Review of Thames & Kosmos Pinball Machine Maker STEM Experiment Kit Toy of the Year

Price: $39.95 - $29.60
(as of Feb 17, 2025 20:20:23 UTC – Details)


Explore lessons in physics and mechanical engineering with the sweetest pinball machine ever! Build your own customizable pinball machine that uses edible gumballs as the pinballs. Learn about force, motion, collisions, gravity, simple machines, and more as the gumballs bounce off bumpers, slingshot around spinners, ring bells, slide down tracks, and whiz around the obstacle course you create. The targets and accessories can be quickly repositioned into countless configurations, making it easy to test and refine your designs. The pinball machine’s spring-powered launcher and responsive flippers work like their real-life counterparts, propelling the gumball pinballs up, down, and all around! A central ramp rotates to direct the projectiles into three elevated playing areas and ultimately down the winning ramp, where the gumball can be claimed as a sweet prize. Did you miss your mark? Don’t worry! When gumballs fall out of play, a cool mechanism called an Archimedes screw stores them and moves them back toward the launcher again for a new game.
Build your own customizable pinball machine that uses edible gumballs as the pinballs!
The reconfigurable and reusable building system includes all kinds of obstacles like bumpers, slingshots, bells, ramps, and more; move them around to change up the playing field!
A fun, gamified approach to learning about physics concepts like force, motion, gravity, simple machines, collisions, and more.
Trial-and-error experiments promote hands-on learning, encourage creative problem-solving, and provide hours of open-ended play that’s different every time!
Gumballs included! The kit comes with approximately 45 delicious standard machine-size gumballs.
A 2025 Toy of the Year Finalist!
Included on the Toy Insider’s 2024 STEM 10 List and selected as a 2024 TTPM Best Artisan Toy

Product Review: The Ultimate Pinball Physics Kit

If you’re in search of a product that masterfully blends learning and play, look no further than the Ultimate Pinball Physics Kit. This innovative toy allows users — both kids and adults — to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of physics and mechanical engineering while enjoying the sweet, mouth-watering gumballs that come with it.

Unleash Your Creativity While Learning

One of the standout features of this kit is its customizable nature. With an assortment of obstacles — bumpers, slingshots, bells, and ramps — users are encouraged to design and redesign their pinball machine as often as they like. This promotes not just an understanding of physics principles such as force and motion, but also rewards creativity. The reconfigurable building system allows for endless experimentation, making each game unique and engaging.

Hands-On Learning Experience

What strikes me most is the gamified approach to learning that this product embodies. Instead of passively absorbing information about gravity, collisions, and other physical concepts, players are actively involved in redesigning their machines to test their hypotheses. This trial-and-error method not only strengthens problem-solving skills but also reinforces important STEM concepts in a playful and enjoyable environment.

Continuous Engagement

Another impressive aspect is the built-in mechanism that ensures continuous play. The Archimedes screw takes care of any gumballs that might fall off the play area, transporting them back to the launcher for yet another go at the game. This dynamic feature adds an extra layer of fun, ensuring that users won’t get bored even after several rounds of play.

The Sweet Prize

And let’s not forget the most delicious part of this kit! With approximately 45 edible gumballs included, every successful launch and bounce becomes a sweet reward. Eating your own creations after a triumphant game adds a tactile and tasty element, making physics lessons even sweeter!

Award-Winning Recognition

It’s worth noting that the Ultimate Pinball Physics Kit has not only struck a chord with families and educators but also with industry experts. Being named a 2025 Toy of the Year Finalist and included on the Toy Insider’s 2024 STEM 10 List speaks volumes about its quality and educational value.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Ultimate Pinball Physics Kit is an outstanding investment for parents and educators looking to instill a love for science, technology, engineering, and math in children. Its ability to seamlessly combine play with education makes it a must-have for aspiring inventors and curious minds. This product promises not just hours of open-ended play but also invaluable hands-on learning experiences. Grab your kit today and watch as your child’s understanding of physics takes flight — one gumball at a time!