Zome is a construction toy for kids, that is also used by school teachers and advanced research scientists. The main part of the system is a spherical plastic connector node (ball) with 62 geometric holes. The nodes are connected to each other with shape- and color-coded plastic struts (sticks). The angles and strut lengths are mathematically precise and enable users to build thousands of geometric structures. The first impression people tend to have is that Zome models look like very advanced "Tinker Toy©".

How is Zome different from other toys?

With Zome, a user can build many more kinds of models than with any other construction toys or building systems. Because each connector node has 62 holes, it is possible to build in 62 different directions. Simpler toys like K'Nex© or Tinker Toy© only have 6-10 possible directions from each connector

Zome is completely unique in that it is easy enough for a 6-year-old to play with, while at the same time letting adult users build truly mind-boggling models. All the components (strut lengths, combination of holes in the node, angles of building direction etc) are based on a precise mathematical system. Users will never run into dead ends while building, the way they do with other toys. All the pieces automatically line up with each other, so even young children can build advanced models.

Zome is based on the mathematical building blocks of nature: 2-,3- and 5-fold symmetries and the Golden Proportion. Find out more about:

• Why are the numbers 2, 3, and 5 so important in Zome?
  
• What is the Golden Section?
  
• What's a Golden Rectangle?
• What is the Fibonacci Sequence and how does Zome use it?
• Why are the blue struts and holes shaped like a Golden Rectangle?
• Why are the yellow struts and holes shaped like a triangle?
• Why are the red struts and holes shaped like a pentagon?

Zome is also an educational tool that is used in schools and universities around the world. The patterns and proportions in Zome structures are the same as those found in crystals, molecules, and many plants and animals. Children who play with Zome cannot avoid learning concepts they will encounter later in life. Playing with Zome is automatic learning while having fun.

When are children ready for Zome?

Children from age 6 love to play with Zome. They start by building simple designs of animals, houses, and free-form designs. Check out our photo gallery .

Older children and teenagers use the same pieces to build much more advanced designs of rocket ships, crystal flowers, DNA molecules, and architectural designs.

Kids get excited about Zome because it's fun. It is a great way to introduce challenging ideas in math and science. It is helpful in visualizing abstract concepts. Zome enhances creativity and understanding of spatial relationships.

Many adults enjoy Zome both as a relaxing modeling tool and for serious exploration of science and math concepts. This is especially true for people interested in art, engineering, mathematics, computers, and architecture.

Some children younger than 6 can play with Zome. In order to be able to fit the struts into the holes in the nodes they need to have the same manual dexterity needed to write their name with a pencil. Because of small pieces, Zome is not for children 3 and under.

Which size kit should I buy?
What size kit do I need?

The world of Zome just keeps expanding! You can choose from a range of products that satisfy everybody's drive to explore. Listed below are Zome kits currently available.

• Pyramid Power Brainbuster Puzzle Kit
  
  Behold! A mystery wrapped up in a drawstring pouch! This mathematical riddle is rooted in the wisdom of the Ancients--the Babylonians, the Egyptians and the Greeks. Can YOU build all 65 unique tetrahedra from these pieces? Solve the mystery of the ages!
  
  The Pyramid Power Brainbuster Puzzle Kit is the perfect mind bender for the "puzzler" in your family! This one will keep you busy. Makes an excellent executive toy.
  
  For ages 10 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 5 and above.
  
  Includes 37 precision Zome pieces and full-color instructions and illustrated solutions in an iridescent drawstring pouch.
  
  Available as a 10-pack only.

ScienceZone Model Projects

Science projects in a jar! Each kit contains the pieces to build one science project. Perfect for birthdays and science fairs.

• Crazy Bubbles Kit
  
  Find out what all the awards are about! Ever seen a square bubble? Build basic 3-D models to dip into soap solution and create amazing bubbles, which can then be stretched and expanded with the help of a soda straw. Bubble-sculpting made easy!
  
  Crazy Bubbles Kit is suitable for individual or home use, and can also be used with single center activities for 1 student. Complete with lots of fun factoids on the science of bubbles.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For all grade levels.
  
  Includes 72 precision Zome pieces, bubble recipe and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available individually or as part of the ScienceZone Series Bundle.
  
  
• DNA Kit
  
  How does your nose know how to grow? The secret lies in a tiny "computer program" in every cell of your body called DNA! Uncover the mystery of the blueprint of life as you build your own DNA model. It's a great gift and a fun science project, complete with suggested readings and fun factoids.
  
  The DNA Kit is suitable for individual or home use, and can be used with single center activities for 1 student.
  
  For ages 10 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade level 5.
  
  Includes 71 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available individually or as part of the ScienceZone Series Bundle.
  
  
• BuckyBall Kit
  
  Discover a molecule so exciting, it's the state molecule of Texas. Named after R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic dome, "BuckyBall" is the nickname for a Carbon 60 molecule. Like the faces of a soccer ball, it has 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. The BuckyBall Kit makes for a great science project or gift, complete with fun facts to know and tell.
  
  Suitable for individual or home use, the BuckyBall Kit can also be used with single center activities for 1 student.
  
  For ages 10 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 5 and above.
  
  Includes 150 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available individually or as part of the ScienceZone Series Bundle
  .
  
  

Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series

Three discovery kits paired with an instruction book filled with facts and fun activities. Available individually or in the Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series (includes all 3 kits listed below).

• History & Mysteries Activity Book
  
  Join professor Z and his explorers as they discover the secret of the Great Crystal in the Great Pyramid of Egypt. And your adventures don't stop there.
  
  The History & Mysteries Activity Book explains 4 different activities you can complete using the 35 Zome pieces attached in a drawstring pouch. Great for birthday parties and homeschooling. It is suitable for individual or home use, and can also be used with single center activities for 1 to 3 students.
  
  For ages 7 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 2 and above; Model Building Simplicity Level (from Easy (1) to Complex (10)) is 1.
  
  Includes the 12-page History & Mysteries Activity Book and 35 precision Zome pieces in a drawstring pouch.
  
  Available individually or as part of the Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series Bundle.
  
  
• Wonders of Nature Activity Book
  
  A turquoise bee? You bet. Join Buzz on her adventures when she turns into a turquoise bee and gathers nectar from flowers in the King's royal garden, and makes turquoise honey. Then use your Zome pieces to create your own adventures.
  
  The Wonders of Nature Activity Book explains 3 different activities you can complete using the 59 Zome pieces attached in a drawstring pouch. Great for birthday parties and homeschooling. It is suitable for individual or home use, and can also be used with single center activities for 1 to 3 students.
  
  For ages 8 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 3 and above; Model Building Simplicity Level (from Easy (1) to Complex (10)) is 8.
  
  Includes the 10-page Wonders of Nature Activity Book and 59 precision Zome pieces in a drawstring pouch.
  
  Available individually or as part of the Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series Bundle.
  
  
• Construction Challenges Activity Book
  
  Join Zack Hammer in South America as he builds a truss bridge to help villagers reach their town and doctor and build dome-shaped homes to provide warm, strong shelter for everyone in the village. You can use your Zome pieces to create your own shapes.
  
  The Construction Challenges Activity Book explains 2 different activities you can complete using the 51 Zome pieces attached in a drawstring pouch. Great for birthday parties and homeschooling. It is suitable for individual or home use, and can also be used with single center activities for 1 to 3 students.
  
  For ages 7 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 2 and above; Model Building Simplicity Level (from Easy (1) to Complex (10)) is 5.
  
  Includes the 10-page Construction Challenges Activity Book and 51 precision Zome pieces in a drawstring pouch.
  
  Available individually or as part of the Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series Bundle.
  

Zome Building Toy Series

Our original, open-ended Zome sets. Let your imagination run wild. Whatever you can dream, build it!

• Pioneer Kit
  
  An ideal starter kit, the award-winning Pioneer Kit makes for a great introduction to the exciting possibilities of Zome. Build the simplest models, from a house or flower, to more advanced models such as a "squashed" icosahedron or a shadow of a 4-D cube. Most appropriate for anyone new to Zome, especially children just being introduced to building toys. Also good for teachers wanting to try out Zome System first before purchasing larger kits.
  
  The Pioneer Kit is suitable for individual, home or classroom use, and can be used with single center activities for 1 student. It also expands the Crazy Bubbles Kit for even wilder bubbles! A perfect gift.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels K-8.
  
  Includes 121 precision Zome pieces and full-color instructions (Zome manual 2.0) in a cardboard box with plastic sorting tray.
  
  
• Adventurer Kit
  
  Adventure into discovery! Get hands-on experience at building bridges, domes, crystals, flowers, bubble models, DNA structures -- anything you can imagine (check out some cool structures in our photo gallery ). You can build an amazing array of beautiful, instructive models, from shadows from the 4th dimension to fractal stars--even all five platonic solids at once! It's no wonder Zome sweeps up awards across the country!  
  
  A great introduction kit for older children and adults, the Adventurer Kit is suitable for individual, home or classroom use, and can be used with single center activities for 1-3 students.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels K-12.
  
  Includes 242 precision Zome pieces and full-color instructions (Zome manual 2.0) in a cardboard box with plastic sorting tray.
  
  
• Explorer Kit
  
  The ideal set for avid builders. Explore relationships between Platonic solids, tilings, foreshortenings, packings, and more. With 484 pieces you will never run out of ideas for fun building. Add the Zome Lesson Plans and you're ready for homeschooling.  
  
  The Explorer Kit is suitable for individual or home use, and for small pull-out groups of 3 to 6 students. A perfect gift for Zome enthusiasts, teachers, families, teenagers and adults who enjoy building and design work.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels K-12.
  
  Includes 484 precision Zome pieces with divider zip bags, full-color instructions (Zome manual 2.0) and plastic attaché.
  

Beginner Kit Series

Five different shapes in five different kits. With detailed buiding instructions, these kits are great for those who are being introduced to building or who are looking for building ideas. Each set contains just the pieces needed to build the shape featured on the package. Available in the Beginner Kit Series Bundle (includes all 5 kits listed below). Alien Virus is available individually, and Crystal of Life in a 5-pack.

• Alien Virus Kit (Squashed Fractal Icosahedron)
  
  This structure is the form of a virus, but it's been flattened by the extreme gravity of another world. Don't worry, it's harmless to humans. FYI: The shape's official geometrical name is "Squashed Fractal Icosahedron".
  
  The Alien Virus Kit is a great beginner kit for children who need help building structures. Easy, step-by-step instructions make it simple for a child to focus on building one specific model. The Alien Virus Kit is suitable for individual or home use.
  
  For ages 8 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 2 and above.
  
  Includes 123 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available individually or as part of the Beginner Kit Series Bundle.
  
  
• Crystal of Life Kit (Starburst Icosahedron)
  
  A regular Icosahedron mimics the structure of a virus. This "crystal" of life appears to hover between life and cold, lifeless matter!
  
  The Crystal of Life Kit is a great beginner kit for children who need help building structures. Easy, step-by-step instructions make it simple for a child to focus on building one specific model. The Crystal of Life Kit is suitable for individual or home use.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For all grade levels.
  
  Includes 55 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available as a 5-pack or as part of the Beginner Kit Series Bundle.
  
  
• Cube Madness Kit (Nested Golden Mean Cubes)
  
  3 Cubes seem to spin as they explode outward in this powerful model. A dazzling image of line and shape!
  
  The Cube Madness Kit is a great beginner kit for children who need help building structures. Easy, step-by-step instructions make it simple for a child to focus on building one specific model. The Cube Madness Kit is suitable for individual or home use.
  
  For ages 8 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 2 and above.
  
  Includes 83 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available only in the Beginner Kit Series Bundle.
  
  
• The 5th Element Kit (Sunburst Dodecahedron)
  
  According to Plato, this beautiful Dodecahedron is the fifth element, after earth, air, water and fire. It's a sunburst in a crystal!
  
  The 5th Element Kit is a great beginner kit for children who need help building structures. Easy, step-by-step instructions make it simple for a child to focus on building one specific model. The 5th Element Kit is suitable for individual or home use.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For all grade levels.
  
  Includes 71 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available only in the Beginner Kit Series Bundle.
  
  
• Hyperspace Cube Kit (4-Dimensional Hypercube)
  
  Indeed a window into the 4th dimension. Hang it up from a monofilament line, and it appears truly animated!
  
  The Hyperspace Cube Kit is a great beginner kit for children who need help building structures. Easy, step-by-step instructions make it simple for a child to focus on building one specific model. The Hyperspace Cube Kit is suitable for individual or home use.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For all grade levels.
  
  Includes 74 precision Zome pieces and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  
  Available only in the Beginner Kit Series Bundle.

Zome Professional Series

Get your hands on our most advanced sets! Build complex, dense models. Designed for educators and professionals, these beefy kits come in easy to tote plastic attaches. Challenge your mind with the new Green Lines!

• Zome Creator Kit (Teacher's Kit)
  
  A powerful tool for serious builders in a neat attaché. Explore simple to advanced concepts and create even more dazzling structures from 2, 3, and higher dimensions. Zome Lesson Plans book is highly recommended with this kit.
  
  A perfect kit suitable for all ages, the Creator Kit gives you enough pieces for very complex creations, big projects and classroom use. Allows for free-form activities for up to 10 students (elementary through high school), or targeted activities for up to 25 (e. g. 10 students can work with larger structures, while 25 can do targeted activities). For classroom use, we recommend using two Teacher's Bundles (which consists of the Creator Kit + Zome Lesson Plans) for a full class. Extensive activities also possible for homeschoolers.
  
  For ages 6 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels K-12.
  
  Includes 968 precision Zome pieces with divider zip bags, full-color instructions (Zome manual 2.0) and plastic attaché.
  
  
  
• Advanced Math Kit
  
  Beyond our big Creator Kit, with lots more pieces and the NEW GreenLine strut system! Build like Zome inventors build! Take the largest Zome kit and add to it 3 lengths of GreenLine struts and extra nodes. These new GreenLine struts allow for 122 possible directions to take from just one node (as opposed to an impressive 62 directions), truly extending Zome's building capabilities, above and beyond any other kit. The Zome Geometry Book is highly recommended with this kit.
  
  The Advanced Math Kit is for upper secondary and college-level students, or advanced and experienced Zome users only! Do not buy this kit unless you are already very familiar with Zome. Perfect for very complex creations, big projects and classroom use. Allows for free-form or targeted activities for up to 25 students (high school through college). For example, 10 students can work with larger structures, while 25 can do targeted activities. For classroom use, we recommend using two Advanced Math Kit Bundles (which consist of the Advanced Math Kit + Zome Geometry Book) for a full class.
  
  For ages 14 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 8 and above.
  
  Includes 1,308 precision Zome pieces, including new GreenLine struts, Blue-Green struts and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a plastic attaché.
  
  
• GreenLines Expansion Kit
  
  All new GreenLine struts grow your existing Zome collection in new dimensions with this long-awaited expansion of Zome System. The new Zome GreenLines Expansion Kit offers new angles, new structures and a world of new possibilities. Fully compatible with all current components.
  
  This advanced kit is for upper secondary and college-level students, or advanced and experienced Zome users only! Do not buy this kit unless you are already very familiar with Zome.
  
  For ages 14 and over (swallowing danger--not for children under 3 years of age); For grade levels 8 and above; Model Building Simplicity Level (from Easy (1) to Complex (10)) is 10.
  
  Includes 306 precision Zome pieces, including new GreenLine struts, Blue-Green struts and step-by-step, full-color instructions in a convenient plastic jar.
  

Related Reading

• Zome Lesson Plans 1.0

  Written and tested by teachers, Zome Lesson Plans includes 64 easy-to-follow, math-based, fully illustrated lessons for grades 1-12, with art, architecture, biology, physics and technology extensions. Zome Lesson Plans meets NCTM standards and contain assessment guides. Covers primarily basic and intermediate concepts, and a few advanced concepts. For lessons geared toward high school through college grade levels and more advanced concepts, use the Zome Geometry Book.
  
  Zome Lesson Plans are perfect for school teachers and homeschoolers intending to teach mathematical and scientific concepts which can be explored and modeled with Zome. Makes a great activity book for family or parent/child interaction. Most of the plans can be used with just one Creator Kit. The Teacher's Bundle (which consists of the Creator Kit + Zome Lesson Plans) is highly recommended.

  For ages 6 and over; For grade levels 1-12.
  
  Includes 220 pages of math and science activities, divided into 64 units, all in a convenient loose-leaf format, shrinkwrapped with cardboard back.
  

• Zome Geometry Book
  
  This book offers grades 8-12 more than 60 easy-to-follow activities and over 150 explorations into the geometry of nature, inherent in Zome System. Sequenced challenges help build conceptual, spatial, visualization and geometric skills. Meant to supplement geometry textbooks or build elective courses around, Zome Geometry is written to be used with the Advanced Math Kit.
  
  Each lesson contains blackline activity masters, teacher notes, answers and solutions. Eight full-color images of Zome models are provided. Popular among building enthusiasts, Zome Geometry is the first book to include activities which require the use of Zome's GreenLine struts. The Advanced Math Kit Bundle (which consists of the Advanced Math Kit + Zome Geometry Book) is highly recommended.
  
  For ages 14 and over; For grade levels 8-12.
  
  Includes 264 pages of exploration and education! By George W. Hart & Henri Picciotto.
  

Do the kits come with instructions?

Yes, all kits include some form of instructions.

The bigger kits (Pioneer Kit, Adventurer Kit, Explorer Kit, Creator/Teacher's Kit) each include Manual 2.0, a color booklet, which includes descriptions of models, how Zome works and how it relates to various science concepts.

Comprehensive step-by-step building instructions are inluded in the following kits:

• Pyramid Power Puzzle
• Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series (Construction Challenges, Wonders of Nature, History & Mysteries)
• ScienceZone Series Kits (CrazyBubbles, DNA, BuckyBall)
• Beginner Kit Series (Alien Virus, Crystal of Lif, Hyerspace Cube, 5th Element, Cube Madness)
• GreenLines Expansion Kit
• Advanced Math Kit

What kits are appropriate for what age levels?

Zome is appropriate for 1st grade through university level. Zome is unique in that it can be used effectively by children as young as 6 and at the same time for research by high-end scientists. Zome is easy enough that a 1st greader won't get frustrated while it allows enough complexity to keep the interest of even the most advanced high school student. You can choose from a range of products that satisfy everybody's drive to explore. Click to here to view a list of Zome kits currently available.

Where can I get Zome?

Zome is available right here online.

Can I buy parts separately?

Yes. To purchase parts (nodes and struts) separately please visit the online Zome Store.

Can I get balls in different colors?

Sure. The nodes are available in the same colors as the struts. To purchase colored nodes please visit the online Zome Store.

What are the green struts used for?

Combined with other Zome Kits, Zome GreenLines expand the Zome System offering new angles, new structures and a world of new possibilities. Zome GreenLines are fully compatible with all current Zome components.


Do the green struts require a different node? Do they make the kit I have obsolete?

The green struts are fully compatible with the current system.

How many holes are in the connectors?

Each connector node has 62 holes. 12 are pentagonal (red & green), 20 triangular (yellow) and 30 rectangular (blue).

Why do some kits have organizer trays and others don't?

There are3 different kind of kits:

Kits packaged in cardboard: Pioneer Kit and Adventurer Kit.
These kits have organizer trays with sorted Zome pieces.

Kits packaged in plastic attaches: Explorer Kit, Creator/Teacher's Kit and Advanced Math Kit.
These kits don't have organizer trays but zip-bags to keep the Zome pieces organized. The trays are left out of those kits in order to keep your price down. Producing trays to fit in these cases is surprisingly costly.

Kit packaged in plastic jars: ScienceZone Kits (Crazy Bubbles, DNA, BuckyBall) and Beginner Kit Series (Alien Virus, Crystal of Lif, Hyerspace Cube, 5th Element, Cube Madness).These kits don't have organizer trays but zip-bags to keep the Zome pieces organized.

What kinds of scientists and designers use Zome?

Because Zome replicates so many natural structures and can build so many different geometric designs, it is of great value for many professionals. Mathematicians use Zome to model everything from networks in discrete mathematics, to group theory, and projection models (shadows) of theoretical 4-dimensional objects. Crystallographers, chemists and material scientists build lattices of natural crystals and quasi-crystalline materials, Buckyballs and other Fullerenes, and models of chromosome bonds and protein molecules. Engineers and computer scientists design space frames, make visual models of data bases, and numerous other uses.

Zome is also used in corporate team building workshops by corporations such as Kimberly-Clark and Merrill Lynch.

Take a look at kits owned by professionals: Explorer Kit, Creator Kit, and Advanced Math Kit. You might also be inetersted in our ScienceZone Series Kits.

How do I know that Zome is a quality product?

Zome has received 19 major toy and educational awards including:

• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio "Gold Seal Award"
  
• Dr. Toy "100 Best Children's Products"
  
• National Parenting Center "Seal of Approval"
• Parent's Guide to Children's Media "Outstanding Achievement in Toys".
  

Over 6,000 schools around the United States as well as other countries use Zome to teach concepts in art, science, and mathematics. Educators like Zome because their students love to work with the system, and because they can teach so many different concepts with it. (Lesson Plans are available.) Zome is even used by Nobel Prize winning scientists, NASA and Sandia National Labs engineers, and professors at Yale, MIT, Stanford, and other universities. Zome is a product kids will use for many years for fun, learning, and in some cases for scientific discovery.

Where is Zome made?

Zome was invented in the United States, and all components are manufactured in Denver, Colorado.

Steve Baer discovered the geometric theory that forms the basis for Zome in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the early 1970s. Marc Pelletier and Paul Hildebrandt perfected the system in Boulder, Colorado in 1992. The first several years Pelletier and Hildebrandt sold Zome pieces mainly to elite scientists and architectural firms. We started selling Zome kits nationally on a large scale in 1999. Today all components are made and packaged in our own facility in Denver, Colorado.

Are Zome and Zometool the same thing?

Zome is the name of our product, the Zome Kits. Zometool, Inc. is the name of our company. People sometimes confuse the two names because we for a time sold kits under the Zometool name, and the word Zometool still appears in some of our manuals.

Have you thought of...?

• glow-in-the-dark pieces?
• bigger pieces?
• smaller pieces?
• motors?
• longer struts?

Yes. At least, they have been suggested, and we will be taking these sorts of things under consideration in the future.

What do Teachers use Zome for?

Teachers use Zome kits to let students explore a wide range of math and science concepts relating to structure and geometry. For elementary students this can include learning angles, area, perimeter, volume, polygon shapes, symmetry patterns, and basic physics concepts. Middle school and high school students use Zome for more advanced mathematics including polyhedra building, projection modeling, and the algebra of the Golden Proportion. They also model mineral crystals and molecular structures, investigate Fibonacci patterns in biology, and explore structural engineering and architectural design.

Utah's MESA Group uses Zome in its annual, statewide bridge building contest, involving 100 Utah schools.

What do I teach with Zome?

Zome is a versatile manipulative for problem solving and hands-on exploration of math and science concepts related to structure. For elementary school students this includes geometry-based concepts such as polygon shapes, lines and angles, tessellation and pattern recognition, scale and proportion, measurement of perimeters, areas, and volumes, and distinguishing 2 and 3 dimensions. It also allows exploration of how symmetry shapes can be connected to number sense and structure in nature.

Middle school students will expand into more advanced mathematical concepts and how these concepts are manifested in science and technology. Here, we have classical geometry such as the study of solids and 3-dimensional packing, and how these can be found in everything from mineral crystals to plankton and viruses. They will also use Zome to study number patterns, ratios and irrational numbers, projection modeling, and basic structural engineering.

High school students will study more advanced aspects of geometry, such as complex solids, polytopes, fractal patterns, and topology. They will work on Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Mean including the interesting trigonometry and algebra that relates to these concepts. In science classes they will model DNA molecules, Buckyballs, honeycombs, and crystalline lattices. They will also work on design technology including stress forces and building economics.

What grade level is Zome appropriate for?

Zome is appropriate for 1st grade through university level. Zome is unique in that it can be used effectively by students as young as 6 and at the same time for research by high-end scientists. Zome is easy enough that a 1st greader won't get frustrated while it allows enough complexity to keep the interest of even the most advanced high school student. You can choose from a range of products that satisfy everybody's drive to explore. Click to here to view a list of Zome kits currently available.

What kinds of support materials are available?

The bigger kits (Pioneer Kit, Adventurer Kit, Explorer Kit, Creator/Teacher's Kit) include Manual 2.0, a color booklet, which includes descriptions of models, how Zome works and how it relates to various science concepts.

Comprehensive step-by-step building instructions are inluded in the following kits:

• Pyramid Power Puzzle
• Mind 'n Matter Activity Book Series (Construction Challenges, Wonders of Nature, History & Mysteries)
• ScienceZone Series Kits (CrazyBubbles, DNA, BuckyBall)
• Beginner Kit Series (Alien Virus, Crystal of Lif, Hyerspace Cube, 5th Element, Cube Madness)
• GreenLines Expansion Kit
• Advanced Math Kit

Zome Lesson Plans 1.0 are 64 easy-to-follow, math-based activities with art, architecture, biology, physics, and technology extensions. The plans, which meet NCTM standards and contain assessment guides, are sold separately, or at a discount when purchased with the Creator/Theacher's Kit (in the Teacher's Bundle).

Zome Geometry is a supplemental teacher's guide for grade 8 through freshman college geometry. Written to go hand-in-hand with the Zome Advanced Math Kit, this is the first book that gives building activities using the green lines. The book is sold separately, or at a discount when purchased with the Advanced Math Kit (in the Advanced Math Bundle).

Zome Primer is theorist Steve Baer's comprehensive exploration of Zome geometry, written for advanced users. Zome Primer is sold separately.

Visit our store for additional literature available to be used in conjunction with Zome.

For more information on using Zome in schools, click here.

What kind of training is available?

Zometool offers workshops at various teacher conferences around the country. We have started to train trainers in other states who will offer similar programs there. We also participate in training institutes arranged by school districts and universities in other states.

How many kids (in a classroom, for example) can play with each kit?

Usually one Teacher's Bundle per 12 students allows for independent participation in the 64 lesson plans. One Adventurer Kit allows for participation of two or three students.

What grade level are the Lesson Plans written for?

The plans are divided into 3 separate sections for "basic concepts," "intermediate concepts," and "advanced concepts." Primary grade students will work with the first plans in the "basic" section, while 5th graders will probably push into the "intermediate" plans. Middle school teachers will use the "basic concept" plans for review and work with most of the "intermediate" ones. High schoolers will review some "basics" and explore all "intermediate" and "advanced" plans in depth.

Do the Lesson Plans come with every kit?

No. The Lesson Plan document is too large to include in the kits without raising prices unnecessarily. They are sold separately or at a discount when purchased with the Creator/Theacher's Kit (in the Teacher's Bundle).

What can I build with the various kits?

Zome is designed as a geometric exploration toy, rather than being packaged to build specific models. However, it never hurts to have some place to start! Anything in the Manual 2.0 can be built with the Adventurer Kit, and many of those models can be built with the Pioneer Kit. We've just added various model instructions for the different kits.

Why Zome and not some other modeling material?

Every modeling system has its strengths and limitations. Zome is however by far the most advanced modeling system currently available and one of the best ways to construct geometric shapes that would be prohibitively time-consuming using balsa, balls and dowels, or (heaven forbid) toothpicks and gumdrops. The pre-set angles for the struts make it easy to simply snap in the pieces. One mathematician told us that he had built a hyperdodecahedron in 4 hours with Zome. It had taken him several months to do the same thing with wooden rods.

Like many other construction toys, Zome models are easily dismantled. They can also be glued to make permanent structures.

Zome, Zome System and Zometool are trademarks of Zometool, Inc.