Exploring STEM/STEAM Day with Engineering and Creative Gifts for Families

Today is STEM/STEAM day, and we’ve rounded up some picks for incredible gift giving ideas to inspire young Engineers and Entrepreneurs!  The Arts and “STEAM” programming are a vital part of any person’s well-rounded education.  Without support for STEAM/Arts education, society would truly struggle to advance forward as a society.  It is the strength of the vital bond between science, math, engineering, art, and mathematics that help us create new technologies, find creative solutions to real-world problems, and take incredible leaps in progress!  So let’s all do our part to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in our communities.  Consider gifting some resources or funding to local organizations that provide STEM/STEAM activities for our local community and youth.  Together, we can inspire these bright young minds and work towards a brighter tomorrow!

First up on our list is the Discovery #Mindblown Model Engine STEM Science Kit that lets your up-and-coming engineer and mechanic explore the science and technology behind an automotive engine!  It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly gift for the young inventor in your midst.

Stemnex Amazing Steam Engine is an awesome project kit that allows you build a realistic, working steam engine with real steam and whistle action!  It does have quite a few parts, so it’s better suited to older budding engineers or may need additional help from a parent or adult.

The FANL Train Set Toy and RC Train allows kids to explore and interact with remote controlled train and build their own track to experiment with the best layout and design. It comes with rechargeable batteries and a water squeeze bottle to create realistic steam action. It’s an introduction to building and engineering, and thinking creatively.

KiwiCo kits like this Stereo Headphones box are a great way to get your little learners involved and connect them to the engineering, industrial science, and mathematics behind every day household items!  They’ll love knowing they had a hand in making this themselves when they use it for listening to music or gaming!

Gift a Class or Membership to the young adults and teens in your life at the College of Lake County in Grayslake!

The KiwiCo RaceDay kit is perfect for younger engineers to experiment with.  They’ll have an opportunity to build and customize their own balloon cars, and observe different speeds and drive styles!  Additionally, they’ll have fun using the hand-powered air brush for decorating for a full sensory experience!

Need an option that spans multiple age groups? Check out these options that will allow friends groups and siblings of all ages to connect with one another!

The Ramps and Balls set is perfect for experimenting by using the included wooden balls or experimenting with toy cars, zoomy toys, and wooden train toys as well!  It’s a timeless, classic toy set that allows for plenty of flexible play.

The Construction Plank Build-It Kit is a fabulous hands-on introduction to construction, with each little card giving your scholars and engineers an opportunity to problem solve and replicate the item pictured.  Kids can work together to create, or turn it into a game of skill and wits! Leaves lots of room for creativity and open ended play.

The Design & Build Engineering Center Kit Set is perfect for open ended play, especially if older siblings want to help little ones!  Perfect for ages 3 to 7, but open ended enough for older kids, too.  Use the kits alone, or combine them to create to your heart’s desire!

Sensory play is extremely important for kids of all ages, allowing them to interact with the environment and problem solve in creative ways!  It gives them a tangible experience to process the math, science, and logic of the world around them.  We recommend the Mold & Play Sensory Sand Set, Squish & Squeeze Sensory Beads,  and the Classroom Clay & Dough Designer Tool Kit which works with any play dough or clay!

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