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“The myth is that we have to convince children that science is fun. Are you kidding? Science has always been fun for children… if it’s presented in the right way.” – Steve Spangler
Too many children think science is boring. Maybe it’s because their only exposure to science is listening to classroom presentations and reading dry textbooks.
But when put into practice, science can be downright fun. It involves exploration, experimentation, and creativity – all things children naturally love and use on their own every day as they explore the world around them.
The following is a list of STEM kits for kids that provide fun and engaging ways to explore and create. Each subscription box has its own unique focus, whether it’s learning how to code, learning about space, building electronics or experimenting with a variety of STEM projects. These kits will leave your child feeling that science can be loads of fun!
Click on the title of a subscription box you’re interested in to learn more & subscribe.
STEM Kits for Kids
These nine boxes are generally listed by age range – from younger kids to older children and teens.
Age Range: Kiwi Crates, ages 5-8 and Tinker Crates, ages 9-16
Price: $18.50+ per month
Kiwi and Tinker Crates provide kids with projects that teach STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) principles. Each box comes with supplies and instructions on how to create that month’s project. Examples of Kiwi Crate projects include an arcade claw, a study on shadow and light and the science of color. Tinker Crates, designed for older children, include a trebuchet and studies in hydraulics and motors. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription. (Kiwi Crate offers eight different subscription boxes. Click here to see the full line of Kiwi Crates.)
Subscribers to Bitsbox receive monthly coding projects that teach elementary school-aged kids how to program apps for real devices. Projects are done online and once complete, kids can play with the app. No prior coding experience is necessary. Bitsbox makes learning to code fun and enjoyable, and with each project, a new coding skill is acquired. Subscription options include a Basic Bitsbox (a dozen projects delivered on cards each month), Deluxe Bitsbox (a dozen projects plus a few extra projects and goodies), and Digital Bitsbox (a PDF download of the project apps). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, or twelve-month subscription.
The Spangler Science Club features a range of hands-on science experiments designed by Steve Spangler, a former TV host of a popular science education segment on News for Kids. Projects focus on STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math. Examples of projects include lava science, exploring the science of sound, and the science of attachment molecules. Subscription options include STEMlab (five STEM experiences, minimal parental supervision) and STEMdeluxe (ten STEM experiences, some parental supervision necessary). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.
Focus: STEAM projects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math)
Age Range: Recommended for ages 2-10+
Price: $24.95+ a month
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Green Kid Craft boxes offer kids a wide range of hands-on STEAM projects each month that are focused on a different theme. Examples of themes include rocket science, an introduction to electricity, and backyard science. Each box contains a small magazine that highlights the theme of the box as well as two-three projects with step-by-step instructions. Green Kid Craft boxes are made from recycled materials and the company plants one tree for every box ordered and is also carbon neutral. Subscription options include the Junior Discovery Box (for ages 2-4), the Discovery Box (for ages 5-10+) and the Sibling Box (for ages 5-10+ and enough materials for two children). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.
Groovy Lab in a Box provides monthly hands-on STEM projects, blending scientific inquiry and engineering design process. The idea is to encourage children to use problem-solving and critical thinking skills when creating projects. Examples of projects include learning about electricity, understanding the sun, and exploring matter. Groovy Labs provides a deeper understanding of the month’s topic through its online portal. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.
Every month Genius Box sends a toolkit that allow kids to complete three STEM activities. The goal is to foster curiosity and a passion for STEM projects in a fun and engaging way. A few of the topics covered in Genius Boxes include robotics, forensics, crystals, and rockets. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month or six-month subscription.
Club SciKidz Labs introduces children to science and technology through projects and experiments. Each box contains a variety of career-based activities such as veterinary medicine, robotics, food science and programming. Additionally, the supplies provided in each box allow children to begin their own home lab. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.
Creation Crate teaches older children electronics, coding, and high-level problem-solving. Each crate teaches a lesson and is progressively more challenging. A sampling of the projects include a mood lamp, an electronic memory game, and a distance detector using an ultrasonic sensor. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.
