STEM Toys for Kids from Purdue University

Here are some really cool STEM / STEAM gifts for students.

I have only included a few gifts that I think are awesome (or are potentially awesome), but, to see a lot more go to the Purdue University “Engineering Gift Guide”.

Click the headings below to go to the product website or to Amazon Smile supporting ForCarol.com.

Electric Motors Catalyst

“The Electric Motors Catalyst makes it easy for parents and teachers to provide kids with super-fun open-ended learning and Tinkering. Kids can build a countless number of projects that utilize the power of electric motors. To help them get started, the Catalyst comes with a set of Challenge Cards. Challenges include:

• Build a machine that draws curvy lines
• Make a machine that can scramble an egg
• Build a vehicle with a suspension system
• And more…”

Cost: $55.00

RoKit Smart

“Rokit Smart, the original programmable robot kit!  Rokit Smart is perfect for those who want to start learning code.

Build 11 different robots from a single kit. Rubber band shooters, line-trackers, sumo wrestlers, anything you can imagine! You get a real circuit board and real tools to work with. Build your mechanical skills while learning about circuitry and engineering.

It also comes with simple step-by-step tutorials to build and program any of the 11 robots. Best of all, Rokit Smart is built with Arduino, one of the most widely used open-source environments for programming.

You get:

• Smart Inventor Arduino-compatible circuit board
• DC motors
• Peg boards
• Metal frames
• Remote control
• USB cable
• Nuts and bolts
• Access to our online tutorials: http://www.robolink.com/learn-rokit-smart
• and more!”

Cost: $119.78

Dr. Beaker

“Stir up excitement in Dr. Beaker’s Laboratory!

Flip a challenge card and race your opponents to match the formula. Using logic and your stirring rod, move the 6 molecules into the right spots. Think ahead – the special rotating platform at the bottom of your beaker only allows them to move one-by-one. Unique game pieces add to the fun in this brain teasing logic race!

Game Facts:
• Ages 8 and Up
• 2-4 Players

Components:
• 4 Beakers
• 4 Stirring Rods
• 24 Colored Balls (8 Orange, 8 Purple, 8 Green)
• 50 Challenge Cards
• Illustrated Rules”

Cost: $21.99

Inventioneers (App)

“In this game you can create your own crazy, fun inventions! With the help of the Inventioneers, our tiny helpers with unique characteristics, you can invent fun, creative and often quite weird inventions. A lot of inventions are included in the game, the more you solve the more parts you receive for your own inventions!

Inventioneers is an outstanding tool for learning about realtime physics and the science behind different features like air, fire, magnetism and jumping bunnies. What you can do with the tool is virtually endless.”

Cost: $2.99 or Free on Amazon (Android, IOS and more)

STEM Perplexors (Logic Puzzle Books)

“Sharpen kids’ deductive reasoning skills with these challenging logic puzzles that feature popular STEM subjects. Each puzzle categorizes information and lists clues below. By using the “cross-out-and-circle” technique, kids will practice logical thinking in order to find the correct answer. Each book includes 50 full-page puzzles with solutions. Printed in the USA. Free orange tote bag with purchase.”

Cost: $41.99

Kingii Dragon Robot

“Kingii Dragon Robot by OWI has an infrared sensor that is programmed to “escape” or “follow me”. If the infrared sensor is activated in the “escape” mode the robot will automatically act “shocked”, spreading its frill, dropping its jaw, illuminating its bicolor LED eyes and scurrying away until it escapes to a safe distance. If the infrared sensor is switched to the “follow-me” mode using the 2-way function switch, then the robot will assess danger by bluffing the attacker (unfurling and shaking its frill). When the robot does not sense danger it might approach you like a pet lizard.”

Cost: $34.72

Walls & Warriors

Position the walls and protect your warriors!