Imagine a world where learning is not only educational but also incredibly fun. With the rapid advancement of technology, the demand for toys that foster STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills has increased exponentially. Luckily, there is a wide range of award-winning STEM toys available in the market that aim to captivate and engage young learners. These toys combine the excitement of play with the principles of STEM, allowing children to explore and develop crucial skills in a hands-on and enjoyable way. From coding robots to interactive science kits, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey as we explore some of the best award-winning STEM toys that are taking the market by storm.
Building and Construction Toys
LEGO Mindstorms EV3
The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is an award-winning building and construction toy that combines the classic LEGO bricks with advanced technology. This toy allows you to build and program your own robots, making it an excellent choice for those interested in engineering and robotics. With the EV3, you can create robots that can walk, talk, and even solve complex tasks. The kit includes a programmable brick, motors, sensors, and a variety of LEGO Technic elements, ensuring endless possibilities for creativity and innovation.
K’NEX Education – Intro to Structures
The K’NEX Education – Intro to Structures set is a fantastic option for children who are fascinated by engineering and architecture. This toy provides a hands-on way to explore the principles of structural engineering by building various models, such as bridges, towers, and trusses. The set includes over 200 K’NEX pieces and an instruction booklet with building ideas and challenges. By engaging with this toy, children can learn about load-bearing structures, the importance of stability, and the relationship between geometry and construction.
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors is a magnetic building toy that promotes spatial awareness, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The set consists of colorful magnetic tiles that can be easily connected to build anything from simple 2D shapes to complex 3D structures. With its unique magnetic design, Magna-Tiles allows for endless possibilities and encourages imagination. Children can explore concepts such as symmetry, balance, and the principles of magnetism while having fun and building their own architectural masterpieces.
Coding and Programming Toys
Osmo Coding Awbie Game
The Osmo Coding Awbie Game is an interactive and educational coding toy designed for young children. It combines physical play with digital technology, making coding accessible and engaging. The game uses physical coding blocks that children can arrange to guide Awbie, a friendly character, through various adventures and challenges. By experimenting with different coding sequences, children learn the basics of programming logic and problem-solving skills in a fun and intuitive way.
Sphero SPRK+ Robot
The Sphero SPRK+ Robot is a versatile and programmable robot that offers endless possibilities for coding and STEM education. This toy is equipped with advanced sensors, LED lights, and a durable design, allowing it to navigate through various terrains and perform a wide range of functions. Using the Sphero Edu app, children can learn to program the robot using block-based coding or JavaScript, and even collaborate with other users around the world. With its hands-on learning approach, the SPRK+ Robot inspires creativity, critical thinking, and a love for technology.
littleBits STEM Starter Kit
The littleBits STEM Starter Kit is an excellent introduction to the world of electronics and engineering. This kit provides children with snap-together electronic building blocks that can be combined to create an endless array of inventions and gadgets. With the included instruction booklet, children can start with simple projects and gradually progress to more complex creations. The littleBits system encourages experimentation and empowers children to design and build their own unique circuits, fostering a deep understanding of how electronics work.
Physics and Engineering Toys
K’NEX Education – Roller Coaster Physics
The K’NEX Education – Roller Coaster Physics set is a hands-on toy that introduces children to the exciting world of physics and engineering. With over 500 K’NEX pieces, children can build their own roller coaster models to explore concepts such as kinetic and potential energy, gravity, and momentum. The set includes a comprehensive teacher’s guide that provides lesson plans, activities, and experiments to deepen understanding of these fundamental physics principles. As children build and experiment with their roller coasters, they develop problem-solving skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the laws of physics.
Snap Circuits Electronics Discovery Kit
The Snap Circuits Electronics Discovery Kit is a fantastic way for children to learn about electronics and circuitry through hands-on experimentation. This kit features snap-together electronic components and modules that can be easily assembled to create various circuits. By following the included project guides, children can build exciting projects such as a doorbell, a light sensor, or a fan. With its safe and easy-to-use design, Snap Circuits allows children to explore concepts such as conductivity, resistance, and parallel/series circuits, all while having fun and fostering a love for science and engineering.
Thames & Kosmos Physics Workshop
The Thames & Kosmos Physics Workshop is a comprehensive physics kit that covers a wide range of topics, from mechanics to optics and electromagnetism. With over 300 building pieces and 62 experiments, children can explore the laws of physics through hands-on experimentation. The kit includes clear, step-by-step instructions and high-quality equipment, enabling children to perform experiments such as building a wind-up car, constructing a simple microscope, or generating electricity with a hand crank generator. By engaging with the Physics Workshop, children develop critical thinking skills, a deeper understanding of physics concepts, and a passion for scientific exploration.
Chemistry and Biology Toys
Thames & Kosmos Chem C3000
The Thames & Kosmos Chem C3000 is an advanced chemistry set that provides aspiring chemists with the tools and knowledge to conduct over 300 experiments. This comprehensive set includes a wide range of chemicals and lab equipment, allowing children to explore topics such as acids and bases, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. The kit comes with detailed instructions and a thorough explanation of the underlying scientific principles, ensuring safe and educational experiments. With the Chem C3000, children can develop essential laboratory skills, expand their scientific knowledge, and ignite a lifelong interest in chemistry.
Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal
The Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal is a perfect choice for young scientists who are keen to explore the microscopic world. This kit includes a durable microscope with magnification capabilities of up to 400x, as well as a journal filled with activities and experiments. Children can collect and examine various specimens, such as plant cells, insects, or everyday objects, while recording their observations in the activity journal. Through hands-on exploration, children develop observation skills, scientific inquiry, and a deeper understanding of the biological world around them.
Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy Kit
The Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy Kit is an interactive toy that combines science, engineering, and renewable energy concepts. This kit allows children to build over 125 projects related to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. With the included components, children can construct a solar-powered fan, a windmill, or a water wheel to generate electricity. By engaging with these projects, children learn about clean energy sources, energy conversion, and sustainable practices. The Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy Kit promotes awareness of environmental issues and empowers children to be environmentally responsible citizens.
Technology and Electronics Toys
littleBits Rule Your Room Kit
The littleBits Rule Your Room Kit is a creative and fun way for children to explore and design their own electronic gadgets for their rooms. This kit provides children with magnetic electronic building blocks that can be connected to create inventions such as a voice-activated robotic arm, an intruder alarm, or a moving artwork. With the included instruction booklet, children can follow step-by-step guides or experiment to create unique devices that will unleash their inner engineers and inventors. The Rule Your Room Kit promotes problem-solving skills, creativity, and an understanding of how technology can enhance our daily lives.
Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit is an innovative hands-on toy that introduces children to the world of computer science and electronics. This kit allows children to build their own fully functioning computer from scratch, while gamified missions engage users to learn computer programming, electronics, and engineering concepts. With a Raspberry Pi, wooden toolbox, and a collection of electronic components, children can assemble their computer and complete various challenges and games. By engaging with the Piper Computer Kit, children develop essential STEM skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational thinking.
Anki Cozmo Robot
The Anki Cozmo Robot is a small but powerful AI-powered companion robot that can be programmed and personalized. This toy is equipped with advanced AI algorithms, computer vision, and expressive animations, making it capable of recognizing faces, playing games, and interacting with its environment. With the Cozmo app, children can program Cozmo using a visual block-based coding language or explore the robot’s various features and games. Through interaction and programming, children develop problem-solving skills, computational thinking, and a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and robotics.
Robotics Toys
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is a versatile robotics kit that combines the classic LEGO bricks with coding and programming capabilities. This kit allows children to build and program their own interactive robots, such as a working robot puppy or a musical instrument. With the LEGO Boost app, children can code behaviors and movements using a drag-and-drop coding interface. The kit also includes a variety of sensors and motors, providing endless possibilities for creativity and experimentation. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox promotes STEM skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, all while having fun and building with LEGO bricks.
Wonder Workshop Dash Robot
The Wonder Workshop Dash Robot is an award-winning programmable robot designed for children aged six and above. This interactive robot can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet, and it comes with its own set of built-in sensors and accessories. With the Blockly coding app, children can program Dash to navigate through mazes, perform dance routines, or play interactive games. Through these activities, children are introduced to coding concepts such as loops, conditionals, and events, all while cultivating problem-solving skills and fostering creativity.
Kamigami Robot
The Kamigami Robot is a unique and educational robotic toy that combines origami and technology. This kit allows children to build their own insect-inspired robots using foldable plastic sheets, without requiring any tools or additional parts. Once assembled, the robot can be programmed using a visual coding interface, allowing it to perform various movements and behaviors. With the Kamigami app, children can learn the basics of coding, explore different programming challenges, and expand their robotic creations. The Kamigami Robot encourages creativity, logical thinking, and an understanding of engineering principles.
Mathematics Toys
Code Master Programming Logic Game
The Code Master Programming Logic Game is a board game that introduces children to the fundamentals of coding and computer science. In this game, players navigate through a fictional world, solving puzzles and collecting crystals using programming logic. The game levels progressively increase in difficulty, introducing new programming concepts such as loops, conditional statements, and functions. By engaging with the Code Master Programming Logic Game, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills, all while having fun and honing their coding abilities.
MathLink Cubes
MathLink Cubes are a versatile and interactive tool for learning mathematical concepts and developing problem-solving skills. These brightly colored cubes can be snapped together to explore various mathematical ideas, such as counting, sorting, patterns, and spatial awareness. The cubes can also be used to teach addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With their tactile nature, MathLink Cubes engage children in hands-on learning experiences that promote mathematical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of numerical concepts.
Learning Resources Time Tracker Mini
The Learning Resources Time Tracker Mini is a valuable tool for children learning to manage their time effectively. This visual timer provides a clear and tangible representation of the passage of time, helping children stay focused and complete tasks within a specific timeframe. The Time Tracker Mini can be set to various intervals, allowing children to develop a sense of time and self-regulation skills. Whether used for timed activities, transitions, or study sessions, this toy promotes time management, responsibility, and independent learning.
Astronomy and Space Toys
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Space Explorer
The National Geographic Kids Ultimate Space Explorer is an immersive and educational toy that takes children on an interstellar journey through the wonders of space. This kit includes a book filled with stunning photographs and fascinating information about the solar system, galaxies, and the universe. Additionally, the kit includes glow-in-the-dark stars and a solar system model that can be assembled and hung up for display. By engaging with the Ultimate Space Explorer, children expand their knowledge of astronomy, ignite their curiosity about the universe, and develop a lifelong passion for space exploration.
Celestron – PowerSeeker Telescope
The Celestron – PowerSeeker Telescope is a high-quality telescope designed for budding astronomers. With its fully coated glass optical components and sturdy tripod, this telescope delivers clear and detailed views of celestial objects such as the moon, planets, and stars. The PowerSeeker Telescope features multiple eyepieces, allowing for different levels of magnification and an adjustable tripod for varying heights. By observing the night sky, children can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for astronomy, while also honing their observation skills and scientific inquiry.
Snap Circuits Deluxe R/C Snap Rover
The Snap Circuits Deluxe R/C Snap Rover is an innovative toy that combines robotics, electronics, and remote control capabilities. This kit allows children to build their own remote-controlled rover using snap-together electronic components. The Rover can be programmed with a remote control to perform various functions such as moving forward, backward, or even turning in different directions. With the included manual, children can learn about the principles of robotics, circuits, and wireless communication. The Snap Circuits Deluxe R/C Snap Rover promotes STEM learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Environmental Science Toys
Thames & Kosmos Climate and Weather Kit
The Thames & Kosmos Climate and Weather Kit is an educational toy that allows children to explore the fascinating world of weather and climate. With the included scientific instruments and materials, children can learn to measure temperature, humidity, wind direction, and barometric pressure. The kit also includes an informative guidebook that explains weather phenomena, climate change, and the impact of human activities on the environment. By engaging with this kit, children can develop scientific inquiry skills, a deeper understanding of environmental science, and an awareness of the importance of sustainable practices.
Green Science Solar Science Kit
The Green Science Solar Science Kit is an eco-friendly toy that introduces children to the principles of solar energy and solar power. With this kit, children can build their own solar-powered gadgets such as a solar oven, a solar-powered fan, or a solar-powered car. The kit includes solar panels, motors, and other components necessary to construct the projects. By engaging with the Solar Science Kit, children learn about renewable energy, sustainability, and the importance of harnessing the power of the sun. This toy promotes scientific inquiry, engineering skills, and environmental awareness.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Hydroponics Kit
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Hydroponics Kit is a unique toy that allows children to experiment with hydroponic gardening, a method of growing plants without soil. With this kit, children can set up their own miniature hydroponic garden and observe the growth and development of plants in a controlled environment. The kit includes a transparent seed tray, a water reservoir, and seeds, as well as a guidebook that provides instructions and explanations about the hydroponic process.By engaging with the GeoSafari Hydroponics Kit, children learn about plant biology, the water cycle, and sustainable agriculture practices. This toy promotes scientific curiosity, environmental consciousness, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Kits
Makeblock mBot Robot Kit
The Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is an educational tool that combines robotics and coding in a hands-on and interactive way. This kit allows children to build their own robot using snap-together components and program it using block-based coding or the Arduino programming language. The mBot Robot is equipped with various sensors and can perform functions such as line following, obstacle avoidance, and remote controlling. With the mBot app, children can explore different coding challenges, experiment with different capabilities, and even compete in robotic competitions. Through building and programming the mBot Robot, children develop computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and robotics.
LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 Expansion Set
The LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 Expansion Set is a supplement to the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 set, providing additional elements and building instructions to enhance creativity and extend the capabilities of the original kit. With the Expansion Set, children can build advanced robots that can perform more complex tasks and respond to their environment with greater sophistication. The set includes additional sensors, motors, and LEGO Technic elements, providing endless possibilities for innovative designs and programming. By engaging with the LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 Expansion Set, children can take their robotic creations to the next level, further developing their engineering and programming skills.
Sphero Bolt App-Enabled Robot
The Sphero Bolt App-Enabled Robot is a powerful and programmable robotic ball that offers endless opportunities for creativity and learning. This toy is equipped with advanced sensors, LED lights, and a robust build, allowing it to roll, light up, and perform various functions. With the Sphero Edu app, children can program the Bolt using block-based coding, JavaScript, or even create their own games and applications. The Bolt supports augmented reality experiences, allowing children to code and interact with virtual objects in their physical environment. With its versatile capabilities, the Sphero Bolt App-Enabled Robot inspires innovation, critical thinking, and a passion for technology and robotics.