About STEAM Learning

Introducing your child to important STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) concepts in a play setting early on has been proven to help them grasp complex concepts better later in life. (Lange, 2019)

Playing with STEAM activities not only teaches concepts and technical skills surrounding it but also helps children develop language and literacy skills along the way. STEAM activities can include building a gadget, solving a puzzle or programming a simple game.

Without a doubt, to cultivate a love of Science and Technology, playful and creative learning is the way to go!

Read more about STEM vs STEAM Education: What is STEM and STEAM education in Singapore? – Duck Learning

 

Tools for Busy Parents and their Children

However, busy parents may find it difficult to find a toy, game or kit that keeps up with their children's learning across different STEM subjects.

 

What kind of toys can I get for my kids?

• Building sets
• Robotics kits
• Coding kits
• Science kits

 

Factors of Comparison

Here at Duck Learning, we sell only tried and tested kits and solutions to parents, educators and institutions all over Singapore. The kits listed in this list do not compromise on safety, efficacy of learning and fun.

We are recommending these tools/kits based on the following factors:

1. Topics Covered
2. Quality of Item
3. Quantity of Activities
4. Tech and Informational Support
5. Age Range
6. Price

So, here is a list of 5 recommended home kits focusing on Science and Technology!

 

Our Recommended Kits

(In no particular order)

1. LEGO Education STEAM Park

Let your child's imagination take flight with the LEGO® Education STEAM Park. This versatile kit introduces early science, technology, engineering, and art concepts through hands-on play. From exploring forces and motion to experimenting with balance and predictions, the possibilities are endless. With high-quality DUPLO® bricks built to last generations, your child can embark on a journey of discovery and creativity. Plus, with structured projects and tutorials available online, you'll have all the support you need to inspire your budding engineer.

 

 

• Topics Covered
• General Topics: Early Science, Technology, Engineering, Art
• Example Concepts: Force, Motion, Probability, Distances, Balance, Predictions
  
  
• Quality of Item
• 5 out of 5 Stars
  Watch a video about the quality and safety tests LEGO® Duplo® bricks undergo - these high quality bricks are made to last generations!

• Quantity of Activities
• Unlimited creations with add-on Duplo® sets to spice things up every now and then

Here are some example activities and builds your child can make and learn from:

• Great Informational Support
• LEGO Education has structured projects available online for reference
  Click here to view the project tutorials
• Check out the official STEAM Park Youtube Playlist!
  It gives you ideas for the builds and concepts to share with your children
  
  
• Age Range: 4 - 7 years old
  
  
• Price: SGD 485.15 (now 426.95) (including GST & 1 year local warranty) 
• LEGO® Education STEAM Park (45024) | Duck Learning

 

2. LEGO Education WeDo 2.0

Ignite your child's passion for robotics and programming with the LEGO® Education WeDo 2.0. Designed for children aged 6 to 11, this award-winning kit combines the thrill of building with the excitement of coding. From constructing moving machines to solving real-world challenges, children will develop essential STEM skills while unleashing their creativity. With access to a wealth of online resources and workshops, learning has never been more engaging or accessible.

 

• Topics Covered
• General Topics Covered: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Programming, Mathematics
• Example Concepts: Motion, Robotics, Automation, Gears & Motors, Cycles, Interactions, Energy, Block-based Programming

• Quality of Item
• 5 out of 5 Stars
• Official kits used by international competitions like FIRST® LEGO® League and World Robotics Olympiad
  
  
• Quantity of Activities
• Unlimited creations and tutorials available online and at live workshops (Tip: Youtube has many unique tutorials for hours of fun!)
  
  

• Great Informational Support
  
• LEGO Education has structured projects and lessons available on the LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 App
  
  
• Age Range: 6 - 11 years old
   
  
• Price: SGD 376.80 (including GST & 2 years local warranty)
  
  

3. LEGO Education SPIKE™ Prime

Take learning to the next level with the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime. Aspiring engineers and innovators aged 6 to 11 will love exploring robotics, programming, and entrepreneurship with this cutting-edge kit. Whether they're building robots or coding in Python, children will develop invaluable 21st-century skills while having a blast. With unlimited activities and tutorials available online, the possibilities are limitless.

 

• Topics Covered
• General Topics Covered: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Programming, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship
• Example Concepts: Motion, Robotics, Automation, Gears & Motors, Cycles, Interactions, Energy, Block-Based Programming, Python

• Quality of Item
• 5 out of 5 Stars
• Official kits used by international competitions like FIRST® LEGO® League and World Robotics Olympiad
  
  
• Quantity of Activities
• Unlimited creations and tutorials available online and at live workshops (Tip: Youtube has many unique tutorials for hours of fun!)

Here are some example activities and builds your child can make and learn from:

• Great Informational Support
  
• LEGO Education has structured projects and lessons available on the LEGO Education SPIKE™ Prime App
  
  
• Age Range: 6 - 11 years old
   
  
• Price: SGD 915.32 (including GST & 1 year local warranty)
  You can purchase this on our webstore:
  LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Core Set (45678) | Duck Learning

See how the kit compares with SPIKE Essential: What's The Difference Between LEGO Education SPIKE Essential and SPIKE – Duck Learning

See how the kit compares with EV3: A Comprehensive Comparison: LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime vs. MINDSTORMS® for Rob – Duck Learning

4. Strawbees Coding & Robotics Kit

For an economical yet engaging option, look no further than the Strawbees Coding & Robotics Kit. Perfect for children aged 6 to 15, this kit introduces engineering, art, and programming concepts through hands-on experimentation. From prototyping to block-based programming, children will enjoy endless hours of creative exploration. With resources available on the official Strawbees website, learning has never been more accessible.

 

 

 

• Topics Covered
• General Topics Covered: Engineering, Art, Programming, Mathematics
• Example Concepts: Prototyping, Motion, Robotics, Automation, Block-Based Programming,

• Quality of Item
• 3 out of 5 Stars
• Economical option
  
  
• Quantity of Activities
• Unlimited creations and tutorials available online and at live workshops 
• Visit Strawbees' website for starter projects: https://learning.strawbees.com/

Here are some example activities and builds your child can make and learn from:

• Great Informational Support
  
• Everything you need is available on Strawbees' official website!
  
  
• Age Range: 6 - 15 years old
   
  
• Price: SGD 239.34 (now 172.16) (including GST & 1 year local warranty)
  You can purchase this on our webstore: Strawbees Coding and Robotics Kit (SB058) | Duck Learning 

 

5. Heebie Jeebies Clip Circuit Electrolab - 80 Electronic Experiments Kit (HJ-0080)

Bring the wonders of electronics to life with the Heebie Jeebies Clip Circuit Electrolab. With 80 electronic experiments to explore, children aged 6 to 15 will have a blast learning about circuitry, building, and experimentation. Whether they're creating light-up circuits or exploring the principles of electricity, this kit offers a fun and educational experience for curious minds.

• Topics Covered
• General Topics Covered: Engineering, Physics
• Example Concepts: Prototyping, Circuitry, Building, Experimentation

• Quality of Item
• 3 out of 5 Stars
• Economical option
  
  
• Quantity of Activities
• Total of 80 set activities and more with your creativity!

 

Here are some example activities and builds your child can make and learn from:

• Age Range: 6 - 15 years old
  
• Price: SGD 45.28 (including GST)
  

 

6. KUBO Coding Starter Kit (KB-1030)

 Introduce coding and computational thinking to young learners with the KUBO Coding Starter Kit. Suitable for children as young as 4-years-old, this kit offers comprehensive lesson plans and guides, making learning fun and accessible.

 

• Topics Covered
• General Topics Covered: Coding, Logic, Functions, Gamified Learning
• Example Concepts: Storytelling, Imagination, Direction, Coding

• Quality of Item
• 4 out of 5 Stars
• Mats are self-customisable and printable. Official kits used by National Robotics Competition and Global Robotics Games.
  
  
• Quantity of Activities
• Countless set activities and more with your creativity! 
• Lesson Plan Resources and Ideas (KUBO Curriculum): https://portal.kubo.education/curriculum/ 
• Classroom Management Tool (KUBO Play): https://portal.kubo.education/play/
• Map Maker (KUBO Map Maker): https://portal.kubo.education/map-maker/ 
• Platform for Home-based Learning (KUBO Portal): https://portal.kubo.education/

 

Special Mentions

• LEGO Education BricQ Motion (Learning Science with Sports Theme)
• Arduino Starter Kit (Physics and Engineering)

 

Read more on ideas to inspire your kids interest in STEAM Learning: 50 Cool Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Projects for Students [2024] – Duck Learning

 

If learning STEM or STEAM at home is too time consuming or difficult for you, don't worry! STEAM Engine is here to help with workshops, weekly classes or even robotics competition preparations.

 

Last updated: 11 March 2024