From STEM to STEAM: 32 Educational Toys for Kids
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) as a way to prepare children for the future job market. However, many experts and educators have argued that a focus on STEM alone is not enough. That’s where STEAM comes in – adding the arts (A) to the mix to create a more well-rounded approach to learning.
Integrating the arts into STEM education not only allows for a more creative and holistic approach, but also helps to develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. To help parents and educators in their search for educational toys that incorporate STEAM, we have compiled a list of 32 options.
1. Magna-Tiles – These magnetic building tiles encourage children to explore their creativity and develop spatial reasoning skills.
2. Osmo Coding Jam – This interactive game combines music, coding, and problem-solving to teach kids the basics of computer programming.
3. LEGO Education DUPLO Coding Express – With this set, children can build their own train and learn the basics of coding through color-coded blocks.
4. Snap Circuits – This hands-on electronics kit allows kids to build and experiment with circuits, helping them to understand the basics of electricity and engineering.
5. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot – Kids can learn coding and robotics through fun challenges and games with this cute and programmable robot.
6. Melissa & Doug Magnetic Human Body Play Set – This set includes magnetic pieces that kids can use to create their own human body and learn about anatomy.
7. Thames & Kosmos Perfume Science Kit – This kit teaches kids about the science behind perfumes and allows them to create their own unique scents.
8. K’NEX Education – Simple Machines Deluxe Building Set – Children can learn about physics and engineering by building and experimenting with their own simple machines.
9. Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium – Through this kit, kids can learn about plant growth and ecosystems as they create their own mini world in a jar.
10. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! – With this set, kids can build and explore with gears, developing their understanding of cause and effect and fine motor skills.
11. Crayola Color Chemistry Set – This set includes experiments that combine art and science, allowing kids to learn about color mixing, chemical reactions, and more.
12. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit – Kids can conduct 11 different experiments that introduce them to basic scientific concepts and encourage critical thinking.
13. Makey Makey – This invention kit allows kids to turn everyday objects into touchpads and connect them to a computer, teaching them about circuits and coding.
14. National Geographic Break Open Geodes – Kids can discover the beauty of geology as they break open their own geodes and learn about different types of rocks.
15. Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set – This set includes real scientific tools, such as a magnifying glass and test tubes, to encourage kids to explore the world around them.
From STEM to STEAM: 32 Educational Toys for Kids
16. ALEX Toys Future Coders Poppin’ Pictures Coding Skills Kit – Kids can learn the basics of coding by creating their own animated pictures with this unique set.
17. SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body – Kids can learn about the human body through hands-on exploration with this fun and educational model.
18. Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst – This open-ended kit allows kids to experiment with motors, circuits, and other engineering concepts as they build their own creations.
19. Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game – This game encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as players work together to balance and hang their pieces on the tabletop frame.
20. Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set – Kids can learn coding and programming through hands-on activities with this cute robot.
21. K’NEX Education – Intro to Simple Machines: Gears – This set introduces kids to the basics of gears and how they work in machines, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
22. Engino Discovering STEM Structures Constructions & Bridges – This kit allows kids to build and experiment with different types of bridges, learning about engineering and physics along the way.
23. The Magic School Bus: Chemistry Lab – Based on the popular book and TV series, this kit includes experiments that teach kids about chemistry and the scientific method.
24. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Lights & Action Building Set – This set adds lights and motion to the classic gears building concept, making it even more engaging and educational for kids.
25. Thames & Kosmos Physics Workshop – Kids can learn about the laws of physics and conduct experiments with this comprehensive kit.
26. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope – This microscope allows kids to explore the world of science and nature with fun facts and quizzes included.
27. Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab – Kids can learn about chemical reactions and discover hidden creatures with this interactive science set.
28. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game – This game combines logic and spatial reasoning as kids work to create a marble run that meets specific challenges.
29. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Rover Gears Building Set – With this set, kids can build their own moving rover and learn about engineering and problem-solving.
30. K’NEX Education – Exploring Machines – This set allows kids to build and experiment with different types of machines, learning about their functions and principles.
31. Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register – This toy not only encourages imaginative play, but also introduces kids to basic math and money concepts.
32. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit – Kids can learn about physics and engineering as they build and create their own chain reactions with LEGO bricks.
In summary, incorporating the arts into STEM education through STEAM helps to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in children. These 32 educational toys provide fun and engaging ways for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. By encouraging a well-rounded approach to learning, we can prepare children for a future that requires both technical and creative skills.
