My 7yo is great with numbers and we have way too much LEGO in the house. I'm looking for a present for his upcoming 8th birthday, something STEM based to get him thinking and puzzle solving. Robotic/electronics and coding type gifts could be good, as long as no computer/tablet is required/involved.
One idea I've got is Turing Tumble, but not sure if he will bore of it quickly.
https://store-au.upperstory.com/products/turing-tumble
Any suggestions?
He has two little Meccano sets but struggles with them, but yes great suggestion!
I have/use Osmo to teach programming. Needs an iPad but the actual activity is with pieces that kids can arrange to program the character on screen.
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B085NN5678/
Another one I've considered buying is Snap Circuits: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00008BFZH/
EDIT: I can also say that board games are a fun way to teach strategy and problem solving, also have good reuse potential. I like Ticket to Ride, Sushi Go, Labyrinth, Scrabble, Rummikub and so on
Wow, Osmo is on sale for $124. Great idea, wish it wasn't so pricey.
Thanks for the great suggestions! I ended up getting Ticket to Ride, I think this will be a winner.
Ah STEM, the latest buzz word.
You’re well behind. STEAM is the latest buzzword, it includes Arts.
Isn't that just everything at this point?
So true, but it gets the point across!
The Thinkfun range of puzzle games are pretty solid and are good puzzles. Co-op escape room/puzzle boxes are a big hit in our household too. Unlock for Kids would be age appropriate. Or you could find an in person escape room in your city that would be fine for that age group and do it as a group activity.
in the same scenario as the OP at the moment
start her on OC and selective school work books.
but my daughter prefers outdoor activities, so a new basketball hoop and basketball it is.
Trambopoline?
Robotic/electronics and coding type gifts could be good, as long as no computer/tablet is required
That does not make sense… all of robotics is driven by MCUs. And coding on what if not computer?
The Turing Tumble I posted is an example of teaching logic/coding concepts like branching and loops without actually coding.
What is wrong with actual coding? Arduio or on normal computer? Because that is how you learn useful coding skills.
Nothing is wrong with coding, I'm a software developer and love it! I'm just holding off and will teach him when he's a bit older if he is interested.
Lego Mindstorm is pretty cool.
Maybe an Arduino kit? You could give some guidance if it gets too complex.
Have you thought about gifting them a monthly STEM subscription box? A gift that keeps on giving!
There are a few different companies offering these, but the KiwiCo ones are quite good and there are discounts upon sign up/referral etc.
Some kind of circuit kit e.g. https://www.amazon.com.au/Snap-Circuits-Elenco-Jr/dp/B00008B…
Consider a maths or science board game can be good to play as a family or with friends
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/264327/mathminds-games-s…
https://www.amazon.com.au/Latice-Hawaii-Strategy-Board-Game/…
a rubics cube if he doesn’t already have one.
Hexbug makes a brand called Vex Robotics that has some neat construction kits, most have multiple build options and some include motorized or mechanized elements.
https://www.hexbug.com/vex.html
I've only seen them in toymate, but could just be I don't spend much time in toy stores (Nunawading if you're in Melbourne or online - https://toymate.com.au/shop/?search_query=vex)
Step up to Meccano?