STEM products for kids rule my world these days. And that is okay with me.
The other day my seven-year-old ran up to me. “Mom, check THIS out!” He had created a circuit using Snap Circuits to play music. That excitement, my friends, was music to my ears. I smile as he went on and on about the other “inventions” he wanted to try that day.
Summer brings days of panic every so often. Do you agree? At least for me, I feel I have a good grasp on my boys’ schedule and what they enjoy doing. Then I suddenly get nervous.
Will I be able to keep up with them?
That is why I am excited to share this list with you. I have written about teaching kids computer science in the past but it has been a while. Here is an update. Look no further. I have taken care of you and done the research for you. Take a seat and absorb the magic of these rock-solid ideas for your budding scientist.
3 Awesome STEM Products for Your Kids’ Summer Learning
Makey Makey
My sons discovered this ridiculously cool STEM product at a Maker Camp earlier this summer. In short, Makey Makey turns everyday objects into touchpads. Kids can make a banana piano, for example.
You can also create a controller for a computer game perfect for young inventors, the product presents a myriad of possibilities for a child to explore. Instead of using your keyboard, you hook up the Makey Makey for fun and imagination. MakeyMakey’s website offers loads of ideas. Age 8-10 (My 5.5 and 7-year-old use it.)
Osmo Coding
Osmo is a rock-solid product for budding scientists, artists, and engineers. Osmo is a device for your iPad. Osmo comes with a base and a reflector that goes over the iPad’s camera. You download an app and you’re good to go. Kids interact with Osmo, making the learning tangible and concrete.
They are engaged, having loads of fun, and learning computer programming. One of their most recent additions to their line of products is Osmo Coding. You create sequences by attached physical blocks together. Created with a team from TIDAL Lab at Northwestern University, Osmo Coding is inspired by over 50 years of research into computer programming education! Age 6-12.
YOXO Mega Builder
One of our favorite things to do as a family is to listen to podcasts. We have tons of favorites (including this list of podcasts for kids). BrainsOn is probably my sons’ #1 choice. The content is outstanding and entertaining. All round, BrainsOn is a well-produced show for kids that teaches science. I am sold.
One of their sponsors is a company called YOXO. YOXO produces Y, O, and X links to connect copious amounts of objects like recycled paper towel tubes, cereal boxes, and so on.
They even work with Legos. A cool aspect of this product is that all the links are made with recycled wood pulp with non-toxic vegetable-based inks and water-based coatings. Super durable and perfect for creative kids. Learn more about YOXO and get started building!
I hope you enjoyed this list and that you have new ideas to keep learning fun, engaging, and full of imagination!
Marnie