Building blocks, Lincoln Logs, Legos and Erector Sets have been a staple of many children's box of goodies for decades. The same dedication to longevity has inspired Learning Resources (ToyDirectory) to develop building toys that will be durable favorites for years to come. The Gears, Gears Gears line, Learning Resource’s most popular collection, debuts a new addition this summer: the M-GEARS Building Set. Designed for children 7 and up, M-GEARS adds a new dimension to building sets: a motorized component that allows for self–propulsion, letting the toys move on their own.

Lana Simon, marketing director for Learning Resources, says the M-GEARS building set lends itself to a nearly infinite number of projects. "Kids can create motorized robots, cars, moving vehicles, anything their imaginations desire," says Simon. According to Simon, the idea for the project sprung from ways to teach a fourth grade science curriculum dealing with how gears drive movement in motorized products.

The kit contains over 300 pieces, a forward/backward motor control, tank treads, car tires and a hand crank for projects that may not require motorized function. The set retails for $36.95 and requires two "AA" batteries. M-GEARS is scheduled to hit store shelves this summer. For more information, go to learningresources.com.

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