Looking for great science toys for the young meteorologist in your family? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by The Weather Channel to show off some great STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) toys that are as educational as they are fun. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the items below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.


 scientific-explorer-wacky-weird-weather-kit Scientific Explorer Wacky Weird Weather Kit (Alex Brands)

  • Make a tornado, create a tidal wave, make powerful weather effects and whip up a blizzard
  • Learn to act and think like a real scientist by comparing things, asking questions and making observations
  • Includes instant snow, baking soda, citric acid, test tube, color tablets, bottles, vortex connector, beads, balloon, measuring spoon and volcano mold
  • Recommended for children 12 years of age and older
  • Uncover secrets behind our weird and wacky weather
  • Learn to act and think like a real scientist by comparing things, asking questions and making observations
  • Includes instant snow, baking soda, citric acid, test tube, color tablets, bottles, vortex connector, beads, balloon, measuring spoon and volcano mold
  • Ages: 12 +
  • MSRP: $26.99

discovery-kids-extreme-weather-tornado-lab-discovery-kidsDiscovery Kids Extreme Weather Tornado Lab (Discovery Kids)

  • Take an exciting journey inside the vortex of a liquid whirlpool with the Discovery Kids Extreme Weather Tornado Lab!
  • Look directly into the eye of the storm as it spins floating debris throughout the chamber.
  • Use the speed dial to adjust the power and turn on the storm sound effects
  • Children can study extreme weather systems hands-on by looking inside the vortex of a liquid whirlpool. You can adjust the twister from a level 1 to a full blown level 5 storm in seconds and watch the plastic pellets twist and spin like real debris caught in a tornado
  • Learn about vortexes and funnel clouds Includes 10 foam pellets, 10 plastic beads and motorized tornado machine. Features a tornado speed dial to adjust the power, anywhere from a level 1 to a level 5 storm.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $20

EducationalInsights_GeoSafariTelescopeGeoSafari Jr My First Telescope (Educational Insights)

  • Discover amazing up-close and personal lunar exploration with the GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope.
  • Little ones can explore the moon with this focus-free telescope, built specifically for little hands and growing minds.
  • Perfect for STEM learning, the 10x magnification provides fantastic views of the moon, while keeping the field of vision wide, which is essential for young children’s understanding.
  • Ideal for preschoolers interested in the moon, My First Telescope encourages exploration and discovery, provides hands-on experience with a scientific tool, and introduces the wonders of space.
  • The telescope has two wide eyepieces with a comfy goggle and nose cut-out guide for perfect eye placement.
  • It also has a built-in digital mirror and lens cap.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $27.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us, Walmart

solar-power-thames-kosmosSolar Power Experiment Kit (Thames & Kosmos)

  • Build your own solar-powered models and discover how solar cells generate electricity from light. Build six solar powered models including a locomotive, single-prop plane, bulldozer, helicopter, backhoe, and twin-rotor helicopter.
  • The special solar panel in this kit consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity in bright sunlight, like a AA battery.
  • A unique cradle holds either the solar panel or the battery, allowing you to switch out the solar panel for a AA battery (not included), depending on the strength of sunlight.
  • You can even use the solar panel to charge up your own rechargeable AA batteries. The solar panel is positionable, so you can maximize its exposure to the sun to generate the most power.
  • The 24-page color instruction book included in this kit gives step-by-step instructions for assembling the six model vehicles. After you have built the suggested models, you can design your own solar vehicles. Compete with your friends to see whose solar vehicle runs the fastest!
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Available: Amazon

About the author

Maggie Dougherty

Maggie Dougherty

Maggie Dougherty is an editorial intern at Adventure Media & Events. She is a senior at Iona University in New Rochelle, New York, where she studies digital media and production. In her free time, Maggie can be found watching Conan O’Brien videos on YouTube, reading biographies of Lyndon B. Johnson, or listening to the Succession soundtrack.

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