More than ever, we’re all looking for ways to stay occupied while staying home. Cooking, reading, and new hobbies are at the top of our lists in 2021 (as they were in 2020).
This includes keeping the kids occupied. Sure, television and tablets are an easy solution, but what’s the solution without letting their brains turn to complete mush from staring at a screen all day long?
Computers and electronics have transformed the capabilities behind companies developing children’s toys.
What toys can do has dramatically changed over the years, ranging from a basic action figure to something like the Mouse Trap game that involves building and engineering.
STEM has put a considerable push on toys and kits that involve building and designing, from assembling to programming. And better yet, some of the existing kits are even suited for adults!
To explore your inner engineer and keep yourself occupied in the process, check out a round-up of our top 10 DIY engineering kits below.
GrovePi+ Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi
Are you more of a tech engineer or have a knack for software? Interested in developing hardware or playing up your prototyping game?
Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer that plugs into your television or monitor that helps you learn programming and hardware development through practical projects.
The GrovePi+ Starter Kit includes 12 sensors and 10 cables to get you started with your Raspberry Pi that you may already have. By combining Raspberry Pi’s power with this tech kit, you can begin prototyping hardware with a strong dual-platform while learning to build your own board.
Crowtail Starter Kit For Micro:bit 2.0
The BBC Micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that involves minimal coding, which is excellent for anyone wanting to start out with the basics.
With this DIY electronic device, you can learn how to use Micro:bit with all of the included sensors to create everything from robots to musical instruments and controlling an LED with included modules and lessons.
Grove: Starter Kit for Arduino
Grove, a quick prototyping platform, offers more than just one option for getting into hardware and coding, even at a beginner level.
Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on simple hardware and software, allowing the user to explore the various inputs from something as simple as a finger on a button to a light sensory device.
This prototyping pair gives you the ability to create your own outputs for input sensors. Say you want something to happen with the push of a button. The Grove Starter Kit for Arduino gives you the capability to create those outputs and more.
Elegoo UNO R3 Smart Robot Car Kit
STEM is one of the fastest-growing areas for career and education today. With jobs more in demand in STEM fields than ever, how can you get into it without breaking the bank?
The Elegoo UNO R3 Smart Robot Car Kit will help build hands-on programming skills, electronics engineering knowledge, and robotics science.
The kit contains 24 types of module parts and can be controlled via IOS and Android as well.
Engino Discovering STEM Structures Constructions & Bridges
Nearly everyone had to participate in the bridge project in high school physics class. You use popsicle sticks or wooden dowel rods to build a bridge that can withstand the required weight.
Take those bridge-building skills up a notch with the Engino Discovering STEM Structures Construction and Bridges kit.
Including nine different bridge designs, this kit shows the types of forces applied in constructing bridges and buildings to support the weight.
Bristlebots Introductory Robotics Kit
Not quite up for the kits that have tons of pieces and moving parts? Prefer something more of an introductory level?
Built from a motor and some household items, the Bristlebots Introductory Robotics Kit functions via kinetics. The movement of the motor coincides with the vibration of the robot to the ground or floor.
Colorful and customizable, this beginner robotics kit is perfect for kids and adults who want to get into engineering the easy way.
Hexbug Build Blitz Construction Kit
It’s amazing what technology has been able to accomplish and what we can do with it. Think of everything your phone alone can give you.
The Hexbug Build Blitz Construction Kit is smartphone controlled and includes over 800 pieces for you to build seven different robotic designs.
Including remote controls, motors, wiring systems, and more, this kit will build robotics and electronic engineering skills for any age level.
Snap Circuits 300 Kit
Want to try your hand at building a circuit board but not sure where to start?
The Snap Circuits 300 Kit contains more than 60 snapping components to build your own circuit board. The kit includes wires, a slide switch, capacitors, a resistor, and a microphone.
You can build up to 300 electronic devices, from a motion detector to a radio or tone generator, with a simple snap for a solid electrical connection.
Thames & Kosmos Hydropower Science
What do water and energy have to do with STEM or engineering in general?
Hydropower: the use of water as an energy source.
The Thames and Kosmos Hydropower Science kit teaches the use of alternative renewable energy sources. With 12 experiments and building projects, this kit uses water energy to power the mechanical parts. The end result is to light an LED.
Solder Practice Kit by Elenco
Soldering is the process used to join certain types of metals together using solder (an iron base), creating an electrical bond.
The Solder Practice Kit by Elenco will help users to build better soldering techniques while familiarizing themselves with electrical components. When the soldering is completed correctly, the end result is two LED lights flashing alternately.
Interested in Learning More About Engineering Systems and STEM?
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