# Mars-Themed STEM Toys National Geographic Created a Model of the Solar Powered Mars Rover By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-01-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-mars-rover References: [shop.nationalgeographic](https://shop.nationalgeographic.com/products/national-geographic-solar-powered-mars-rover) & [nationalgeographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/) [National Geographic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-geographic-power-rocket) created a new [STEM toy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/science-activity-kits), which is a model of the solar-powered [Mars Rover](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-technic-nasa-mars-rover-perseverance). The kit is priced at $29.95 and it features wooden parts that were laser cut, as well as a solar panel, gears, sandpaper, and a guide. The guide also contains information pertaining to lunar exploration, as well as the step by step construction process of the solar-powered Mars Rover. Like the real Rover, the model is also solar-powered and it is able to propel itself using the panels included in the kit. Toys like this help children cultivate an interest in STEM fields and provide an engaging learning experience. Additionally, the inclusion of lunar exploration facts in the guide could pique the interest of children as they go through the construction process. Image Credit: National Geographic ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Mars-themed STEM Toys:** Creating more Mars-themed STEM toys could encourage interest in space exploration and scientific fields. - **Solar-powered Toy Models:** Developing more solar-powered toy models could teach children about renewable energy sources and encourage them to explore innovative solutions to problems. - **Lunar Exploration Education:** Incorporating lunar exploration education into STEM toys could create more well-rounded learning opportunities for children. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers could focus on creating more educational and STEM-focused toys to meet the growing demand for engaging and informative toys. - **Renewable Energy:** Developers in the renewable energy industry could collaborate with toy manufacturers to create more solar-powered toys, teaching children about renewable energy sources. - **Education:** Educational institutions and organizations could work with toy manufacturers to create learning tools that combine traditional education with hands-on, engaging activities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mars Rover Toy Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-technic-nasa-mars-rover-perseverance.md) - [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md) - [Learning-Focused Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robots-in-motion.md) - [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md) - [Space-Inspired Toy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-collections.md) - [STEM-Driven Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits.md) - [Rechargeable Child Rocket Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-geographic-power-rocket.md) - [STEM Gardening Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-terrarium-kids-grow-kit.md) - [Space Vehicle-Inspired Model Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-technic-nasa.md)