# Empowering Engineering Playsets This Story-Driven STEM Kit Follows "Pepper Mint" on an Adventure By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-03-07 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engineering-playset References: [newsday](https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/hot-new-toys-2018-1.16803228#6) & [thamesandkosmos](http://www.thamesandkosmos.com/index.php/peppermint/pepper-mint-in-the-great-treehouse-engineering-adventure) Thames & Kosmos unveiled a new [engineering playset](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mola-4) at the 2018 Toy Fair that introduces [STEM concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-computer-science-ai) to kids through a compelling story format. The 'Pepper Mint in the Great Treehouse Engineering Adventure' kit stars the character Pepper Mint, who makes a visit to see her aunt, a scientist researching primates. As the treehouse that Pepper Mint's aunt lives in is off the grid, kids must help the pair come up with creative solutions to completing tasks with [pulleys, winches and gears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-9). Throughout the playful story experience, kids ages eight and up will learn valuable lessons in physics, electronics and more. The STEM kit includes all of the necessary materials to construct the treehouse, an instruction manual, as well as a full-color storybook and a Pepper Mint figurine for play. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Story-driven STEM Kits:** Thames & Kosmos introduces STEM concepts to children through a compelling story format - **Interactive Learning Through Play:** Engineering playsets integrate playful story experiences and STEM concepts to educate children - **Innovative Tools for Teaching STEM:** STEM kits utilize various tools to keep children engaged and curious in learning physics, electronics and more ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy:** High-tech toys and engineering playsets are transforming the toy industry with engaging educational experiences for kids - **Education:** Engineering playsets aid educators in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through interactive learning experiences for children and teenagers - **Technology:** More sophisticated electronic and mechanical components found in engineering playsets require sophisticated technology to create and design ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Learning-Focused Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robots-in-motion.md) - [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md) - [STEM-Driven Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits.md) - [Children's STEM Subscription Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engino-stem-club.md) - [Modular STEM Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-evolution-of-stem.md) - [3-in-1 STEM Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiral-spring-science-kit.md) - [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md) - [STEM Subscription Crates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiwico.md) - [Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funphix.md)