Recommendations for STEM toys

[ThomasRichard]

I thought we could share ideas for good STEM toys :)

I've got DS (5) an ozobot, which works by following lines drawn on a piece of paper or a tablet, doing different movements depending on the colour of the line.

DD (2) is getting Playmags, which follow the same concept as Magna Tiles.

I've also been recommended this electronics kit, which looks fab.

Dd (11) wants the build your own robotic arm www.amazon.co.uk/Build-Your-Own-Robot-Arm/dp/B002HXTONC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1446046724&sr=8-2&keywords=robotic+hand

Both dc's loved the knex roller coaster sets from age 5 onwards and Lego is always a hit ( Dd has moved on to technics ).

Marble run is very well loved here with our 2-6yos. It's a galt one.

We're also looking for software to get our old lego mindstorms working.

Loitering about for ideas. DS1 is doing Lego Mindstorm at school an wondering what could get him into at home.

We've got circuit boards. Wondering about Raspberry Pi....

Great idea for a thread. I'd recommend Snap Circuits.

Also a tip for Junior Monopoly - instead of playing with the paper £1 notes included, we play with real uk coins varying from 1p to 20p. It is physically easier to deal with coins than count out 19 bits of paper to each player, and it adds an extra element to the game.

Do any of you have children who only follow instructions in their construction, and never use their imaginations with it? DS is like the dad in the Lego Movie -except he prefers k'nex to lego. I don't know if it's an able child / too perfectionist for their own good thing or just a different way of playing. Any recommendations for toys that might help him try his own ideas?

Re marble runs, bigger is better IMO. The 'special features' are much loved and add greatly to the play value. Ours was on an Amazon Black Friday deal last year.

Ds2 loves his raspberry pi.
Also would recommend the gears!gears!gears! Toys.

Has anyone used the little bits electronic kits? Particularly interested in the one that includes arduino.

Brilliant thread. Love the look of the Snap Circuits for DS1.

Has anyone got a recommendation of a decent chemistry set? I've only ever found ones which are "household item" based, the usual "make your own volcano ilk. We are looking for the more traditional chemical ones, iron filings, the amazing metal tape that burns brightly etc. I have fond memories of me and my dad staining our ceiling a brilliant colour with one of those, and then denying all knowledge when my mum noticed (a couple of years later!) Or have they now been banned?

I'm also on the lookout for decent stuff for DS2, 4. We've done marble run, geotech etc. He loves building and Lego and is very mathematically able and logical. way more than me

Ooh, snap circuits look fantastic! What age would you say is the minimum for them? Ds is just 4 and still into duplo etc... I'm tempted to get him an old typewriter and a screw driver. He'd be in heaven!

Hot Wires is a great toy. DS got it 2 years ago when he was 7, and loves it.

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Shameless place marking!
Any ideas for 12 year olds?

What is STEM please? Sorry!

The ozobot looks cool!

Thanks for dropping in somepeople

There are some great ideas here, some of which I need to Google as I've never heard of them. DS would love a marble run but I think I'll save that idea for his birthday.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths

Are Hot Wires and Snap circuits the same thing under the packaging? My DS has snap circuits and his friend has a completely identical kit under a very different brand.

With Snap Circuits I think they ideally need to be able to read, or to do it with an adult. DS got it at 6, his friend at 5. We only let DS use it when an adult is up and vaguely around, because there's the potential for electric shocks.

Oooo watching with interest. Both my DC would love that Ozobot.

I'm that someone has hidden the thread. The OUTRAGE!

STEM is Science, technology, engineering and maths I think [pray]

I'm hiding this offensive thread too. How dare you discuss toys that might foster an interest in science or engineering!

(not really, marking place for ideas for my 4yo)

The Ozobot is a bribe reward for him reading and writing with me every day. So not strictly a Christmas present. It's the only thing that's ever made him practice without constant moaning so well worth it :o

Thankyou :)

Alternative ideas for the professionally offended.

Wow, the Ozobot looks amazing! will keep that in mind for DS birthday in march, as I've already bought him a new scooter for christmas.

DD1 has the snap circuits, got them for christmas last year when she was just 7 and they were a real hit.

I've heard a few good reviews of the Goldieblox series for girls?

Tech teacher here. I love it when students tell me they love(d) lego, airfix kits and those wood kits. Also using penknives for whittling, making bows and arrows, lighting fires - second bit scouts really. But what about buying a pattern and some fabric? Putting together an IKEA desk? Following instructions but then being able to write your own is really STEM. More importantly problem solving.

In all seriousness, though, maybe he'll learn to love English and writing once you stop loading those things by bribing him?