Toys Apps Games – STEMAZing Systems Thinking

Tik Tiki Toy from Trash

A modified version of the Tik Tiki from Arvind Gupta’s Toys from Trash – we replaced the button with a wooden bead. The crown cap can be replaced with a plastic lid or metal cap of any kind. Lots of variations to test! Find directions for assembly here: https://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys/crowncap.html

Projectile Popper

Build this Projectile Popper using an empty 32 oz Gatorade bottle, a string, rubber bands, drill (other options), scissors, goggles, bead, ping pong balls, and a box cutter (or knife). (NOTE: Adults should prep the Gatorade bottle by cutting it with the box cutter and drilling the hole in the lid for young children.) Once…

Pool Noodle Rocket

Build this Pool Noodle Rocket using, you guessed it, a pool noodle, duct tape, rubber bands, scissors, cardboard from a cereal box, a sharpened pencil, plastic knife, rocket fin template, ruler, sharpie, string, and a bead. Launch it using your thumb or use a meter stick to launch it and collect data on variables you…

Rattle Writer

Build this Rattle Writer using just a pool noodle, electric toothbrush (found for $1 at dollar stores), a plastic knife, washable markers, rubber bands, googly eyes (optional but fun), paper, duct tape, and a ruler. Once you have built your Rattle Writer, let the engineering begin! Can you get it to draw a straight line?…

#MicDropMath Playing Card Tricks

There are card tricks which are slight of hand and card tricks which rely on the discrete mathematics inherent to a regular deck of cards. These card tricks fall into the latter category and are called self-working. Don’t worry, you do not need to understand discrete mathematics to learn the algorithm for performing these #MicDropMath…

Qwirkle

Qwirkle is as simple as matching colors and shapes, but this game also requires tactical maneuvers and well-planned strategy. Earn points by building rows and columns of blocks that share a common shape or color. Look for opportunities to score big by placing a tile that touches multiple pieces with matching attributes.

Zometool

Zometool is a unique and award winning building toy that is treasured by kids, parents, teachers, artists, and scientists. From projects to create crazy bubbles or buckyballs or DNA or other fantastic geometric structures, Zometool opens up endless possibilities for discovery. Used by kids and Nobel Prize winners, Zometool can engage any learner!

DragonBox Algebra

DragonBox is based on the vision that children should be trained to think creatively. Players discover algebraic rules and play with them. They have to use the rules to solve puzzles that lead to a lot of trial and error. It also encourages a tremendous amount of high-level thinking. DragonBox, called a serious game because it is hyper-educational, comes…

BrainPop GameUp

BrainPOP GameUp is a free educational games portal for the classroom. Find animated games with curricular content to engage students and bolster achievement. Collections include games for teaching Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, English, and Engineering & Tech. Check out the BrainPOP Educators website with resources searchable by state and Common Core standards!

Roominate

Roominate: A building toy for girls is the original wired dollhouse building kit. Designed to get young girls to have fun with STEM while building hands-on skills and confidence.