While some toy companies rely on superheroes and monster trucks, there are other manufacturers who are creating educational products for kids to play with. One of the latest trends in the industry is the distribution of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys. These toys aim to boost mental faculties within the minds of children, while also sparking their curiosity in education. There are so many to choose from, so it can be difficult to find some that are engaging and beneficial to your child. Here are some you don’t want to miss.
Magna-Tiles
Through using colorful, flat blocks to build structures, children are able to use architecture to learn basic geometrical concepts. This is a fun change from the traditional building blocks.
OzoBot
These tiny robots follow a series of colors created on a tablet to determine their position, speed, and direction. They are even capable of recognizing one another, so multiple users can come together to play.
Laser Pegs 57-in-1 Dragon Building Set
These translucent pieces light up when they are connected to the power source. Also, they fit together with Lego bricks, allowing for even more possibilities when creating your monsters.
Modular Robotics Moss Basic Builder Kit
The kits include magnetic blocks that cling together in order to form a variety of structures. The creations your child comes up with can be controlled by any Android or iOS device.
Primary Mix and Measure Set
Science is best explored through hands-on experimentation, which is exactly what you are able to do with this set. Kids can make slime and puffy paint by using simple ingredients.
GoldieBlox and the Spinning Machine
This combination book and activity kit is meant to foster young girls’ interest in engineering. They are asked to use pegs and axles to recreate the images shown in the book.
Thames and Kosmos Activity Kits
This company creates dozens of unique kits that allow kids to create electronic vehicles and beings complete with moving parts. It's a great place to begin with STEM toys, because kits start around $10.
4D Cityscape Puzzles
These scale models of cities around the world promote the development of spatial reasoning and abstract thought. The recreation of these landmarks also serves as reference for history.
Symphony in B Orchestra
WIth 13 instruments that can be added to the stage, your child will be able to compose and perform complex rhythms and melodies. Even adults will want to see what music they can make with this.
Build-A-Ma-Jigs
Young children can use the provided tools to create their own vehicles. They can even come up with hybrids, such as the popular “submaplane." The combination possibilities provide countless hours of use without repetition.
Hexbug VEX Robotics
The pieces are large and designed to snap together easily, so that younger kids can build robots along with their older siblings. Then, the Hexbug can be programmed to over 1,000 different settings.
Robot Turtles
By using cards that determine direction, children move the turtles across the board. The concept is that the game is able to teach kids the basics of computer programming without ever touching a computer.
Bee-Bot
Young children will get their first experience with programming by learning directional commands. Because there are only a few buttons, children of any age should be able to complete the tasks.
Curiosity Kits Lava Rock Volcano
The Curiosity Kit is sure to get your child interested in science. The kit comes with several components to make a functional volcano that explodes, releasing the rock bits inside.
