STEM toys are a group of science and engineering toys that engage kids with fun activities while teaching them important skills they will need in the future. Let's learn more about what these toys are and their many benefits.
Definition of STEM
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It's an educational movement to help kids develop the skills and confidence they'll need to go into STEM fields. Many people are reluctant to enter these fields because they're considered too difficult, but early STEM education can help alleviate these fears.
Since women and minorities are underrepresented in STEM careers, another focus of STEM education to is help balance the workforce in these fields as diversity can help us progress.
Science and Engineering Toys for Kids
Parents and educators can promote STEM skills with science and engineering toys for kids. These toys encourage kids to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in one or more of the STEM subject areas.
STEM toys for kids come in many forms. Some develop technology and math skills by teaching kids to code and program. Others teach engineering skills through building challenges. Many toys feature experiments, helping kids learn about science fundamentals.
It's important to note that while science and engineering toys for kids are educational toys, their first and foremost goal is fun. Experts agree that kids learn through play, so the best STEM toys always put fun first, education second - although when kids are engaged with STEM toys, they are certainly learning.
Benefits of Playing With STEM Toys
There are many benefits to playing with STEM toys.
Develop Important Skills
Kids who play with STEM toys develop important skills for their educations and careers:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Logical reasoning
- And more
Scientists are still discovering the benefits of STEM toys for kids.
Confidence Building
Many high school and college students are intimidated by STEM subjects and will often avoid taking these courses. By starting your baby with STEM toys for toddlers and continuing to buy STEM toys into the teen years, your child will develop the right mindset to pursue a career in a STEM field. Kids who play with STEM toys have confidence when it comes to more challenging educational pursuits.
STEM Toys Are Engaging
For many kids, even the mention of the term "educational toy" turns them off. A lot of kids associate learning with work. STEM toys, when introduced properly, are fun. Kids love to build, create, and challenge their brains.
Even something that may seem dull, like learning to code, becomes fun when it's taught through a toy that uses puzzles and problems to teach coding skills.
STEM Toys for All Ages
STEM toys are available for children of all ages. The toys become more challenging and increase in complexity as kids get older.
For example, STEM toys for toddlers may include a set of plastic gears, construction toys, and a marble run.
STEM toys for 7-year olds are a little more advanced. Kids around this age may still play with construction toys and marble runs, but may also like the challenging of coding games and science experiments.
STEM toys for 10-year olds and beyond are much more complex. While many of the toys are similar to the toys for younger children, they are much more challenging. Older kids may also enjoy sophisticated coding toys like robots, circuitry kits, and STEM toys focused on mechanical and engineering skills.
Parting Thoughts
STEM toys have grown in popularity in the past decade or so and will likely continue to grow in popularity as parents want to prepare their kids for a STEM-driven future. By giving kids a range of STEM toys, they'll grow to have the confidence to excel in all of the STEM fields.
