# Tangible Coding Toys Google's 'Project Bloks' Uses Toys to Teach Kids How to Code By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-06-28 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-bloks References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/27/google-project-bloks/) & [projectbloks.withgoogle](https://projectbloks.withgoogle.com/) [Google's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-internet-awesome-world) 'Project Bloks' introduces an open hardware toy for kids that will teach them some of the foundations of computer science. This is a collaborative project from Google's Creative Lab division and Paulo Blikstein of the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab at Stanford University. There are three pieces to playing with Project Bloks: a Brain Board that houses the main processing unit, [modular Base Boards and Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-smart-bricks), which are used to send coded instructions. As well as being able to learn some of the basics of coding, kids will benefit from a quality playtime activity that encourages learning through the sensation of physical touch, versus a screen and a keyboard. Around the world, billions of dollars are being pledged towards educational computer science initiatives. Outside of the classroom, [programming games and toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerone-2) like these are appearing to help parents invest even more in their children's future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Educational Coding Toys:** The rise of educational coding toys like 'Project Bloks' presents opportunities for innovative learning experiences that combine physical play with digital skills. - **Physical Learning Experiences:** Toys that engage children through physical touch, like 'Project Bloks,' open up possibilities for interactive learning outside of screens and keyboards. - **Parental Investment in Future Skills:** The increasing popularity of programming games and toys indicates parents' willingness to invest in their children's future by providing early exposure to computer science and coding. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Manufacturing:** The development and production of coding toys like 'Project Bloks' require innovative approaches to combine physical and digital elements in engaging ways. - **Education Technology:** The integration of coding toys into educational settings presents opportunities for companies to develop tools and platforms that facilitate interactive and immersive learning experiences. - **Parenting and Education Services:** The growing demand for coding toys highlights the need for parenting and education companies to provide guidance, resources, and support for parents who want to foster their children's digital skills. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Physical Coding Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codee.md) - [Hands-On Modern Educational Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-educational-system.md) - [Coding Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-coding-car.md) - [Hands-On Computer Science Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-computer-science-ai.md) - [Educational Coding Language Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artie-max.md) - [Playful Coding Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pyxel.md) - [Children Coding Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coding-critters-magicoders.md) - [Technical Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gocar.md) - [Programming Code-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerone-2.md)