We are fast approaching the gift giving season, and I find myself thinking more and more about the gifts I purchase for my kids. Many gifts, often toys, are given one day and disregarded the next. As an educator and a dad I think the most valuable and enduring gifts are the ones that allow kids to learn while they are having fun.
As I wrestle with these thoughts, the sound of my toddler systematically breaking into the Tupperware cupboard sings in the background. It occurs to me in the midst of all the destruction, she is like many children, a natural-born engineer. In this instance my job is to nurture that creativity and clean up afterwards.
There are many STEM related gifts that allow kids to have fun while engaging in career-centered learning. Based on authentic and popular trends with STEM education we have three focus categories: prototyping, computer science, and building curiosity within content.
Bringing Ideas to Life with Prototyping
The benefits of allowing a child to brainstorm and build are tremendous. Creativity is the natural differentiator. Creativity allows everyone to build at their own pace and level. In addition, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are consistently listed as some of the most sought after soft skills in the workforce. Listed are gifts that foster creativity and allow children to build with a purpose. These gift ideas range from the golden classic, LEGOS, to 3D Printers that allow children to bring their ideas to life.
For some extra engagement, give them design challenges through problems. For example, if your child complains about indoor recess, you may ask, “How might we design a better indoor recess experience?” Allow them to create a solution with a prototype that can be presented to someone that could help. Design challenges will allow these gifts to live for some extra miles.
Legos (all ages) – LEGOS are the tried and true evergreen of the prototyping world.
Makedos (ages 3-12) – Makedos allows kids to work with simple plastic tools, specifically plastic screws, to build out of cardboard. What a great way to reuse all those extra Amazon boxes to build elaborate items out of cardboard.
Strawbees (ages 5-10) – This is an inventor kit that utilizes plastic pieces and straws.
Squigz (ages 5-8) – Allow kids to develop their fine motor skills while building simple structures with these rubber components.
Keva Planks (ages 5-18) These simple wooden planks can be used to build elaborate prototypes and structures.
Doodle 3D Printer Pen (ages 11-18) – This pen will allow designers to build in layers. Truly 3D printing at the tip of your fingers.
3D Printer (ages 13-18) – If this is an option and you are an adult that is willing to work through the troubleshooting, it can be a very meaningful experience for many members of the family.
The Extraordinaires Design Studio Kit (ages 13-18) – These design challenges are engaging and varied. They allow innovators to flex their creative problem solving and teamwork.
Build Career Skills with Computer Science
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that computer science careers are highly sought after, growing in availability, and pay really well. Many states, including Michigan, adopted computer science standards in 2019 due to the opportunities that currently exist and for the opportunities that don’t yet exist.
Allowing computer science to exist in an enjoyable manner is the first step for having more girls and underrepresented populations grow into these careers. All of these gifts involve computational thinking, coding, and in some cases game design.
Sphero (ages 5-18) – There are so many different types of Spheros, so every age and skill level is covered. The Sphero website also has many activities and lesson ideas for free.
Code and Go Mice (ages 5-10) – One of the most simple and engaging ways for younger kids to learning coding.
Dash Robot (ages 5-10) – The Dash robot has been with us for a while now, because it is a highly engaging and quality coding robot that kids enjoy very much,
Tello Drones (ages 11-18) – These drones can be coded to follow commands or they can be flown via an app.
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit (ages 11-18) – This is a robot that allows older kids to develop engineering and computer science skills. They build a small car and program it.
Nintendo Game Builder Garage (ages 11-18) – Learn the basics of programming logic step-by-step in a fun and interactive way, then use what you’ve learned to create your own games and share them with the world.
Sony PlayStation Dreams (ages 13-18) -Learn how to design your own games, animate, make music, and more with easy-to-follow tutorial videos – and then share or collaborate with others.
RPG Maker Mv (ages 12-18) – This game allows players to make their own roleplaying game. Computational thinking exists with game design decisions.
Minecraft (ages 8-18) – This is the world’s number one game for a reason. It can be very educational in creative mode. Kids can learn computer science concepts in the education edition at school.
Building Curiosity and Content Knowledge with STEM
The following gifts can be used as a hook and conversation starters for students who need some extra engaging experiences as they look into different STEM concepts and careers. Sometimes a simple exposure experience is what a child needs to step into a larger world.
ABACUS VR Kits (ages 8-12) – ABACUS have many VR related science kits, one example is the Bill Nye VR Science Kit Book and interactive STEM Learning Activity Set . It is the Toy Foundation Toy of The Year for 2022.
Science of Cooking from KiwiCo (ages 6-14) or a KiwiCo Yummy Subscription Kids will experience the chemistry behind some of their favorite foods. An added bonus is you might get to be the taste tester.
Engino STEM Toys (ages 10-14) – Engino has many toy kits that allow kids to learn about various science concepts.
Forensic Science Experiment Kit (ages 12-18) – Much like breakout boxes and escape rooms, forensic kits can be very engaging and embed critical thinking within fun.
Getting Your Child Engaged with STEM
Whether you are gifting your child, family, friends, or creating an Amazon Wish List for your classroom, these STEM items are a great way to engage children in authentic hands-on experiences. There is a critical need for students to receive more exposure to industry related skills development and content. Doing this through project based learning, design challenges, industry partnerships, and STEM exposure events are a great way to start. If you have any questions about any of these STEM items, want to plan a STEM related event, or a project based learning experience, you can contact me…after I have cleaned up the mess that my little engineer has made.
Du Bui, STEM Consultant for Kent ISD
#GiftGiving #Equity #STEM #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd #Learning
This blog post was written by Du Bui, STEM Consultant for Kent ISD and edited by Amanda Walma, Professional Learning Coordinator and Sara Johnson, PD Hub Intern for Kent ISD.
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