Looking for some smart new STEM toys? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by ABC World News Now to talk about the smartest new STEM toys coming out this year. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below. To see more of our favorite toys from the show floor of this year’s Toy Fair, click here.
FISHER-PRICE THINK & LEARN ROCKTOPUS (MATTEL)
- Rocktopus is a STEAM toy that brings creativity to the learning process by allowing kids to explore a variety of musical styles while learning about different instruments, rhythmic patterns, and more.
- Rocktopus features 15 unique instruments across five different genres of music, enabling a truly hands-on physical approach to learning as preschoolers mix (and remix) their own musical creations.
- Kids are in control of their very own compositions by adding or subtracting instruments, changing the tempo & layering in fun sound effects.
- Features three interactive play modes: Math, Music, and Game.
- Download the free Rocktopus app to create, save & share cool music videos!
- Age: 3-6
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Fall 2018
MYLOOPY (KD GROUP)
- Meet MyLoopy, your weird new robot friend! Created by the scientists at LocoRobo, MyLoopy uses eight different sensors (light, tilt, motion, touch, temperature, proximity, gesture and sound), and artificial intelligence to engage kids through imaginative visual and auditory play. Though MyLoopy stands at just 3-inches tall, he has a big and quirky personality that kids will love!
- MyLoopy responds to his environment in real time: Turn off the lights and MyLoopy might choose to go to sleep or to start a dance party. Make a loud noise to scare him. Watch MyLoopy shiver if the temperature gets cold or complain if it’s too hot. Get ready for surprises and big laughs with his hundreds of jokes and quirky responses.
- When paired with the MyLoopy app (iOS/Android), kids can learn how to code their own MyLoopy responses and play in an Augmented Reality world.
- MyLoopy features multi-color animations and LED eyes that reflect his emotions and reactions, giving him a human-like personality. MyLoopy will grow and learn over time as he interacts with his human buddy, offering endless robot fun!
- Rechargeable battery included.
- Age: 4+
- MSRP $79.99
- Available Fall 2018
3DOODLER START HEXBUG MAKE YOUR OWN MICRO ROBOTIC CREATURES PEN SET (3DOODLER)
- Now kids can make their own eccentric-looking HEXBUG creatures that behave like real bugs. Doodle your bug’s body and legs using the insect-themed DoodleMold to create your very own pet insectoid, then let it crawl around to explore its environment, conquer obstacles or race your friends.
- This set fosters STEM learning by allowing kids to design and experiment with different robotic structures.
- Age: 6+
- Pen Set MSRP: US $59.99 / Activity Kit MSRP (without pen): US$24.99
- Available: Spring 2018
CRAYOLA COLOR CHEMISTRY LAB SET (CRAYOLA)
- Calling all color-ologists, chroma-chemists and would-be color scientists of all kinds! Crayola Color Chemistry Lab Set is jam-packed with STEAM infused and playful experiments exploring your favorite subject—color!
- The Color Chemistry Lab Set includes an easy-to-read instruction booklet that’s packed with 50 colorful science activities to try out at home.
- Enough Crayola materials and supplies to do 15 experiments right out of the box! Fun, educational and creative!
- Age: 7+
- Price: $24.99
- Available: August 2018
ENGINEERING MAKERSPACE (THAMES & KOSMOS)
- Engineering Makerspace is a new line of engineering kits designed to capture the fun and creativity of makerspaces and combine it with valuable STEM lessons.
- The line includes a range of kit sizes and price points, starting with smaller five-model kits such as Off-Road Rovers and Alien Robots and finishing with a large, 22-model extreme engineering experience
- All Engineering Makerspace kits include illustrated, step-by-step assembly instructions and science experiments in full-color manuals
- The modular construction system is compatible with that in other popular Thames & Kosmos physics and engineering kits
- Off-Road Rovers & Alien Robots
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $29.95
SKYTRACK SET (MAGFORMERS)
- Build the ultimate theme park roller coaster. With 35 non-magnetic pieces, the skytrack set is perfect for an advanced builder! Put your imagination to the test and see how tall your coaster will go!
- There are 13 different non-magnetic shape types, compatable with all Magformers shapes and accessories.
- Follow along with the step-by-step idea booklet and watch your roller coaster come to life.
- The SkyTrack set includes battery operated rider and space ship accessory.
- Age: TBD
- MSRP: TBD
- Available: TBD
