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I like physical things and I liked the original Spirograph. But that simulator is so much easier, quicker, and more flexible. You can't even mess up by popping

I like physical things and I liked the original Spirograph. But that simulator is so much easier, quicker, and more flexible. You can't even mess up by popping your pen or slipping gears. Really, there's no reason to own a real Spirograph anymore. You might still want a Spirograph for the same reason you'd want a Curta or an Enigma, i.e., for nostalgia or as a collector's item or to behold the sheer coolness of it. But you or your kid would never play with a Spirograph today, or calculate with a Curta, or encrypt with an Enigma. I say all this with a bit of sadness because I miss things that I could hold with my hand.

japhyr 10y ago
I completely disagree; kids learn a lot by using physical devices, that they won't learn from digital simulations. I think the best we can offer them is a mix of both. Physical devices develop dexterity and attention to detail. For example, drawing a circle with a compass develops a number of physical abilities. Some kids love the challenge of making neat circles of different sizes, and they'll get something out of using a compass that they'll never get from a digital circle-making tool. And keep in mind, there are different kinds of compasses. There are the pointy-tipped kind that we all think of, and there are flat ruler-types that have a spinning pivot point. Someone who's used these kinds of devices can develop a very concrete understanding of what a radius and a diameter is, among other things. I believe some of the same benefits come from working with a physical spirograph. Digital simulations allow people to try out many more variations in a short period of time than they could with a physical device. Digging into the code behind these simulations pushes people to understand the mathematical concepts that underlie these tools and patterns. Our young people can have the best of both worlds; it's our job to help them enjoy the variety of tools that are available to them today.
edsouza 10y ago
My daughter (7 years old) still plays with one, but not that often. She still enjoys it. We have the "Spiral Draw" by Klutz.
developer2 10y ago
>> your kid would never play with a Spirograph today That just represents AFK parenting. If your 5-8 year old is being babysat by the television or iPad, it is hardly their fault that they aren't experiencing anything hands-on.
oliyoung 10y ago
“you or your kid would never play with a Spirograph today” yeah, we would …
- illys 10y ago
  My daughter also spent months using one when she was 7-8, not so long ago!

japhyr 10y ago

I completely disagree; kids learn a lot by using physical devices, that they won't learn from digital simulations. I think the best we can offer them is a mix of both. Physical devices develop dexterity and attention to detail. For example, drawing a circle with a compass develops a number of physical abilities. Some kids love the challenge of making neat circles of different sizes, and they'll get something out of using a compass that they'll never get from a digital circle-making tool. And keep in mind, there are different kinds of compasses. There are the pointy-tipped kind that we all think of, and there are flat ruler-types that have a spinning pivot point. Someone who's used these kinds of devices can develop a very concrete understanding of what a radius and a diameter is, among other things. I believe some of the same benefits come from working with a physical spirograph. Digital simulations allow people to try out many more variations in a short period of time than they could with a physical device. Digging into the code behind these simulations pushes people to understand the mathematical concepts that underlie these tools and patterns. Our young people can have the best of both worlds; it's our job to help them enjoy the variety of tools that are available to them today.

edsouza 10y ago

My daughter (7 years old) still plays with one, but not that often. She still enjoys it. We have the "Spiral Draw" by Klutz.

developer2 10y ago

>> your kid would never play with a Spirograph today That just represents AFK parenting. If your 5-8 year old is being babysat by the television or iPad, it is hardly their fault that they aren't experiencing anything hands-on.

oliyoung 10y ago

“you or your kid would never play with a Spirograph today” yeah, we would …

illys 10y ago
My daughter also spent months using one when she was 7-8, not so long ago!