By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Designing new toys isn’t rocket science … or is it?
Moose Toys came down on the opposite side of that question, and has partnered with former rocket scientist and NASA engineer Mark Rober’s company Crunch Labs.
The partners have now developed an all-new line of toys in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category that will be available at retail this fall.
Rober is a former NASA engineer who worked on the Curiosity Mars Rover and is now one of the world’s most influential science communicators with his own popular YouTube channel.
He also founded CrunchLabs, which creates hands-on products and experiences designed to make science and engineering exciting for kids. Built around a “STEM done differently” philosophy, the new toy line is further amplified by Rober’s massive global reach, including his current Top 10 global kids show on Netflix and an all-new CrunchLabs series coming later this year.
“I love seeing science click for kids, so combining that with Moose’s innovation is magic,” Rober said. “These toys are engineered to deliver huge, blow-your-mind, ‘wait, that’s how it works’ moments.”
Rober also says the experience goes beyond the toy itself, as each one includes a fun but educational video.
“Each toy will have a dedicated video from me showing the science behind how it works,” Rober explained. “Not only do you get the coolest toy, you actually learn the engineering behind it.
“I’ve always believed STEM toys could be way better, and our CrunchLabs line is what I always wanted when I was a kid.”
Moose’s reputation for elevating play and disrupting toy categories is on full display in the CrunchLabs line. Each toy is designed to instill confidence, spark curiosity and unlock problem-solving skills, all guided by Rober’s playful brand of creative mischief and Moose’s signature innovative toy design.
“The CrunchLabs line by Mark Rober and Moose Toys is going to flip the STEM toy space on its head,” predicted Rob Wolf, vice president of global marketing at Moose Toys. “Traditionally STEM toys are purchased by parents for their kids. With CrunchLabs, we want kids’ enthusiasm around the products to fuel the brand’s trajectory to new heights.
“We’re bringing the most innovative toys to the market, led by Mark Rober, one of the most well-trusted, highly entertaining, scientific minds in the world,” Wolf added. “Supercharged by Mark’s global reach across YouTube, Netflix, and Samsung, this won’t just be a product launch; it will be a game-changer for STEM and toys in general.”
The Moose Toys and CrunchLabs product line is expected to hit shelves at retailers worldwide this summer.
The extensive range includes at-home versions of Rober’s most iconic experiments, including Elephant Toothpaste Blast, which has racked up more than 300 million views, and the epic Egg Drop Challenge, which has surpassed 142 million views.