OrbitLab | miniMINT | Science Kit

Sun, Earth and Moon, built from wood and set in motion. The OrbitLab is a miniMINT kit from fischertechnik that lets a child build a small moving model of our corner of the solar system and see for themselves why we have days, months and years.

The build follows the digital instructions step by step, the wooden parts fitting together without glue. Turn the mechanism and the Earth circles the Sun while the Moon circles the Earth, which makes a lot of classroom astronomy suddenly click.

It brings together a bit of mechanics and a bit of space science, with careful building along the way and a model worth keeping on a shelf. The wood can be painted afterwards, a blue Earth and a grey Moon being the usual first choice.

Suitable from 8 years. Takes two AA batteries, not included. A thoughtful gift for a child who asks big questions about the sky.