Schell Games and Thames & Kosmos Announce New 2D Version of the Award-Winning Happy Atoms Chemistry Learning Tool

[{"content":{"text":" Schell Games and science toy and kit manufacturer Thames & Kosmos today announced the launch of a puzzle-based 2D version of its popular Happy Atoms interactive learning tool. The new, lower-cost alternative is available for purchase now. Launched in November 2016 and originally funded by the ED\/IES SBIR program, Happy Atoms has won numerous awards from both educational and technology organizations including The Parents\u2019 Choice Awards, Auggie Awards, and KAPi Awards. The new version of the set replaces the 3D plastic models with 50 puzzle pieces representing the 16 basic elements and electron bond extenders, which can be combined to build thousands of molecules that can be scanned and examined using the same free Happy Atoms app that accompanies the 3D version. \u201c Happy Atoms was really a watershed moment for us five years ago in terms of developing educational games and experiences,\u201d said Schell Games CEO Jesse Schell. \u201cBut during the pandemic, we helped an educator develop a paper-based version to make the tool more accessible to her students working at home. From there, we knew we had to make this affordable puzzle set available to everyone.\u201d To help create a puzzle-based version, Schell Games once again turned to renowned educational developer Thames & Kosmos, which has published more than 250 unique science kits across 13 categories over the past 20 years. \u201c Happy Atoms was a tremendous experience and partnership the first time, so this project was like visiting an old friend,\u201d said Ted McGuire, president of Thames & Kosmos. \u201cAccessibility is one of the most important parts of furthering a child\u2019s interest in the sciences, so to be able to mirror the 3D model experience without losing any of the educational value is a real triumph.\u201d The kit, which will retail at $22.95 MSRP, also contains a bonus 3D water molecule (one oxygen atom and two hydrogen), as well as a quick start manual. The free-to-download Happy Atoms app, which is available on iOS, Amazon, and Android smartphones and tablets, uses image recognition technology to identify and assemble different molecules. \u201cThis year we celebrate our 200th anniversary as a company and the 100th anniversary of our first chemistry set, so it\u2019s only fitting that we release one of the most innovative chemistry learning tools of the last 200 years,\u201d said Thames & Kosmos CEO Andrew Quartin. \u201cEducational chemistry sets have certainly changed over the last two centuries, with necessary safety laws limiting the number of chemicals and other materials these learning tools can contain. But, the subject of chemistry is no less complex. With the Happy Atoms system, we\u2019ve been able to teach advanced chemistry concepts and atomic modeling in a simple, hands-on, and completely safe environment. With Happy Atoms 2D, we\u2019re able to do this more affordably than ever.\u201d Happy Atoms 2D is available for purchase on Amazon and at specialty toy stores nationwide, alongside the original three-dimensional Happy Atoms Intro Set , Complete Set , and Educator Classroom Bundles . For more information, visit the Happy Atoms website or view the press kit . "},"id":"1308bd0d-42b2-49dc-9968-5c7396db6169","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"}]