My son has always been hypnotized by marble runs we had seen in the store and in children’s museums. While they looked intriguing, nothing captured my attention like the Q-BA-Maze from Mindware. The Q-BA-Maze 2.0 Mega Stunt Set consists of 56 cubes, 2 stunt pieces, 15 steel marbles and 1 design booklet. There are three different types of cubes: single exit, double exit and bottom exit which when combined leads to endless building possibilities. The pieces can be snapped together which means it can be easily taken apart when done, and it doesn’t require any tools aside from your imagination to put together. The structures can be built vertically or horizontally or they can be created as representational sculptures.
Mommy University Presents
Amazing Learning with Q-BA-Maze
Artistic Imagination
What I found impressive about Q-BA-Maze is that while it is a building toy, it can also be considered an artistic toy. Through the combination of the different components children can actually build different sculptures that resemble animals to geometric shapes. The shapes are bright colors but translucent which makes it stunning on a sunny day and inspiring to make new creations.
Leap into Experimentation
We built the first marble run together as a family discussing each part and how they were each unique. Throughout the process, we would test by placing a marble through the run. My son began to monitor the role each component had when used in the run which made him feel confident to begin innovating his own design with Q-BA-Maze.
Encourages Problem Solving
Just as my son began experimenting with Q-BA-Maze, he would have a goal for his design and while this didn’t work every time, he began to rely on problem solving skills. It is easy to become frustrated, however, having the ability to find solutions is a skill children and adults need.
Sustained Open Ended Play
Recommended for children ages 6 and older, the Q-BA-Maze2.0 Mega Stunt Set may need a little adult intervention; however, after that this is a quality toy that will keep kids engaged. Since the challenge is designed by each child, this toy invites return play. My son loves to pull this toy out and start creating new sculptures.
Within a few days, I was online ordering more pieces to the Mega Stunt Set. It is a high quality product that encourages my children to think. They are thinking about the design of what they want to make, they are experimenting, problem solving, and they are engaged. While my son will not be taking Physics or Engineering for a few years, he has the curiosity. By playing with toys that teach, he is acquiring hands on fun while building the background to think about these courses as possibilities. The Q-Ba-Maze 2.0 Mega Stunt Set from Mindware can be purchased using our Amazon affiliate link for less than $65.