What the tarnation are STEM products anyway? Which are the best STEM products for kindergarten students? These items are all the rage these days. Why? The simple answer is because more standards have been added that I have never seen before in my 20 years of teaching.
The easiest way to teach these standards is to buy engaging and skill appropriate materials. That’s why teachers are always broke. New standards require new materials. We will explore the five best STEM products for kindergarten students and what makes them so educational?
New Trends
The new trend in education is to get students more interested in science, technology, engineering and math. That is what STEM stands for in case you weren’t aware of this heavily used acronym. It happens to be everywhere.
The idea with early learning products is to create a healthy attraction among children to engineering and reasoning skills. This will hopefully translate in the long run to innovative adults that pursue jobs in related fields. Do these products actually in fact do that? The jury is still out!
We may have to wait ten to fifteen years to see if we have more students who absolutely adore subjects like engineering, math, science and technology. That would be something, wouldn’t it?
So, will we have a better, more educated pool of statisticians, financial analysts, web designers and mechanical engineers? I sure hope so as I am investing a lot of my hard earned teacher cash into buying these latest trend products.
Which products meet the kindergarten standards?
Before you buy, it is important to really understand the STEM standards and what they hope to accomplish. Engineering is a term the average person thinks of as building. Yes, engineers build but with a solid purpose in mind.
They want to make things easier and solve problems with their building. This is what I keep in mind when looking for products. I want students to develop problem solving and creativity while “playing” with their STEM materials. I refer to this as “Play with Purpose.”
So, here are the 5 best STEM products for kindergarten. They accomplish the early education goals of “Playing with a Purpose.” When thinking about products for my classroom, I think about three things: the educational value, the price, and how long my kindergarten students will stay focused, occupied and learning. (Huge, right?)
VIAHART Brain Flakes 500 Piece Interlocking Plastic Disc set
Cost: This product is an Amazon Choice for STEM educational toys. It has incredible substance for the cost of 14.99 with eligible free shipping. With 500 pieces, students can work collaboratively or independently with no problem.
When looking at products, I like to ensure that a center of 4 or 5 students have access to enough materials. Teachers are always thinking of how to minimize problems and be proactive.
Educational Benefit– This toy has limitless educational benefits. For one, the pincher grasp needed to hold a pencil is developed and strengthened. Also, this type of shape requires divergent thinking in a way that building blocks do not. One has to utilize visualization to proceed with construction.
Colors, sorting and patterning could also be taught with this product. The possibilities for construction are endless. Balls, trees, homes, cars, and trains can be created with this product. A question to guide instruction could be: What would you build that would provide food?
Child Focus– Student focus is off the charts with this product. They love it! I love it! The huge supply of pieces makes this resource invaluable. This educational masterpiece would be the most appropriate for ages 4-8.
Mr. Marble Run Starter Set (48 Large Marble Run Pieces + 10 Glass Marbles)
Cost: It is18.95 and qualifies for free shipping. This is an incredible value and a better alternative than the small marble runs that tend to be poorly created.
Educational Value-This is by far the best marble run for kindergarten classrooms. 10 glass marbles and 5 solid bases are provided.
This set is constructed very well and can be stored easily. Marble runs can be changed and marbles can be raced which allows predictions and outcomes to be tested. The scientific value of learning about force and what creates speed are inherent in this product.
Child Focus- Hours of enjoyment for anyone who wishes to test out this product. Children and adults will not be disappointed with Mr. Marble. Students four and up will be engaged from the moment they see this exciting product. Mr. Marble will be your best buddy. It is one of the best STEM products for kindergarten students.
Skoolzy Straws and Connectors Building Kits – 200 pc Fine Motor Skills Interlocking STEM Toys
Cost- Well, once again there is a lot of bang for your buck here. I know I don’t like spending over 20.00 for a kindergarten center, and this is very much worth every penny spent.
Educational Benefit- These straws have the ability to curve, so many various objects such as boats and 3 dimensional shapes can be created. This would be useful for a center of 3 or 4 students to be able to work individually and collaboratively.
One idea would be for the students to create a St. Patrick’s Day trap. Another idea would be to create a two-story tower where people would be able to go from one story to the next. These straws are colorful and bright and inviting. I highly recommend this product.
Child Focus- There are so many different activities that can be successfully achieved with this product. Simple geometric shapes can be developed as well as large structures. Children of all ages can easily create masterpieces independently.
Think Fun Rush Hour Junior Traffic Jam Logic Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 5 and Up – Junior Version of the International Rush Hour
Cost– This game costs 19.99 with opportunity for free shipping. The hours that your child will be occupied and learning spatial, reasoning, and logic skills are well worth the price tag.
Educational Benefit– The game has 40 challenge cards and 15 blocking cars. The cards range from beginner to more advanced. Add on cards may be purchased to keep the game fresh and exciting. A card is chosen and the player must set up the cars to match the card.
The goal is to slide the cars without lifting them to allow the ice cream truck a path to escape. As you can imagine, this game is like a Rubik’s cube that uses logic, spatial sense and reasoning to move the cars in the appropriate manner. Students take turns sliding one car at a time and discussing. It is helpful to have two of these games eventually.
Child Focus– This game takes concentration and focus. I believe this is most appropriate for students 4-10. The easier levels are enjoyable for kids 4-6. Children feel a sense of accomplishment when they help the ice cream truck escape the traffic jam. Yay!!!!
IMDEN Magnetic Blocks, Magnetic Building Set, Magnetic Tiles, Educational Toys for Baby/Kids, 92 Pieces
Cost: This product is an Amazon best seller. It has amazing value for the price tag of 24.98 with free shipping. A learning center of 4 or five students can be created. One drawback is that not all the pieces are magnetic, limiting the ability of individual students to play with the pieces independently. A collaborative project is more beneficial.
Educational Benefit– This comes with triangles, hexagons, rectangles, and semi-circles that allow for easy shape recognition. There are non-magnetic letters and numbers that snap into the squares allowing other skills to be taught. The shape blocks have embedded magnets that enable them to be easily snapped together.
There are wheels and towers that enable a Ferris wheel and various types of cars to be created. The step-by-step instruction book provides for approximately 2 dozen creations. For a center, the teacher could have students build a car for a dog and explain their reasoning behind why the creation would serve this purpose.
Child Focus- This is a product that my students would use all day if they could. I join in when I can, as it is entertaining for adults as well. Children 4 and up would take great delight in this STEM product. It is fun and educational at the same time. Jackpot!!!!!!
These are the best STEM products for kindergarten students. Your students will enjoy and learn from all of these materials. The price and cost effectiveness are outstanding.