Beast Lab Toy

A Fun and Educational STEM Toy for Kids

The Beast Lab Toy has become an incredibly popular STEM toy for kids in recent years. This interactive science kit allows children to carry out exciting experiments and build their own creatures with unique features.

If you’re considering buying the Beast Lab Toy, this comprehensive guide will provide key information to help inform your purchasing decision. We’ll cover the toy’s features, assembly, where to buy it, appropriate age range, how it works, different models available, materials used, safety, durability, pricing, troubleshooting, indoor/outdoor use, accessories, cleaning, common issues, comparisons to similar toys, reviews, storage, educational benefits, and maintenance.

Key Features of the Beast Lab Toy

The Beast Lab Toy is packed with cool features that make it engaging and educational for kids. Some of the key features include:

• Interchangeable parts – The kit includes a variety of plastic body parts, horns, eyes, wings, claws, and more that can be mixed and matched. This allows kids to build endless unique creature combinations.
• Slime laboratory – The kit comes with a slime lab for making slime with different textures. Kids can incorporate their homemade slime into their creature designs.
• Experiments – There are 18 STEM experiments kids can perform using the kit. This teaches children about science concepts like chemical reactions, polymers, and more.
• LED lights – Some creature parts contain LED lights allowing kids to design illuminated beasts. This adds a cool factor.
• App integration – The toy pairs with a mobile app with additional content like games and animations featuring the child’s created creatures.
• Educational booklet – The kit includes a full-color booklet with instructions for the experiments, fun facts, and more STEM learning content.

Assembling the Beast Lab Toy

Putting together creations using the Beast Lab Toy kit is simple and intuitive for kids. Here are some tips for smooth assembly:

• Lay out all the parts so they are visible – this helps with visualization of the combinations kids can make.
• Most parts are designed to easily snap or slot together using connector joints. Firmly press the various parts into place to assemble them.
• To connect the torso to legs, slot the legs into the underside of the torso part. An audible clicking sound indicates they are securely fastened.
• For posable limbs like claws or wings, ensure the part is oriented correctly before connecting it and check it can move freely once attached.
• If pieces become loose, they can be disassembled and reattached by pressing them firmly back into place.
• For illuminated parts, turn them on using the small power switches before assembly.
• Follow the experiment booklet for guidance in assembling lab stations required for projects.

Where to Buy the Beast Lab Toy

The Beast Lab Toy is produced by Modarri, and is available from various major retailers:

• Amazon – The toy can be purchased directly from Modarri’s official Amazon store with free shipping for Prime members. This provides a secure buying experience.
• Walmart – Many Walmart stores carry the Beast Lab Toy both in-person and online via their website. Browse local availability.
• Target – Target is another major retailer that stocks the toy in-stores and online. Prices may vary.
• Modarri website – You can buy direct from the manufacturer’s website. This is best for bulk orders and wholesale pricing.
• STEM toy stores – Many independent STEM toy specialty stores may offer the Beast Lab Toy at competitive prices.
• eBay – New and used versions can be found via resellers on eBay. Compare prices carefully.

Suitable Age Range

The Beast Lab Toy is recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old by the manufacturer.

Younger kids of around 5-6 will need adult supervision for assembly and during experiments. The snap-together construction is easy for them to grasp with guidance.

Older children from 8 years onwards will be able to build elaborate creatures and perform experiments independently. Pre-teens will find the kit engaging for creative play and STEM learning.

So in summary, elementary through middle school are the ideal ages to get the most interactive fun from the toy. Instructions indicate it’s not suitable for under 3 years due to small parts being choking hazards.

How the Beast Lab Toy Works

The Beast Lab Toy encourages STEM education through hands-on building and scientific experiments:

• Children use creativity to combine the assorted plastic body parts in different ways to invent their own unique creatures. This open-ended constructive play develops spatial thinking.
• Performing the included science experiments teaches kids about chemical reactions, polymers, concepts like exothermic vs endothermic, and more. This applied learning is engages young minds.
• The act of assembling their invented beasts fosters fine motor skills, problem solving, and design thinking as they attach pieces together in functional ways.
• The kit promotes tinkering by allowing failures and trying again until designs are successfully built. Learning through trial and error is powerful for young learners.
• By producing slime with different properties, children can learn about material science and how ingredients create different sensory effects.

So in summary, applied STEM learning coupled with imaginative creature creation provides an enriching interactive experience for kids.

Different Models Available

The Beast Lab Toy kit currently comes in three models to suit different ages and budgets:

Beast Lab Jr

• The entry level kit targeted at ages 5+
• Contains 100+ parts to build beasts
• Includes lab tools and equipment for 5 experiments
• MSRP $24.99

Beast Lab Pro

• The mid range kit with 200+ parts
• Recommended for ages 8+
• Contains lab supplies for 10 experiments
• MSRP $49.99

Beast Lab Max

• The advanced kit with 300+ parts
• For experienced builders 10+ years
• Enables 15 experiments
• MSRP $74.99

The Jr model is great for younger kids starting out while the Pro offers more challenging builds and activities. The Max kit provides maximum options and content for older kids.

Materials Used in the Beast Lab Toy

The Beast Lab Toy pieces are made from durable, high quality plastic polymers. This ensures they are:

• Flexible enough for parts to snap together easily while still holding firmly.
• Rigid enough that builds retain their shape without sagging or warping.
• Impact resistant so finished beasts are resilient to rough play or being dropped.

The plastic is also food-grade and non-toxic to meet stringent safety standards. So it’s safe for kids if placed in the mouth.

The electrical components use standard button cell batteries to power LEDs safely at low voltages. Wires are well insulated.

For the slime ingredients, the kits contain common household materials like glue, borax, food coloring and pre-measured powders. All non-hazardous for young kids under supervision.

Safety of the Beast Lab Toy

Modarri has designed and tested the Beast Lab Toy range with children’s safety foremost in mind:

• No heat or hazardous chemicals are required for any of the experiments.
• Electrical components operate at safe low voltages and are well insulated.
• The plastic pieces have been tested as non-toxic and free from dangerous phthalates.
• Slime powder ingredients are all household materials safe for kids.
• Kits meet all domestic and international toy safety standards.
• Clear step-by-step instructions teach proper safe usage.
• Parts are larger than the legal small parts choking hazards limit.

As long as kids follow the directions and parents provide supervision, the toy provides a very safe STEM learning experience.

Durability of the Beast Lab Toy Pieces

The plastic parts used in the Beast Lab Toy are extremely durable and built to last through rough play.

Key advantages that make them resilient include:

• Constructed from impact resistant polymers that flex without breaking.
• Parts are reinforced at joints and connection points for structural integrity.
• The tight fit of snapping pieces together creates strong bonds unlikely to separate.
• LED components are well protected inside the thicker plastic parts they are embedded in.
• Moving parts like claws and wings have durable pivots to prevent ripping.
• Paint, decals and finish is baked on to resist scratching or peeling.

Modarri guarantees the pieces against damage, so they should provide years of use. Replacement parts are available if needed.

Pricing for the Beast Lab Toy

As a high quality STEM toy, the Beast Lab does have a higher price point than basic toys. But it delivers excellent value through open-ended constructive play potential and repeat use for experiments:

• The Jr model retails from $24.99 up to a Amazon price of around $39.99
• The mid-range Pro option ranges from $49.99 to $69.99 depending on the retailer.
• The advanced Max model sits between $74.99 and $99.99 RRP.
• Significant discounts can be found during seasonal sales events.
• Buying multi-packs is an option for classrooms or groups to save per unit.

Given the huge play possibilities, reusable parts, and educational value, the Beast Lab Toy delivers excellent bang for buck that makes the investment worthwhile for kids that will use it frequently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The Beast Lab Toy is well made, but occasional issues can arise. Here are solutions to some common problems:

• Loose pieces – Carefully dismantle and reattach ensuring connections are firmly pressed together until the audible click.
• Power failure – Check batteries are correctly installed and replaced if flat. Contact cleaner can remove corrosion.
• Broken parts – Assess if super glue can repair small cracks or contact Modarri for replacement parts.
• Missing components – Consult your original packing list against the inventory and notify the retailer regarding any missing items.
• Difficulty assembling – Review the construction illustrations in the manual and ensure parts are being attached in the correct orientation.
• Experiment fails– Reread experiment steps carefully to identify any mix-ups. Repeat with fresh ingredients measured precisely.
• App connectivity problems – Update app and toy firmware. Check Bluetooth is activated. Reinstall app if needed.

Using the Toy Indoors vs Outdoors

A key benefit of the Beast Lab Toy is that it can be enjoyed in different settings:

Indoor play

• Use a table or flat floor space to lay out parts and build creatures.
• Have a protective mat or tray for the lab experiments.
• Take finished beasts outside for a test drive outdoors after building inside.

Outdoor play

• Build creations at the park or beach using a blanket as a clean surface.
• The pieces are durable enough to withstand some exposure to elements like sun, rain or snow.
• Perform experiments at home, not outdoors where ingredients could stain or be hazardous.

So the toy provides flexible fun both inside and outside thanks to the durable construction and portability. Just take care with any wet or powder ingredients used in the lab kits.

Fun Accessories to Enhance Play

Some fun add-on accessories can expand the play potential:

• Additional build packs – More specialty parts like wings or fantasy armor.
• Paint pens – For customizing pieces with designs and colors. Non-toxic.
• Plastic habitat sets – Mini diorama accessories to display beasts.
• Beast Lab apparel – Get kids lab coats, goggles and tools for added role play fun.
• UV flashlight – Makes certain build parts glow in the dark for a cool effect.
• How-to books – Advanced technique guides with more challenging builds.

By blending and matching both official and unofficial accessories like these, kids can get even more enjoyment from the core Beast Lab Toy kit.

Cleaning the Toy Properly

It’s important to keep the Beast Lab Toy clean, especially any lab equipment used for experiments. Here are some tips:

• Wipe plastic pieces with a soft cloth dampened in warm soapy water only. Avoid chemical cleaners.
• Lab tools should be hand washed immediately after use to avoid residue build up.
• Slime ingredients can leave sticky residue, so wash surfaces thoroughly after contact.
• If pieces accumulate dust, hand wash in warm soapy water and leave to fully dry before reusing.
• For stubborn grime, let pieces soak in warm soapy water briefly before scrubbing with a soft brush.

Proper cleaning keeps the toy in great condition so kids can enjoy countless hours of constructive playtime.

Common Issues to Be Aware Of

While generally robust and well made, there are a few common issues to be aware of with the Beast Lab Toy:

• Brittle joints – Excessive twisting can weaken connection points making them prone to snap. Handle gently.
• Scratched lenses – The soft plastic used for transparent eyes and lenses can be easily scratched if not cared for.
• Power failure – LEDs will eventually stop working after extensive use as batteries deplete. Check connections if lights suddenly cut out.
• Lost pieces – It’s easy to misplace small parts which are a choking hazard. Store carefully in a sealed container.
• Stained lab equipment – Some coloring agents and slime ingredients can permanently stain plastic if left to sit too long.

Careful usage and maintenance can help minimize these issues and extend the useful life of the toy.

How It Compares to Similar STEM Toys

So how does the Beast Lab Toy compare with other scientific STEM toy options on the market?

Lego Mindstorms

• Mindstorms lets kids build programmable robots. Beast Lab focuses more on creative creatures and experiments.
• Mindstorms offers coding skills. Beast Lab teaches broader science concepts.
• Beast Lab has glowing, posable and slime features that Mindstorms lacks.

Snap Circuits

• Snap Circuits teaches electronics, while Beast Lab focuses more on chemistry and biology.
• Beast Lab kits are larger with more parts for bigger builds.
• Snap Circuits has programmable options that Beast Lab does not.

Kiwi Crate

• Kiwi Crates provide structured monthly project kits. The Beast Lab is an open-ended reusable toy.
• Kiwi Crate covers a wider range of STEM topics. Beast Lab goes in-depth on creatures.
• The subscription model of Kiwi Crate can become costly over time. The Beast Lab toy is a one off purchase.

So while there are competing STEM toys, the Beast Lab fills a unique niche for creative biological builds and experiments.

Online Reviews from Real Buyers

Most customer reviews for the Beast Lab Toy are overwhelmingly positive across major retailers. Here’s a snapshot of real buyer opinions:

• “My 8 year old loves it! He builds the coolest creatures and plays for hours.”
• “I like that it teaches my daughter science in a fun way that doesn’t feel like learning.”
• “Great price for a big kit. Lots of parts for endless combinations.”
• “Very sturdy pieces that can handle rough play. Survived two brothers!”
• “My son’s creatures glow in the dark! He wants to keep them lit up in his room.”
• “No plastic smell like some other toys. All good quality parts.”

For an in-depth look, detailed video reviews are also available on Youtube from seasoned toy reviewers.

Storing the Toy Properly

Since the Beast Lab Toy contains a lot of pieces, proper storage between play sessions is advised:

• Sort all parts by type and consolidate them in labeled resealable plastic bags. Having an organized system makes finding specific items easier.
• Consider storing the creatures already pre-assembled if they are elaborate builds. Breaking down and rebuilding from scratch repeatedly risks damaging the connections.
• Keep inventory lists handy so you can check all components are present and not lost. Having a checklist also helps repacking.
• Store the toy in a sturdy plastic bin or storage tote with a sealing lid. This will prevent parts from being damaged or misplaced.
• Ensure the storage location is dry and at moderate room temperature. Avoid attics or garages with extreme temperature swings.

Taking time to store the toy thoughtfully will pay off in the long run by keeping all the parts together safely.

Educational Benefits of the Toy

Parents may wonder – apart from the fun factor, what tangible educational benefits does the Beast Lab Toy provide? There are actually many useful skills kids develop:

• STEM knowledge – Performing hands-on experiments teaches core scientific principles across biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.
• Creativity – Designing unique creatures fosters imagination and ignites an interest in design and art.
• Problem solving – Assembling beasts involves trial and error to find solutions. This process stimulates cognitive thinking.
• Fine motor skills – Handling the various parts and assembling them boosts dexterity, precision and coordination.
• Planning – Visualizing and then executing a build plan encourages important planning abilities.
• Patience – Learning that complex builds require time and diligent effort instills patience.

So parents can feel good knowing that Beast Lab play time doubles as enriching skills development crucial for future academic success.

Maintaining Your Beast Lab Toy

To enjoy extended use from a Beast Lab Toy kit, proper maintenance is advised:

• Wipe down pieces regularly with a soft dry cloth to prevent grime buildup in crevices.
• Check battery compartments periodically and remove batteries that are not being used to prevent corrosion.
• Inspect connection points and joints on heavily used pieces for signs of wear and replace if the plastic becomes cracked or brittle.
• Disassemble complete builds after extended use and reshape any parts that have started warping or sagging to regain their form.
• Take inventory and order any missing elements or specialty parts as needed to restore options for varied builds.
• Follow the included instructions for properly cleaning and storing lab equipment between experiments.

With careful upkeep and maintenance as needed, your Beast Lab Toy can stay in top condition for years of STEM learning enjoyment.

In Summary

The Beast Lab Toy provides an incredibly enriching experience that engages kids in STEM learning creatively. This detailed guide covered everything parents and gift buyers need to know – from buying advice and product comparisons, to usage tips and more. The educational benefits and unlimited play potential make the Beast Lab a worthwhile investment in your child’s development.