Alexis Kestler
Here are the 10 best STEM gadgets for developing kids’ problem-solving skills:
1. CircuitMess STEM Kits
CircuitMess provides monthly subscription kits that allow kids to build exciting projects with electronic components and programming. Kids may put together creations like a handheld game console, voice-controlled MP3 player and self-balancing robot while learning about circuitry, coding, design thinking and more.
The age-appropriate kits foster long-lasting skills. A range of add-on parts and project ideas also expand possibilities as your child grows, keeping them engaged over time. CircuitMess is a leader in promoting critical thinking, creativity and hands-on learning.
Pros:
- Build new gadgets and toys every month
- Learn programming and design in a fun way
- Age-appropriate kits make learning accessible
Cons:
- Most projects requires some parental oversight
Price: Starting from $29.99/month.
2. LEGO Chain Reaction Kit
The LEGO Chain Reaction kit from Klutz pairs the fun of LEGO with key engineering and physics concepts. Kids use the included LEGO pieces and step-by-step instructions to build chain reaction machines where activating one mechanism sets off a domino effect of events.
Kids can explore concepts like gravity, kinetic energy, simple machines and cause-and-effect relationships while improving problem solving skills. Builds start basic then get more complex, allowing kids to advance at their own pace. There’s also an 80-page building inspiration guidebook included.
Pros:
- High replay value from rebuilding different machines
- Concepts remain age-appropriate elementary through early middle school
- Combines engineering and physics principles
Cons:
- More structured builds than open-ended LEGO play
Price: $16.99 on Amazon
3. Playz Chemistry Set
Playz’s Extreme Chemistry Set allows kids to learn chemistry fundamentals by conducting over 40 exciting experiments like making glow-in-the-dark mixtures. The kit includes lab tools and supplies like safety goggles, beakers, pipettes, litmus paper, and various chemical reagents (all non-toxic).
Detailed activity cards walk kids through each experiment step-by-step. Kids can explore concepts like chemical reactions, pH, chromatography and more! It sparks scientific curiosity and interest in the methodical process of discovery.
Pros:
- Wide range of experiments
- Practice using real lab tools
- Very safe for home use
Cons:
- Requires close parental supervision
- Materials may need occasional restocking
Price: $39.99 on Amazon
4. Playz Coding Kit
Playz’s “My First Coding Kit” introduces programming concepts without any screen time. Kids instead use hands-on games and puzzles to learn coding principles like algorithms, Boolean logic, loops, conditionals and events through play.
The kit starts with basic concepts like following algorithm sequences or binary number translations. It then builds to applying coding logic to overcome challenges. Using tactile methods, this kit makes coding concepts concrete. The skills carry over seamlessly when kids eventually begin screen-based coding.
Pros:
- Screen-free introduction to programming
- Clubes tangible play with critical logic concepts
- Foundational skills carry over to real coding
Cons:
- Advanced kids may progress through content quickly
Price: $29.99 on Amazon
5. Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
The Botley coding robot kit allows kids to pick up coding fundamentals by programming Botley, an adorable STEM robot, to move around and react. Kids use coding cards to string together sequences of actions for Botley. They can direct Botley to navigate objects, follow lines, do tricks and more through intuitive programming.
As kids stack actions and refine sequences, they grasp concepts like algorithms, debugging, events and conditionals. This transitions them towards screen-based block coding applications used in schools. The cute interactive robot makes coding engaging and accessible for young learners.
Pros:
- Introduces coding through play
- Arrows/colors simplify understanding sequences
- Fun, approachable design for young ages
Cons:
- Movement may be simple for older kids
- Fairly short activity guidebook
Price: $79.95 on Amazon
6. Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit
The Kano Harry Potter coding kit brilliantly combines coding with the magical world of Harry Potter. Kids build a Bluetooth wand they can wield to create spells and enchantments. Compatible apps allow them to progress through 70+ step-by-step coding challenges using their wand and other included magical accessories.
As tasks get trickier, kids grasp fundamentals like functions, loops, variables and more. The app features characters and scenes from the films too for added engagement. Achievements and house points incentive progress. This kit casts an unforgettable spell to get kids hooked on coding.
Pros:
- Beloved magical theme pulls kids in
- 70+ progressive coding challenges
- Teaches real programming skills
Cons:
- App is critical, so requires a device
- High quality but more expensive
Price: $99.99 on Amazon
7. Nintendo Labo Variety Kit
Nintendo’s unique Labo cardboard creation kits take a different approach – kids construct intricate interactive toys from pre-cut cardboard sheets and bring them to life using the Switch console and Joy-Con controllers. Designs range from a piano to fishing rod down to a full backpack VR system with handheld blaster!
Building these designs requires spatial reasoning, creative problem solving and mechanical engineering skills to manipulate the material. Kids then use basic programming in the Switch game to define interactions and functions. Labo provides unmatched open-ended invention through tech-fused crafts.
Pros:
- Build fully-functioning interactive toys
- Limitless room for imagination/iteration
- Combines crafting skills with critical thinking/coding
Cons:
- Requires purchasing Nintendo Switch console
- Kit designs may become damaged over time if handled roughly
Price: $39.99 on Amazon
8. littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit
The littleBits Droid Inventor Kit allows young Padawans (Jedi apprentices) to create their own customizable R2 units or Gonk droids using modular electronic Bits pieces – no soldering required. Kids simply snap together Bits to form circuits then customize functionality and sounds via the Droid Inventor App.
Young inventors gain confidence in electronics creation and early coding within the exciting Star Wars universe. 70+ challenges encourage kids to remix and iterate on droid designs prompting critical thinking and problem resolution. This delivers screen-free hands-on STEM discovery through inventing real electronic gadgets.
Pros:
- Make uniquely personal Star Wars droids
- Modular pieces enable easy iteration
- App expands possibilities over time
Cons:
- Most beneficial paired with app/device
Price: $99.95 on Amazon
9. Osmo Genius Starter Kit
Osmo Genius Kit brings five unique Osmo games pairing tactile play pieces with clever iPad/Fire tablet apps (sold separately). Tangram challenges kids to arrange puzzles shapes. Newton teaches physics concepts through placing numbered blocks. Masterpiece builds art skills asking kids to trace famous paintings. Numbers sharpens math abilities. Lastly, Words works on spelling – all through Osmo’s consistent hands-on play experience.
The reflective device physically integrates off-screen manipulatives into gameplay on tablet screens. This fosters out-of-the-box thinking to overcome in-game obstacles and challenges across subject areas from geometry to art to vocabulary.
Pros:
- Five games spanning diverse skills
- Clever mix of hands-on play with apps/tablets
- Physical pieces add meaningful play dimension
Cons:
- Requires compatible tablet/iPad
- Occasional kit refills needed
Price: $99.99 on Amazon
10. Anki Cozmo
Cozmo by Anki is a sophisticated programmable robot that’s equal parts coding companion and interactive pet. Kids unlock Cozmo’s capabilities through an intuitive visual coding interface where they drag and drop actions to direct movement behaviors, responses and reactions.
With an ever-evolving range of upgrades, Cozmo grows alongside young coders progressing from basic sequences to complex functions like facial recognition. Cozmo expresses a remarkably endearing personality through hundreds of sound/animation combinations amplifying emotional connection. This injects greater purpose into coding experiments making skills stick better.
Pros:
- Bonds with kids like a real pet
- Visually based coding interface quick to pick up
- Expanding functionality keeps it fresh
Cons:
- Requires compatible smartphone/tablet
- Delicate parts require gentler handling
Price: $199.99 on Amazon
There you have it – 10 phenomenal STEM gadgets guaranteed to engage kids in hands-on learning and develop in-demand problem solving abilities! By letting your child pursue their own interests through DIY tech/science projects, creative building challenges and visual programming puzzles, they’ll hone critical thinking in ways no textbook could ever achieve.
Investing in gadgets that make acquiring these skills joyful will pay dividends by preparing children to materialize solutions for real-world problems in the future. So help your kids equip that STEM toolkit early! Their innovative ideas may just transform the world someday.
