ThinkFun, a leading developer of educational games, and MakerBot, a provider of affordable 3D printing technology, have introduced a new product designed to introduce kids to the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Their new Maker Studio Construction Set is available for free at MakerBot Thingiverse, a design community for 3D printing. The set allows educators, parents, and children to design kinetic machines using household items with connectors, wheels, rods, hubcaps, spools, hole punches, and more. It also gives kids open-ended challenges to create their own inventions. Bill Ritchie, co-founder of ThinkFun, said “kids are inherently creative, and it’s amazing to see how imaginative they can be when given the opportunity to exercise their minds and ingenuity with smart toys like Maker Studio.” Kids are encouraged to enter their inventions in the Kids Make it Challenge where they can win great prizes. Deadline for entry is July 14.

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