3 STEM gadgets every classroom should use

Motivating school learners to get creative in the classroom, STEM gadgets are proving to be innovative tools for teachers everywhere.

Otherwise known as STEM toys, these devices appear on school desks masked in different shapes, displaying varied functionalities.

Fascinated by the benefits of these STEM-based sidekicks, The Toy Association (TTA) decided to conduct research into the current role that these toys play in the classroom, and how they may benefit schools in the future.

Children are born scientists and are experts at play! #geniusofplay #STEM #STEMeducation pic.twitter.com/exOgZIyNGf

— The Toy Association (@TheToyAssoc) January 4, 2020

In their white paper, TTA revealed that problem-solving skills, creativity and socio-emotional skills were all boosted by the integration of STEM gadgets and learning in the classroom.

But from the parental perspectives of STEM toys, there were mixed reviews.

“Parents get that STEM/STEAM is important with an impressive 91 percent recognising the value of encouraging the development of science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills in their kids. That’s why a whopping 88 percent either have encouraged or plan to encourage the development of these skills in their children,” says TTA.

However, the research also unveiled parental concerns such as an overload of screen time and their lack of tech knowledge, as 72 percent of parents in the research agreed that their child’s better understanding of technology made it difficult for them to help their kids learn.

A1: Good STEM/STEAM toys trigger both sides of the brain. The left-side, logical & reasoning part of the brain, is activated when the toy gets kids thinking about science, technology, engineering or math & right side of the brain when emotions are triggered. #QualitySTEAMgifts

— The Toy Association (@TheToyAssoc) December 18, 2019

Nonetheless, if teachers are enjoying the addition of STEM gadgets in their lessons, TTA has suggested a few that they have labelled as “Good STEM/STEAM toy examples.”

littleBits Kits

These two ladies created a launcher with @littleBits Nice work! #STEAM #makersgonnamake pic.twitter.com/j0ez4qjqCd

— CCA WICHITA (@CCALIONS) January 7, 2020

Providing alternative lesson plans, littleBits have various STEM and STEAM learning kits on offer.

For instance, the Kano Computer Kit taps into the big emphasis on computer science and programming today, allowing students to build their own computer to understand how it functions and works.

Or there’s the Avenger Hero Inventor Kit, that cultivates creativity by encouraging learners to design their own hero.

VEX Robotics 

Know anyone who wants to get started in robotics, but doesn’t have the know-how or funds? Check out these grants for new teams, and share this link with them! @REC_Foundation https://t.co/hCF53y2Xg7 pic.twitter.com/OUyX2lhdQz

— VEX Robotics (@VEXRobotics) December 30, 2019

VEX Robotics has gained notoriety for its IQ starter kits.

Endorsing collaboration in the classroom, these kits have 80 instruction manuals so that students can build an alligator, dinosaur, a working farm and then they get to programme with it.

“Any kid who is into coding can zone in on it and see the physical payoff of what he or she coded. Then if they love it, they can use the same kit and go on to compete – similar to sports and group play. Kids can work together to accomplish a goal,” says VEX Robotics.

Makeblock

When kids realize they can design and print something, they feel successful. 3D printers for kids allow for unlimited creativity and experimentation, so kids can design at their level and build their skills over time. #3dprinting https://t.co/hjVeJdYWpf

— Makeblock (@Makeblock) December 30, 2019

Building confidence through robotics and coding, Makeblock tailors its curriculum to suit all age groups; from children in kindergarten, through primary to secondary school.

Right now, their “mTiny” early childhood education robot is in demand for children growing up in the digital age.

By using physical blocks and various theme-based story maps to provide engaging simulation, students can receive immediate life-like feedback and generate more creative ideas during their problem-solving processes.

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