What are STEM toys?

What Are STEM Toys?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning toys are educational tools that integrate these four disciplines into interactive and engaging activities for kids. They are designed to stimulate a child's interest in STEM learning through play, making it fun and interactive  

Why are STEM Toys important?

There are many benefits to play based learning with STEM Toys:

1. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: STEM toys often require children to think critically and problem solve. This enhances their problem-solving skills and cognitive development.

2. Boosts Creativity and Innovation: STEM toys foster creativity and learning through trial and error. Children learn to think outside the box.

3. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination and Fine Motor Skills: Many STEM toys involve building and assembling components, such as magnetic tiles and building blocks, which improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

4. Promotes Teamwork and Collaboration: playing with STEM toys in a group environment involves communication and teamwork.

5. Builds Confidence: Successfully completing STEM projects boosts a child's confidence as they encounter challenges and learn to overcome them.

Examples of STEM Toys

1. Building Blocks

Toys such as building blocks and magnetic tiles encourage creativity and spatial awareness. They help children understand the basics of engineering and architecture by constructing various structures.

Qtoys - rainbow wooden building blocks

 

2. Connetix Tiles 

Connetix Magnetic Tiles is a great STEM learning toy as kids learn how different shapes can connect to make different 2D or 3D structures. It promotes cognitive development and problem solving skills as children need to think about how to build their structure and how to stabilise it by adding or removing tiles. 

The Connetix Geometry Pack in particular is an excellent learning tool for learning about geometric shapes It includes hexagons and different types of triangles, it is great for introducing geometric concepts, such as shape, angles, dimensions such as width, length and radius. It can also be used to learn about fractions and 2D/3D shapes!

 

Photo: Connetix Tiles Ball Run Pack

For children who love dynamic and interactive play, the Connetix Tiles Ball Run Pack introduces the principles of physics such as momentum and gravity. It’s ideal for older children who are ready for more challenging builds with magnetic tiles.

4. Makedo Australia Upcycled Cardboard Construction Kits

Makedo Upcycled Cardboard Construction Kit provide tools that allow kids to turn their imagination into real cardboard toys or structures. The tools allow kids to safely cut and connect cardboard pieces to make anything from cardboard forts to vehicles to robots and more! 

This is the ultimate cardboard construction kit for families and friends to think outside the (cardboard) box.

 

 

Photo: Makedo Australia Discover Upcycled Cardboard Construction Kit

Shop Makedo Cardboard Construction Kits Here

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