STEM

Growing up with Science Toys

Even very young kids can enjoy science, discovery, and exploration through play. Terrific new learning toys for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers incorporate essential STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills in original ways. Even seemingly simple discovery toys like shape sorters, building blocks, animal figures, and letter and number mats can teach kids science basics. And of course, growing kids enjoy more complex science gifts with cool tech features. Top-rated STEM toys for 5 year olds include starter tablets, interactive activity centres, and other cool technology toys that draw kids in with rewarding lights, sounds, and animations. Science kits that teach the basics of coding and robotics are also some of the best-selling educational toys for elementary-age kids. Discovery kits and tools that you’d expect to find in a science store – like telescopes, microscopes, and rock tumblers – also make original science gifts for teens and tweens.

Discovery though toys

Science discovery kits and educational toys are fun and compelling ways for kids to explore and experiment with all kinds of scientific concepts and topics. Technology toys for toddlers and preschoolers can help teach letters, numbers, and shapes build core skills in literacy and mathematics. Marble runs teach kids about gravity and cause-and-effect; the mix and match elements challenge spatial skills and let builder-kids experiment with physics. Discovery kits that let kids create slime or conduct kitchen science experiments teach basic chemistry in a safe setting. Science toys with a focus on dinosaurs and more contemporary animals can spark an interest in biology, zoology, and archaeology. Rock tumblers, crystal growing sets and volcano kits teach earth science; and DIY circuit sets teach electrical engineering concepts. Tech toys with interactive block elements and introduction-to-coding science toys teach computer skills and programming logic. Many popular science kits for teens and tweens teach about electronics, robotics, and aeronautics; and at-home lab tools like telescopes, microscopes and other science supplies in Canada can foster an interest in biology, astronomy, and more.

Smart gifts for raising science kids

Kids are naturally curious and even babies gravitate toward the irresistible lights and sounds of their parents’ devices. While smartphones, computers and other screens are more appropriate for older kids, many educational toys designed for babies and toddlers have the same appeal, with exciting sounds effects, lights and interactive features that reward activities like pushing buttons or activating sensors. Preschoolers may enjoy learning toys that more closely resemble grownups’ smartwatches, phones, tablets, and cameras, but the activities are focused on teaching letters, numbers, colours, vocabulary, and shapes. Coding toys, electronics kits, and robotics projects are other, more advance options for nuturing kids’ science fascination.