STEAM Toys

I thought I would post about some of my favorite toys I have in the lab. About once a month, students are given free-choice, or rotation time to explore with these sets. I love this time because kids always surprise me in what they want to spend their time with. I never have an empty station, as there seems to be something of interest to each kid. Having a wide selection of great STEAM toys helps keep kids engaged and keeps free-choice time really special for them. Here are six of my all-time favorite STEAM toys. 

Dash and Dot by WonderWorkshop
These robots are perfect for elementary computer coding. Students program the robots with an app from WonderWorkshop designed especially for Dash and Dot. Students can start with a simple drawing of pathways for the robot to follow then drag buttons to trigger sounds and lights from the robot. More advanced students can use blockly to program the robots to do more complex movements, light and  sound patterns, and even object detection. 
$169.99+
https://www.makewonder.com/robots/dashanddot

Laser Pegs
Laser Pegs are a favorite among primary students. I also love these toys because they teach the basic concept of electrical circuitry. I also love the company as they have been great at replacing any broken pieces from kid wear and tear. Students can build realistic objects or abstract models and see their creations light up and flash in rainbow colors. 
$12.99+
http://www.laserpegs.com/

GoldieBlox Dunk Tank
Most have heard of GoldieBlox and while I love them all and their mission, one set has been a favorite among my students. GoldieBlox Dunk Tank keeps kids busy, helps them feel successful amongst completion of the set, and has kids full of laughter in the process. Kids can build a miniature dunk tank and toss a bouncy ball at the tank to trigger the fall of a little plastic dog! Keep paper towels handy for the cleanup! While this toy is advertised to girls, I find that all kids are interested.
$19+
http://www.goldieblox.com/

LittleBits 
LittleBits are amazing. They pack a high price tag but are worth the investment. These mini electrical pieces are magnets that connect to one another with ease. Students can quickly learn the pattern of colors needed (Blue for power, Pink for a Switch, and Green for a Load). I've used these with 3 year olds through middle school and all fall in love with them. LittleBits also has incredible resources for teachers online with lessons, projects, and an educator discount. 
$99+
http://littlebits.cc/

Keva Contraption Planks
Keva Contraption Planks comes with 200 wooden planks for students to build with. Students have made ramps, race tracks, buildings, and even practiced spelling words with these blocks. They are all the same size and shape so require students to work a little harder to creatively build. I like the challenge yet freedom these blocks give students. 
$45
http://www.kevaplanks.com/

Snap Circuits
Snap Circuits are a must have for any classroom or home with kids. They teach electrical circuitry to students as young as kindergarten. This is one of the few toys that really excites students in all elementary grade levels. These not only teach basics of electronics but also allows great practice for reading directions and following a grid. The parts hold up really well and I think they are very reasonably priced. I've noticed some big chain stores begin to sell them lately.
$20.99+
www.snapcircuits.net

* All opinions expressed are solely my own and do not reflect any of the above companies nor have any companies endorsed this post.