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Recently, I wrote about the many log-jams in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) career pipeline, particularly as this pertains to young women, and suggested that one possible solution to this issue was:
This precept was also one of my guiding principles as I walked the floor of New York's Javits Center last week covering the 2012 Toy Fair: I wanted to find the toys that were teaching STEM skills and shaping positive STEM attitudes in children, particularly girls. As I walked through the Toy Fair I saw many exhibits proudly displaying awards from parent magazines as well as the toy industry and decided that to guide my Toy Fair experience, I would create my own award: The STEMmy.
Like all good awards, the STEMmy required criteria. Questions I asked when (mentally) bestowing this award were:
- Does the toy promote STEM skill development?
- Does the toy embrace "girl culture"? In other words, can a girl still feel and act like a girl while playing with this toy?
- Does the toy widen the narrow cultural definitions of "scientist"?
- What does the advertising for the company look like? Are girls represented equally? Adequately?
Here are my 2012 Toy Fair STEMmy recipients:
Eitech Ferris Wheel Metal Building Kit. Photo credit: EitechAmerica.comC17 Eitech Ferris Wheel Metal Building Kit by Eitech ($149.39).
Product description: "1200 parts help you construct the rotating upright wheel and brightly colorful passenger cars. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow illustrated instructions are included. Includes gear motor (i=1:84) and illustrated instructions and tools for easy building (ages 8 years and up)."
Andrea says: Hands-down, the Eitech toys, Germany's version of the erector set, were my favorite exhibit at Toy Fair. I loved the image the sales rep generated when she told me that "a girl and her dad" would probably take about 12 hours to build the ferris wheel pictured above. In addition to the ferris wheel, there were a Tower Bridge, an Eiffel Tower (with lights), and a motorized crane that all made my hands itch they looked so fun to build! The catalog does an excellent job of alternating pictures of boys and girls playing with the toys on each page–though the website still seems boy-heavy in its' imagery.
Cultural caveat: The sales rep explained that these toys are made as a side line by a German steel manufacturer and that they are actually integrated into the German elementary school curriculum. Because American children would have less exposure to this system, these kits are probably more appropriate for slightly-older American children.
Creative Cosmetics and Perfume Science kits by Thames & Kosmos.
Product description Creative Cosmetics: "Experience the beautiful side of biology and chemistry with this unique collection of experiments. The 32-page, full-color book guides you through the science and history of cosmetics, and gives dozens of beauty recipes and techniques. Activities include: mixing own personalized cosmetics, discovering what cosmetics are made of, and studying the biology of skin, hair, and nails. Ages 12 and up. The cosmetics in this kit were developed humanely, without animal testing."
Product description Perfume Science: "Follow your nose on a fragrant journey through the science, history, and art of making perfumes. Experiment with countless fragrance combinations on your way to becoming a master perfumer. Start by learning about how your nose and brain work together to perceive smells. Next, play some games with scents to train your nose. After a look at the history of fragrances and the current theories behind perfume design, you will be ready to start making your own perfumes. Activities include: extracting fragrances from plants, designing your own fragrances, and making special scented crafts. Ages 10 and up. The perfume oils in this kit were developed humanely, without animal testing."
Andrea says: The company Thames & Kosmos has created dozens of award-worthy, comprehensive, hands-on kits covering a broad range of science sub-specialties–from physics to construction to biology to alternative energy (and beyond)–but the two kits that seemed most worthy of girl-friendly, STEMmy accolades were their cosmetics and perfume products.
Little Bits Starter Kit ($89).
Product Description: "LittleBits is an open source system of modular electronics that snap together with tiny magnets for prototyping and play. Each bit has a simple, unique function (light, sound, sensors, etc), and modules snap to make larger circuits. Included in the kit are 10 color coded modules (power, input, output, and wire) that snap together magnetically to create larger circuits, guaranteed to keep kids (or you) occupied for hours. Not for children under 3."
Andrea says: I defy anyone to see these little modular magnetic electronic components without wanting to touch them. The girl-friendly grape, pink, orange, and lime-colored pieces come together with a satisfying magnetic tug and seem like an excellent tool for teaching early-elementary kids how to create electronic circuits. The $89 price tag is not cheap but could come down with time.
Incidental facts: Ayah Bdeir, the creator of Little Bits, is a graduate of MIT's Media Lab and a TED Fellowship recipient scheduled to speak at the 2012 TED Talks.
Dazzu Blinkin' Bracelet (price currently unavailable-new for 2012).
Product description: "Make fun, creative projects then by using a computer, tablet, or smartphone you'll enjoy programming your unique creations and sharing your programs and projects with friends online. Each kit contains programmable, interactive lights plus all the materials needed to create a one-of-a-kind, unique project.Spice up craft projects with interactive lights
that you program right from your computer, tablet or smartphone!"
Andrea says: I like to think of the Blinkin Bracelet as a gateway toy to the Arduino Lilypad. What I especially appreciated about this toy is that it doesn't just say to little girls "put me on and feel beautiful." Through a patented system akin to bluetooth, girls take an active role in styling their bracelet, in that they can manipulate the rhythm of the LEDs on the light strip that comes with this bracelet cuff–all while beginning their e-textile journey...
Fun fact: In the future, the maker of the Blinkin Bracelet hopes to partner with Pantone's "color of the month" so that girls can regularly download new colors for their bracelets by revisiting the Dazzu website!
"Time for your Checkup" Doc Doll (With Lambie) by Just Play in coordination with Disney Jr. ($34.99-Aug. 2012).
Product Description: "Girls can bring home their new friend and sing along to the entire 'check-up' song with Doc as they nurture their own toys. Doc comes to life, speaking more than 10 phrases and can bring her friend Lambie to life with the touch of her stethoscope, which activates with lights and sounds."
Andrea says: Many of the hurdles for women entering STEM careers that I mentioned in my previous article had to do with attitudes, emotions and "cultural impressions." At TEDxWomen last December, this issue was summed up repeatedly by the phrase "You can't be what you can't see."
The truth is that by kindergarten, many children have already formed negative impressions of scientists because the exposure they have to the concept is outdated and stereotypical. This is why I have to give Disney props for their Doc McStuffins doll. The doll (and accompanying television show, slated to begin airing in March on the new Disney Jr. channel) give girls, particularly girls of color, a whole new way to see science and lab coats. The brief look at the show that I had recently also looked very promising...
HONORARY MENTION: SmartMax Magnetic Discovery Basic 25 Building Set ($49.99) and Flower Fun set (new for 2012).
Product description: "This SmartMax Magnetic Discovery Basic Building Set from Smart/Tangoes USA is an open-ended play system sure to engage and entertain kids for hours. You will be amazed at the intricate structures kids will build with the colorful pieces - a combination of long bars, short bars, and 1.8" diameter metal balls, all chunky and easy for little hands to manipulate. The magnet strength in each piece is just right for keeping them connected while letting go with a slight tug for deconstruction. The SmartMax Magnetic Discovery Building Sets all include a colorfully-illustrated model guide that teaches kids about magnets, and shows them ways to strengthen their structures and how to build towers and bridges. Extension sets sold separately. Ages 1 & up."
Andrea says: I thought that the flower and pink car add-on sets to the Smartmax magnetic building system were very girl-friendly! A quick look at their website shows that they are changing their advertising to include more girls playing with their toys, too.
HONORARY MENTION: Swann Communication's Micro Lightning - Gyro Balanced Remote Controlled Helicopter ($69.99-pink new for 2012).
Product description: "A high tech co-axial gyroscope system makes the Swann Micro Lightning easy to control and easy to enjoy. It's also fully constructed and ready to fly - there is no setup or counterweighting required! The video game styled controller features two analog control sticks and a trim controller - all of which can be operated with little or no practice. This aerial assassin operates like a bolt from the blue and can be taken anywhere that fun is allowed! The Swann Micro Lightning is easy to re-charge on-the-go using the attachment on the remote control or via your computer's USB port. Ages 11 and up."
Andrea says: There is no question who this particular helicopter was designed for–this is a girl's remote control helicopter–and I wanted to give kudos to Swann for releasing a product that says, "Ladies: You're welcome in the hobby shop, too!" (Next stop: pink heli kits that get girls building and hacking!)
Of course, there are many great STEM-skill toys on the market for girls. These were just the toys that made a particular impact on me as I walked the floor of the 2012 Toy Fair. What toys would you add to the list?
