Looking for great STEM toys that educate as much as they entertain? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by Yahoo Finance to show off some great STEM toys. 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.
- The leader in magnetic building kits for kids is launching its very first tech product this year, known as the Walking Robot.
- Recognized for its gender-neutral play and reinforcement of STEM education, the Walking Robot is now available.
- Click, connect and create! Kids can build 8 walking characters using STEM engine block and walking accessories.
- Imaginations will run wild as they discover the strength of MAGFORMERS and learn all the different shapes and structures they can create. With the Walking Robot, STEM education has never been so much fun!
- Using the strongest magnets and built for endless hours of play, this cute walking robot is quickly becoming a child’s favorite toy and will challenge their minds at the same time!
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $109.99
Happy Atoms- Introduce kids to chemistry with a fun approach to teaching science.
- Using a set of 52 atom models representing 16 different elements, kids can assemble their own molecular models. The atoms stick together with magnets: metal tips on the ends of rubbery arms, which represent free electrons, snap onto magnetic bonding sites on the atom spheres, which represent empty spots for electrons in the atom’s most outermost electron shell.
- Kids can use the included app for iPad and iPhone to snap a photo of their molecule, and the app will use image recognition technology to identify the molecule.
- The app will also present detailed information about 120 of the most important molecules, such as its usage, properties, hazards, formula, and structure.
- Ages: 8+
Code Gamer- Connect the physical and digital worlds!
- Use the gamepad to play through 15 fun game levels on your tablet. Plug one of the four sensorbots into the gamepad to activate its special powers.
- Each sensorbot has a different power- Kelvin melts ice blocks when you warm its temperature sensor in its hand; Decibels assists you if you trigger its sound sensor with noise; Lumen reveals things hidden in dark spaces when you shine light on its dark sensor; and Newton will force its way through obstacles in your path if you shake the touch sensor.
- Kids can also design and create their own game levels, share them, and access other players’ levels.
- Level by level, kids will learn the basics of programming language. They will solve complex puzzles, learn which program commands make the LEDs on the gamepad blink and the sound molecule activate, and learn how the gamepad works and how it can be configured.
- The best part is that kids can apply their new knowledge into cool projects, including using the light sensor to count how many times a drawer is opened or program an alarm system that sends you messages.
- Ages: 10+
