Engineering Toys

Learning Resources Playground STEM & Design Set Review

This no prep engineering toy has been a total hit at my STEM center and during free time. It is super affordable!

Best for: Pre-K to 1st grade; partners or individual

Teacher prep: I recommend easing students into the building experience with the task cards. I typically set out 5 at a time and have kids work in sequence.

Pre-teaching: Teach students how to use the task cards

Pros: Task cards really allow you to differentiate complexity for students; sturdy materials; real-life connection; teaches teamwork

Cons: There is only one of each piece, so you can't have multiple groups working on different tasks. It really has to be done in partners or independently!

Conclusion: I would definitely buy this, especially if you are just beginning an independent STEM area in your classroom! Available on Amazon or here!

Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Review

Another STEM center hit great for the beginning of the year! A great connection to K-2 time standards.

Best for: Pre-K to 2nd grade; groups 4 or less

Teacher prep: I recommend easing students into the building experience with the task cards. I typically set out 5 at a time and have kids work in sequence.

Pre-teaching: Teach students how to use the task cards

Pros: Approachable materials allow students to get started exploring right away; sturdy pieces

Cons: It would be nice to have a few more cranks and base plates so more students can build at once (but I only have the 100 piece set). No task cards for design ideas.

Conclusion: I would definitely buy this, especially if you are just beginning an independent STEM area in your classroom! Available on Amazon or here!

imden magnetic tiles review

Magnet tiles are a hit with elementary kids of all ages. Unfortunately, they usually don't come with a lot of pieces and are super expensive! This Amazon dupe is a great substitution!

Best for: Pre-K to 4th grade

Teacher prep: None unless you want students to use letter and number cards in a certain way

Pre-teaching: Teach students how to use the task cards

Pros: Magnets are strong; more shape options than many other magnet tile brands; includes wheels, letters and numbers; task cards are cool; carrying bag is nice

Cons: Student designs typically include a lot of pieces, so even a large set of 92 pieces really only engages 2-3 kids at once; only two sets of wheels (cue fist fight); only one of each letter and number, so learning tasks are limited

Conclusion: If you are going to buy magnetic tiles, I would skip the name brand and go for IMDEN. They're not the most rigorous STEM toys around, but if you are going to buy magnetic tiles, I would skip the name brand and go for IMDEN. Buy as big of a set as you can afford! Here are the 92 piece set and the 120 piece set on Amazon.

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