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15 Essential STEM tools & kits for Middle School Grades with Product Details and Resources
- Makerbazar
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
In the current fast-paced educational landscape, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is crucial for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in young learners. It prepares students for a future where technology and innovation play a significant role in various fields.
Despite its importance, educators often face confusion when trying to identify the right tools and resources for delivering quality educational experiences in STEM. The vast array of options can make it difficult to select the most effective platforms that align with educational goals and student needs.
This post is intended to help you in choosing the right tools for your school's STEM journey.
Paper Circuits - STEM Kit for Middle School
Description:
Paper circuits introduce basic electronics to young learners in a fun way. Using copper tape, conductive ink, LED lights, component stickers and batteries, students can create circuits on paper, enhancing their understanding of electrical flow and sparking creativity.
Skills & Techs Covered:
Basic electronics
Circuit design
Creativity
Curriculum Resources:
Expense Range:
₹100 - ₹600
Buying Link:
Snap Circuits
Description:
Snap Circuits offer a hands-on experience with snap-together components, allowing students to explore how electronic devices work. With projects that build skills in engineering and problem-solving, children can assemble over 300 different projects.
Tech Areas Covered:
Electronics
Science fundamentals
Engineering principles
Problem-solving
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹800 - ₹15000
Buying Link:
Blix Discovering Electronics
Description:
Blix Discovering Electronics is a hands-on robotics and STEM kit designed for kids aged 8 and above to learn about the fundamentals of electronics. Manufactured by the Indian company Blix Education, it provides a guided, project-based approach to teaching circuit building and digital logic.
Tech Areas Covered:
Digital Electronics
Circuit Building
Scientific Literacy
Problem solving
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹3000 - ₹4500
Buying Link:
Arduino Alvik Robot
Description:
The Arduino Alvik Robot is a beginner-friendly robotics kit that combines programming, robotics and construction. It allows students to dive into coding while experimenting with real electronics, fostering a hands-on learning environment.
Tech Areas Covered:
Robotics
Block Coding
Python
Electronics
Artificial Intelligence
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹10500 - ₹14000
Buying Link:
Blix Boffin Kits
Description:
Blix Boffin sets are a series of educational robotics kits from the Indian company Blix Education. These STEM-focused kits are designed to introduce kids and beginners to robotics, electronics, and coding through hands-on, building-based projects. It includes 4 models: basic, lite, master and AI
Tech Areas Covered:
Coding
Electronics
Robotics
Science
Construction
Design
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹8000 - ₹25000
Buying Link:
BBC Micro:bit - STEM Kit for Middle School
Description:
The BBC Micro:bit is a powerful, pocket-sized computer designed as a hands-on educational tool to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts. Created by the BBC in 2015, the Micro:bit has become a global initiative aimed at inspiring a new generation to become creative with technology.
Tech Areas Covered:
Computational thinking
Coding
Electronics
Engineering and design
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹1300 - ₹2000
Buying Link:
Quarky Robotics & AI Kit
Description:
The Quarky Ultimate Kit is an advanced, hands-on robotics and AI learning kit for children ages 7 and up. Developed by STEMpedia, it is designed to teach foundational and advanced concepts in coding, AI, machine learning, and robotics through interactive, project-based activities.
Tech Areas Covered:
Coding
AI and Machine Learning
Python
Problem Solving
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹4000 - ₹10000
Buying Link:
WitBlox DIY Kits
Description:
The WitBlox Mega DIY Robotics Kit is a screen-free, plug-and-play modular electronics kit designed for children ages 8 and up to learn the fundamentals of electronics, logic, and robotics. The kit features interlocking electronic blocks ("blox") that can be connected in different combinations to create a variety of projects, from simple circuits to advanced robots.
Tech Areas Covered:
Robotics
Coding
Electronics & Hardware
Engineering
Problem Solving
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹1400 - ₹4000
Buying Link:
LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set
Description:
LEGO Education SPIKE Prime is a robotics and coding kit designed for middle school students (ages 10+) to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts through hands-on projects. It is the successor to the retired LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and features updated hardware, a Scratch-based programming app, and Python coding capabilities.
Tech Areas Covered:
Robotics
Coding
Engineering
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹45000 - ₹70000
Buying Link:
3D Pen
Description:
The 3D Pen allows students to draw three-dimensional designs in real-time. This tool fosters creativity and introduces basic engineering concepts while enabling artistic expression.
Tech Areas Covered:
3D printing
Design
Prototyping
Creativity
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
₹500 - ₹3500
Buying Link:
3D Printer
Description:
A 3D printer is a powerful prototyping tool for education, enabling students to transform abstract, theoretical concepts into tangible, hands-on learning experiences. By integrating 3D printing into various subjects, educators can foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in a highly engaging way.
Tech Areas Covered:
3D modelling
Prototyping
Engineering
Product Design
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
Free
Buying Link:
Tinkercad
Description:
Tinkercad is a free online 3D design and modeling platform. It offers a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for introducing students to 3D printing and design concepts, which enhances creativity.
Tech Areas Covered:
3D design
Engineering
Creativity
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
Free
Buying Link:
MIT App Inventor
Description:
MIT App Inventor is a free, web-based tool that allows beginners, including children, to create fully functional mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. It uses a block-based visual programming language, similar to Scratch, so users can create apps by dragging and dropping code blocks instead of writing traditional code.
Tech Areas Covered:
Coding & Programming
App Development
UI/UX
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
Free
Buying Link:
Makeblock Mbot 2
Description:
The Makeblock mBot2 is an educational robotics kit designed for STEM learning, suitable for beginners aged 8 and up. It is the successor to the original mBot and features upgraded hardware and expanded capabilities. The robot is powered by a CyberPi microcontroller and can be programmed using block-based code (like Scratch) or Python.
Tech Areas Covered:
Coding
Robotics
Python
Physical Computing
Curriculum Resources:
Price Range:
Free
Buying Link:
Transformative STEM Learning
Incorporating STEM education in the middle grades is essential for nurturing the innovators of the future. The platforms mentioned here provide a range of engaging tools and resources designed to ignite interest in young students. By delving into fields such as electronics, robotics, coding, design, and AI, these products enrich the educational experience and encourage creativity.
Think about bringing these STEM platforms into your classroom to foster a love for STEM among your students!
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