November 23, 2015 – Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a non-profit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S., today released its 2015 “Super STEM Gifts,” a list of the best toys, games and activities that are both fun and educational and will inspire young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
PLTW’s annual Super STEM Gifts are selected with input from PLTW team members and teachers around the country based on their ability to strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that are vital in today’s in-demand fields. Gifts on the 2015 list promote interest in and understanding of computer science, engineering, robotics and science with fun, age-appropriate activities at a wide range of prices.
PLTW’s Super STEM Gifts of 2015 are:
littleBits ($199.95 – http://littlebits.cc/how-it-works) - A platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that empower kids to invent anything, from their own remote controlled car, to a smart home device. The Bits snap together with magnets; no soldering, wiring or programming needed. PLTW’s curriculum developers are big fans of the Gizmos & Gadgets kit and the Space Kit.
Makey Makey ($44.95 - http://www.makeymakey.com/) – Makey Makey Classic is an invention kit that helps kids explore programming and circuitry, turning everyday objects into touchpads and combining them with the Internet. Makey Makey Classic is perfect for beginners and experts interested in art, engineering and everything in between.
VEX Robotics HEXBUG Gear Racers ($24.99 - http://www.hexbugvex.com/gear_racers.html) – Perfect for beginners, this robotics kit allows kids to build two cars and then race them, learning about speed, distance, resistance and more. For more advanced kits, visit http://www.hexbugvex.com/.
VEX IQ Super Kit ($299.99 – http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq/products/kits-bundles/super-kit.html) – An all-encompassing introduction to STEM and robotics, this super kit allows students to build and program their own robots. Kit includes motors, sensors, controllers, over 850 components, and a storage system to keep everything organized.
Pebble Time Smart Watch ($199.99 – 249.99 – https://pebble.com) Pebble Time is more than a smart watch. Students can use online tutorials to program their own watch interface and learn programming languages such as Java and C. Compatible with both Android and iOS.
Tinker Crate (starting at $16.95/month - http://tinker.kiwicrate.com/) – This subscription-based service delivers hands-on experiments to your kids each month. Designed for kids ages 9-16, Tinker Crate creates ‘low threshold, high ceiling projects accessible and fun for all types of learners.’ Similar kits for young makers are also available for ages 3-4 (Koala Crate) and 5-8 (Kiwi Crate).
Magna Tiles ($12.25-$120 - www.magnatiles.com) – Magna Tiles’ magnetic building tiles build critical developmental skills and promote creativity. Magna Tiles come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes.
24 Game ($11 – Amazon.com) – 24 Game is a fun card game that sharpens students’ math skills. Make the number 24 from the four numbers on the card by adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing. Set contains three challenging levels. Also available as an App on iOS and Android mobile devices, the multiplayer feature captures the excitement of competition and promotes a sense of community while the Single Player mode enables unlimited practice to prep for venturing out to the Multiplayer Mode. $1.99 in the Apple iTunes store or $0.99 in the Google Play store.
Zoob S.T.E.M. Challenge ($39.99 – Amazon.com) – The Zoob S.T.E.M. Challenge gives players 175 pieces to design and build cool, wacky creations that solve challenges such as hitting targets and building catapults. Recommended for all children 8 and older.
Code Master ($19.99- Target.com) – Just launched in August, Code Master is the big brother to Robot Turtles. It’s a new puzzle board game that takes kids on the ultimate coding adventure. Easy enough for beginners, but challenging to master, Code Master helps students learn coding logic and computer programming.
Osmo Game System for iPad ($79.99-99.99 - https://www.playosmo.com/) - An award-winning game system that will change the way your child interacts with the iPad by opening it up to hands-on play. Comes with five games.
Click here to view PLTW's 2014 Super STEM Gifts list.
About PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. More than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
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Media Contact: Jennifer Cahill
jcahill@pltw.org 317-669-0871