Thames & Kosmos, My Robotic Pet, Coding Chameleon STEM Kit, Science Set, Children's Ages 8+

The coding chameleon STEM - I did not get to play with the product itself however it was a hit at Christmas and all the kids were around the table working/ playing on this one. It was the favorite and the one that got everyone excited. The pieces looked quality. They were going through the instructions easily. And building together. I was satisfied with the product. It appeared to be as advertised and well received by children ages 8 to 13.

The kit is quit complicated to build but it does work like expected. Changes colors when you go over something that color and changes to what it shouts it's tongue out at

It exactly what I was looking for!

Fun to play with

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This was actually fun to put together as a parent and child. For kids 8 and up, there will be some parental assistance required (some pieces needed to be reviewed several times to see if they fit). The instructions are thoughtfully designed and well-put together. I really appreciated (or rather my kid) that there were also video instructions (scannable by QR code) in areas where kids could encounter the need for extra help or reference. The design of the instruction booklet it what impressed me the most, while my kid was more interested in building it (“they're like advanced Legos!”). I'm more of a literary person who appreciates the time and thoughtfulness that was put into this instruction booklet. There's even comics dispersed between seconds, and a troubleshooting index towards the back. Really well done! There are several modes in which you can interact with Carl - pretty clever for a device that you can put together yourself. Pet mode lets him loaf around, shoot his tongue out (this part took time to reconstruct - follow the instructions here carefully) and maybe blush if you scratch his chin, Wild mode makes him strike out on his own into the world (or living room floor), and Coding mode makes clever use of colored cards that you present to the sensor under his tummy to display various behaviors or movements - an introductory course to programming if you will. We were both thrilled by the fact that, after almost an entire day of construction (we started at noon and finished at 6pm, so this will definitely keep them busy!), Carl the Chameleon actually moved and interacts. Even our cats were convinced it was real just by how it sprawled around and crab-walked (chameleon-walked?) across our floors. Bravo to Thames & Kosmos for creating a truly fun and educational product!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was initially worried this would be too basic, but the Thames & Kosmos Coding Chameleon is awesome! Just know: it's more for older kids (10+) or younger ones with a dedicated adult, because the build is a serious, rewarding challenge. It's a fantastic STEM kit that teaches unplugged coding using colored cards, no screen needed! The finished robot is super cool since it walks, changes colors, and even shoots its tongue out. It's highly educational, super fun, and a great way to introduce robotics and programming concepts. Highly recommend it if you're up for the build!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This robot coding chameleon is the absolute coolest learning item. The parts are durable and movements and seamless and accurate. We can bring it anywhere. It can be used as a home schooling learning tool and the battery life is long for long play and learning time!

The kids who received it were excited, but it arrived broken. Customer service was contacted about it being broken, and they are sending out another one as a gift, but having it come broken means a delay in getting a replacement. No idea how easy to use it is because of the state it came in. Is this a one-off, or is this quality hard to say?

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is marketed as for an 8yo with help and 12yo on their own. My kid is 10 and in STEAM Club. She lost interest in this at step 3. As did I. I don't know if you can see in my pics but there are so so so many parts and small parts at that. The steps for putting this together are endless and extremely tedious. My arthritic hands could not deal. I would say this is definitely for a STEM wiz! The parts are clearly labeled which is great. The booklet is clear with pictures and step by step instructions and also includes a comic. We enjoyed reading that. I would love this as a toy that's already put together. I was looking forward to seeing how this chameleon works a it's eyes light up and it follows colors on a page (included) and instructions. Great concept but please put this together for us and sell as a robotic toy. I am going to donate this to a middle school science class or some place that wants it.

does not even work after taking 3 days to build.