The biggest task for toy companies in the STEM and Education sectors is to find ways to fulfil kids’ curiosity while keeping them engaged and having fun.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and maths and many toy companies operating in the sector take guidelines from school curricula to provide kids with practical activities which enhance what they will be learning in the classroom. This allows them to apply their knowledge in a way that doesn’t feel like they’re at school.
Over the past few years, the term STEAM has also been introduced to include arts subjects, which are just as important for a child’s development and learning.
Toy World catches up with Lindsay Hardy of Trends UK, who explains that children enjoy participating in a joint activity with a relative, especially when it produces end results, such as a crystal they have grown, an electronic circuit or an engine model. With a wide range of STEM products in its portfolio, new lines from Trends include the Science Mad Early Skills Science Lab and the Machine Works Robotic Arm.
LeapFrog’s Curriculum Scope & Sequence has been developed over the past 25+ years and continues to be refined and updated based on the latest educational research and best practices in teaching. Sophie Taylor, LeapFrog’s assistant brand manager, says: “Our Learning Experts marry playful designs with technologies and electronics that encourage interactions and provide feedback to engage kids’ minds.”
At Creative Kids, STEM-inspired lines include the Interactive Human Body, part of the Science to the Max range. With removable organs and stretchy muscles, knowledge of anatomy will be absorbed as children actively explore the product. Meanwhile, the Purple Cow collection from Lagoon, part of University Games, offers Crazy Scientist Lab science tins focusing on different scientific principles.
Products to inspire budding engineers include the Meccano Maker’s Toolbox from Spin Master, while Bachmann’s PepPlay range offers arts & crafts products to help support STEM education whilst having fun. Curious Universe offers a variety of kits which allow users to experiment with the sciences and archaeology, with fun tasks such as creating an electric circuit using lemons to make a clock work.
Introducing licensing into the mix, STEM ranges at Vivid Goliath include the upcoming Paw Patrol Build A Bots, and Wow! Stuff’s Marvel Universe STEAM collection means kids can create, learn and develop as they celebrate their fandom.
This is an area that, by design, keeps things up to date and fresh. With plenty more on offer from the category, readers can find out about all the latest STEM and Educational ranges in the full article and the latest edition of Toy World, here.
