A STEM “toy” that provides an amazing 4D+ learning experience

This post is in partnership with Utopia 360. All opinions are my own.

STEM STEM STEM STEM. We love all things STEM.

I love it more when the Cupcake gets excited about STEM toys — especially one that combines science and technology like the Utopia 360 virtual reality package. Wait until you see this!

Remember when we were kids and we had those 3D viewfinders? The red ones with the round disk and little photos on them and you put it in and held it to the light to see in “3-D” what was inside?

Introducing the 2017 version of same. Except better. WAY better. More evolved. I mean, look.

This cool “viewfinder” (for us old people), in actuality called a 4D virtual reality headset, and it pairs with your phone to provide a remarkable 4D experience with the use of augmented reality cards. We were lucky enough to receive two experience sets to review: Space Exploration which was PERFECTLY timed to continue the whole eclipse conversation, and the Dinosaur Experience which even has identifiable roars from each species. (Also available, 4D Animal Zoo where you can FEED the animals!)

Here’s how this innovative sensory experience works. It is an augmented and virtual reality bundle designed for kids from Utopia 360 and powered by Octagon Studio. (More at utopia360vr.com) You install the app on your phone, input your serial number from the experience pack, insert your phone with camera on into the headpiece, and then use the virtual reality headset to view the object by inserting it in the headpiece. And that’s when the magic happens.

Take a look from this video of the dinosaur package.

It’s AMAZEBALLS. It looks like a hologram or a 3D movie in your hands– it’s crystal clear, right in front of you.

See, I had a dinosaur on my keyboard! SHUT UP!  I can see its skeleton, make it walk, and I can take a virtual 360° tour of prehistoric times.

I can see the underbelly of an Ankylosaurus (not pictured but is adorable BTW). You can even circle around it in 360 and look at it from EVERY angle. It’s like having computer CGI at your fingertips. And with the space pack, it’s as if you can reach out and touch, and DRIVE the lunar landing! It’s really, very cool.

There are 20ish cards in each pack to discover. Our space pack had everything from Sputnik to the Soyuz Mission, all the planets, a black hole, and a supernova, with date and details on each card. The dinosaurs have their size, weight, subclass and dietary type. The detail is  incredible.

You’d win teacher of the year with this in your classroom (although you need several sets because they are going to fight over this!) or it would be great for home learning too. Or playtime with Dad, because honestly, these are super fun and age appropriate for the entire family. While the box says they are targeted for ages 7 and up, in MY opinion, I think if you remove the headset, you could start the littles early and they would enjoy feeding the animals. It’s not the same robust experience without the headset, but it would still be loads of fun. (I predict lots of giggles.) It’s even multilingual.

This is one of those “toys” that grown-ups enjoy and learn as much as the kids. I know this to be true because our family loves it!

Want to know more about these amazing learning tools? (I’m over calling them toys because they’re so much more).  Here is a more detail on what’s included and a link to the website to order. These bundles are already in Barnes & Noble, but launching in Brookstone, Walmart, Staples and more this month!  They retail $39

4D+ Animal Zoo  

• Includes VR headset and 26 animal AR cards, and 5 food AR cards
  • Works with the free, fully-featured Animal 4D+ app
  • Explore the 3D library to learn about each animal
  • Feed the animals using the Animal 4D+ Food Series cards
  • Learn the alphabet, animal sounds, names and spelling
  • Features an interactive spelling quiz
  • Capture fun augmented reality photos with the virtual animals in your real world environment • Use with Utopia 360° VR headset for a hands-free, 4D+ experience
  • Compatible with smartphones, tablets and VR headsets
  • STEM-based education, perfect for ages 5+

4D+ Dinosaur Experience

• Includes VR headset and 20 augmented reality flashcards
  • Works with the free, fully-featured Dinosaur 4D+ app
  • Explore the 3D archives to learn about the history and origin of each dinosaur
  • See how dinosaurs compare in size to the average human
  • Use on-screen controls to navigate the dinosaurs
  • Immerse yourself in a 360° VR experience surrounded by extinct dinosaurs
  • Capture fun augmented reality photos with the virtual dinosaurs in your real world environment
  • Compatible with smartphones, tablets and VR headsets
  • STEM-based education, perfect for ages 7+

4D+ Space Exploration 

• Includes VR headset and 26 augmented reality flashcards
  • Works with the free, fully-featured Space 4D+ app
  • Explore the 3D library to learn about planets, space objects and historic missions
  • Drive all space rovers with on-screen controls
  • Go on a 360° virtual tour of the International Space Station and the Solar System
  • Capture fun augmented reality photos with the space objects in your real world environment • Compatible with smartphones, tablets and VR headsets
  • STEM-based education, perfect for ages 7+

Also, follow along on social media so you can be first to know about future releases:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/utopia360vr
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/utopia360vr
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/utopia360vr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_g8OEf2kVRYHIy3_hNd0cQ
• Website: www.utopia360vr.com

We received the products mentioned above to review. All opinions are my own.