Smart Pixelator Puts the Art in STEAM

The smART Pixelator uses the technology of light, Bluetooth image transferring, and an app so kids can make fun 3D creations.

 

As you know, we are big fans of STEAM toys at the Well Connected Mom.  STEAM toys incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills.

STEAM toys typically have two inherent qualities to be successful.  They need to incorporate simple play – it needs to be a toy kids will enjoy playing with. 

Secondly, there needs to be anticipation.  That once a child completes the task (or one of the tasks) they will reap greater benefits of the “learning” part of the toy.

The smART Pixelator STEAM Toy

We recently spent time “playing” with the smART Pixelator, a toy that incorporates technology with art and even some engineering to build pictures, artwork, and toys kids can play with.

The smART Pixator helps kids make creative pixelized works of art in 2D and 3D. Kids place 4 mm plastic “beads” with a hole in the middle onto a screen that is lit up with a colorful design.

Kids imitate the design through the placing of similar colored pixels onto the plastic grid tray covering the design. 

The base of the Pixelator is plugged in and comes with a small USB stick that when plugged into the base, offers kids 50 different designs to create.

Downloading the app allows kids to upload their own photos to the Pixelator, via Bluetooth.  Kids can take pictures of their favorite things and even take selfies. 

The Pixelator app then turns the pictures into pixelated pics.  Once uploaded, kids can add beads and pegs to make their own customized art.

The Pixelator base is versatile to offer kids options:

1.  Beads – these small beads, once a design is complete, can be hot ironed and fused together to create a keepsake.
2.  Pegs – pegs are larger than beads and easier to handle.  Use pegs to make larger pictures.  The completed design tray can be added to an included picture frame and displayed to show others their handiwork.  They can then be disassembled to make a new picture.
3.  Sequins – similar to pegs, they can be used to create bigger pictures and then displayed in a picture frame afterward.

So what’s the point besides making cool art designs on a plastic grid? 

The bead design can be fused together using ironing paper so kids can play with their colorful artwork.  This is a big payoff for kids.

Kids can make art designs of animals, vehicles, and even selfies!  There are many options included in the app.

And with the optional pegs and sequins, kids can make unique pixelated art of work to display in a Pixelator frame on their desk. 

The pegs and beads can be reused again and again with new designs.

Features:

• the Pixelator base is plugged in to show the color lights of a design
• comes with a pixel tray to place needed colors for easier pixel placement
• includes 1300 beads to get started
• download the free app to build 3D projects and find many more designs
• includes a “treasure chest” to store the USB card (and other small ones) when not in use
• the colored lights on the Pixelator base make it easy for kids to follow
• kids can take pictures of favorite things and upload the image to the base with the included Bluetooth link
• includes a pixel tool to help with handling the small beads
• comes with one sheet of reusable tray ironing paper
• the app gives kids the plans to make 3D creations using the beads

Pros:

• as the Pixelator base is plugged in, there is no need to deal with paper designs, as in the past
• kids can customize their art by using different colors or adjust artwork to their own liking
• kids will love uploading their own pictures to create via Bluetooth
• after they are done with their work, they will have something tangible to show, once beads are ironed together
• the Pixelator base is expandable to be used with the Pixelator Pegs and Sequin kits as well
• the Pixelator base can be wireless and portable by inserting 4 C batteries
• provides hours of fun for one child or several

Cons:

• applying the pixels, one-by-one, is a bit tedious, however, kids will LOVE being able to fuse their hard work together to play with as a 3D item
• the 4mm pixels are small and very easy to fall all over the place, expect a mess with little kids
• my selfie didn’t turn out too well in pixelated form, it was hard to recognize a face but my Snoopy image looked good

The smART Pixelator is available from Amazon for $32.92 with $7.95 shipping.

A Mom’s Perspective

I’ll admit, when I first starting working on the smART Pixelator I felt it was a bit tedious, placing each 4mm peg onto a small grid.

I was also nervous about spilling the beads all over the floor.

But as I continued, I could see the “light.”  Kids will practice their fine motor skills to be able to accurately place each bead. 

They will be able to make changes to the design or color based on their own preferences to customize it how they see fit.  

And once they finish their project and an adult helps fuse it together, using an iron, into a usable 3D object, kids will be able to show others how their diligence paid off.

They will see that careful, dedicated attention to a project builds their self-esteem and enjoyment.

Creating a design takes patience and perseverance but the reward is great for kids in what they “bring to life.”

I love how kids can take pictures and upload their own design as well as make projects which allow kids to build larger 3D objects like trucks or an airplane.

Even with the pegs, which we tried too, they allow kids to display a tangible work of art they can showcase on their desk and enjoy.

See more of our favorite STEAM toys from December.

*I was given a smART Pixelator for purposes of review.  All opinions are my own.