STEM toys develop creativity, critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. These products are the best STEM toys for 2020, they are high quality and engaging sets that kids will love. Some toys are new products and some have withstood the test of time, but all are top of the line and will make for optimum STEM fun for children. Partner these toys with quality STEM activities to take your program to the next level.
Playmags 100 Piece Super Set
The Magnetic playmags super set allows kids to tap into their inner engineer. These durable magnetic blocks encourage motor skill development in young children and problem-solving skills in older children. View on Amazon
Why kids like it
Playmags tiles, unlike Legos and other traditional blocks, allow kids to build tall skyscrapers, houses, castles, and more. The strong magnets inside the tiles hold structures tall and strong without the fear of it falling down. In my experience working with large diverse groups of elementary age kids, children can not get enough of these tiles. Some kids love simply building things while others enjoy incorporate an element of dramatic play into their building. I have seen kiddos build an entire zoo using our zoo animal figurines, another time they built a house and brought in some items from the dollhouse and played dolls in the structure they engineered.
Why Playmags is one of the best STEM Toys for 2020
If you have a child in your life who loves building, Playmags are a must have. These durable tiles encourage critical thinking and engineering skills. They are easy to clean up and can withstand a lot of play. Playmags carry a nice price tag vs the competitor, Magnatiles who sell a similar product for $109.99. Having used both products in a program where they get a lot of use, the playmags are of high quality and for the price, is the better buy.
SNAP circuit Jr.
Calling all future engineers and electricians! This Snap Circuit by Elenco allows kids to gather a base understanding of electricity in a safe and fun way. Click here to see the current price.
Why kids love it
Snap Circuits have been a classic STEM activity for years. It is a time tested, fun and engaging for children ages 8+. The snap circuit allows children to create over 101 different electrical projects safely. The Snap circuits are fun for kids who are science minded, and those who are not. In my experience kids love making alarms using switches and snap wires, along with speakers and simple light switch projects. This introductory game allows kids to understand the basics of electricity.
Why SNAP Circuit is one of the best STEM Toys for 2020
If you have a future electrician or engineer in your life, they will love the Snap Circuit. The snap together components click easily into the plastic grid which makes the circuit building simple. This introductory electricity activity will keep kids busy for a long time.
What you will Hate
Although I fully endorse this product, the one thing you will hate is the alarm. I say this with a hint of sarcasm, but in my after-school program with a large group of elementary age children, the alarm just happened to disappear (into a back closet, locked way).
Engino STEM Structures & Bridges Construction Kit
The Engino Construction and Bridge kit is geared towards older elementary kids and is perfect for future engineers ages 8-12. Get those thinking caps ready, this kit is bound to get the creative juices flowing. View on Amazon
Why kids will like it
The Engino Bridge Construction Kit is great for kids who like to build. This kit is a step beyond legos for older kids who need something more challenging. Engino encourages kids to build 9 working models including a suspension bridge, a truss bridge, a lower truss bridge and a house. This activity is perfect for kids will enjoy a building challenge and the feeling of pride they receive by creating something amazing.
Why Structures is one of the best STEM Toys for 2020
The price competes with similar products. The 9 models will keep kids busy. With this kit kids will learn some in depth concepts for bridge building. Kids will be proud of the structures they build!
Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
Botley the Coding Robot is a fun STEM activity that encourages critical thinking in children as young as 4. This basic coding challenge game gets kids thinking outside of the box and developing elementary programming skills.View on Amazon
Why kids love it
Botley provides kids with 40 coding challenges that will keep them engaged and learning. When kids first play with Botley they will enjoy just the simple act of “programming” the robot. The kids will push a few buttons, for example, forward, forward, turn. Then the kids will hit the trigger button and Botley will move forward, than forward again, and then turn. This basic coding is fun for kids. After they master how to code, they can use the challenge cards, and the 27 obstacle building pieces to make the programming more stimulating and rewarding.
Why Botley is one of the best STEM Toys for 2020
While Botley the Coding Robot carries a higher price tag, it is worth the investment. Children love the challenge, and to see the level of excitement when they succeed in a challenge is rewarding to adults and the child. Botley is a must have STEM toy for future programmers.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Construction Engineering Set
National Geographic Mega Construction Engineering set provides supplies and instructions to build 35 unique motorized models, including helicopters, animals, carts and more. Get kids building with this set that will keep them busy for days! View on Amazon
Why kids will love it
With over 35 creations to make this will keep kids busy for a long time. The motor allows kids to create models that actually more. The 3D building instructions and walk throughs make it easy for kids to follow along. In addition to the 35 different models, children can also get creative and create their own creations with the simple snap-fit pieces.
Why National Geographic has one of the best STEM Toys for 2020
This price is competitive again other similar products like, k’nex and Legos which can sport a price tag of $50+. This construction set will keep kids engaged and learning while they make something they are proud to show off. You are supporting National Geographic!
