Abstract: A responsive construction toy is disclosed. The responsive construction toy, also known as LumenLinks™, comprises at least one active rod and at least one connector. The active rod has an optics end and a push-pull transducer. The active rod illuminates with varying intensity and color to signify magnitude and direction of force on the active rod. Three dimensional structures such as trusses, buildings, and towers can be built by connecting active rods and connectors. When a structure is built, the forces on each active rod can be visually interpreted, thus providing an educational toy that has both tangible and concrete elements as well as responsiveness and feedback.