TABLE OF

CONTENTS
TRUSTMARK
The STEM.org Authenticated™ trustmark streamlines consumer’s ability to identify resources that conform
to vetted standards, thus assisting with quick decision-making in favor of quality. When parents and
educators identify such products, they can rest assured that each will:

METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 Integrate seamlessly into STEM-friendly homes and programs

TRUSTMARK....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Align to Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math standards

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Support the development of student’s 21st Century Skills

THE RISE OF THE STEM TOY.....................................................................................................................................4 Engage students through hands-on learning and collaboration
INSIGHTS INTO THE ASCENT OF AN EMERGING INDUSTRY TREND................................................................................... 4
Ensure a secure, third-party review and evaluation process
STEM TOYS CAN HELP ALL STUDENTS, BUT ARE ALL STEM TOYS HELPFUL?.............................................................. 4

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN MAKING A SELECTION.....................................................................................................................5

STEM.org Educational Research™ takes into consideration the following criteria:
BEST IN STEM TOP TOYS AND GAMES 2020–2021........................................................................................ 6
TOYS UNDER $20................................................................................................................................................................................................6
1 STEM SUBJECTS 5 SOCIALIZATION & COMMUNICATION
TOYS $21.99 – $29.99........................................................................................................................................................................................10

TOYS $32.99 – $49.99.......................................................................................................................................................................................14 2 21ST CENTURY SKILLS 6 IMAGINATION & COGNITION

TOYS $59.95 – $69.99......................................................................................................................................................................................20

3 SUPPORT MATERIALS 7 KINESTHETICS & ACTIVE PLAY
TOYS $70.40 – $99.99..................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

TOYS OVER $100............................................................................................................................................................................................... 28 4 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 8 STEM CAREERS

TOYS $29.99 – $49.99 + MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION....................................................................................................................... 31

STEM TOYS INSPIRE THEIR WAY INTO POP CULTURE............................................................................32

TOYMAKERS AND BRANDS LEND A HAND TO STEM EDUCATION.................................................................................... 32 INTRODUCTION
Asked to imagine an inventor, most people probably picture a lone genius toiling in solitude: Einstein
STEM TOY V1.0.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 working out physics formulae or Edison in his patent office or Steve Jobs in his garage. But some of the
STEM TOY MARKET EVOLUTION............................................................................................................................................................. 33 most creative and dedicated inventors are surrounded by other hardworking—often unacknowledged,
everyday people. They’re educators—a category that includes parents. They’re working to raise the next
THE REAL VALUE OF STEM TOYS...........................................................................................................................................................34 generation of scientists and engineers by providing new ways of learning.
A STEM DAY TO REMEMBER..................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Behind these parents and teachers is an army of tinkerers, toymakers and entrepreneurs who continue to
innovate, providing fun ways for students of all ages to internalize the science, technology, engineering and
METHODOLOGY math skills they will need. And with many of our children being schooled from home these days, it’s more
Compared to traditional toy award and product evaluation strategies with relatively high pay-to-play important than ever for families to know which resources they can rely on.
approval percentages (95%+), STEM.org Educational Research™ (SER) has taken into consideration
2,311 science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM-designated products from Q1 2015 – We’re proud that STEM.org has partnered with Newsweek to highlight the toymakers and brands that help
Q3 2020, abiding by its own proprietary 100-point scoring rubric—considered by many of the top strengthen STEM education. We wish a prosperous and engaging time to all the innovators out there, large
brands as the industry standard. Interested parties can submit their items regardless of financial status on and small.
an ongoing basis and trust that SER does not financially benefit from the sale of any product bought or
sold. The organization has issued its authentication to 68.2% or 1,577 out of 2,311. The top 65 or 4% of those
items authenticated (2.8% total) have made this year’s Newsweek Best In STEM list.

2 Applying STEM To Better Understand it TM

3
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 ANALYSIS: THE RISE OF THE WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN MAKING A SELECTION
So, how can parents—and educators—determine which of the new crop of STEM toys are actually beneficial
STEM TOY and which are just getting in on the trend of STEM? Tech firm Technavio, which released a report forecasting
the growth predicted in the STEM toy industry, breaks down educational toys into three categories: academic,
cognitive thinking and motor skills.

INSIGHTS INTO THE ASCENT OF AN EMERGING INDUSTRY TREND Solid academic toys include math and science kits, as well as language learning toys, and these toys should actively
engage children in skill acquisition or application. In other words, children should not be passive observers—a good
academic toy should require them to think, interact with and/or manipulate concepts and ideas.

Cognitive thinking toys for younger children can include puzzles and construction sets that require children to
think logically and apply reason. Cognitive skill-building toys for older students include classics like the Rubik’s
Cube, as well as more advanced construction sets from companies like LEGO, which require older students to apply
concepts of both geometry and engineering.

Motor skill-building toys are a growing subset of STEM toys and primarily apply to the youngest of learners. Toddlers
and preschoolers can benefit from workbench sets or even simple, well-designed building blocks, which allow
young learners to develop the physical skills they need to move and manipulate objects.

Image: Getty / Young Woman Holding Up An AI Robot

While the subjects that comprise the acronym STEM aren’t new, grouping these subjects of study—science,
technology, engineering and mathematics—into a pedagogical approach didn’t become a trend in educational
circles in the early 2000s. Today, as the movement has gained momentum across the globe, more parents are
taking action when faced with traditional curricula that don’t offer their children the kind of content and pedagogy
that will best prepare them for a career of innovation and problem-solving. Some families are advocating for better
courses or enrolling their children in extracurricular STEM programs, while others have turned to the marketplace
to find the answer they seek.

That’s right: STEM toys. STEM toys have actually been around for several years now. As the New Yorker reported
back in 2013, the industry was already welcoming an increase in STEM-related toys for almost a decade. According
to data from a research firm on the toy industry, “Sales of building sets rose 22% from 2011 to 2012, from $1.63 billion
to $1.99 billion; sales of scientific toys and educational toys, while a tiny fraction of overall toy sales, grew as well, by
17% and 25%, respectively.” Image: Getty / Young Boy Playing with Construction Set

For parents who want to give their children additional opportunities to learn and practice STEM skills, quality STEM
STEM TOYS CAN HELP ALL STUDENTS, BUT ARE ALL STEM TOYS HELPFUL? toys can be a great option. A growing market means that retailers are looking to capitalize on the opportunity,
One trend that clearly stands out in the toy market: subscription services. Amazon’s STEM Toy Club, which launched so it’s important to do your research and look for toys that offer dynamic, hands-on learning as opposed to just
in 2017, is perhaps the most visible major company to offer such an option, but the e-commerce juggernaut is not encouraging students to pretend to “do science.” While imagining a world in which they can grow up to be an
the only retailer that’s gotten involved with STEM toys. A recent piece in Retail Dive makes clear that several other engineer or a web designer is valuable, it’s most important that children actually get real-world experience by
large companies, including Walmart and Target, also offer STEM subscription services. The idea is simple: Parents engaging in problem-solving as opposed to playing with something fun that just makes them look the part. After
pay a flat rate per month, and their children receive a different STEM toy or kit each month. all, hard work can definitely feel like play, especially in the STEM fields, so look for toys that offer that sweet spot of
rigor and joy, and watch your child’s interest in STEM take flight.
Subscriptions services are a great way to build curiosity and interest in STEM for kids who might not otherwise be
interested. After all, who among us under age 12 would refuse a new toy in the mail each month? But as a product This article was originally featured in Forbes Community Voice™ on May 29th, 2018.
editor quoted in the RD article makes clear, it can be hard to tell if retailers are offering truly educational, engaging
STEM toys or just trying to capitalize on the trend of STEM: “Amazon is actually late to the game,” Jennifer Stein
said. “STEM has become a fabulous term for marketers to use because parents buy into it, but it has been around. About the Author: Andrew B. Raupp is the founder and executive director at STEM.org Educational
For it to be effective, it needs to be used correctly.” One can assume that most seasoned STEM educators couldn’t ResearchTM “Democratizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education through sound
agree more. policy & practice . . .”

4 Applying STEM To Better Understand it TM

5
Copyright © 2001–2021 STEM.org | Educational ResearchTM All Rights Reserved.
 BEST IN STEM 5+
EARS

Y
TOP TOYS AND GAMES $14 99 EACH

2020–2021 SHAamory

Toys Under $20

SHAamory
Blockchain is one of the most critical
technologies of the future, and
SHAmory makes it easy to explain to
Great STEM toys spark imaginative, open-ended play while helping children develop skills kids and adults alike. This card game
related to science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM.org reviews hundreds of toys and will have you Bitcoin mining and
games each year to help parents and educators provide a rich, engaging, and fun learning building blockchain in no time, and
experience to children of all ages. challenge cards step up the difficulty
as kids learn the ropes.
These are our picks for the top STEM toys of 2020–2021.
EARS
EARS
6+

Y
6+
Y

$14 95 EACH $17 99 EACH

1500 Piece Mixed Color Series Dissect-It

Pix Brix Top Secret Toys, LLC
Pix Brix are interlocking bricks that can be Dissect-It allows kids to explore
used to create 2D designs or 3D sculptures. the skeleton and organs of a frog
Sets come with a rainbow of squares for without harming any animals. A
hands-on play that seamlessly blends art unique, refillable gelatin material can
and engineering skills. There’s also an app be sliced with plastic tools to reveal
to pixelate favorite photos for personalized what’s inside, creating a realistic
puzzles. dissection kit that’s safe and engaging
for very young learners.

EARS EARS

6+ 8+
Y

Y
$14 99
EACH
$19 90 EACH

STEM LAB Counter

Moody Goat Terrarium Kit
UGears
Moody Goat, Inc. The STEM Lab Counter provides
The Moody Goat Terrarium Kit comes double the fun. First, kids build a
with everything kids need to grow a working mechanical click counter to
miniature garden, including layers of understand the ancient mechanism
sand and soil that promote healthy behind common odometers. Then,
roots. The kit also has decorations kids can use their counter to measure
and a nightlight to spark imaginative any repeated action or object in
stories about this tiny DIY ecosystem. household experiments.

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 EARS

10+

Y
$19 99 EACH

Toys Under $20

Merge Cube
EARS
Merge Labs, Inc.
6+

Y
$19
The Merge Cube lets kids explore objects
from dinosaur bones to spacecraft with 99
EACH
their own hands. When you point your
tablet at the Merge Cube, it transforms
into one of thousands of objects that Stack By Numbers – Rocket
kids can engage with for a fascinating
tactile learning experience. BrickMates
Stack By Numbers kits contain
interlocking bricks that kids can use to
build 3D puzzles. The template snaps
EARS under the clear baseplate to tell kids
Y
3+ how high to stack bricks to complete

$19 99
EACH
the design. Free printables let kids make
their own templates, too.

Play 22 Toy Rocket Launcher

Home 4U
Soft foam rockets take to the sky when
kids step—or jump!—on the air pump. The EARS

3+

Y
Toy Rocket Launcher is a great way to get
even the youngest learners outside and
experimenting with cause and effect as
they send colorful rockets into the air.
$19 99 EACH

STEM Bolts & Nuts Building Set

Smart Wallaby
O NT H

0+
The colorful STEM Bolts and Nuts Building Set
M

$19 99
comes with a toy hex wrench that kids use to
EACH build anything they can imagine. Blocks, straps,
and spinning wheels provide an engineering
foundation as kids create their own toys and
Stacks of Circles works of art.
Sassy Baby
Finding great educational toys for the
littlest learners is always a challenge,
but Stacks of Circles delivers. Bright
rings can be stacked in any order to
build early hand-eye coordination.
As baby grows, rings can be counted
and sorted by color, texture, weight,
and pattern.

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 EARS EARS

6+ 7+

Y
$21 99 EACH $24 95 EACH

$21.99 – $29.99
Ant Farm Castle 2.0 Recycle Rally
NAVADeal Adventerra Games
Ants are industrious, fascinating Your kids know it’s important to fill
creatures, so they’re perfect for the recycling bin, but what happens
budding biologists to study. The Ant after it’s emptied? Recycle Rally is a
Farm Castle 2.0 uses an innovative fun board game that gets kids talking
blue gel instead of soil to provide about trash, what happens to it, and
a clearer look at your colony—and how we can all work to make more
to provide nutrients to ants for a eco-friendly choices.
foolproof ecosystem.

EARS EARS
Y
7+ 4+

Y
$22 50 EACH $24 99 EACH

Bullseye Math Game 2nd Edition Butterfly Garden with Voucher

JEM Games Insect Lore
Designed by a math teacher, Bullseye is Insect Lore has been providing kids with up-
deceptively simple: just roll the dice to create close-and-personal learning for decades. Their
an equation that gets you to the designated classic Butterfly Garden is a mesh enclosure
answer. Endless combinations and easy play for watching caterpillars change into beautiful
help kids internalize math facts while building butterflies—just turn in the voucher for the
strong mental math skills. live insects when you’re ready to begin.

EARS EARS

3+ 8+
Y

Y
$24 90 EACH $24 99 EACH

Europa Kids Outdoor Light-up Crystal Growing

Explorer Kit Kit for Kids
Europa, LLC Dan & Darci
The Outdoor Explorer Kit has everything Encourage young chemists to explore
kids need for a backyard nature safari, crystals with the Light-Up Crystal
including a butterfly net, specimen jar, Growing Kit. After mixing the crystal
binoculars, and more. This kit is perfect starter and growing three different
for bird watching, bug collecting, or colored crystals, kids can enjoy them
imaginative play that encourages an as part of a nightlight set to study the
exploration of your own ecosystem. crystals’ unique details.

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 ONTH EARS

0+

M
7+

Y
$24 99 EACH $29 99 EACH

$21.99 – $29.99
48 Piece Beads And Geomag - Mechanics - Magnetic
Accessories In Zipper Bag Motion 86 Piece Building Set
Lalaboom Geomagworld SA
Large Lalabloom Beads stimulate babies Geomag Mechanics combines magnetic
and toddlers with different textures, Geomag balls and rods with mechanical pieces
shapes and colors. As children get older, that allow kids to build a real moving machine.
they can enjoy stringing beads together, The set provides hands-on learning about the
stacking them, and playing with them in power of attraction and repulsion to build and
the bath or at the beach. This multi-age then power their creations.
toy grows with children through several
stages of development.

EARS

5+
EARS

Y
4+
Y

$29 95
EACH
$29 99 EACH

DoodleMatic / Pixicade Interactive

AniBlock Puzzle Challenger III Mobile Game Creating Starter Kit
AniBlock
Tink Digital, Inc.
Parents who remember Tetris will love AniBlock
What goes into designing a great video game? The
Puzzle Challengers. Each set has puzzle blocks
DoodleMatic Mobile Game Maker lets kids turn
with different configurations of squares. Young
original drawings into real mobile games they can
children can place the pieces on the board any
play on an app. The included guidebook teaches kids
way they like, while older children will enjoy the
the basic elements of game design for interactive fun.
challenge of creating specified designs with the
accompanying app.

ONTH
EARS
0+

S
4+
Y

$29 99
EACH $29 99
EACH

Sweet Friends 74 Piece Set Primo Kangaroo

Clicformers Dolce Toys

Interlocking plastic squares click, bend This cuddly kangaroo is an ideal first
and fold to create 3D creations in the toy for babies and toddlers. The Primo
Clicformers Sweet Friends set. After Kangaroo features shakers, squeakers,
following directions to build the cute crinkles and even a separate baby
puppies in this set, kids can reconfigure joey to promote age-appropriate play.
the pieces to build anything they like with The soft toy is also designed for safe
this clever construction toy. teething and tactile exploration.

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 AR
EEA RSS
EARS

5+ 6+

Y
$32 99 EACH
EACH
$39 95 EACH

$32.99 – $49.99
Human Body Educational
Puzzle - 100 Pieces
Ooze Labs Chemistry Station
Thames & Kosmos
Janod Toys
The Ooze Labs Chemistry Station comes
The Human Body Educational Puzzle
complete with pipettes, test tubes, beakers
is actually four puzzles in one: an
and plenty of other tools that scientists use
anatomically correct boy, girl, skeleton,
to conduct experiments. Non-hazardous
and internal organ cross-section. Kid-
chemicals and easy-to-read instructions
friendly artwork and the jumbo 39-
make it fun to explore chemical reactions
inch size help youngsters connect new
in real life.
EARS concepts to their own bodies.

8+
Y

$34 95
8+
EARS

Y
EACH

Galton Board $39 99 EACH

Four Pines Publishing, Inc. Moving Creations with K’nex

The Galton Board is a miniature lesson
on probability and the bell curve. Hand2mind
Just flip the board, and the beads fall
into a standard distribution pattern. Get young minds thinking about pneumatic
It’s a great way to see that there’s and hydraulic power as their build their own
mathematical order in what seems machines with K’NEX components. Moving
like random chaos. Creations with K’NEX comes with a notebook
full of challenging builds and fun experiments
that are perfect for budding engineers.

EARS

6+ EARS
Y

6+

Y
$39 95 EACH $39 99
EACH

Motorized Ferris Wheel Pix Perfect Deluxe Pixel Art Kit

Smartstoy Pix Perfect, LLC
The wooden Motorized Ferris Wheel The Pix Perfect Deluxe Pixel Art Kit puts a
construction kit comes with a motor crafty spin on math and geometry as kids
and all the tools you need to build create masterpieces on a grid. Sparkly sequins
a working model of an engineering can be reused to create patterns, tessellations,
marvel. This is a great project to and other pictures that can be displayed
promote the problem-solving and easily on the wall.
fine-motor skills used in construction.

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 EARS
EARS
4+

Y
8+

Y
$39 99 EACH $40 00 EACH

$32.99 – $49.99
Gridopolis DISCOVER
Gridopolis Games, LLC Makedo
Gridopolis is a 3D checkers game Makers everywhere love building models
that you build as you play, combining out of cardboard to get their ideas out
engineering, geometry, and strategy in the world. The Makedo DISCOVER kit
into one dynamic activity. The game is is the ultimate toolbox for cardboard
never the same twice, so it grows with construction and includes safety saws,
kids’ skills for years of fun. a perforator wheel, and plastic screw
connectors and screwdrivers to build
EARS 3D creations.
Y
14+
$39
EARS
99
8+

Y
EACH

STEM Epic Heroes $43 99 EACH

Collector’s Edition
Circuit Blox 120 - E-Blox Circuit
Mythic Lab Board Building Blocks Toys for Kids
Teens will love the strategy of this
competitive card game. STEM Epic E-Blox, Inc.
Heroes has players using famous This battery-powered circuit board lets kids use
scientists in a race to make discoveries interlocking bricks to create working lights, alarms,
and collect more cards. This special motors and more. A variety of specialty bricks work
collector’s edition features additional to power inventions that gradually grow more
scientists and special foil cards not complex—including an FM radio receiver. E-Blox
available elsewhere. are also compatible with other interlocking bricks.
EARS

5+
Y

EARS

$39 99 2+

Y
EACH
$46 99
EACH

Pulley 77 Piece Set

Helio Base LED Projector
Brackitz
Helio Productions, Inc.
Hands-on building is made easy for
small hands with the Brackitz Pulley Helio is an award-winning nightlight that
77 Piece Set. Standard rods and serves as a projector in your child’s room.
connectors combine with cracks, Interchangeable discs project everything
pulleys and cables to create fun from math facts to images of the solar
contraptions like cranes, zip lines, and system onto bedroom walls to reinforce
a drawbridge—or whatever your child important STEM concepts in a beautiful,
can imagine. relaxing way.

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 AUTHENT
JOIN THE STEM.ORG RG

.O

IC
STEM • STEAM

ST M

ATE
D
CT
ED
C

U
U
AT D

PRODUCT ALLIANCE
IO O
NAL PR

$32.99 – $49.99
EARS

4+

Y
$49 99 EACH

Fun Forts Glow in the Dark

81 Piece Building Set
Power Your Fun
Extra-large rods and spheres form a
life-size building set that kids can use
to frame a play fort indoors or out. Rods
glow in the dark so the frame remains
visible, even under blankets. Fun Forts
Glow in the Dark is perfect for small
hands and big imaginations.

EARS

12+
Y

$49 99 EACH

The Entrepreneur Game by

EESpeaks
DM Media, Inc.
This board game walks players through
everything it takes to run a successful
business. In addition to math and money
skills, The Entrepreneur Game sparks
kids’ imaginations about starting their
own businesses—a crucial skill for future
makers and inventors.
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF
STEM • STEAM product standards
by becoming a member today!
LEARN MORE AT STEM.ORG

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 EARS EARS

8+ 14+

Y
$59 95 EACH
$59 99 EACH

$59.95 – $69.99
Rubik’s Connected Cube U-505
Rubik’s Brand, Ltd. The Atom Brick, Inc.
The Rubik’s Connected Cube
The Atom Brick is three-quarters the size
brings the classic puzzle into the
of a standard interlocking brick, so it’s ideal
twenty-first century with internet
for teens taking their skills to the next level
connectivity. Kids can use a mobile
with more detailed builds. The U-505 is a
app to learn to solve the puzzle, then
scale model of German U-boats—perfect
build their speed skills to battle other
for STEM and history lovers alike.
players online.

EARS
EARS
Y 6+ 6+

Y
$59 99
EACH
$59 99 EACH

Circuit Explorer Deluxe 3Doodler Start

Base Station “Learn from Home” Pen Set
Educational Insights 3Doodler
The Circuit Explorer Deluxe Base
No 3D printer? No problem! 3Doodler has
Station lets future astronauts build
invented a handheld 3D printing pen that
a space station with lights, battery
lets kids draw their creations. Extruded
powered rovers, and a voice synthesizer.
plastic is cool to the touch, BPA-free, and
Learning is twofold as kids learn about
compostable, allowing kids hours of free-
construction and circuitry to make the
form design time to bring their ideas to life.
imaginative gadgets turn on and off.

EARS EARS

6+

Y
6+
Y

$64 99
$59 99 EACH

EACH
Lux Blox STEAM Inventor with
Gujo Destination Mars Rocket Accessories Rainbow Set
Lukilab LUX BLOX
The Gujo Rocket lets kids connect detailed Lux Blox plastic squares are deceptively
panels with plastic pieces to get kids simple but can be clicked together in
building. Follow the directions to build a thousands of way to make 3D creations.
rocket, then recombine pieces to design The STEAM Inventor set comes with wheels,
other vehicles. Once the rocket is complete, axles, and rubber bands for building
kids can act out their own space adventures vehicles, machines, and even a friendly dog.
with the included astronaut.

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 EARS

7+

Y
$69 95 EACH

$59.95 – $69.99
EARS
HUE Animation Studio
5+

Y
HUE
HUE Animation software was invented
by teachers to provide an easy-to-
$69 99 EACH

use system for creating stop-motion

animation. The simple interface works Toaster Pets
on most opperating systems and will Cartoons Studio Kit
have kids creating animated movies,
time-lapse videos, and special effects Toaster Party, Inc.
in no time.
Toaster Pets Cartoon Studio Kit lets
EARS kids create animated cartoons with a

8+
simple app. The kit comes with 10 plastic
Y

characters that kids can manipulate, film,

$69 95 EACH
and import onto a range of backgrounds to
their story. AI helps characters mimic kids’
mouth movements for realistic dialogue
Turing Tumble and reactions.

Turing Tumble, LLC

Named for mathematician Alan EARS

5+
Turing, the Turing Tumble teaches

Y
coding concepts with analog switches,
interceptors and gears. Kids follow an
engaging graphic novel with puzzles
that they build a machine to solve.
$69 99 EACH

Simple initial problems evolve into Chain Reaction

challenges that even adults will love.
Smartivity
Smartivity’s Chain Reaction game is a fun
EARS
way for kids to discover cause and effect in
3+
Y

kinetics. Wooden modules can be set up

$69 99
to trigger a chain reaction that launches
a marble to play skee ball, bowling, or a
EACH
knock-down game for hours of fun.

Tileblox Rainbow 20 Piece

Tileblox
Young builders will love how easily
magnetic Tileblox snap together. This
set of 20 square and triangle tiles comes
in a rainbow of hues that let children
build strong spatial skills as they create
colorful 2D and 3D projects.

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 EARS

5+

Y
EARS

8+

Y
$70 40 $84 99 EACH

$70.40 – $99.99
EACH
Botley 2.0
MyHome
Learning Resources
Elenco Electronics
Botley 2.0 teaches young kids to code—
Budding electrical engineers will love without the excess screen time. This
designing a working electrical system with 78-piece kit includes everything needed
the MyHome building kit. After using the base to teach Botley to solve a maze, run an
plates to construct a house or high-rise, kids obstacle course, and more. Lights, sounds,
add circuits, switches, doorbells, a security and a few “hidden” features make Botley
system, and more to power their creations. an engaging companion.

EARS

5+
Y
EARS

$79 99 3+

Y
$99 99
EACH

EACH
Crayon Edition: Triple Fun
Set of 3 – VertiPlay STEM Magformers Backyard
Marble Run Adventure 61 Piece
Oribel Pte, Ltd. Magformers
This modular peel-and-stick Marble The Magformers Backyard Adventure Set
Run hangs on the wall and supports a includes 61 magnetic tiles and shapes that
collection of levers and tracks that kids stick together to create 3D builds. Magnetic
combine to guide the marble to its final pieces always attract rather than repel, so
destination. Hands-on experimentation the set is ideal for small hands. Extra pieces
leads to a deeper understanding of the help children create a backyard swing set to
laws of physics. encourage young imaginations.
EARS

6+
Y

EARS

$83 99 3+

Y
$99 99
EACH

EACH
Arcade Coder
BAKOBA Pioneer
Tech Will Save Us
Arcade Coder works with your iPad BAKOBA
to teach kids all about coding and Soft, machine-washable foam BAKOBA
game design. After learning to play blocks are large enough for small hands
classic arcade games, they can then to manipulate easily for creative building
change the games, design their own projects. The BAKOBA Pioneer kit includes
characters, and code a whole new wheels, eyes, and connectors that allow
game. Learning to code is fun every BAKOBA to connect to LEGO bricks to
step of the way. expand construction possibilities.

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EARS
JOIN THE ALLIANCE!

$70.40 – $99.99
3+

Y
$99 95 EACH

STEM Blocks 50 Piece Kit

Kontu
Magnetic Kontu STEM Blocks are a tactile
delight for early learners as they explore
counting, magnetism, building, and more.
Sustainably made wooden blocks can
be stacked and manipulated to solve the
included puzzle cards or used in free-form
imaginative play.

AUTHENT
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EARS

5+

T
EA
Y

UC
RL
Y

D
CH O
PR

$99 99
IL D
HOOD

EACH
AGES 0–3 MONTHS
SCORE 82+/ 100

Oregon Scientific SG268R

Smart Globe Adventure AR
Oregon Scientific
The Oregon Scientific Smart Globe lets
students explore the world to learn about
geography, science and social studies in
an interactive way. Just touch the smart
pen to the globe to learn about 25 different AGES 3+
topics. The globe connects to your tablet for SCORE 70–81/ 100
engaging learning games, too.
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AGES 3+
SCORE 82+/ 100

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 EARS

4+

Y
$139 00

$70.40
Toys Over
EACH

EARS
Cubelets Discovery Set
2+

Y
$119
Modular Robotics

– $99.99
99
EACH What happens when you add a tiny

$100
computer to a set of building blocks?
STEM Jr.™ Wonder Lab™ You get the Cubelets Discovery Set. Each
block has its own function, so kids can
MGA Entertainment, Inc. experiment with coding cause and effect
to build a range of miniature robots.
The STEM Jr. Wonder Lab lets toddlers
pretend to be scientists with a play
laboratory set. This sturdy Little Tykes
play set include plenty of age-appropriate EARS

8+

Y
tactile stimulation and over 40 hands-on

$139 99
experiments to conduct with accessories
that include kid-friendly plastic test
EACH
tubes, an eyedropper, goggles, and more.

Mini Unit Beams Bridges

Unit Bricks
Take block play to the next level with the
Mini Unit Beams Bridges Builder Set.
EARS Solid hardwood Unit Bricks come with
6+
Y

large beams and other specialty pieces

made for building suspension bridges.

$129 99 EACH
Budding engineers learn by doing as they
experiment with bridge design.

STEM@Home Kits 5-pack

Science Explorers EARS

5+

Y
$159 99
The STEM@Home Kit comes with five
hands-on science lessons and the
EACH
materials needed to experiment with
super string slime, air pressure, an owl
pellet, and more. Each activity comes ThinkPlay Gears Extreme
with detailed instructions for loads of
hands-on science fun. ThinkPlay, Ltd. / Morphun
Explore the basics of physics with
ThinkPlay Gears Extreme, a building
set of colorful plastic gears, chains and
pulleys. Kids learn how gears work
together to create friction, power, and
motion as they build their own clocks
and working machines.

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 EARS EARS

10+

Y
12+

Y
$224 95 $2999– $4999

$70.40
EACH

Toys Over $100

EACH EACH

$29.99–$49.99
Jade Robot
Bluetooth Speaker
Mimetics, Inc.
Creation Crate

– $99.99 + Monthly Subscription

The Jade Robot is packed with features—all of
which are visible on its unique exterior circuit The Creation Crate Bluetooth Speaker
board. There are light and object sensors, a is a project kit that includes everything
spectrometer, and a line-following sensor. Kids teens need to build their own Bluetooth
can use the mobile app to program Jade to speaker to connect to a smartphone.
perform a wide range of tasks. A complete course online course
teaches all about sound and wireless
technology while providing step-by-
EARS
step building instructions.
8+
Y

$249 99 EACH

Piper Computer Kit EARS

2+

Y
Piper, Inc.
The Piper Computer Kit’s laser-cut wooden
pieces and a full slate of electronics allow $4950+ $1795
EACH PER MONTH

kids to build their own working computer.

Young computer engineers can build, Square Panda
dismantle, and rebuild the computer Literacy System
several times to understand the hardware,
then enjoy 11 different coding projects with Square Panda, Inc.
Raspberry Pi.
The Square Panda Literacy System helps
kids build reading readiness skills and
confidence. Sets of print books and
EARS flashcards work seamlessly with online
6+
Y

books and SwipePhonics technology to

$299 00
promote independence. Square Panda
makes learning phonics both engaging
EACH
and effective.

Kano PC
Kano
Kano PC is the perfect first computer
for kids. Durable parts click in and out
so kids can build their own machine,
then learn to use basic programming
and Windows computer apps with
the included kid-friendly software.
Webcam and accessories are also
available.

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Copyright © 2001–2021 STEM.org | Educational ResearchTM All Rights Reserved.
 STEM TOYS INSPIRE THEIR WAY
To give his students a concrete way to visualize and manipulate 3D problems kinesthetically, the professor spent
nearly all of his free time assembling blocks of wood and paper, searching for ways to connect them that would let
INTO POP CULTURE architectural students twist and turn the shapes to understand how they interacted with each other in space. The
result of all of that tinkering was what the inventor ended up calling a “Magic Cube.”

Today, we all know this as a Rubik’s Cube, one of the most popular puzzle toys ever made—and over 450 million
sold to prove it.
TOYMAKERS AND BRANDS LEND A HAND TO STEM EDUCATION
Hungarian inventor Ernő Rubik himself wasn’t sure exactly how to solve the puzzle he had created at first, and
no wonder. Mathematicians have calculated that the Rubik’s Cube has over 43 quintillion move combinations,
and is the ideal tool for exploring the concept of group theory. Rubik, having limited experience with his newly-
created twisty puzzle, took a month to solve it on his own. But this is fitting for the prototypical STEM toy: its maker
passionately believes in the power of self-teaching and often “bristles at the idea that those in authority are in the
best position to impart knowledge.”

And that is the idea behind all the best STEM toys: learners will do whatever it takes to explore a task, apply new
skills, and hone effective ways of thinking to solve a problem—provided that it is presented in an inherently fun and
engaging way.

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

Image: Getty / Boys Playing With A STEM Toy

Image: Shutterstock / Solving An Early Puzzle Cube

If you were to close your eyes and imagine an inventor, what would you picture?
For most people, the image of a lone genius toiling away in solitude is a strong one. From Einstein figuring out STEM TOY MARKET EVOLUTION
physics formulas, to Edison in his patent office and Steve Jobs in his garage, many of our greatest thinkers needed The late 1960s and early 70s welcomed notable rumblings of the now-booming STEM toy industry, although the
lots of time and a space to work out their ideas before stunning the rest of the world with their innovations. official acronym wouldn’t be coined until the 1990s or brought into wide use until the twenty-first century. In
addition to the Rubik’s Cube, Carlos White’s Insect Lore was an early pioneer in this space, creating a product that
But some of the world’s greatest minds aren’t just determined to make something new. Instead, they strive to find shipped caterpillars to children so they could see the process of metamorphosis with their own eyes and then
ways to pass novel ideas on to others. These inventors are also educators, solving the problem of how to raise the release a butterfly into the wild. Lego USA began operations in 1972, leading to a huge demand for the interlocking
next generation of scientists and engineers by providing new ways of learning. They are the tinkerers, toymakers, brick, which is still a staple of makerspaces and playrooms around the world. Meanwhile, in the suburbs of Chicago,
and entrepreneurs who continue to innovate, providing fun ways for students of all ages to internalize the science, Gil Cecchin and Arthur F. Seymour along with their wives Carol and Maryann began building, distributing and
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills that they will need to solve the problems of tomorrow. marketing a product to help television repairmen and Elenco Electronics, Inc. was born. It now serves the world
with its innovative toys, gadgets and bestselling educational products. Arthur has since left Elenco and has gone
on to start a separate STEM toy brand named E-Blox, Inc.—both remain family owned and operated companies.
STEM TOY V1.0
In 1974, a professor of architecture was obsessed with finding a way to help his students understand and solve
As academic leaders began to develop curriculum to better prepare students for the important science and
problems in three dimensions. This is, after all, the work of architects and engineers. However, back then traditional
technology careers that would drive the economy of the new century, toymakers wittingly stepped up their game.
schooling too often favored—and still tends to lean towards two-dimensional thinking, rote memorization and pen-
and-paper problem solving.

32 Applying STEM To Better Understand it TM

33
Copyright © 2001–2021 STEM.org | Educational ResearchTM All Rights Reserved.
 STEM TOYS INSPIRE THEIR WAY
And this connection is crucial. Researchers have long known that strong school-home connections reinforce lessons
and democratize learning by turning the whole world into a classroom where students become self-motivated
INTO POP CULTURE CONTINUED . . . learners. Best practices encourage teachers to develop projects and activities that involve parents and draw
connections between schoolwork and real life. These connections strengthen community and support deeper,
more critical thinking.

Such skills are key when facilitating solid STEM learning outcomes, and toymakers leapt to the task of filling the gap.
Large companies like Fisher-Price followed suit. It partnered with Compaq to make more realistic electronic toys in In doing so, they created real positive buzz around STEM learning in general. Witnessing firsthand often incredibly
the mid-1990s, and by the 2010s they were making toys designed to teach programming and coding skills to kids dry concepts brought to life with colorful toys, some parents found it much easier to accept the movement. As
as young as age three. toy shelves began to fill with an assortment of products donning beautiful packaging marked “STEM”, it tangibly
began to deliver a somewhat abstract and intimidating concept into the mainstream. Parents were now free to
Today, thanks to innovative manufacturers as well as “edupreneurs,” individual inventors, and toy companies of all embrace the idea that play could be more valuable and that they could support their child’s learning on their own,
sizes, the global market for STEM toys is expected to grow by nearly $474 million through the year 2024. Though not just in the classroom.
STEM toys are just a small splice of the overall toy market, it’s no doubt one of the fastest-growing segments.
This was the final piece of the puzzle that took STEM from an educational buzzword—one that could have easily
One can now find STEM-themed toys online and in their own aisles at Target, stuffed end caps at office supply gone the way of so many pedagogical fads—and turned it into a powerful movement that has captured the
stores like Staples and even center displays at some of the most unlikely of places—Michaels which is known mostly imagination and attention of dueling politicians, school boards, creative teachers, and fun-loving families alike.
for its art supplies. With major retailers firmly on board, STEM toys are as much a part of childhood today as Slinkys Toymakers managed to do what even the most civic-minded educational leaders could not: they made STEM
and hula hoops were in decades past. accessible for all stakeholders.

A STEM DAY TO REMEMBER

For a perfect example of the influence that toy companies have on the overall [STEM Education] movement, one
needs look no further than National STEM Day. Celebrated across the country on November 8th, STEM Day is meant
to shine a spotlight on the importance of strong STEM education for today’s youth. Many schools celebrate with
fun STEM activities, and even NASA has recommendations on making the day both inspirational and educational.

But do you know why STEM Day lands on November 8th? It’s not because a group of university professors or
government officials decreed it. It’s because MGA Entertainment, one of the world’s largest privately held toy
companies, did the work to establish the day to support STEM while promoting their Project Mc2 Franchise of dolls,
apps, and entertainment. In the Project Mc2 world, a group of smart girls work in a secret organization called NOV8
(pronounced “innovate”). The Nov. 8 date for National STEM Day in America was created as a result.

Although #NOV8 may have initially appeared like a brand promotional strategy, it—like so many STEM toys, games
and puzzles—has enriched everyone’s connection to the movement as a whole. And for this, we all owe a debt of
gratitude to toymakers and their associated brands large and small. Their creativity is leading to a bright future for
young people everywhere.

STEM education is teaching and learning in science,

technology, engineering and math. It includes both
pedagogical and andragogical activities across all
developmental levels—from pre-school to post-doctorate
—in both formal and informal settings, which has grown
into an international movement to serve the greater good.

Image: Getty / Girls Experimenting In The Laboratory

THE REAL VALUE OF STEM TOYS Editor’s Note: The Newsweek Best In STEM Top Toys and Games list for 2020–2021 powered by: STEM.org
The best STEM toys support learning and help encourage critical thinking. They instill a love for design and Educational Research™ is one of the few unsolicited roundups where brands do not pay to be listed. In
exploration. But creative toymakers are often the overlooked, unsung heroes of the STEM movement. These addition, both the evaluating organization and the publisher have abstained from paid affiliate partnerships
passionate inventors and designers took the dream of educators and brought it into the public consciousness in
associated with this program. Readers can have confidence that all of the items selected are based solely on
a way that traditional pedagogy could never achieve. STEM toys are the keystone in the arch that bridges the gap
between school and home. product merit versus the size of each organization’s marketing budget or industry influence.
—Andrew B. Raupp is the founder and executive director at STEM.org Educational ResearchTM

Applying STEM To Better Understand it TM

35
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