When you think of STEM toys, your mind may go straight to electronics. Tablets. Laptops. Remote controlled vehicles. However, there are other battery free options when it comes to STEM learning.
How can you get your kids off on the right STEM foot without spending a fortune on battery operated electronic STEM toys? Get back to basics!
Battery Free STEM Toys That Kids Love
Blocks, including Legos, are great for helping children figure out how things are put together. Balance, foundation, structure etc. are all part of the engineering aspect of STEM. Plus, these blocks can provide tons of fun in math projects and assignments.
My boys have lots of fun connecting magnetic tiles. They are a break from the classic square bricks, though they provide the same benefits for engineering and math.
Puzzles in any variety are great for STEM play. Not only can children learn how the pieces fit together in a jigsaw puzzle there are other kinds of puzzles that integrate strategy, problem-solving and even hypothesis skills to solve the puzzle.
Traditional wooden puzzles are great for younger children, though older kids may benefit more from complex puzzle games like the Perplexus.
Try an Abacus. This ancient calculator is a great learning toy that helps develop mathematical and problem-solving skills. There’s no end to the ways you can use an abacus to help your child understand the basic activities used in all math problems. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and even fractions can be done using an abacus.
Some of the best science kits out there make great battery free STEM toys. My 7 year old really loves the kits that allow you to “mine” or dig up gems and fossils. These exploration toys let your child learn more about the history of the word as well as how fossils and stones are formed. Plus, they will have hours of fun seeing what they can dig up!
Our Favorite Battery Free STEM Toys
Here are a few more recommendations when it comes to battery free STEM toys for your children!
There’s no need to spend a fortune on high-tech games to introduce your child to STEM learning. Start with the basics and if your child shows an affinity for this kind of learning then you can proceed to higher levels of electronic engagement.