Make Playtime,
STEM Time!
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
T 16 STEM toys so fun, kids won’t realize how much they’re learning
o day, it’s more crucial than ever for boys
and girls alike to develop a keen interest
in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM). That’s because the pace
of scientifi c and technological advancement over the
coming decades is expected to continue climbing at an
exponential rate. And that means bringing an increased
demand for STEM related careers along with it.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM
jobs have already increased by 14 percent since 2008,
while non-STEM jobs have grown only 1.7 percent. So it’s
smart for parents to prepare their kids for this changing
job market — even at an early age.

But on a broader scope, STEM education offers great
value by helping kids develop critical thinking and
problem solving skills — competencies that go a long
way in any career and in life.

So how do you help your child develop an appreciation
for these subjects and boost their knowledge and
understanding in these areas? Play is often the best way
for children to learn where they can apply concepts and
skills. Fortunately, there are numerous games, toys and
kits on the market that make learning STEM lots
of fun.

TOYS THAT TEACH STEM
1» QURIOUS SPACE for ages 3+.

This 4-in-1 family card game teaches
kids about the solar system, Milky
Way galaxy and more. Kids will learn
simple strategy and creative problem
solving skills, while developing
vocabulary and enhancing their
memory. 2» MAGFORMERS for ages 3+.

These magnetic geometric construction
kits come in a variety of choices.

Kids can build 3-D structures such
as houses, pyramids and balls out of
colorful magnetic triangles, diamonds,
trapezoids and squares.

3» MUDDWATT STEM KIT: CLEAN
ENERGY FROM MUD! for ages 8+.

Kids will love conducting experiments
with soil by adding ingredients from
the fridge to build a living fuel cell.

A free app will then allow kids to
measure the power and track microbe
growth. 4» SNAP CIRCUITS for ages 7+. More than 100 projects will keep kids busy
and learning with these electronics discovery kits. Snap Circuit kits have won
numerous awards and come in several variations. Contents of various kits include
phototransistors, LEDs, resistors, ICs, DC motors, fl ying propellers, electromagnets,
lamps, switches and much more. Projects kids can make include an AM radio, burglar
alarm, doorbell, fl ying saucer and voice recorder, to name a few.

26 August 2018
washingtonFAMILY.com