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STEM Toys — Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas
Legos
Legos are the original STEM toys. Whether you are gifting a box of Duplos (for younger children), classic Lego pieces, a Creator Kit, a Robotics Kit or a Coding Set this toy is always a hit. Children of all ages learn problem-solving, communication, collaboration, engineering and design with Legos. The creativity and imagination that goes into building with Legos helps students in all aspects of their education, best of all, they are learning through hands-on play.
Magna-Tiles
This award-winning magnetic building set is fun for all ages. From the youngest children who are learning shapes, to older children that are learning about 3D structures—this toy brings these concepts to life. Magna-Tiles encourage creativity, allow kids to explore science concepts (with magnets), develop fine-motor skills and teach critical thinking.
Marble Maze
A popular classroom engineering challenge is to build a marble maze. In the classroom, a marble maze can be made of anything from paper plates to carboard cutouts. Marble mazes are an excellent engineering tool and really challenge students’ problem-solving techniques. Finishing the maze and watching the marble race down the track is a gratifying experience for children. There are marble maze kits available for children based on age and skill level.
STEM Subscription Box
STEM subscription boxes are very popular. Each month a box is delivered to your door and it contains fun activities that focus on a central theme—i.e. robotics, chemistry, plant life cycles. The activities are tailored by age and provide a hands-on opportunity to dig deeper into concepts. See 12 STEM subscription box options here.
3D Printer
3D printing technology is making its way into schools, and chances are that many students have at least heard of the technology. A 3D printer is a way of bringing designs to life—whether you are creating jewelry, ornaments or replacement parts—the design options are truly endless.
We hope that these STEM toys have sparked an idea to help you find that perfect holiday gift.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Focusing on STEM Education | 3D Academy
We have a passion for STEM education and wanted to share some of our most popular STEM related blog posts with you.
The Baby Toon – From Science Fair to Shark Tank
Our client, The Baby Toon, was featured on the Season 11 Premiere of Shark Tank and was able to successfully secure a deal with Lori Greiner. Inventor of The Baby Toon, Cassidy Crowley (age 10), and her family have been on this startup journey for three years now and watching it culminate with a deal on Shark Tank was certainly a highlight for them and us. We had a chance to talk with Cassidy and her mom, Lori, to discuss the entire experience and share their favorite memories with us.
Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
A quick glance inside of a STEM focused classroom will show a range of design possibilities to the same question posed by the teacher. Students love to think critically and use their creativity—much like entrepreneurs. Getting hands-on and designing a solution is what entrepreneurs do best.
STEM education is more than four subjects, it’s a mindset. The skills taught in STEM classes can be used in any career field—especially, entrepreneurship.
The Changing Landscape of STEM Education
Technological advancements coupled with vocal industry proponents, have successfully transformed the way STEM education is taught. This is great news, because the long-term benefits of STEM are profound on students’ future career success—whether in a STEM field, or not.
The Long-Term Benefits of a STEM Education
STEM teaches valuable life skills. Technology is transforming the landscape of our lives—in today’s global marketplace there is no substitute for a strong STEM education background as you enter the workforce. In this post we discuss STEM education facts about the benefits of the curriculum outside of the classroom.
3D Academy
Our 3D Academy is your STEM education partner. We specialize in developing and integrating industry technologies with STEM education and can build custom programs for your classroom or school. We understand that closing the STEM skills gap takes effort from both academia and professionals in the field, and we are happy to work with schools to bring hands-on and project-based opportunities to students.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
Fostering an Early Love of STEM Education
Below we have gathered some of our most popular STEM related articles. We hope that these pieces inspire both students, teachers and parents alike to delve deeper into the world of STEM education.
3D Academy: Educate to Innovate
Introducing innovation into a classroom can help students turn their passion into future careers. Here we share five ways to help students develop an innovation mindset and build important life-long skills.
Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
While the focus is on educating students around the four subjects—science, technology, engineering and math—the true value of these subject areas goes far beyond an engineering career or science major. STEM education provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurship.
Exploring STEM Subjects During Summer Break
While this piece was written for summer, it can be adapted to any school break.
Diving deeper and exploring STEM subjects during summer break allows students to find what truly interests them. In school, there is a curriculum to follow and goals to meet; however, the unstructured summer months let students explore their own interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. They can dig deeper into subject matter, which helps them not only grasp concepts better, but gives them a better understanding of the world around them.
The Changing Landscape of STEM Education
Technological advancements coupled with vocal industry proponents, have successfully transformed the way STEM education is taught. This is great news, because the long-term benefits of STEM education are profound on students’ future career success—whether in a STEM field, or not.
The Benefits of Using 3D Printing Technology in Education
3D printing technology promotes active learning and has the power to open a world of career possibilities to students. 3D printing inspires creativity and can help encourage students to explore a career in engineering or science.
Fostering a love of STEM early-on is a great way to help students use their imaginations, build with their hands and help them understand that they can create the future.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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3D Academy: Educate to Innovate
Build an ‘Innovation Mindset’
To help students cultivate an innovation mindset, first you must show them what one looks like. This mindset focuses on critical thinking and asking “why”. While, it is easy to apply this mindset to STEM subjects, it can, and should, be applied to every subject. Think about all the times you are reading material and ask yourself “why”—Why is that? Why did this happen? Now, let your students see you asking these questions and encourage them to do the same.
Curiosity leads to finding answers together as a team. Critical thinking and team building are both valuable skills in any workplace environment.
Use Problem-Finding Techniques
Instead of problem-solving, teachers can help students look at the world by finding gaps to fill using problem-finding. Problem-finding is equivalent to problem discovery. Teachers can use problem-finding as part of a more significant problem process that can include problem-shaping and problem-solving all together. Problem-finding requires an intellectual and imaginative vision to seek out what might be missing or should be added to something important. Using this strategy, teachers can provide students with the opportunity to think deeply, ask critical questions and apply creative ways to solve problems. (Forbes)
Let Students Take Risks and Fail
Students need to experience failure to learn. In her 2017 paper “Learning from Errors,” psychologist Janet Metcalfe states that avoiding and ignoring mistakes at school is the classic rule in American classrooms. When we don’t let students fail, we are most likely holding back not only individual student growth, but we are also holding back the entire education system. (Forbes)
Give your students a real-world problem to solve and see where their creativity and problem-solving skills take them. Let them fail and try again. This resiliency is imperative in all aspects of life.
Engage Students with New Technology
Technology is making leaps and bounds—3D Printing, 3D CAD, Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality, Programming, all promote learning and engage students. These technologies have a ‘wow factor’ with students since they are not things they see every day. With our 3D Academy, we have seen how it really motivates and engages students to learn. Students who may otherwise not be actively engaged in the classroom, suddenly light up and want to participate when a new and exciting technology is introduced.
Bring Experts and Entrepreneurs into the Classroom
Students need to see real-world examples of people in a range of careers to know what is possible for them. It is hard to imagine a career as a product designer, engineer, nurse, marine biologist, etc. if you have never met one and are not quite sure what their daily work lives look like. Invite professionals in various stages of their careers to talk to your students. Entrepreneurship is often something that intrigues students, so call up an entrepreneur and let them talk to your students about their winding path to success.
Cultivating an innovation mindset is fun for both teachers and students. It is inviting a different teaching approach into the classroom and allows students to engage with material in a more hands-on way.
Interested in a personalized hands-on approach to STEM education in your classroom or school? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com so we can talk about your program needs and how our 3D Academy can assist you.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
Meet Our 3D Innovations Intern: Joanne Chi
Get to Know Joanne Chi, 3D Innovations’ Summer Intern
Q: What sparked your passion for engineering?
A: I’ve always liked to build things. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Innovation and Imagination Design Challenge and I designed and built a lamp with my team. That experience made me realize that I really enjoy seeing a project go from an idea to something real and tangible. It also made me realize that I liked designing and putting things together.
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Q: What future career do you see yourself in?
A: Currently, I’m undecided because I like the medical profession and I like engineering.
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Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
A: In my spare time I LOVE to catch up on some sleep and surf the internet.
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Q: What inspires you?
A: My older sister, Jeanna, and my HOSA State Advisor, Mrs. Toyama, inspire me. They’re both very confident and skilled individuals and I hope to make them proud.
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Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
A: I was digging through my old photos on my phone and I found a video clip of my two friends testing whether or not their phones were waterproof. They both dunked their phones into the nearby pool where we were studying for chemistry finals. I think maybe the stress of finals made us a little delirious. Don’t worry, the phones survived, and our final exams went smoothly!
Please feel free to reach out to us, info@3d-innovations.com, if you have words of encouragement or wisdom to pass along to Joanne.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
Exploring STEM Subjects During Summer Break
Here we share a few ideas on exploring STEM subjects together as a family.
Find a Makerspace
Makerspaces are popping up all over cities. Many libraries now have Makerspaces of their very own that are available to the community. In a makerspace, students can create anything their mind dreams up. Most makerspaces have the tools available to create both virtual and physical objects.
“To define a school makerspace by its purpose and simplest of terms, it is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects.” Laura Flemming ‘Worlds of Making’
Introduce a CAD Program
3D CAD programs are available to a wide range of ages. The best part is that you don’t have to be an engineer yourself to help your student find a CAD program that best suits them. Many of the CAD programs focused on younger demographics come with fun and interactive tutorials to help them, and you, get started.
Visit a Science Museum
Science museums are a great place to get your hands moving with exploring STEM subjects. Unlike traditional museums, science museums are usually a place where you can ‘learn by doing’. Explore weather patterns, the human body, the solar system and so much more with a trip to a science museum. If your child doesn’t have a specific interest in a science area, this range of material just might help them find what truly interests them.
Become a Junior Ranger
Head outdoors and into nature. The National Parks Service hosts Junior Ranger programs at all of their parks, which encourages students to explore, learn and protect. The Junior Ranger program provides activities and educational booklets to help your child learn about what they see within the park.
Subscribe to a Monthly STEM Box
Subscription boxes are a fun and easy way to foster your child’s love of learning. With the rise in popularity of subscription boxes, there are now quite a few focused on various STEM subjects now. These boxes arrive monthly and contain activities for you and your child to do together. One month you might be engineering a mechanical claw and the next you are building the solar system together. These boxes provide a great opportunity for hands-on learning.
STEM education teaches valuable life skills that carry over into all aspects of daily life. This summer, keep your child learning and engaged with some fun hands-on activities.
A STEM focused summer camp will give your student a structured, hands-on approach learning. Your child will be surrounded by peers with similar interests to their own and teachers that want to foster their love of learning STEM subjects.
Our 3D Academy hosts and participates in STEM Enrichment Camps throughout the year. Head on over to our 3D Academy calendar to view our upcoming camps.
About Our 3D Academy
3D Academy, a division of 3D Innovations, specializes in developing and integrating industry technologies with STEM Programs and Education.
3D Academy promotes (STEM) education programs that integrate 3D Technology into K–12, as well as university classrooms. Using hands-on and project-based learning strategies, we have been effective in providing students with opportunities to excel in the areas of STEM and to integrate industry applications into their learning experiences.
Our core program utilizes 3D CAD and takes students through the entire design process (design, prototyping, manufacturing, etc.). When integrated into the school curriculum, our STEM education programs provide students with opportunities to solve real world design problems, engage with industry standard technology, and transform concepts into reality.
Interested in a personalized hands-on approach to STEM education in your classroom or school? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com so we can talk further about your program needs and how our 3D Academy can assist you.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
Engineering a Solution to the STEM Skills Gap
Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
The Changing Landscape of STEM Education
The Benefits of Using 3D Printing Technology in Education
STEM Education: Keeping Your Child Engaged During Summer Break
Developing a curriculum that gets students fired up about engineering can be a challenge. Our 3D Academy is your STEM education partner. We specialize in developing and integrating industry technologies with STEM education and can build custom programs for your classroom or school. We understand that closing the STEM education skills gap takes effort from both academia and professionals in the field, and we are happy to work with schools to bring hands-on and project-based opportunities to students.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
Upcoming STEM Events in Hawaii
Hawaii World of Work Week (April 8-12th)
Students will get a first-hand look at career options in STEM fields. Professionals will talk about their area of expertise and how they chose their careers. Learn more about ‘Hawaii World of Work Week’ here.
Hawaii STEM Conference (May 1st & 2nd)
The 10th annual Hawaii STEM Conference is quickly approaching. This is a two-day conference that allows both students and teachers to immerse themselves in STEM education. Breakout sessions let students connect with industry professionals in STEM areas that really interest them. It is a hands-on conference that brings academia and industry together. Learn more about the ‘Hawaii STEM Conference’ here.
Honolulu Mini Maker Faire (June 22nd)
The Honolulu Mini Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects.
“We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth – a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Glimpse the future and get inspired!” Learn more about the ‘Honolulu Mini Maker Fair’ here.
You don’t need a background in science, technology, engineering and math to participate in these STEM events. If you are curious and want to see what STEM education is all about, we highly recommend checking these events out.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
3D Academy: Your STEM Education Partner
Using hands-on and project-based learning strategies, we have been effective in providing students with opportunities to excel in the areas of STEM and to integrate industry applications into their learning experiences.
3D Academy in the Classroom
3D Academy has a range of programs that seamlessly transition into the classroom to expand and broaden students’ coursework. We provide an introduction to a range of engineering subjects—3D Printing, Robotics, Digital Media and Drones, just to name a few. The 3D Academy team works closely with teachers to create a custom curriculum that most benefits their students.
Meet Lulu
Virtual SeaPerch (VPerch) Project
In partnership with HI FusionEd, Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Navatek, VPerch was created to provide students with the opportunity to learn about various STEM applications as they relate to underwater robotics. The emphasis of VPerch is to introduce students to engineering design through the virtual design (3D CAD) process where they can design and simulate (virtually test) their design and analyze the results before building the physical system. Using the virtual design and simulation process, students see first-hand how their design will perform under certain conditions. Once their virtual design is completed and have enough confidence that it will perform as designed, they migrate to the build phase where they can build their ROV based on their virtual design specifications.
Throughout the duration of the project, students will learn about robotics, marine engineering concepts, and science/math applications to build an underwater ROV while integrating problem solving, teamwork, and technical skills.
STEM Education Enrichment Camps
3D Academy STEM enrichment camps are a great introduction to STEM education. No prior engineering classes or skills are required to attend a camp. We start with the fundamentals and help students build upon those. [Note: Our STEM Enrichment Camps align with the Hawaii Public School calendar and occur during school breaks (i.e. Winter, Spring and Summer break).]
To see past 3D Academy STEM Enrichment camps, head to our website or our Facebook page.
If you are interested in learning more about our 3D Academy, please send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com so that we can talk about your specific STEM education needs and what type of program will work best for your students.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
Critical Thinking—Ask Why
Testing a hypothesis is a major part of STEM education. A reoccurring question at every stage of a science experiment or design challenge is, “Why?”
Answering the simple “why” question gets students thinking about possibilities. It is amazing how one word can take a student beyond a traditional way of thinking and get them exploring alternatives.
Entrepreneurs face this same question everyday as well and are required to think out-of-the-box. Critical thinking skills are key—and one might even say, mandatory—when it comes to starting a business.
Design a Solution
Whether you are an entrepreneur designing the latest tech gadget or a new restaurant concept—innovative solutions drive your business. Problem solving skills are the very foundation of STEM education and teaching this valuable life skill translates both to college and beyond—no matter the career field entered. Having the ability to stop, assess, analyze, hypothesize and solve a problem is a skill every individual needs at every age level.
Share your Invention
When we have the correct answer to a problem, we want to share it. It doesn’t matter if we are the first to figure out a challenging math equation or the first to design the iPod, we have an answer to a problem and want to share it.
A quick glance inside of a STEM focused classroom will show a range of design possibilities to the same question posed by the teacher. Students love to think critically and use their creativity—much like entrepreneurs. Getting hands-on and designing a solution is what entrepreneurs do best.
STEM education is more than four subjects, it’s a mindset. The skills taught in STEM classes can be used in any career field—especially, entrepreneurship.
Have questions about the way our 3D Academy program can complement your areas of study in the classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today