Steam Mates
packaging, branding, publishing, toy design
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Research has demonstrated that the drive to explore, interact, and observe in human beings begins in early childhood (Birth-age 5). Experiences that help children early on include hands-on experiences. These allow children to explore their curiosities and interests and develop and test theories in everyday situations. STEAM Mates allows girls to be exposed to STEAM fields early so they are able to gain confidence in their abilities. The brand offers five unique toys in each of the five categories that develop their understanding of each.
ART DIRECTION
Paul Kepple
PUBLICATION
STEAM Mates Bring A Story To Children's Learning
from Dieline
HARMONY THE SCIENCE DOLL
Children figure out how the world works by engaging in a series of steps called the scientific method. Harmony's main function is using her arms as a scale. Children are able to add bracelets to her arm, and observe how their weight makes her arms go up and down.
MARGO THE TECHNOLOGY DOLL
Technology stands for any type of man made object. These types of man made objects include the wheel—which is Margo's main function. The wheels support children’s cognitive development, because as children play with Margo, they observe and learn from the underlying cause and effect.
PEGGY THE ENGINEERING DOLL
Engineering is using materials, designing, crafting, and building—it helps us understand how and why things work. Peggy the engineering doll focuses on using gears and systems. The child can switch out the gears to different spots on the toy, and observe what that does.
ARTIE THE ART DOLL
All categories of STEAM need to innovate and solve problems creatively, which makes the arts a vital part of childhood development. The main function of this toy is creating. The children can use the blocks to solve structural problems through memory and symmetry in order to create different characters
MATHILDA THE MATH DOLL
From birth until age five, children explore everyday mathematics, including shape, size, sequencing, volume, and distance. Mathilda's function is to allow children to learn about basic geometry. The toy allows for children to problem solve to fill the puzzle, as well as using their memory to remember which shapes fit where.
CHILDREN'S BOOK
Within the brand, STEAM Mates would release a series of books for each of the five toys in STEAM. The books would take children through the history of that category in order for them to have a better understanding of it in simple terms. I illustrated and wrote Margo's book (pictured above).
