N Learns Simple Machines

N has developed an interest in simple machines. He hasn't discovered the classic machines, e.g. the inclined plane, the wheel, the lever and fulcrum, etc. He is more interested in the basics of modern machinery which means two simple tools.

The first tool is the button. He likes to push them on toys that will light up and react. He has a cube that plays Mozart tunes. Each face has a different instrument, so N can turn them on and off in the middle of the tune. He enjoys that a lot, though not as much as the buttons on the dish washer. They also light up and make noises. I think he's so obsessed with it because he sees me using it so much.

Pushing buttons

Pushing buttons is definitely a skill that will come in handy in the future. Just look at Jean-Luc Picard's Enterprise. All the control panels are touch screens. And don't get me started on how much N tries to play with our iPad...

Image of Star Trek Next Gen keyboard taken from here

The second tool is the switch. It certainly seems like a magical device. Wall switches create or extinguish light! They also have a nice tactile response when used. He often makes me stand in the bathroom while he practices switching the light up and down (down is much easier).

Did I get it right?

Flipping switches is also a skill that will come in handy in the future. Just look at Kirk's Enterprise. Most every control panel has switches. Uhura and Spock spent a lot of their time flipping them and reporting valuable and/or dramatic information (or lack of information). Either job would be an excellent future for young N. He just needs to live to the ripe old age of two hundred.

Image of Star Trek Original Series taken from here

We dread the next simple machine he will probably want to master--the door knob. Of course, that skill won't be necessary in the future because both Enterprises have automatic doors.

For now, N is content to look cute and work on his current skills.

Looking cute is also an important skill in the future

In case you need proof about looking cute is important in the future, check this John C. Wright Memorial image.

"SevenofNine" by Source (WP:NFCC#4). Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia.