Both of my kids will share that their favorite class at school is Wonder Lab/STEAM. They also both enjoy their STEM class where they get to build, and problem solve. They enjoy activities at home that are STEM-based, too! Instead of buying more video games this Christmas, look at some STEM options to stretch your kid’s problem-solving skills. Recently, my kids tested out Plus Plus Learn to Build 400 Piece Glow Set and the Circuit Blox Fan Launch Challenge. Here are their thoughts:
Plus Plus Learn to Build 400 Piece Glow Set
My kids “liked that you got to connect the pieces and make cool things!” The pieces are all the same size and shape but come in many different colors. There is a directions booklet that provides directions to make glasses, a spinning top3w3 and other fun things. My kids enjoyed making things following the directions, but also using their imagination to create other fun shapes with dimension. They enjoyed holding under a light to “charge up” its glow and then running to a dark room to watch them glow. The pieces are also not big and bulky, so they are easily stored and packed for use other than at your house.
Circuit Blox Fan Launch Challenge
My kids have always been a fan of circuit building activities and this one was no exception. They got frustrated a few times, when their fan wouldn’t work, but instead of stepping in and “fixing” it for them, I stayed back and let them problem solve why their fan may not be working. Together, they realized that they didn’t have the circuit fully connected and by moving a few pieces they were able to create a complete circuit and make the fan spin. The look on their faces when they accomplished this on their own was priceless! There is also a circuit map to make a fan launcher as well as one to create a maze. My kids were laughing hysterically at the game of “Operation” they made themselves as they attempted to move a piece through a maze in the circuit without turning the fan on.
They said, “It is fun to test your skills and make it through the maze!” Turns out they were much better at this then I was. I made the fan turn on each time!
If you are looking for some STEM activities for your kids this Christmas, my kiddos highly recommend Plus Plus and Circuit Blox this holiday season! Learn more at myeblox.com and plus-plus.us.