My 4 year old son, Onetime absolutely LOVES science (in fact, we just finished having a “Science Conference” birthday party for him!). It probably has a lot to do with me and how much I love it too, but it also has a lot to do with all the fun science activities we have done together at home. Kids follow our lead and when they see that we are excited about something, they get excited too!
Today, my guest Liz Greene, is going to tell you about 10 awesome products that easily let you bring STEM education into the home – even if you’re not a scientist yourself.
Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post. Read Disclosure for full details.
You’ve likely heard the term STEM education thrown around — but what is it? STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and education on these subjects is vital to both the future of our children and that of our country.
Our kids were born into a technological age, and their most beneficial career options will be in the STEM field. A recent study from USC found that minority college students who majored in the STEM fields earned at least 25 percent more than their peers who study humanities or education. Furthermore, those who took jobs related to their STEM degrees earned at least 50 percent more than their classmates who majored in humanities or education fields.
Despite the advantage STEM careers can offer, only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career. What’s more, the U.S. ranks 25th in mathematics and 17th in science among the world’s industrial nations — a statistic that needs changing.
This brings us back to the importance of STEM education. While many schools are introducing curriculums that focus heavily on STEM subjects, there are multiple products on the market that you can use to bring STEM education into the home.
10 Awesome STEM Products
The Magic School Bus: The World of Germs Science Kit
MMRY Moons & Planets Solar System Memory Game
What’s more fun than a matching game featuring stunning photos printed on easy-to-handle, chunky discs? Your kids can use the 46 moon and planet tiles and guide book to learn about our solar system and have out-of-this-world fun!
Larry’s Lab – Polymer Science Kit
Chemistry has never been so fun! Kids can get their hands on Insta-Snow® powder, Water Gel™ slush powder, Gravi-Goo, Orbs, and Jelly Marbles. They’ll get to explore how various polymers react differently to water.
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit
With Snap Circuits®, kids can follow the colorful pictures in the Projects 1-101 manual to build exciting projects such as alarms, doorbells, a flying saucer, and more! Hours of educational fun while learning about electronics — with no risk of electrocution!
Edventures BrickLAB @ Home
For your budding engineer, consider BrickLAB. Children learn about estimation, Newton’s Laws, descriptive communication, and much more through hands-on and unique extension activities found in the 16 lesson curriculum.
4M Crystal Growing Kit
If you have a rock-crazy kid, a crystal growing kit is the way to go. Children can conduct seven crystal experiments and watch as the sparkling crystals grow in front of their eyes. Included are seven specially designed display cases.
Super Science Magnet Kit
The Super Science Magnet Kit contains everything your child will need to begin learning about magnets! The included booklet walks through four magnetic science experiments as well as the history of magnets.
Uncle Milton Giant Ant Farm
Long a classic of childhood, the ant farm is a great way for kids to observe the workings of nature. They can watch as ants burrow, build, and journey underground.
Sick Science Fast Physics Kit
This fabulous experiment kit makes physics insanely fun! Jumping beads, flying popsicle sticks, climbing goo – they’ll be amazed by the things simple motion and everyday objects can do. The included booklet has step-by-step instructions for nine brilliant experiments.
Litiholo Hologram Kit
With the Litiholo Hologram Kit, children can create and learn the science behind holograms at home. The self-developing Instant Hologram plates create bright, clear holograms that are ready to view immediately. With one kit, kids can make up to 20 different holograms.
Green Science Weather Station Kit – ages 3+
This multi-functional weather station enable children to learn all about Earth’s climate. They’ll discover how to observe and record the weather, track weather changes, and conduct experiments on the greenhouse effect. There’s even the option to create a terrarium in a bottle.
STEM education doesn’t require tedious study, inspection, and documentation — it can be fun and full of wonder. By giving your children the opportunity to discover more about these fascinating subjects, at home and in their own time, you can give them the tools they need to succeed in the world of the future.
Liz Greene is a writer and former preschool teacher from Boise, Idaho. She’s a lover of all things geek and is happiest when cuddling with her dogs and catching up on the latest Marvel movies. You can follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene
For more Science ideas for kids, be sure to follow One Time Through on Pinterest!
Follow One Time Through’s board Science Activities for Kids on Pinterest.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy reading: 8 Ways to Raise a Future Scientist
Do you have a favourite STEM product to share that’s not on our list? I’d love to hear about it – leave a comment below!
Best,
