Description
In this story-based STEM kit by Thames & Kosmos, Pepper Mint visits her aunt who is a scientist researching primates. She lives in a treehouse in the rainforest on the island of Borneo. The treehouse is not connected to the electrical power grid, but Pepper Mint and her aunt devise mechanical inventions to accomplish various tasks. They equip the treehouse with mechanical equipment using pulleys, winches, and gears, and learn lessons in physics. Projects include a rope ladder, a pulley to lift heavy objects into the treehouse, a rubber-band-powered lift, a rotating palm leaf umbrella, a zipline, a catapult, and a trap door.
At the end of the story, Pepper Mint wires up a string of LED lanterns using conductive thread and a battery holder to light up the treehouse in the dark jungle night. While doing this, she learns about electric circuits. The kit includes materials to build the treehouse and do the projects, a full-colour illustrated storybook and step-by-step instruction manual, as well as a scale Pepper Mint figurine.
What our testers said
“Oh so, it’s so the electricity can pass through the circuit and make them light up.” – Boy aged 9
“Quick, get Pepper and her Aunt into the tree house, there is a jungle storm coming, turn the lights off!” – Girl aged 7
What our experts think
This set develops children’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning through creative storytelling. Our testers enjoyed listening to Pepper Mint’s story, and it really inspired their imaginative role play. This is great as acting out different scenarios helps children to make sense of them, benefitting their personal, social and emotional development.
The children used trial and error and their logical thinking skills to work out which piece went where, which provides an excellent foundation for STEM learning. The story aspect also enhanced understanding, as it explained the different scientific concepts through the narrative. Our testers were then keen to see the different mechanisms in action! We did find that adult assistance was required to assemble the set, as some of the pieces were small and quite tricky to fit together.
Skills developed
– Introduces children to STEM concepts including gears and circuits
– Encourages imaginative play
– Builds logical thinking skills
