Best STEM toys 2019: Coding kits, drones, science experiments and more
IN RECENT years, there’s been a big push to get kids interested in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields: not only is there a skills shortage in the STEM fields with over 150,000 roles unfulfilled, STEM jobs are expected to double in the next 10 years.
Add to this the sense that STEM is a male dominated field lacking in role models for women, which means that girls are less likely to be inclined to pursue STEM careers (they’re put off from pursuing STEM subject from a surprisingly young age, in fact, according to research).
The solution to pique kids’ interest and get them feeling confident about STEM subjects?
Introducing kids to STEM from an earlier age – and introducing them to STEM through play.
Even classic STEM toys, like LEGO, are evolving to adapt to the new STEM generation: LEGO’s newest range, Hidden Side, combines a paranormal story with the construction experience. Once kids have built the haunted high school or bus, they can bring it to life – and bring ghosts to the scene – through an app on their phones, making it a multi-faceted STEM experience.
While coding and programming toys are definitely having a moment – thanks to companies like Kano and Tech Will Save Us, which creates kits for kids to build their own speakers and Micro:bits (and also has electric dough for the younger set) – STEM toys encompass all scientific fields for the child who’s more interested in cooking up slime or doing a fossil dig at home.
There are also STEM toys and characters designed to appeal to a feminine audience: GoldieBlox is a cool engineer who fights off stereotypes with building sets that use axles, blocks and spacers to help develop kids’ fine motor skills as they build fairground rides and cars.
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1. Best STEM toy for toddlers
One way of addressing the issue of getting younger kids interested in STEM? STEM for toddlers, naturally. This coding set for kids includes a playhouse, slide and tennis ball launcher and Ranger and Zip dog toys – kids learn coding by programming the big dog to move in various directions. The best bit is that kids won’t even realise they’re coding – they’re too busy having fun.
- Learning Resources Coding Critters – Ranger Zip, for £40 on Hamleys – buy here
2. Best STEM electronics toy
Tech Will Save Us makes fantastic coding, crafting and electronic sets for kids from the age of 4, which not only introduce them to the mechanics of programming, but then turn into something useful for them to enjoy, like this Light Racer kit.
After learning all about capacitors, LEDs and wireless coils, kids will get to add some serious bling to their wheels.
- Light Racer Kit, for £24.99 on Tech Will Save Us – buy here
3. Best STEM science experiment
Kids absolutely love the chance to don their lab coats and become scientists in their own kitchens, and this experiment set from Galt Toys won’t disappoint – it includes everything from making slime to crafting a lava lamp and watching a volcano erupt.
A great birthday present, this is one toy that’s fun for the parents, too.
- (AD) Galt Toys Horrible Science Explosive Experiments, for £17.99 on Amazon – buy here
4. Best STEM toy under £10
Somewhere between a crafty activity (it gets messy!) and an archaeological dig, this dino fossil set will have your little one digging for dino bones, teeth and poop (yes – dino poop!). Paleontologists-in-training will also be able to discover all kinds of facts about the specimens they uncover with the accompanying learning guide.
- (AD) National Geographic 80474 Dinosaur Dig Kit, for £6.99 on Amazon – buy here
5. Best STEM character toy
Coding toys are everywhere, but to find one that really excites your child, choose a STEM toy that embodies a character or program they love (we’re not talking about letting them play Fortnite for 12 hours straight).
STEM toy company Kano – they created the first build-and-code-your-own computer kit for older kids – has collaborations in place with Star Wars and Harry Potter, which have led to the creation of some of the most desirable STEM toys around, like this coding wand which lets kids pretend they’re actual Hogwarts students as they undertake different coding challenges to transfigure animals, make potions brew and get things to fly.
‘Opening the box had a real wow factor for both my niece and myself (she loved the spells poster and the stickers – very nice touch). We have spent the past week going through all the coding challenges which start quite basic and then get progressively more challenging. You can even look at the javascript coding… As I am a computing teacher – I have asked my school to consider purchasing a class set I loved it that much! I think the design of the challenges are very well thought out with key computing concepts covered in a really fun and engaging manner,’ writes a happy customer.
- (AD) Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit, for £95.50 on Amazon – buy here
6. Best STEM book toy
Role modelling is hugely important for getting kids interested in STEM, and those role models can be real people, or really inspiring characters. Detective DOT falls firmly into the latter category, teaching kids computer science concepts through a story-led approach with STEM based spy missions.
‘The book and associated missions are educational and engaging. This is further enhanced by the ability to email the “agency” with results of the missions and receive personalised feedback with additional missions. My daughter was amazed that someone actually read about her project/mission and gave feedback,’ writes a parent.
- (AD) Detective Dot: The Megapack | Award Winning STEM Toy for Kids aged 7+, for £18.99 on Amazon – buy here
7. Best STEM vehicle toy
Kids love flying objects, and drones are fantastic for promoting STEM learning concepts as kids learn the mechanics of flight. This intro quadcopter does flips and tricks and has LED night lights for after-dark missions. Ideal for older kids and teens… although a lot of reviewers who have purchased it are keeping it for themselves. It’s that much fun to play with.
- (AD) JoyGeek Mini Drone for Kids, RC Quadcopter UFO Remote Control Helicopter, for £19.88 on Amazon – buy here
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This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.