Homeschool Reviews For You

OCTA-TETRA  Construction Sets
Created by “Uncle Dan” Suttin
For more information or to order:
www.homespun4homeschoolers.com/octa-tetra.htm

There are construction sets, and then there are CONSTRUCTION SETS.  That is how I would describe this ingenious product from “Uncle Dan” Suttin.  The OCTA-TETRA Construction Set teaches kids all sorts of geometric principles.  The concept is actually fairly simple and low tech; die cut shapes are provided for the student to fold on scored lines.  When the shapes, Octas and Tetras, are folded and attached together with paper clips they can be used to create an amazing number of structures.  You can visit Uncle Dan’s website to see some of the creations he and his team of OCTA-TETRA club members have assembled. 

Depending on the set ordered, The OCTA-TETRA Construction Set comes either as a 150 piece “Introductory Kit” or the 300 piece Standard Set.  Even though you can build structures taller than an adult, the die cut pieces can always be disassembled and pressed flat for easy, low-space, storage.  With your order you will receive an Instructional DVD which features Mr. Suttin teaching a mom and her two boys how to work with the die cuts and paper clips.  This DVD is very helpful as it makes it much easier to understand how to assemble the shapes.  OCTA-TETRA Construction Sets are really cool, but they do require a certain amount of manual dexterity and it can be a bit frustrating trying to get those paper clips in “just right” in order to hold everything together.  Once you get the hang of it though, the sky’s the limit (literally) to what you can build with these seemingly simple die cut shapes!  Along the way builders learn many important concepts of 3D geometric construction and model how these same shapes are used in real architecture. 

In addition to the instructional DVD, Mr. Suttin also includes a free CD with each set, which contains 123 files that have been sent to users of the OCTA-TETRA Sets – users are also sent updated files via email as they become available.  The first several files explain “why” one would want to explore geometric construction and how to build using the die cuts. This includes pictures depicting how these geometric shapes are used in real-life from the construction of kites and airplanes, to bridges, walk ways and ceilings. The other instructional files focus on building various structures and include pictures of creations at various stages of construction, along with instructions and tips.  There is also quite a bit of information about art and architecture imparted in these files. 

OCTA-TETRA Construction Sets are very reasonably priced at $15 - $30 depending on the kit ordered.  Each of the kits includes the Instructional DVD and the CD with 123 Files (and growing!).  They do not come in fancy packaging and the DVD, though well-produced, is simply created, filmed at the kitchen table.  The recommended age range is 10 & up.  According to Mr. Suttin, teens and adults are the ones who really can take off and create some amazing structures. 

My boys and I had fun exploring with the OCTA-TETRA Construction Set.  We did struggle a bit initially with the folding and assembly, but the DVD really helped.  Just as Mr. Suttin has found, my teenager and I were the ones who seemed to really “get it” and begin to see the possibilities.  My 11 year old, did become a bit frustrated and impatient at the learning curve required to get those paper clips to stay in place.  A few days later he sat down to try it again (he really wanted to build something!) and was able to finally get the hang of it.  When you see the photos of bridges, balls and other cool structures that “Uncle Dan” and friends have created, you can’t help but want to try it for yourself.  Oh, yes, make sure you have the room available for your budding architects.  The set itself takes up very little space, but life-size models are well…life size!

From our experience, I would say that one of the main benefits of the OCTA-TETRA Construction Set is the freedom to learn by exploring and trying different combinations during the assembly process.  This really is hands-on math – perfect for tactile learners!  When kids are building super-structures with OCTA-TETRA, they are also learning important math concepts…but we’ll just keep that our little secret :-)  

For more information and lots of pictures, be sure to visit the OCTA-TETRA website.  While you are there, you can request the instructional booklet – made available for free and sent via email. 

Making the Grade: A
Cost:  $15 - $30 depending on the set
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10