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Stem for 7 year olds12/7/2023 During our testing panels, instructions that were too dry and wordy caused kids to feel overwhelmed or to lose interest in our first round of testing, they sometimes asked an adult to complete the rest of the project or wandered back to a different kit. We also considered the educational value of the instructions and if they were able to hold the builder’s attention. Julia Fields, associate editor at The Spruce.We evaluated how well each kit’s instructions explained the steps to build each project.Daniela Galves, senior editor at The Spruce.Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia.Her 10-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter also provided ideas and inspiration for this article. Currie updated this article with additional products and insights, including products we've tested. Jenica Currie, is an editor for The Spruce, specializing in outdoor, home improvement, garden, and gift guide topics since 2020. ![]() Kits like this produce something kids can cherish and keep forever, limiting waste. ![]() The Osmo Genius Kit connects to your iPad, so it doesn't rely on waste or other pieces, but if you are looking for something screen-free, we love the 4M Crystal Growing Kit. Look for ways to reuse or reinvent activities once you are done for added exploration and play. STEM activity kits tend to have more one-time-use parts than other toys, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be eco-friendly. For a challenging and educational toy, we love the ThinkFun Gravity Maze.ĭesigning environmentally-friendly items is a newer aspect of STEM, but one that is very important for budding scientists. These toys are meant to challenge children and foster problem-solving skills while learning about math and science. Find an age-appropriate toy in a subject that interests your child and will keep them engaged and entertained for hours. If you want to join the fun, that can be great if you don’t have time, you might want to consider other options.Īll STEM toys are designed to introduce educational concepts to kids in a digestible and fun way. However, others, like the Water Rocket Kit, might need a bit more hands-on participation from an adult. Some STEM toys are designed for kids to use without any supervision. If you are looking at STEM toys for young children, stick with ones that have larger parts unless you want to supervise closely. You should always follow the safety instructions that come with toys, but this is especially important for STEM toys, which often involve electricity, chemical solutions, or other potentially hazardous parts. And if your child is not challenged, look just outside their age range. ![]() Adhering to age-recommended ages ensures this. “The right STEM toy should have just enough support to challenge a child just beyond what they are capable of,” recommends Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia. You should also consider your child’s attention span and whether their interest is in constructing or using the toy. ![]() Consider your child’s fine and gross motor skills since many STEM toys require careful manipulation of parts and pieces. It’s never too early to introduce kids to STEM, but you should be aware of the recommended ages before investing in a toy or activity. What to Look For in STEM Toys Recommended Age The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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