New York (Feb. 2016) – Thames & Kosmos has become a leader and innovator in products that foster an appreciation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) education for children. As a result, Thames & Kosmos is partnering with Mattel to leverage the world of Barbie to create licensed S.T.E.A.M.-themed products aimed to inspire kids around the world.

Check out a sneak peek of the first Barbie product that will be on display at American International Toy Fair in New York City, February 13^th – 16^th, Booth #1855. The kit includes plastic building pieces and science experiment materials, as well as a Barbie doll, to create a complete experience based on the concept “You Dream It… You Make It!” From math and science to biology and chemistry, each kit is built to “Barbie-Scale” and meant to be compatible with the original Barbie Dreamhouse.

“We totally reimagined what a science kit could be by researching what kids who love Barbie would WANT to play with, what they would really gravitate toward. From there, we designed S.T.E.A.M. lessons around those,” said Ted McGuire, President of Thames & Kosmos.  “Based on this research and our experience, the projects in the kit have an element of engineering design, creative expression and personal artistic expression — clearly qualifying each as a S.T.E.A.M.”

“We’ve created an incredibly powerful tool that builds on the skills and knowledge of each discipline that is essential for a child’s success in school and, ultimately, the real world,” added Andrew Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos. “Because play and project-based learning is so deeply intertwined in how students learn most effectively, we’re honored to be working with Mattel on this project, as we inspire children to not only have fun with Barbie, but also will encourage kids to explore and develop skills in such fields as engineering, science and more.

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For more information, consumers can log onto:

Website: www.ThamesandKosmos.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ThamesandKosmos
Twitter: @ThamesandKosmos
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/ThamesandKosmos

Thames & Kosmos (T&K) was founded in 2001 with the mission of improving informal science education outside of the classroom by publishing high-quality science kits for children of all ages. T&K’s mission has since expanded from its S.T.E.M. roots to encompass other educational branches as well, including arts and crafts, as well as the panoply of thinking and social skills that can be taught through games and magic performance sets.

T&K places an emphasis on teaching concepts and skills through tactile processes. Our vision is to give all children access to real, physical activities and projects that teach them about how things work and how to be curious; parents, grandparents, and teachers are active guides in these investigations. It is our firm belief that children who connect with the world in this way grow up to be inquisitive adults, creative thinkers, and engaged citizens with confidence to pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering as well as other ways to live successful, happy lives. T&K is headquartered in Providence, RI and is the North American Subsidiary of Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG.