Super S.T.E.M. Toys on ABC News

Looking for toys that are as educational as they are entertaining? Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht visited ABC News to show off some of the best S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys that kids will enjoy so much that they won’t even realize that they’re also learning. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide including their annual STEM 10 list.

CRAYOLA COLOR CHEMISTRY LAB SET (CRAYOLA)

• With 50 different colorful experiments designed by real Crayola scientists, this lab set teaches kids the magic of science, math, and art through color at S.T.E.A.M. principles.
• From an erupting volcano to glow worms and slime, kids can embark on experiments using core Crayola products and household items, stretching their imaginations while also reinforcing their subject matter skills.
• For continued creativity, kids can use the included illustrative guide to conduct experiments again and again using everyday items.
• Ages: 7+
• MSRP: $24.99
• Available: Amazon, Walmart, Crayola.com

DESIGN & DRILL MY FIRST WORKBENCH (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS)

• Little builders can get busy with a workbench and tool set designed just for them.
• Hammer, nail and drill bolts directly into the bench to create colorful patterns for hours of unplugged play.
• Develops fine motor skills, practices patterning (a key early-learning skill) encourages creativity, supports STEM by introduces tools, and promotes interest in engineering.
• Includes workbench with storage drawer, 120 colorful bolts and nails, and guide with 10 patterns.
• Features a motorized mini-drill and kid-friendly hammer.
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $49.99
• Available: Amazon

DISCOVERY EXTREME CHEMISTRY LAB (HORIZON GROUP)

• Conduct over 20 fun experiments and simple chemical reactions for a fun, hands-on, interactive learning experience with the Discovery Extreme Chemistry Lab!
• From fizzing and foaming eruptions, to glowing worms and galactic spheres, kids will love the opportunity to experiment and make their own crazy concoctions!
• Along with the easy-to-follow instruction booklet is a colorful fun-fact illustrated poster that offers children additional insight into the science behind their creations
• Ages: 12+
• MSRP: $19.99
• Available: Amazon, Walmart

FISHER-PRICE THINK & LEARN ROCKTOPUS (MATTEL)

• Rocktopus is a STEAM toy that brings creativity to the learning process by allowing kids to explore a variety of musical styles while learning about different instruments, rhythmic patterns, and more.
• Rocktopus features 15 unique instruments across five different genres of music, enabling a truly hands-on physical approach to learning as preschoolers mix (and remix) their own musical creations.
• Kids are in control of their very own compositions by adding or subtracting instruments, changing the tempo, and layering in fun sound effects.
• Features three interactive play modes: Math, Music, and Game.
• Ages: 3-6
• MSRP: $59.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart

KIDS FIRST CODING & ROBOTICS (THAMES & KOSMOS)

• Meet Sammy. This cute little peanut butter and jelly sandwich is actually a robot that teaches coding principles and skills to children in kindergarten through second grade.
• You don’t need a tablet, smartphone, or computer to program this robot; programs are created by simply laying down a sequence of physical code cards.
• As the robot drives over the code cards, an OID optical scanner on the bottom of the robot reads the code cards one by one and loads the program.
• Next, place the robot on a grid made of map cards, and the robot runs the program.
• This robot kit also teaches physical engineering and problem solving skills through a series of building and coding lessons.
• A full-color illustrated manual guides users through the coding lessons and the assembly of different models.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $129.95
• Available: Amazon

SKY TRACK ADVENTURE SET (MAGFORMERS)

• Enjoy racing adventures with the Magformers Sky Track 44-piece play set.
• Equipped with a sky shuttle and multiple track accessories, kids can create loops, peaks and valleys, and twists and turns for endless flight fun.
• Watch as your shuttle does a 360-degree spin and climbs the lift elevator.
• When your track is completed, the Sky Shuttle will go off-road in its sky car.
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $99.99
• Available: Amazon, specialty

NINTENDO LABO VEHICLES KIT (NINTENDO)

• Nintendo Labo kits offer interactive build-and-play experiences that combine the fun of DIY creations with the magic of the Nintendo Switch system (sold separately).
• Players can build six Toy-Con, including a car, plane, submarine, two keys, and a pedal.
• Once their vehicles are built, insert a key to play through different activities on-screen.
• Enjoy multiple levels of discovery, customization, and head-to-head battles.
• Ages: Rated E for Everyone
• MSRP:$69.99
• Available: Walmart, Best Buy, Gamestop, Target, Amazon: Sept. 14

BEAKER CREATURES (LEARNING RESOURCES)

• Beaker Creatures is a new line of science-themed collectibles that combines the thrill of collecting with hands-on science experiments.
• The set includes two suprise Beaker Creatures characters hidden inside the Reactor Pods.
• When kids add water, the fizzing Reactor Pods will reveal the creatures.
• Beaker Creatures sets also double as a working lab set, complete with included science experiments that encourage hands-on learning.
• Each Beaker Creature also comes with facts and quizzes about real- world creatures and phenomena that sparks curiosity in the world around us.
• Ages: 5+
• MSRP: $24.99
• Available: Amazon

3DOODLER START HEXBUG MAKE YOUR OWN HEXBUG PEN SET & ACTIVITY KIT (3DOODLER)

• Kids can make their own eccentric-looking HEXBUG creatures that behave like real bugs.
• Doodle your bug’s body and legs using the insect themed DoodleMold to create your very own pet insectoid, then let it crawl around to explore its environment, conquer obstacles or race your friends.
• Part of the 3Doodler Start STEM Series, this set fosters STEM learning by allowing kids to design and experiment with different robotic structures.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: Pen Set $59.99, Activity Kit MSRP (without pen) $24.99
• Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Michael’s

SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER VETERINARY SCIENCE (ALEX)

• What makes your pet tick? Find out what it takes to become a Veterinary physician and the work that they perform for animals.
• Simulate Veterinary X-ray and Sonograms with Red and Blue Lenses that reveal the insides of animals on four different posters.
• Close up wounds and cuts with the soft plastic suture training skin, plastic surgical tweezers, and a needle and thread.
• Create a cat anatomy poster with paper parts, mold a plaster pup and learn how to make casts for broken bones.
• Mix and make gelly Ticks.
• Learn about the four common types of ticks and which ones can cause illness.
• Includes four animal posters, red x-ray lens, blue sonogram lens, suture skin, plastic curved needle, plastic tweezer scissors, black nylon thread, cat anatomy poster with fold out sheets, dog blister mold, plaster powder, muslin fabric, gelly tick blister mold, gelatin, beaker, stir stick and instructions.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP $19.99
• Available: