STEM toys are developed based on STEM education, combining science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEAM toys add additional artistic elements, aiming to let children learn through games and experiments, and cultivate scientific thinking concepts, problem-solving skills, and imagination.
Many STEM toys include Lego STEM building blocks, mechanical assembly, programming robot toys, etc.
This article will introduce six recommended educational STEM toys and explain their advantages and types.
STEM toys: 6 Recommendation
Wooden STEAM is a Hong Kong STEM toy and teaching material wholesale company. The following are 6 STEAM/STEM toys recommended by the company, suitable for children aged 4-12, and also great as a gift:
Pinhole Imaging is a simple, fun natural phenomenon, and this STEM toy is suitable for 4- Children over seven years old and can help children learn the principles of optics. Create a small hole in an object, and children can see the reflection around the thing. This is because the light passing through the hole creates a reflected image, similar to a review: great for kids learning about physics and optics in the future.
Magnetism is a natural phenomenon, and this STEM toy is suitable for children over 4-7 years old. It can help children learn the principles of magnetism. Children can see how magnetism propels a small airplane forward by making a simple model airplane of their own.
Children can learn the basic concepts of magnetism, such as magnetic field, magnetic phenomena, etc., as well as the influence of magnetism on the movement of small airplanes, and learn how to make a model airplane that can fly. Interest in science can also help them understand the true face of scientific phenomena.
This STEM toy is suitable for children over 7-10 years old and can help children learn the principles of electricity. Children can learn how to tell if an object is a conductor by making a simple detector of their own.
In this STEM toy experiment, children can learn electrical concepts such as current, voltage, and resistance, understand their relationship and meaning, and use basic circuit components to build simple circuits. The conductive property of the object can be measured through the detector, and the current can be used to determine whether it is a conductor.
In addition, children can learn the difference between the material properties of conductors and insulating materials and understand the relationship between electrical conductivity and the physical properties of objects.
This space three-ball instrument STEM toy is suitable for children over 7-10 years old and can help children learn Gravity and astronomical phenomena. By making a simple model of a tripod yourself, children can see how three balls move due to Gravity and motion.
This DIY mechanical dog STEM toy is suitable for children over 10-12 years old. It is suitable as a gift and can help children learn about mechanics and electronics learning principles.
By making a model of a mechanical dog, children can learn how to use simple mechanical and electronic components to control the movement of the mechanical dog.
Children make mechanical dogs, which can enhance creativity and hands-on ability, and better understand how the principles of mechanical engineering and electronics are applied in reality.
This DIY solar racing STEM toy is suitable for children over 10-12 years old and can help children learn the Principle of solar energy.
By making a solar racing car, children can learn how to use solar panels to harvest energy and use this energy to drive the car's movement.
This STEM toy increases children's interest in science and helps them understand the importance of energy production and environmental protection.
STEM toys Benefits: Cultivate children's five major abilities
STEAM/STEM toy sets can enhance children's interest and concentration, satisfy children's curiosity about the world, and cultivate the following five abilities:
- Logical thinking ability : Children can learn how to think about problems, analyze data and find solutions through assembly and program control.
- Creativity : Children can create their works, such as electronic devices and robots, to cultivate creativity and imagination.
- Problem-Solving : Children learn how to solve problems, spot problems, develop solutions and evaluate results.
- Science and Mathematics : Children are exposed to science and mathematics concepts during play to understand and learn in depth.
- Skills development : Cultivate children's hand-eye coordination, patience, and skills, such as assembly, programming, and program design.
5 Types of STEM Toys
Toys play an important role in children's childhood, and it is not bad to receive STEM toys as gifts.
STEM toys can be divided into five categories.
However, many STEAM toys belong to two or more types at the same time. That is to say. Children can learn knowledge of multiple subjects through one toy to achieve cross-learning.
1. Science toys
Science toys are mainly used to teach children about natural science and scientific principles,
such as Physics, chemistry, biology, etc. Toy products include science experiment kits, globes, microscopes, celestial structures, etc.
The Galileo pendulum toy is provided by Wooden STEAM. Children can learn by making, designing, and coloring by themselves Principles of Equilibrium and Pendulum Science.
2. Technology Toys
Technology Toys Toys are mainly used to teach children about technology, such as programming, programming, etc. Products such as intelligent robots, program building blocks, etc.
DIY homemade vacuum cleaner set is a STEAM/STEM handmade wooden toy that allows children to learn mechanical and electronic science, suitable for Children aged 10-12.
Toys are made by children themselves according to steps and instructions, using simple tools and materials such as cardboard, motors, etc., to simulate the working Principle and operation of a real vacuum cleaner.
Children can make vacuum cleaners by themselves and learn mechanical knowledge. The process is also exciting and strengthens children's creativity and thinking abilities.
3. Engineering toys
Engineering toys are mainly used to teach children about engineering knowledge, such as mechanical principles, material science, etc.
Children can understand the structure of objects from it, and they can learn logical thinking in construction and deconstruction. Common toys such as STEM LEGO, building blocks, etc.
DIY wooden trebuchet is a STEAM/STEM handmade wooden toy that allows children to learn physics and mechanical engineering, suitable for 10-12 years old-year-old kids.
This toy is made by children using materials and basic tools to simulate the Principle and operation of a trebuchet.
Children can adjust the angle and spring strength of the trebuchet to change the projecting distance and speed and learn mechanics and physics.
The process is fun and can also enhance children's innovative thinking and thinking ability.
4. Art toys
This toy is mainly used to cultivate children's creativity and artistic ability, such as painting, music, etc. For example, a painting kit, electronic piano, etc.
DIY Wooden Balance Bird is a STEAM/STEM handmade wooden toy that allows children to learn physics suitable for the 4-7-year-old kid. This balancing bird toy simulates how a real balancing bird works.
During the production process, children can learn the Principle of balance and keep the bird in balance through constant adjustment,
Moreover, children can also use color pens ( 12-color plastic water pen type A or 12-color plastic marker B ) to color the balance bird, add their design, and Get creative.
5. Math toys
These toys mainly teach children about mathematics, such as numbers, combinations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, integrals or differential operations, etc. For example, building block math kit, etc.
Tian Bang is a tool that uses the Principle of Gravity. Objects are added to both ends of the Tian Bang to measure the weight difference between the objects.
DIY wooden sky bang toy is a STEAM/STEM handmade wooden handmade toy made of wood. It can simulate the working Principle and operation mode of the sky bang. Children can learn physics and mathematics concepts through Children aged 4-7.
The six principles of STEM toys selections: how to choose?
STEM toys' six principles and characteristics are quality, price, age, type, design, and size.
Children need the company of their parents and friends, play games with friends, and learn different concepts of new things around the world.
Quality
High-quality toys provide a longer life and ensure safety and reliability. From the perspective of quality, the following points can be considered:
- Material quality : Choose durable materials, such as aluminum alloy, ABS plastic, etc., to ensure that the toy is more durable.
- Manufacturing process : Ensuring that an experienced manufacturer produces the toy ensures the quality of the toy.
- Safety : Make sure the toy meets safety standards and is certified safe.
- Brand reputation : Choosing toys produced by a brand with a good reputation can ensure the quality and reliability of the toy.
Price
When buying STEAM toys, parents need to strike a balance between price and quality. The following points may be considered:
- Cost-effective ratio : Make sure that the toy is cost-effective, that the price is within a reasonable price, and that it provides enough education for the child's Meaning and play value.
- Deals : Look out for specials or promotions when shopping for STEM toys, and you may be able to get a better price.
- Long-term use : Ensure that the toy is possible for long-term use, and avoid buying expensive or cheap toys that can only be played with for a while.
Age
When choosing STEM toys, the child's age is an important consideration.
The reason is that children of different age groups need different levels of challenges and education. The following points can be considered:
- Age : Choose age-appropriate toys and ensure they can understand and use them.
- Skill level : meet the child's current skill level, and avoid being too difficult or too easy.
- Learning stage : In line with the child's current educational stage, for example, simple building blocks are assembled for young children, and programming robots are relatively complicated for middle school students.
- Children's interests : Choose something that suits your child's preferences, such as mechanical assembly for children who love to assemble things.
Type
As explained earlier about the types or themes of STEM toys, STEM/STEAM subjects can be considered when choosing the right toys for children.
If your child is curious and likes to research, consider science-themed toys, such as chemistry experiment kits, microscopes, and programming robots.
If you like artistic creation, you can consider art-themed toys, mainly to inspire imagination and creativity.
Design
The appearance of the toy will also affect the child's attention and concentration on the toy, so whether the color and design are beautiful or not is also of certain importance:
- Appearance : Choose attractive and aesthetically pleasing bright colors that attract children's attention and interest.
- Construction : Construction meets safety and reliability standards and is easy to use and assemble.
- Function : It is practical and educational and can meet the needs of children for learning and playing.
Size
The size of STEAM/STEM toys should also be considered as one of the factors:
- Space Constraints : Able to be used and stored within an appropriate space in the home.
- Mobility : Choose toys that are easy to move, so they can be carried to other places for use.
- Toy size : Choose a toy of the appropriate size. If the toy is too large, there may not be enough space in the home;
- The toys are too small. Be careful if children accidentally swallow it and cause accidents, so pay special attention.
STEM Questions and Answers
What does STEM education mean?
STEM education is an educational model that deepens children's concepts of mathematics, physics, and chemistry and improves children's ability to solve problems through the cooperation of different sciences.
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
What is STEAM education?
STEAM education refers to the education method based on STEM education and adding artistic elements to inspire children's creativity and allow children to develop in all aspects.
What are STEM toys?
STEM toys are toys based on STEM education. Children's learning efficiency in STEM courses can be improved through interaction and games.
