[ExI] Do STEM toys actually teach kids science and math?

[John Grigg]

"With a rocky year of pandemic-related educational disruptions ahead, many
parents are looking for ways to help their kids learn at home. Toys
advertised as teaching *STEM*
<https://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html> might seem
like one way to fill the gap. But do they really work?

The answer is yes, research shows that toys can indeed teach science,
technology, engineering and *math*
<https://www.livescience.com/38936-mathematics.html> concepts — but don't
focus on advertising or fancy labels to find the best bets. There's no
minimum educational requirement that toys must reach to label themselves a
"STEM toy," so almost everything on the market is untested. Instead,
experts say, look for toys that encourage open-ended, active play and
problem-solving. Some proven winners? *Tinkertoys*
<https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=74387&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTINKERTOY-Model-Super-Building-Set%2Fdp%2FB00JRGVEG2%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dlivescience-ph-7892809415931558000-20>,
board games, decks of cards and *building blocks*
<https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=74387&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMelissa-Doug-Wooden-Building-Blocks%2Fdp%2FB000068CKY%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dlivescience-ph-1804693012485567700-20>."

I'm curious what list members think are among the best toys and games for
developing young minds. I have a little one on the way, so this really
matters to me...

https://www.livescience.com/how-stem-toys-teach-math-science.html
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