The 3 Best STEM Toys for 2015 and the Kids that Love Them

Some toys have terms that define what they are and how to play with them. For example—STEM toys are made from a smooshed together abbreviation of educational subjects. Science + Technology + Engineering + Math = STEM.

These might seem like HUGE subjects for youngsters to tackle, but learning fun begins with an introduction into multiple challenging topics.

These types of toys have increased in popularity ranking over the years, but they have completely BOOMED with high demands and great reviews this year. Which is why I have handpicked three of the best STEM toys for kids thus far in 2015 and well into 2016.

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Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Kit

Snap Circuits are super-de-duper cool and pure science with a touch of engineering and coordination. There are over 30 circuits, each snapping together in some sort of way to create a plethora of science-themed projects—well over 300, to be exact. Little builders and brilliant minds will love piecing together the different circuits to see what they can do.

Some create real-working radios, burglar alarms, and doorbells, while others make alarm clocks, motion-activated sensors, and bunches of other cool stuff. For kids who find themselves stuck with no ideas, the inspirational instructions manual offers some insight into what can and cannot be built using these awesome circuits.

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Geode Explorer Science Kit

Much to the dismay of my mother when I was a kid—I would bring home pockets filled with quartz stones from around my neighborhood. They would sit on my shelves until the cat would knock them off and then tada! Someone would inevitably step on one.

Talk about painful—but this little hobby sparked my love for caves and beautiful geodes.

This awesome science set features 7 rocks, each containing something gorgeous, sparkling, and amazing inside. The trick is getting into the rocks with an included pint-size chisel, hammer, and instructions.

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Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!

Gears, gears, and more gears. Can you guess what this Learning Resources set is all about? Ha! GEARS!

Only these gears are constructed from durable, kid-safe plastic, and they snap-together to make towering creations. I would totally dub this set a steampunk dream!

The gears are mostly cogs in different, vibrant colors. However, there are also pillars, axels, and extenders for the interlocking base plates. Includes an inspirational instructions booklet for a jog to little imaginations.

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The Best STEM Toys for Brainy Kids

STEM equals Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In recent years, these types of toys have surged to the forefront of kids’ want lists, especially brainy kids with a knack for learning about anything and everything. The best STEM toys are interactive and hands-on, offering youngsters the chance to research and learn by doing and experimenting.

I am ALL for STEM toys! They are the stimulating answer to the dilemma of uniform education, where many of our children are left behind in the most important subjects. With these gadgets and project sets, kids can learn at home, at their own pace – all while having heaps of awesome fun.

My favorite three STEM toys for brainy kids are –

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Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100

When I was a kid, it would routine practice to take everything in our house apart to see how it worked. Of course, I got into A LOT of trouble doing this, but it sparked my lifelong fascination with engineering and science.

For kiddos who have considered tearing apart their televisions, clocks, and radios, this set saves the electronic gadgets around your home. There are over 30 circuits on a base board, each connected to a different energy source that allows youngsters to make something by simply connecting the circuits.
Kids can experiment with different circuit combinations, creating over 100 unique projects, like a burglar alarm, clock radio, and pager beep.

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LEGO Ideas Birds Model Kit

This model kit is one of my all-time favorites! Sure, it is a great, stimulating STEM toy – but it also teaches patience, encourages imagination, and sparks creativity.

Artsy kids will love spending hours building elaborate birds from over 500 LEGO building bricks. Each kit comes with a diagram and concise instructions, detailing how to make a beautiful blue jay, gorgeous hummingbird (with accompanying flower), and red-breasted robin.

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Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit

I remember when the first Harry Potter book came out. I was skeptical at first, but after reading the initial book, I gulped down the others in record time – resulting in a full-blown Potter-head.
This set reminds me of my childhood spent reading about the misadventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione – only this set’s magic is totally based in science.

Kids can mix potions that cause scientific reactions, such as color-changing sunsets in a tube, or dancing powders. Or, they can read silly rhymes as incantations to get the true ‘magic’ feel.
Adult supervision is a must!

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And - check out this video short - it's the "top 5" among the top 10 best-selling and highly rated STEM toys this year.  Some nifty picks: