Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined The Weather Channel to show off some STEM toys for the little scientists on your holiday shopping list. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


WIND POWER 4

Wind is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy available today. With this kit, kids can assemble a realistic wind turbine, complete with an electric generator and adjustable rotor blades that are designed with complex aerodynamic curves to look and work like modern-day wind turbine blades. Then, conduct experiments to optimize the turbine’s performance by adjusting the angle of the blades and discover how to use the wind turbine to light up an LED and charge a rechargeable battery. Convert the generator into an electric motor and assemble a small electric car to demonstrate a tangible application for the stored electricity. The full-color, 32-page manual offers illustrated instructions and scientific information that explores the different types of wind turbines and windmills, the history of this technology, and how wind energy can be used to power homes and electric cars.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


APOLLO — A GAME INSPIRED BY THE NASA MOON MISSIONS

Families work together in this cooperative strategy game to get to the moon and back. One player acts as Mission Control while the others play as astronauts. Resolve flight stages, repair systems, and complete experiments.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


YOUNIVERSE ULTIMATE CRYSTAL GROWING LABORATORY

Kids grow their own crystal magic. Learn the science behind nucleation, molecular reactions, and more. Discover how science and style come together by creating sparkling, crystal-growing accessories. Or learn how easy it is to make a rainbow that shines no matter the weather with a simple chemical reaction.

Fast Facts


SOLARBOTS: 8-IN-1 SOLAR ROBOT KIT

This kit includes materials to build eight robots powered by the sun. A compact solar panel harvests energy from the sun and powers an electric motor to move a drummer robot, an armadillo robot, and more.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


GUJO ADVENTURE MISSION TO MARS ROCKET

Kids can build a 2.5-foot tall rocket with four levels, including a flight deck and an engine room. The 245-piece set includes plastic connectors and panels, two astronaut figures, and space-themed accessories. The entire set is waterproof and washable.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 7+
  • Manufacturer: LUKI LABS
  • MSRP: $59.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.