Holiday gift-giving is a great opportunity to encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. Science-based tools and toys are always a hit and they fill that desirable niche between fun and meaningful learning. Some of the best gifts will transition from the playroom to the homeschool room. STEM gifts can also be the answer for grandparents and aunts and uncles who will receive the added satisfaction of contributing to homeschool curriculum needs.
Choosing a STEM-oriented gift might seem a little overwhelming at first. There are countless expensive gizmos with educational claims. Making a selection that inspires immediate joy, serves a long-term purpose, and grows with your child is every parent’s goal. From old-school basics to cutting-edge technology, STEM gifts will not disappoint. We have gathered some of our favorite ideas for STEM gifts to inspire your child and exercise their creativity and science brain-power.
Science Museum Memberships
Many parents will delight in the idea of not getting another tangible item to crowd their homes and a science museum or technology center membership truly is the gift that keeps on giving year-round. The Association of Science and Technology Centers maintains a searchable list of centers by country and by U.S. state. Be sure to check your nearby science center for special homeschool programs, classes, and discounts.
Compound Microscope
Although many images can be accessed online, nothing will open the microscopic world to your student like the hands-on learning that a microscope provides. Working with a microscope helps to grow proper scientific technique, satisfy high school requirements, and foster an interest in science. Picking the correct microscope for your homeschool can be daunting. At a minimum, a good microscope should include: 4x, 10x, and 40x objective lenses; separate coarse and fine adjustment knobs; and an LED or cool fluorescent light source. The Home LED Microscope from Home Science Tools checks all of those boxes. Its sturdy build and lifetime guarantee make this a perfect choice for beginners and families with multiple users.
Computer Programming Classes
A great virtual gift choice, online coding classes are unaffected by this year’s supply shortages and shipping issues. Your aspiring young tech enthusiast will love the ability to explore Scratch programming by learning how to create animations and games. Older students have the opportunity to learn real-world languages like