all ages in STEM learning. Our top pick, the Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy, stands out for its diverse designs and educational value, making it perfect for budding engineers. No matter your child’s age or skill level, you will find a robot kit that sparks their curiosity and fosters a love for robotics.

The post The best robot kits for kids in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

A new research and demonstration project at Rutgers University-New Brunswick combining solar energy production with livestock grazing could help researchers understand how the design of solar installations can facilitate agriculture and ranching on the same sites to prevent the loss of productive farmland to solar farms.

As Kitta MacPherson explains in a Rutgers press release, “The installation on College Farm Road on the George H. Cook campus will allow researchers to investigate how the design affects grazing strategies for beef cattle and ease of hay harvesting. Scientists also will assess whether certain crops fare better in New Jersey’s climate using an agrivoltaics system, compared with crops produced in other regions of the United States employing agrivoltaics.”

Unlike many solar arrays, the Rutgers installation spaces panels far enough apart to let grass grow between rows and provide enough space for cows to graze. According to Rutgers Agrivoltaic Program Lead David Specca, “Our approach emphasizes food production and considers the generated electricity as a low-risk and supplemental income for farmers.” The project could help New Jersey get closer to reaching its renewable energy goals while preserving farmland.

Earlier this year, Ohio state officials gave the go-ahead to a 6,000-acre agrivoltaic project that will combine solar energy production with sheep ranching and agriculture.

• New Brunswick
• Solar Power
• Solar Energy
• agrivoltaics
• Grazing
• Agriculture
• Farming
• Farmland
• Renewable Energy
• Solar Farms

I’ve been using Windows since the womb. I even scoffed at Mac users in college because I thought they paid extra for a fancy logo. But then I actually tried a Mac, and well, let’s just say I was wrong. Here are five reasons why I switched to a Mac and why you might, too:

My friend told me about refurbished MacBooks, a way to get my hands on a Mac for a fraction of new prices. It was worth saving hundreds of dollars, even knowing they’re pre-owned and a few years older than new models.

I found a 2018 MacBook Air for only $369.99 (originally worth $1,199). It arrived in near-mint condition, and honestly, if I hadn’t already known it was refurbished, I wouldn’t have been able to tell.

Using macOS makes Windows feel like the Stone Age. It took me a couple of days to get used to it, but now that I understand how it works, it’s so intuitive. If you’re familiar with iOS, the MacBook works just like your other Apple devices—and Messages, Photos, and more sync across each other.

The difference between Mac and PC was crystal clear when I was transferring my pictures and documents between the two computers. My MacBook Air has an Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM, but it feels more like warp speed when browsing the web and streaming movies.

Maybe it’s just because my PC was older than the hills, but it was reaching that keep me plugged in, or I’ll die in ten minutes stage. Using my MacBook for almost twelve hours before recharging is like a godsend.

Okay, I’m officially a Mac snob. But I’m obsessed with how thin (just over half an inch) and lightweight (under three pounds) my new laptop is. I refuse even to call it a laptop—it’s my MacBook.

If you want one of these refurbished MacBook Airs, order one for $369.99 (reg. $1,199) while supplies last. Inventory is extremely limited.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The post 5 reasons why I switched to Mac appeared first on Popular Science.

• 25% faster M4 chip: The box lists this 14-inch MacBook Pro as having an M4 chip with a 10-core CPU, whereas the current model has the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU. An alleged Geekbench 6 benchmark result shared by the YouTube channel behind this leak suggests that the M4 chip will be up to 25% faster than the M3 chip. Apple already introduced the M4 chip in the iPad Pro in May, and it indeed has up to a 10-core CPU and up to 25% faster performance compared to the M3 chip.
  
• 16GB of RAM: It was previously rumored that 16GB of RAM could become the minimum for all future Macs, and the alleged packaging indeed suggests that the next 14-inch MacBook Pro would start with 16GB of RAM, unless it is somehow a built-to-order configuration that will be offered on Apple's online store.


• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports: The box suggests the base 14-inch MacBook Pro will have three Thunderbolt 4 ports, up from two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the current model.


• Space Black: The box suggests that Space Black would become a color option for the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, whereas it is currently exclusive to models configured with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip.

Housing and transportation were two key themes of Planetizen’s most popular stories of September. The top two slots are taken by housing affordability topics, while the transportation stories run the gamut from rail projects to school drop-off congestion to analysis of how Project 2025 policy proposals might impact transportation systems nationwide. Rounding out the list is an examination of why planning as a career is not as popular as other careers, and a fun round-up of music album covers that give a nod to urban planning.

Here is the full list:

1. Only Two US Metro Areas Are Affordable for Homebuyers 

According to an analysis from the National Association of Realtors, only two U.S. metro areas, Youngstown and Akron, Ohio, remain affordable for median-income homebuyers due to rising housing costs nationwide.

2. New Jersey Housing Laws Take Effect in January 

New Jersey’s new housing laws, effective January 2025, will require cities to develop plans to meet housing demands and promote more affordable and diverse housing options.

3. Texas High-Speed Rail Awarded $63.9M Federal Grant 

The Texas high-speed rail project has received a $63.9 million federal grant to continue planning its Dallas-to-Houston route, moving closer to construction despite several obstacles.

4. Honolulu Skyline Train Enters Final Construction Phase

The Honolulu Skyline train has entered its final construction phase, which will extend service to downtown Honolulu. When completed, it will be the nation’s first large-scale, publicly run automated metro system.

5. When ‘Prioritizing All Modes’ Is a Lie 

Anna Zivarts explores how trying to prioritize all transportation modes equally often leads to ineffective outcomes, favoring cars over other modes and perpetuating car dependency.

6. Urban Planning Is Often Overlooked as a Career — Why Is That?

This article explores various reasons why urban planning is not a more popular career, including lack of awareness of the career, underrepresentation of the profession in mainstream media, and misconceptions about the career’s scope.

7. PDX International Airport’s New Terminal Is a Mass-Timber Marvel

Portland International Airport's new terminal, featuring mass timber construction, aims to accommodate 35 million annual passengers by 2045 in a sustainable way​.

8. School Drop-Off Traffic Is Causing a Congestion — and Social — Crisis

Long school drop-off lines are causing traffic issues and concerns around the environmental and health impacts of idling vehicles. What can be done to address this potentially harmful, and isolating, issue?

9. Great Album Covers with Urban Planning Themes

This blog from Gabe Bailer has gathered a list of 11 album covers with urban planning themes and offers analysis on how they reflect cities, spatial structures, and planning concepts through music art.

10. How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?

The blog from Marcelo Redmond discusses how Project 2025 could reshape America’s transportation system by prioritizing cars and highways, deregulating environmental standards, and sidelining public transit and sustainability efforts.

To stay on top of the latest planning news, sign up for Planetizen’s biweekly Newsfeed email newsletter or our once-a-month Planetizen Updates email newsletter.

Editor’s note: Portions of this Planetizen blog post were generated using OpenAI’s language model, ChatCPT. Planetizen editors have been looking into ethical uses of AI in journalism and wanted to test it. In this post, ChatGPT was used to summarize previously published Planetizen stories, which provided text that served as a starting point and then was edited and refined further. We want to assure our readers that any policies adopted around the use of AI on Planetizen content will be grounded in transparency.

• Top Content

A Southern California city will lose state funding after it extended a ban on new emergency shelters and supportive housing developments within its boundaries, reports Marissa Wenzke for CBS News. The Norwalk ordinance prohibiting new shelters also puts a moratorium on convenience stores, laundromats, car washes, and payday loan providers, saying all these facilities “may have detrimental effects” on the community.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) warned the city it violated multiple state laws in September. Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the city is in violation of California’s housing element law. “Because of that, Norwalk is no longer eligible for ‘key state housing and homelessness funds’ and cannot deny certain affordable housing projects, Newsom's office said in a statement.”

California’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment tasks each local jurisdiction with facilitating the construction of enough new housing to meet demand. In the most recent 8-year cycle, Norwalk has issued permits for just 3.5 percent of its state-assigned housing units, according to the governor’s office.

In a statement, HCD deputy director of communications Pablo Espinoza said the department is looking at potential next steps. “HCD has many tools at our disposal to bring about accountability and we are evaluating next steps, including referral to the CA Attorney General.”

• Norwalk
• Regional Housing Needs Assessment
• Affordable Housing
• Housing Supply
• Housing Element
• Housing Element Compliance
• Homelessness
• Shelters
• Shelter Ban
• Housing Policy
• State Preemption