Playtime can be quite an educational experience for children when they play with the right toys. STEM toys promote creativity, increase hand-eye coordination and allow kids to develop critical thinking skills, among much more. The natural curiosity of kids can serve them well as they play their way to a greater understanding of science and math.
Kids ages 9 to 10 are at a particular point when they start developing strong interests in academic subjects, and these toys can help build a stronger sense of feeling for them. Down below, we include a list of the top STEM toys for 9 to 10 years old to help them enjoy a fun STEM education.
Whether it’s robots, circuits, rockets, or other creative applications, they can keep them learning and entertained.
1. Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit
LEGO and Klutz partnered to release the Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit. Kids can choose from 8 different machines to build with wacky characters like a Yeti, Lounge Lizard, or Pterodactyl. These whimsical characters serve as a playful, paper-craft centerpiece for LEGO-based devices.
Each project has detailed instructions and engages kids with a core STEM concept. All of the projects include elements of engineering and feature moving parts. They can build functioning machines and learn about what makes them work. Since the machines are built with LEGO, they are endlessly customizable and can fit any imagination.
2. Wonder Workshop Dash – Coding Robot for Kids
The Wonder Workshop introduces coding to kids through a fun, voice-activated robot named Dash. Dash provides boys and girls with a great introduction to programming and helps them develop vital skills that can be useful for school. You can use the included LEGO building brick connectors and turn Dash into whatever comes to mind.
There are four kid-friendly apps available to utilize with Dash: Wonder App, Blockly App, Go App, and Path App. Children can join a community of fellow students with Wonder Workshop Class Connect. Class Connect provides access to over 60 step-by-step activities to choose from for the Dash robot and the ability to track progress.
Here is our review on the Dash robot.
3. National Geographic Rocket Launcher
What kid doesn’t want a rocket launcher? The National Geographic Rocket Launcher gives them a way to learn about the physics of rocket flight. The foam-covered rocket design ensures safety for everyone near the included launch pad.
The rocket can launch up to 200 feet in the air for 20 times on just one charge. The recharge only takes 30 minutes for it go again. A rotor-based design assures a successful, smooth landing after every launch.
Charge the rocket, set up your launch pad, set your desired flight time with the push of a button, and prepare for launch! It’s the perfect toy for young geniuses who want to be astronauts one day.
4. Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toys
The power of the sun can be harnessed with the Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Solar Robot. This kit comes with 12 unique designs. Half are entry-level, and the other half is for more advanced users once a child has more experience. All 12 designs have detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.
Through a solar panel and gearbox, you can craft a fully functioning machine. Basic concepts of design and robotics can be explored throughout the build. Building the Sillbird Solar Robot also encourages problem-solving and can boost confidence.
Fun character builds include a puppy, a crab, and a wheeled roly-poly. Imagination and ingenuity come together with this fun to build STEM kit. It’s a great gift for children ages 9 and 10.
5. Snap Circuits Pro SC-500 Electronics Exploration Kit
STEM education can be made easy with the Snap Circuits Pro SC-500 Electronics Exploration Kit, which has over 500 projects to try out. Kids can learn all about electronics and gadgets and use their hands to assemble custom circuits. This helps develop logical thinking and encourages creativity.
The project list includes experiments with voice recording, a digitally tuned radio circuit, and switched lights. The fundamentals of electric circuits are taught throughout these projects in a way that is easy for young kids to understand.
There are detailed steps for each build. There are projects ranging in difficulty between super simple and advanced, so it’s suitable for any knowledge level. These educational toys are designed with safety in mind and feature an easy, snapping, tool-free assembly.
6. Henoda Robot Toys for Boys & Girls
The Henoda Robot is a great option to teach kids the basics of assembly, robotics, coding and other STEM skills. The fun starts with building your very own robot by following the instructions included in the kit.
Once your robot is built and charged, it can be controlled with the included joystick, a smartphone app, or with voice-activated control. One of the benefits of playing with the Henoda Robot is increased manual dexterity and improved hand-eye coordination.
A full charge can last around 40 minutes, and the STEM toy is so versatile that it can keep your children entertained with hours of fun each day.
7. Sphero SPRK+
Sphero is one of the more well-known coding toys that have come out in the past couple of years. The Sphero SPRK+ Robot is a sleek, all-in-one spherical robot that comes assembled with some awesome technology. Nearly every aspect of the Sphero SPRK+ Robot is programmable.
You can control the LED lights, adjust the speed with the accelerometer, or code the gyroscope based on position. Thanks to its waterproof design, you don’t have to worry about it getting wet or your child accidentally tossing it in the shower or pool. The mobile app also includes a coding option for all skill levels.
For beginners, the Sphero SPRK+ can be controlled by drawing a simple path by hand on the app. Intermediate-level coders can work with Scratch blocks and begin learning more advanced coding concepts. Advanced-level students can jump right into fully customizable coding with Javascript.
This is one of the best STEM toys to teach your kids how to code. If your children are too young to participate in coding lessons, this is a great option to start off with.
You can read our full review on it here.
8. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
The Gravity Maze, by the popular kids’ toy brand ThinkFun, is a fully customizable logic puzzle that provides different configurations to build and test. Challenges range in difficulty and utilize several uniquely colored pieces. Boys and girls can learn spatial reasoning and gain a better understanding of planning through assembly and play.
Utilizing the power of gravity and logic is made easy with the included instructions and range of tests. There are challenges for every level of understanding and hours of fun learning. The hands-on nature of this puzzle game gives it endless opportunities for replay.
Although it was built for kids, it’s also fun for adults to play. You can make it a fun family game-time activity.
9. Circuit Games: Maker Lab
Klutz brings another winner to the table with Circuit Games: Maker Lab. Through 5 build-and-play games, players can feed sharks, host a quiz show, perform morse code, make a space loop, and operate on a robot. This is all made easy with illustrated instructions that are included.
Assembly is required, but that makes up half of the fun with papercraft, LED lights, and buzzers. All of the whimsical learning Klutz is known for is part of the deal.
Everything needed to learn the basics of circuitry is included in one convenient package. Future scientists and engineers can have hours of fun with this circuit kit.
10. Solar Robot Kit
With the Solar Robot kit, you can collect the sun’s rays and use them to power 6 different kinds of hand-built robots. There are several wheeled options and self-movable options once powered.
The benefits of building robots include increased problem-solving and logical thinking. Creating something by hand can successfully will any child’s confidence and liking for all things STEM. The geared parts are preassembled, making them easier to build.
It’s a simple way for young students to learn about renewable energy and provides a basis for increased scientific understanding.
11. Soap & Bath Bomb Making Kit for Kids
Scent science comes to life with the Soap & Bath Bomb Making Kit. By applying basic chemistry concepts and utilizing tools, children can concoct several bath bombs, soaps, and salt scrubs.
This kit encourages students to think scientifically and follow steps to achieve results. It’s a great introduction to chemistry for those interested in the field. Science can and should be fun, and the kit proves it.
Everything needed to create ready-to-use soap and bath bombs is included, and the learning guide makes it easy for anyone to use.