In recent years, education systems across the world have been embracing STEM education methods through all ages. Activities are designed to be hands-on whilst sparking kids’ curiosity and creativity, encouraging teamwork, and creating new ways to problem-solve.
But what is STEM education?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
As developments in STEM fields continue at a rapid rate, there’s never been a better time to increase kids’ engagement in these areas.
Not only do children learning STEM develop an understanding of a wide range of topics, but they also grow as human beings able to work with others, solve problems, and think differently about the world around them.
So, how do you get your kids involved in STEM? For many, this is a daunting prospect as creating regular and varied activities can be a challenge, even for those working in education.
The challenging nature of the task goes some way to explaining why STEM subscription boxes are continuing to increase in number, variety, and popularity.
With varied subscription packages available, some focus on specific areas of STEM whilst others aim to cover all four topics.
There is now a mind-boggling number of options, which can make finding the right STEM subscription for your kids a time-consuming and frustrating process.
We have sampled a wide range of the boxes on the market (so you don’t have to) and whittled it down to a selection of twelve awesome boxes.
Read on as we take a look at some of the best STEM subscription boxes for kids, helping you find the right box for your child.
KiwiCo has built up a strong following and diverse customer base thanks to their high-quality, diverse, and action-packed subscription boxes.
The company offers boxes from babies and toddlers (0-24 months) up to fourteen years plus. Each age-specific box comes under its unique line names, such as Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8) or Atlas Crate (ages 6-11).
Each box comes with a project, inspiration booklet, explore! Magazine and access to an online resource with activity suggestions.
The boxes aim to cover each discipline of STEM study, which provides a well-rounded and engaging box for kids.
Green Kids craft provides a box that is loaded with diverse and challenging content. The company has a strong focus on the environment, which is shown by their planting of a tree each time an order is placed.
They offer three tiers of subscription for different age groups and the option of a literary upgrade that includes a book related to the monthly theme.
For kids who love nature and being creative, this is the box for them. Numerous eco-friendly projects focus on natural habitats and ecosystems.
The included STEM magazine is full of activities, puzzles, and additional resources for further activities. Each box comes with between four and eight activities, offering diversity and value.
Pros
Environmentally Conscious - A tree is planted for each order
Environmentally Focused - Focus on green projects and environmental activism
STEM Magazine - Activities, puzzles, and additional resources
Activities - Each box comes with between four and eight activities
Literary Upgrade - Optional upgrade to subscription provides a theme related book each month
Cons
Plastics - Despite their eco-friendly focus, some boxes still contain plastics
With over thirty different STEM projects to choose from, kids are guaranteed to find numerous activities and experiments that captivate their attention.
The projects are well-structured, detailed, and safe for kids to use (though in some cases supervision is advised). The company also provides online resources and activities as well as a mobile app.
Pros
Subscription Options - As well as MEL Science STEM for ages 5-9+, they also do
Chemistry and Physics for older kids
Experiments - Structured, detailed, and safe for kids
Diverse - Over 30 different STEM projects
Connectivity - Online resources and mobile app
Cons
Additional Supplies - Not each box contains all the required materials
This subscription box places a strong focus on teaching kids about engineering and the engineering design process.
The STEMist Series allows buyers to choose from numerous focused themes including robotics, coding, chemistry, electrical and mechanical engineering.
The lab notebook provides instructions and has journal space to encourage the kids to note down their progress, and findings. Tiered STEM learning will help encourage independent thinking and problem-solving.
The kids must demonstrate an understanding of the scientific concepts to move through the tiers and partake in the more advanced activities and challenges.
When kids have completed all but the final task, they will take on the Engineering Design Challenge.
Pros
STEMist Series - Choose from robotics, coding, chemistry, electrical and mechanical engineering
Tiered STEM Learning - Encourages independence and clear understanding of each tier
Lab Notebook - Instructions and illustrations as well as journal space for recording progress
Engineering Design Challenge - Activity to complete after learning and understanding the other activities
Cons
Resource Access - Online resources are only available to subscribers
Little Passports offer a wide range of different subjects, topics, and action-packed content.
As well as subscription boxes for science, they also have boxes focused on geography and cultures around the world. The Science boxes are Science Junior for ages 5 to 8 and Science Expeditions for 8 years and above.
Each box is stuffed with a variety of activities and resources, with a comic book, science experiment, project, and a mystery to solve.
This is fantastic for engaging kids’ critical thinking skills. There are detailed instructions via printable sheets or video tutorials to help the kids with the incredible array of activities.
The company also sells numerous games and toys that are STEM-related on its website.
Pros
Variety - Wide range of boxes covering numerous topics of interest
Comic Book - Activities, instructions, and glossary of keywords
Tutorials - Printable and video instructions for each activity
Experiments - Varied and fascinating experiments each month
Additional Content - Games, toys, and activities available from the company website
Introduce your kids to the world of computer programming with the monthly computer science project from BitsBox.
Kids don’t need any previous coding experience to get started and engage with these interesting activities. The coding is done in a browser, so it's compatible with any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Worrying about screen time? Parents can manage the screen time of their kids in the settings. Each box comes with a selection of projects with a variety of difficulty levels.
Kids will be able to build their own apps, test them for free, and then share them with their friends.
Pros
Programming for Kids - Introduce kids to programming
Compatibility - Can be used on any computer, tablet, or mobile device
Great Introduction - No prior coding experience is necessary
Parental Controls - Parents can decide the amount of screen time
Creation - Create an app, then share it with friends and family
Cons
JavaScript Only - Although this is still an industry standard, more people are moving across to Python for their coding needs
For budding scientists, there may not be a better subscription box than Club SciKidz Labz. They will be provided with lab equipment so that they can set up their own lab space for experiments and activities.
Speaking of activities, each box contains up to a whopping 25 micro activities. All the required materials are included, which are of a higher quality than some competitor boxes.
The varied content is sure to keep kids interested through the month, with all kinds of experiments, projects, an activity booklet, and insights into inspiring scientists.
Club SciKidz also offers further studying opportunities, with classes and specialized camps running across the country.
Pros
Depth - Each box contains up to 25 micro activities per month
Varied Content - Science experiments, lab equipment, nature crafts, engineering projects, and more
Further Study - The company run classes and specialized camps for kids at locations across the country
Materials - All the required materials are provided, and they are of a higher quality than some other options
Cons
Pre-School Age - The company don’t make boxes for younger kids
Spangler Science Club have been “on a mission to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers” with their monthly science kits for kids since 1995.
Each monthly box comes with up to eight science projects, as well as lab equipment that will eventually see a whole lab built over 12 months.
The experiments are research-based, which encourages kids to think independently and encourages them to delve deeper into each project. Those who subscribe to the Deluxe Box will find science fair-ready experiments are included.
Pros
Content - Each month, there are up to eight science projects for the theme
Research-Based - Research-based experiments to encourage independence and critical thinking
Build a Lab - Over a 12-month subscription, kids will be able to build their own lab
Deluxe Box - Those who subscribe to the deluxe box receive science fair ready projects
With almost twenty years of experience providing monthly science subscriptions to kids,
The Young Scientist Club has amassed numerous awards and industry recognition. Praise from such organizations as the Learning Magazine, National Parenting Center, and the Learning Research Institute shows how highly regarded the company is.
Aimed at kids from 5-12 years old, these boxes will introduce newbies to the world of science and encourage a hands-on and inquisitive nature. With thirty-six topics to choose from, the diversity of the activities is impressive.
The Magic School Bus branding and theme will entice the kids in and provide a colorful and diverse learning experience.
Pros
Award-Winning - Numerous awards and strong reputation amongst educational organizations
Ages - Suitable for kids aged 5 to 12
Diversity - 36 different topics included over the year
Magic School Bus- Fun and vibrant theme to encourage kids
Experience - Almost twenty years of monthly science subscriptions for kids
Cons
Materials - Some pieces of the kit may not be particularly durable
An exciting introduction to robotics and coding that's sure to keep kids hooked all month long.
Kids will be taught how to build and program a new robot each month, with exciting missions to undertake and test their programming abilities.
Kids are taught to program in both Python and Bloxter. Bloxter is a visual drag-and-drop method that's great for kids taking their first steps into coding.
Each month, new updates for the robot arrive that tie in with the new monthly missions and challenges. It comes with an instruction manual, although online video tutorials are also available.
Pros
Topics - Focus on all four STEM subjects
GoPiGo Robot - Build and program a robot each month
Coding - Learn to code with Bloxter and Python
Content - Monthly robot updates, mission and instruction manual
Cons
Cost - The higher end of the price spectrum for subscription boxes
Creation Crate is aimed at kids aged 12 years and above, with a focus on circuitry, electronics, and Arduino coding (C and C++ coding languages).
The Newsweek publication included it in the Best in Stem 2021, and it’s easy to see why.
Kids start out building the circuit board and then program it as per the monthly projects. Kids will feel a real sense of achievement when they undertake the monthly projects, as the difficulty increases each month.
Customer support is of the highest caliber, with instruction manuals, video tutorials, and phone support, all available.
Pros
Award-Winning - Best in STEM 2021 by Newsweek
Electronics and Coding - Electronics, circuitry, and Arduino coding
Content - Instruction manuals and video tutorials each month
Engaging - Teaches kids about the engineering design process
STEM Discovery Boxes are sure to captivate your kid's interest with their fun and intriguing projects. There is a focus on all four STEM subjects including topics such as electronics, chemistry, physics, coding, and hydraulics.
These award-winning boxes provide three fascinating projects each month, whilst they come with all the required materials included. Parents are also able to order custom kits to fit in with their kid’s interests.
Pros
Topics - Focus on all four STEM subjects
Contents - All equipment for the projects is included
Award-Winning - Parents’ Choice Award for Subscription Boxes and STEM Toy Expert “Best for Family Projects”
Projects - 3 engaging projects each month
Customization - Parents can order custom kits to fit the interests of the kids
Cons
Age Range - Limited to 7-12 years (although kids of other ages can still enjoy the activities)
Awesome STEM Subscription Boxes For Kids - FAQ's
What Is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is designed to encourage kids’ interests in these areas, as well as learning applicable skills for both their educational and real-world experiences.
Why Is STEM Important For Kids?
STEM education does more than teach kids about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
There is a strong focus on hands-on learning with real-world applications which helps kids develop a variety of skills, whilst encouraging them to think for themselves.
How Does STEM Help My Kid’s Future Career Prospects?
Students who study and specialize in STEM subjects have an ever-increasing range of further studies and career options. The speed at which developments in STEM fields are advancing is going to open up an even wider range of careers for STEM students.
Hi, my name is Elena Jones, and my full-time job is a teacher. Through teaching, I have discovered that children learn in many different ways, and have seen the positive impact both STEM and Montessori toys have on children.
Through this site I hope to educate parents and adults about these toys, providing them with useful information on how they can be used, and provide some in depth reviews of different toys to consider too.
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