Manipulatives

8 years & up. Explore the basics of mechanical physics by building a series of simple machines designed to perform complex tasks that make our everyday lives easier. Build 26 working models focusing on six simple machines: wheels and axles, levers, pulleys, inclined planes, screws, and wedges. Learn the science behind your builds in the full-color, 32-page manual and follow the easy to understand step-by-step instructions to assemble each machine. As your understanding of mechanical physics… More »

3 years & up. With 68 plastic components, the number of run designs is limitless. Includes 12 marbles to run through flippers, funnels, across ramps, and into catch all hoppers.

5 years & up. Imagine, build, create! This Plus-Plus® Learn to Build Sports Building Set is a new kind of construction toy that features one simple shape to unleash ideas of endless possibilities. The unique shape design allows kids to construct 2D or 3D and even curved structures. Bricks come in a mix of basic colors, and also includes 2 baseplates - 1 tan and 1 green. Gain some inspiration with the full-color, fold-out Idea Guide booklet. The guide book gives step-by step instructions… More »

4 years & up. Develop social emotional and STEM skills in a collaborative, play-based environment with the IO Blocks® Center. This all-in-one table brings movement, simple machines and dramatic play to the original IO Blocks® friction-fit, construction toy platform. Combine gears, slides, IO people and standard IO Blocks® pieces to create limitless builds using problem solving, introductory architecture and budding STEM skills. Constructions are stabilized on the raised grid tabletop… More »

8 years & up. Experience the power of gravity with the Gravitrax Starter Set! Build your own action-packed track system to send your marbles racing while learning about gravity, magnetism, and kinetics. With over 100 pieces and 18 different construction elements, discover how the laws of physics affect the track your marble takes with curves, crosses, freefalls, and even a cannon. Experiment using different heights and angles to control the speed of the ball. Build your track using the construction… More »

5 years & up. With Plus-Plus Learn to Build Vehicles Super Set GO!, you can build a Dump Truck, Jet, Dune Buggy, Go Cart and more! Use your imagination to customize your ride. The Learn to Build Vehicles Super Set GO! includes 800 pieces, 16 wheels, and 4 chassis base plates, along with instructions to create many different vehicles. Once you assemble, download the free app for even more building ideas. A perfect STEM toy to develop fine motor skills, focus and patience - as well as design,… More »

3 years & up. This 90-piece set includes a variety of items to create working waterways. Children can experiment with the effects that construction, gravity, and distance have on water pressure and flow as they create endless waterway configurations. Materials are transparent to allow for easy viewing of water flow. The Build a Waterway STEM Kit builds on children's natural curiosity by providing the materials and freedom to explore. The funnels, measuring pitchers, connector tubes, blockers,… More »

7 years & up. Imagine, build, create! Plus-Plus® GO! Fire Truck & Firefighter Building Set is a new kind of construction toy that features one simple shape to unleash ideas of endless possibilities. The unique shape design allows kids to construct 2D or 3D, or curved structures. Includes the GO! Fire Fighter Set with 360 pieces in 8 different colors, 9 wheels, and 2 baseplates, as well as a Fire Fighter Tube that contains 70 pieces with 3 skin tone choices. Made of BPA-free and phthalate-free… More »

3 years & up. This Plus-Plus® BIG 60-piece Picture Puzzle Set features a new kind of construction toy that involves one simple shape to unleash ideas of endless possibilities. Choose a puzzle and try to construct the image using the Plus Plus pieces. Create colorful flat mosiacs, or work in 3-D to make more intricate builds. A perfect on-the-go STEM toy for your budding builder! Each Picture Puzzle card has two sides for a total of 14 puzzle challenges. Includes: 60 pieces and seven challenge… More »

6 years & up. This is not your ordinary addition to the marble run family! Put the laws of motion to the test with this Mega Stunt set. The ingenious pieces interlock in endless configurations, while double-exit cubes keep you guessing on which way the marbles will go! Set includes: 108 cubes, 2 cascade stilts, 2 coaster tubes, 1 marble vortex, 1 pivot trampoline, 2 universal connectors, 30 steel marbles, and instructions.

2 years & up. Increase the authenticity of your child's open-ended building experience with these weighted Little Pavers - 60 piece set. Children 2 and up will incorporate these hexagonal miniature pavers into unique architectural builds while stacking, creating patterns and using natural, loose parts. The matte surface texture supports indoor and outdoor play. Set includes 10 double-sided concept cards that serve as creative inspiration to further the hands-on buildling experience. Use with… More »

18 months & up. Encourage creative play, tactile exploration, and open-ended building using the Snap and Stack Thistle Block set. Children can easily fit the durable plastic bristles together to create satisfying connections and construct anything their imagination can inspire. A variety of pieces will help children develop color and shape recognition as well as size relationships and pattern building. This 220-piece set allows for large builds independently or collaboratively.

3 years & up. Children can create flexible structures that go out, up, and over with a variety of easy-to-connect shapes in different sizes. Shapes snap together securely, but with minimum effort, so children can easily explore, develop imagination, and improve building skills. Set comes with enough pieces that multiple children can build at once. Mobilo® promotes creativity and fine motor skills. Ships in plastic bag.

4 years & up. Build towers of quirky robots, spinning gears, and wobbling cranes with this Robot Factory set by Learning Resources. Stack robots on top of each other and place them on spinning gears or hang them from wobbling cranes and springs. Each unique robot and building piece can be attached to another in several different ways and from several different angles so that the only limit on engineering is your imagination. Promotes STEM learning. Size: Robots measure 2.25"H. Includes:… More »