What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym used to describe science, technology, engineering, and mathematic subjects. This term is most commonly used when discussing education and specific jobs that use these skills. In recent years, the knowledge and importance of STEM have risen alongside the increased number of open career positions that require STEM skills and literacy.
Bringing STEM Learning into Elementary Education
STEM is an important part of elementary education. As educators, it is essential to include engaging STEM lessons in the classroom curriculum that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Stands (CCSS). By incorporating this during elementary school, children will improve their STEM literacy and gain confidence in these subjects. The goal of early incorporation is to prepare students for future courses and provide the tools they need to pursue STEM careers in the future.
STEM Kits for Elementary Classrooms
One effective way for educators to incorporate STEM lessons into their classroom curriculum is through STEM kits. In this article, STEM Sports® has compiled a list of the 11 best STEM kits and activities for elementary students.
*The pricing in this blog is based on website pricing as of March 19, 2023. These prices are subject to change at the discretion of each company and vendor. This blog cannot be used as a price match tool for any of the kits listed below.
Botley® 2.0 Coding Robot Classroom Bundle
STEM Kit Details: The Botley® 2.0 Coding Robot Classroom Bundle is a turnkey STEM kit designed to teach coding to kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade students. Using step-by-step instruction, students will use code to move their robot, play music, create light shows, and more. Since this is categorized as a classroom bundle, it includes additional materials needed to allow a larger group of students to work together in small groups.
Price: $358.99
STEM Focus Area: Technology and Science
Create-a-Chain Reaction STEM Kit Master Set
STEM Kit Details: The Create-a-Chain Reaction STEM Kit Master Set teaches students how gravity, force, and momentum work together to create a chain reaction. This STEM kit is designed to introduce key science and engineering concepts to third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students through hands-on learning. This lesson also teaches students problem solving and critical thinking skills, which will benefit them both in the classroom and in everyday life.
Price: $119.99
STEM Focus Area: Science and Engineering
Bristlebot Robotics Classroom Kit
STEM Kit Details: The Bristlebot Robotics Classroom Kit is an easy way to get elementary students engaged in STEM. Using hands-on lessons, students learn more about science, technology, and engineering concepts. During this lesson, students also have the opportunity to strengthen their 21st century skills – such as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
This classroom kit version of the STEM kit includes enough materials to build 20 robots. This makes it a great option for educators looking to engage large groups of students or facilitators looking to add STEM learning into their after school programs.
Price: $161.95
STEM Focus Area: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Mango Math Sports & Math Kit
STEM Kit Details: The Mango Math Sports & Math Kit is a great way to get fifth grade and sixth grade students engaged in STEM learning. The STEM kit includes twenty (20) lessons that use sports to teach students a variety of math lessons. Each lesson can be used by four students at a time and, assuming there are educator and facilitator resources, the STEM kit can engage over 30 students at a time. This can be used in the classroom, after school programs, and summer camps.
Price: $479.00
STEM Focus Area: Mathematics
Dash Starter Pack with Subscription
STEM Kit Details: The Dash Starter Pack is a hands-on, engaging way to get students excited about STEM learning. Using the Dash robot and the Dash Robot App (available on IOS and Android), students will learn more about engineering and technology by making their robot move, light up, and play music. The Dash Starter pack includes two (2) Dash Robots and access to over 70 digital lessons that can be implemented by educators with their elementary students.
Price: $883.99 (includes 1 year subscription). The pricing may vary depending on the subscription length selected at checkout.
STEM Focus Area: Science, Engineering, and Technology
STEM Basketball
STEM Kit Details: The STEM Sports® STEM Basketball kit teaches students fundamental STEM lessons through basketball. The turnkey STEM kit includes eight (8) hands-on lessons that teach third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students STEM using real world examples. Each lesson also includes a section devoted to highlighting STEM jobs in sports that connect to the skills they just learned. This STEM kit can be reused for years, making it the perfect addition to classroom curricula and after school programs.
Price: $1275.00
STEM Focus Area: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Precision School Balance With Weights
STEM Kit Details: The Precision School Balance With Weights is a great way to introduce students to math and science concepts. Using hands-on lessons, students will use weights to see what balances the scale versus what causes it to tip. This STEM kit is designed for third grade students and older who are learning addition and subtraction. It is also a helpful resource when teaching students key science concepts such as gravity, force, balance, and observations.
Price: $39.99
STEM Focus Area: Mathematics and Science
Space Science Craft Kit
STEM Kit Details: The Space Science Craft Kit comes with six (6) STEM lessons to engage elementary students. Each lesson uses space and astronomy to facilitate STEM learning – giving students real world examples of what they are learning connects to the real world! Depending on the size of the class, educators may want to consider purchasing multiple STEM kits to ensure each group of students can engage in these exciting, hands-on STEM lessons.
Price: $25.99
STEM Focus Area: Science
STEM With STEM Sports®
Are you an educator looking to learn more about how to incorporate STEM in your classroom? STEM Sports® weekly blog is a great way to stay up to date on trends and current teaching methods in STEM. Read these blogs to learn more about how to engage elementary students in STEM:
