Dec 10, 2013

Off The Wall…Interactive Maps & Charts Use Latest Technology to Engage Kids Like Never Before

The magic of augmented reality (AR) has truly changed the way kids learn. Gone are the days when students have to stare at a boring wall chart to memorize the knee bone connected to the thigh bone or that Na and K are near each other on the periodic table. Thanks to Popar Toys, makers of astonishing 3D interactive maps and charts, students eagerly “play” with the Interactive Human Anatomy, Interactive Periodic Table or Interactive Solar System charts where facts and figures zoom, move, illuminate and captivate. Visitors to the American International Toy Fair can be the first to see the newest paper and fabric AR wall maps and charts at Popar’s Booth 3211.

The national media, toy judges and mom bloggers have become devotees of Popar’s 3D puzzles and books. As the shift to mobile devices, eBooks and videos-on-demand become the norm for kids at playtime, so do expectations for children’s toys. Popar fills the gap with illustrated storybooks that come alive with enhanced graphics, words leaping from the page and bonus features embedded with patterned markers.

“This hardcover book is great on its own,” begins a review by Consumer Reports in its article Tech Toys Your Kids Will Love. “It’s a guided tour through our solar system filled with colorful images and fun facts,” the reviewer describes of his initial impression of Planets 3D book. “But here’s the exciting and techie part— download a free app from Popar (for PCs, Macs, and iOS and Android mobile devices) and through the magic of augmented reality (AR), the pages come to life when viewed through your device’s camera. You’ll see 3D



Detail from Interactive Human Anatomy Chart

animated and interactive images of planets, rocket ships, probes and satellites and hear voiceovers with more info…The AR works really well, and it’s easy to get it working — that’s a lot for $20!”

That same enthusiasm for AR books and puzzles has transformed the lowly wall chart and map into truly mind-blowing content that will change learning forever. Popar introduces three themed paper charts and two fabric ones for early 2014. Students and parents can choose to explore an augmented view of human anatomy, chemical elements, solar system plus world landmarks.

Just what is an AR wall chart? Imagine this scenario: using the free app on any Android or Apple smart device with the Interactive Human Anatomy Chart ($19.99) on your wall, the human body comes to life! You can see the muscle structure, strip that off to see the skeleton, zoom in to organs, even go down the throat to see the digestive system! This completely changes the way kids interact and experience stories, adventures and learning materials.

Next, try viewing the Interactive Periodic Chart ($19.99) to learn about Hydrogen and the elements

it bonds with. The app will light up all the elements on the table that Hydrogen works with — such as Oxygen. Elements that don’t combine with hydrogen will “go dark.” Then see the compound H+ O = H2O with an icon of water. Likewise Na + CL = NaCl followed by a drawing of a table salt

dispenser! Tap different “lit” elements to combine them. Then learn about their basic functions. What an amazing way to truly understand compounds and elements!

Even been to a planetarium at the local science museum? Get that same rush in your home with Popar’s Interactive Solar System chart ($19.99). Planets leap off the wall, spin around and explain which have moons, distance from each other and facts about deep space. Kids can even watch videos and play games right on the chart from their smart device.

The blogosphere and social media has been buzzing about Popar Toys since its debut last year. Reviewers loved that the company’s products are affordably priced and provide hours of fun.



“The best part about these interactive puzzles,” gleefully writes blogger Crazy About My Baybah, “after putting them together, you are able to have additional experiences in 3D. With the princess puzzle that my daughter put together, we were able to make the princess dance across the floor while confetti was falling. My daughter thought it was so cool! Now I have to worry about my phone battery dying because she has already declared that she will be playing with it every single day.”

Echoed blogger Kids Clutter & Chaos, “The boys were super excited and it made the patience of putting together the puzzle all worthwhile. Anything on the tablet is fun and they were amazed to see the puzzle they just did now move and become ‘real.’ At just $14.99 per puzzle I would say they are an exceptional bargain and the perfect gift idea!”

Since Popar’s five new charts and maps won’t take up any shelf space, everyone has a spot on the den or bedroom wall to enjoy interactive fun and while learning something new! The three 42″ by 32″ interactive paper charts include:

Interactive Human Anatomy 3D Chart • $19.99

A head shot on this captivating wall chart means zooming in on the frontal bone, mandible and temporal bone. The human body becomes more amazing through AR. Pinch to zoom and swipe to rotate on a mobile device to explore the torso. Click on clavicle and see a screen shot that explains its unique location in the body and its importance of connecting the scapula and the sternum. Turn the skeletal structure sideways to get a different view. When done exploring, turn off mobile device, step back and admire the handsome chart.

Periodic Table 3D Chart • $19.99

Tap, drag and reset are not words typically associated with the beloved (or bemoaned) periodic table. Young scientists will be eager to uncover all the secrets hidden among the wall chart that features atomic mass, boiling point, density, structure and description. Who knew Au (aka Gold) melts at precisely 1064.18 Celsius? Match compounds or learn elemental composition by total mass in a cool graph format. Use the legend to sort the table by only the categories you wish to see. Back to reality, it’s hard to believe this is all presented within a seemingly simple wall chart.

Solar System 3D Chart • $19.99

Explore space through the window of augmented reality and watch planets pop right off the chart. Zoom in on Earth or Saturn with a tap of a finger to learn about its orbit or moons. Space probes like Magellan and Mariner hover above the chart and reveal photos, drawings and even greetings in different languages. It’s an out-of-this-world engaging experience!

Popar’s two fabric wall charts are made of very soft double-thickness material ideal for hanging. The Wonder of the World & Landmarks and Solar System 3D images are displayed on one side with a solid white background on the flip side.

Wonder of the World & Landmarks 3D Map • $34.99

Where in the world is…? Discover Earth’s landmarks and wonders in three dimensions! Using your smart phone or tablet, download the Popar App and scan every section of this interactive wall chart. Instantly zoom to a foreign country and see all of the greatest sights in high quality 3D! There are also exotic birds, fish and animals from around the globe to uncover. Kids will learn about man-made (Egypt’s pyramids) and natural (Grand Canyon) wonders. The 55″ x 33″ chart is ideal for auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners.

Solar System 3D Chart • $34.99

Stars, planets, satellites, oh my! Get ready to experience the wonders of our solar system in a whole new way! Using your smart phone or tablet, download the Popar App and scan the colorful wall chart to travel to distant planets and explore deep space in high quality 3D! See the Mars Rover, discover a Black Hole and learn about Saturn’s several hundred rings! The chart measures 42″ x 32″ and features grommets for easy hanging.

Discover these and an array of eye-popping puzzles, books and card sets at www.PoparToys.com. Find them also online at amazon.com and at specialty toy stores everywhere.

ABOUT POPAR TOYS

Popar Toys uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology to create an immersive reading experience that will allow the user to see incredible virtually “real” 3D objects and animations that will pop off its puzzles, charts, books and cards. Popar Toys are designed to change the way families interact and experience stories, adventures, and learning. Augmented Reality (AR) is a groundbreaking concept that uses a mobile/smart device, such as a tablet or phone, along with Popar’s special products to make amazing 3D objects and animations appear in the real world that provide a high degree of engaging interaction that maintain interest in all of the Popar Toy series. To learn more about Popar Toys visit www.PoparToys.com.