Discovering STEM Toys: 10 Educational Toys for Future Innovators

discovering STEM toys educational toys for kids

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jul 25, 04:58 am

Photo: (Photo : Marc Mueller/Getty Images for LEGO Summer Birthday Bash)

Parenting is an exhilarating journey that presents both joys and challenges. As parents, we strive to nurture our children's curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

One of the best ways to achieve this is through play, and that's where discovering STEM toys comes into the picture.

When picking out a toy for kids, you obviously hope that whatever you get will provide plenty of fun and keep them occupied for at least a few hours.

But it's always a major bonus when a toy does both of those things and also helps them learn.

According to TODAY, Tovah P. Klein, the director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of "How Toddlers Thrive," young children are naturally inclined to explore and comprehend their surroundings.

She refers to this innate quality as curiosity, which motivates them to interact with various toys and materials. In this context, STEM toys are well-suited for fostering this curiosity.

These educational toys for kids not only entertain but also lay the foundation for future innovators and problem solvers.

10 Educational Toys for Future Innovators

National Geographic Herb Growing Kit

This educational kit is designed to nurture your little gardener's interest in horticulture. It equips them with all the necessary tools, including pots for decorating, seeds, a garden shovel, and more, to embark on their herb-growing journey.

V-Tech Smart Chart Medical Kit

Introduce your child to the world of medicine with this interactive toy. The V-Tech Smart Chart Medical Kit allows kids to play doctor by listening to heartbeats, checking temperatures, and recording symptoms on an electronic chart. The accompanying tablet offers quizzes to enhance their knowledge of the human body.

Thames & Kosmos Ultra Bionic Blaster

Ideal for kids aged 12 and up (or 10 and up with parental assistance), this stimulating toy requires some assembly. Once completed, the Ultra Bionic Blaster becomes an entertaining and air-powered plaything that guarantees endless enjoyment without worrying about battery replacements.

ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge

According to Good Housekeeping, transform game night into an exciting STEM learning experience with the ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge. This engaging game turns kids into roller coaster engineers as they design 3-D adventure rides with loops and drops based on challenge cards. With 40 different cards ranging from beginner to expert level, children can enjoy this thrilling challenge solo or collaboratively in teams. Suitable for ages 6 and above.

MindWare Magic Potion Science

Unleash the magic of science with the MindWare Magic Potion Science kit. This enchanting set captivates children by demonstrating scientific principles in an entertaining way. With experiments like growing a crystal wand and magically inflating balloons, this kit turns chemistry into a playful learning experience. It provides all the required ingredients, equipment, and a workstation to keep messes contained, along with a handy magician's handbook. Suitable for ages 4 and above.

Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot

Botley the Coding Robot provides an excellent platform for kids to learn coding logic without the need for a phone or tablet. This coding robot allows children to program sequences of up to 80 steps (with 40 more to discover) to tackle coding challenges. The intuitive nature of Botley captivates kids, making coding an enjoyable and educational experience. Suitable for ages 5 and above.

Melissa & Doug Magnetic Human Body Anatomy

Introduce young learners to the wonders of anatomy with the Melissa & Doug Magnetic Human Body Anatomy playset. Designed to spark interest in science, this magnetic playset enables children to mix and match 24 included pieces to learn about various body systems. This interactive learning experience fosters curiosity about the human body. Suitable for ages 3 and above.

Thames & Kosmos Creatto

According to WIRED, Thames & Kosmos Creatto offers a rewarding challenge for kids, as they master these kits to create mesmerizing light-up creations using plastic tiles threaded with LED wires. With a variety of kits to choose from, each kit allows children to make multiple projects. Once completed, these light-up creations can serve as captivating decor in their rooms. Suitable for ages 6 and above.

Make Music From Colors

With the acquisition of STEAM toy company LittleBits, Sphero introduces the innovative Make Music From Colors. These pocket-sized rings turn colored surfaces into musical instruments, empowering anyone to become an amateur DJ. Using the accompanying app, sounds can be assigned to specific colors, allowing users to produce various tones simply by tapping on different colors. Suitable for toddlers and up, this musical toy promises hours of entertainment.

Geomag Glow

The Geomag Glow magnetic construction set provides irresistible fun for the whole household. Crafted from recycled plastic, the glow-in-the-dark magnetic rods, steel spheres, and plastic bases come in various shapes, allowing children to unleash their creativity. While the set includes a guide with suggested structures, the real appeal lies in creating unique 3D structures. Geomag Glow sets are suitable for kids aged 3 and above, offering endless possibilities for imaginative play.

STEM toys are designed to enhance children's understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an enjoyable and interactive manner.

By integrating play and education, these toys make learning an exciting adventure.

They promote logical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, which are vital for future innovators and leaders.

By engaging with these STEM toys and educational toys for kids, children can enjoy playful learning experiences while developing valuable skills and knowledge in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.