4M Green Science Potato Clock

I bought this product to teach my children in a fun way about digital time. We all had a fantastic time discovering the various fruits that can work the clock. Also, as the fruits have wilted, the children have been amazed by the drying up process and discolouration of the fruits. My only worry, and it is a big one, is that the instructions with the potato clock state that the electrodes can be placed in various liquids to make the clock work. I was a tad concerned that this would give my children the false impression that they could put any electrical worries in water to make a product work. Therefore, I removed the instructions and never mentioned anything about using fluids to power the product. All in all this is a fun product that gave lots of fun, investigation and learning. I am delighted I bought it!

Could be slightly better quality as the gears could engage better. Clear plastic enables me to demonstrate and it works by a good old puff in the class room so had fitted my STEM brief well.

Used this to demonstrate wind power for Cubs/Scouts. It worked perfectly as shipped, but I actually soldered the electrical connections and assembled the generator block to keep it simple for the younger ones.

Straightforward to put together. You need a small crosshead screw driver. Good instruction leaflet. But most importantly you need a good strong wind. Like another reviewer, found it almost impossible to blow hard enough to turn the rotor when trying to drive the motor/generator. Turns very easily when the cogs are separated but the extra resistant to turn the generator and produce the current means you need a good strong wind to turn it. The instructions say a wind speed of 15-20mph, advising an open beach or up a hill (not an enclosed garden at home then). Also thought it might be something to leave outside so that could be watched at night, but warning on box says rain will damage the electrics eventually (they are not enclosed in a watertight frame). I'd also suggest filling the drinks bottle with stones rather than water. If it gets blown over or knocked over then the water just floods the casing and electrics. Still works but had to be quick to dry it out. Strut for the tail fin bent when it fell too.

Had one of these when I was younger, looking forward to doing it with my little boy. Hopefully it will get him more interested in science. Looks like a lovely product but won't be using until Xmas.

Please don't waste your money on this product. I and another parent bought this for our children hoping to amaze them with the wonders of science...no chance! Cook the potatoes (not included with this product) instead and teach your children how to cook! Ours I'm sad to say went in the bin even after I'd tried to fix the clock, which is the main problem, very cheap and poor quality wiring.

I bought this for my Boss and he loved it. Took a photo of it on his phone and showed it to anyone who would look. Brilliant on lots of levels. Not just for kids, although hopefully it would help illustrate scientific principles to kids of the right age. Kids of other ages will just love it.

This product worked on first setting it up. The connections to the electrodes were fiddly and the tape did not hold them firmly. The digital clock worked but again the connections came and went rather easily. Once set up and working, it was best not to touch it, but it was fun to see it working and learn the science behind it.