For today’s blog entry, I wanted to share some information on the new fischertechnik STEM solutions product releases for the 2013, including the all new Optics set. This year will feature 5 all new kits from fischertechnik, as well as 2 upgrades to existing sets. This includes three additions to the Basic Line and one to the Advanced line (both for ages 7 and above), as well as three for the Profi/STEM line of sets for students age 9 and up.

The Basic line will add a new Tractors Set (#520397) and a new Bulldozer Set (#520395), both of which will provide parts and directions for building 3 unique and functional models. While these sets are more for pure play, the third new Basic set will be more of interest to educators. Entitled Solar (#520396), this set allows young students to build a helicopter, airboat and ventilating fan, all using a new solar rotor which combines a solar cell and motor. Not only will this set provide hours of fun, it will also help to introduce children to the concept of renewable energy. All sets are expected to hit our shelves in April.

The addition to the Advanced line is called Power Machines (#520398). This new set contains 1400 components, making it easily the largest commercially available fischertechnik kit ever released. It allows for the creation of two special ‘construction’ machine models, one of which is over four and a half feet in length and nearly 32 inches high! It includes a fischertechnik XS Motor, 6 buckets, 6 caterpillar tracks, and 2 conveyor belts. A simple 9v battery gets things moving, or if you prefer more power and capability, you can add on a fischertechnik Motor Set XM, Sound + Lights set, Control Set and either an Energy Set or Accu Set (each sold separately). This exciting new set is scheduled to arrive in our warehouse this August.

In the Profi Line, two of the very popular sets used to address the area of renewable energy will be upgraded this summer. The current Oeco Tech set and Hydro Cell Kit will be replaced by the new Oeco Energy (#520400) and the Fuel Cell Kit (#520401) respectively. The Oeco Energy set will for all purposes be a more powerful version of the former set, now including two solar modules instead of just one, but maintaining the same pricing. The Fuel Cell Kit on the other hand is more than a mere upgrade, instead this will be a totally different design of the cell. As before, the Fuel Cell will require the Oeco Energy set to build all models and perform all experiments. These sets are scheduled for a July/August release.

The final new set is perhaps the one we’re most excited by, a totally new addition to the Profi line called Optics (#520399). This set will allow students to investigate optical phenomena and experiment with light using a number of fascinating models The planetary model demonstrates why the moon has phases and why solar and lunar eclipses occur. Optical lenses with various focal lengths, mirrors, lens tip lamps and a variety of other parts allow construction of a microscope, magnifier, telescope and periscope, and a sundial.  This set also includes a model with optical fiber that demonstrates what total reflection is and how data can be transferred using light. This set is sure to be one of our hottest products this year, and like the other Profi sets, is scheduled for a July/August release.

Author: Lance Zurek