I received these products for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Christmas shopping is hard! Most kids have access to the things they want. And with their allowance money and birthday money – they can usually go out and buy what they want.
So what do you get the kids that have everything? That’s definitely a hard question but when you just don’t want to give kids money for the holidays – you can check out some cool toys that are educational and fun!
Smithsonian has come out with a line of STEM toys that are very cool and affordable! STEM classes are very important in schools. And these toys will help kids learn while having fun.
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: science.
My kids are 16, 13, and 11 years old and they loved these toys! They are toys that are fun to watch. And it’s a great visual to help understand science!
Smithsonian Wave Machine
This was so soothing! It’s like hanging out at the beach. You will learn about the physics of wave motion in oceans and seas as you observe a continuous wave simulation. It also includes a colorful poster that teaches about currents, waves, and tides.
It will also help you understand tsunamis, “rogue waves,” and how waves play an important role in the way coastal ecosystems function.
Note: This item requires 1 C (1.5V). It’s best for ages 14+.
- Observe a continuous wave simulation.
- Examine how waves impact the landscape.
- Learn about the largest waves ever recorded.
- Learn what causes tides and why it’s important to track them.
Smithsonian Prehistorian Sea Monster Kit
You can hatch your own prehistoric pets with this Smithsonian Prehistoric Sea Monsters kit. It includes 1 aquarium, 1 background, 1 bag of Triop Eggs, 1 Bag of Sand, and a color poster with instructions.
These are lots of fun! They Grow to More Than 20X their original size.
Smithsonian Newton’s Cradle Science Kit
I think everyone loves this! It’s the perfect display of Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion. Newton’s Cradle lets you witness for yourself how for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. And you can observe how potential (“stored”) energy becomes kinetic energy.
When you swing one ball or two, and observe what happens on the other end. Perform various experiments to observe the law in action.
It includes STEM content with biographical information on Sir Isaac Newton and explains concepts including matter, mass, momentum, inertia, force, centripetal force, and Newton’s three laws of motion.
This is best for ages 8+.
Smithsonian Perpetual Motion Kit
This always reminds me of the Big Bang Theory! It’s really fun to watch it. The “Perpetual” Motion Machine is powered by an invisible magnetic field. Learn why scientists, engineers, and mathematicians have never been able to create such a machine, without the addition of an external energy source (like batteries).
With this kit, kids can explore different kinds of motion machines that have been proposed, understand why they didn’t work and learn about magnets and the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.
This kit requires 4 (1.5V) AA batteries that are not included. It’s best for ages 8+.
Click the links to order these online or visit your local Target store to get them now! Make sure you check out the descriptions…Target is having some really great sales this holiday season.