An all-girl high-school was not my choice. But as much as I fought against it, I’m so grateful for my secondary education. I was able to thrive in the subjects that appealed to me, not the ones boys thought I should be good at.
I was kind of into science. Who would have guessed?!?! As the mother of three young girls, I hope they’re also able to explore whatever appeals to them without reservation. Right now, that includes Harry Potter books, unicorns, and engineering.
My husband and I have sought out some pretty cool opportunities to expose our girls to STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math education). They’ve made marshmallow catapults with their dad, served at the pit crew on a pretend race track, and built entire towns out of building blocks. But this holiday season, I wanted to bring STEM fun home. That’s why I was so thrilled to be introduced to PowerClix, (a collection of STEM toys for kids) from Guidecraft.
STEM Toys for Kids
PowerClix are rainbow-colored, translucent plastics in fun, organic geometric shapes. Strong magnetic clips allow for endless 2D and 3D designs. The easy click ‘n connect system allows for a satisfyingly strong hold to make your creations take shape without ever repelling one another.
To test out PowerClix, my husband and I opened them up after bedtime. I nabbed the construction guide that accompanied the toys. Although I was told the pieces needed to build my project (a rocket ship) and could see the final product, I had to figure out how to put it together. At first, this plagued my husband. How would the kids know how to assemble it? They’ll have to figure it out, I reminded him. That’s where learning takes place!
PowerClix comes in a variety of interchangeable sets. We received Organics, featuring 8 organic shapes perfect for creating animals, plants, or skeletons. Mix and match the Organics with Frames (great for buildings and wireframe geometry) and Solids (ideal for closed shapes/learning about volume or mass).
Our 100-piece set allowed for us both to play thoughtfully review simultaneously, and still have pieces to spare. Typically, we build using leftover or recycled materials. Hello, popsicle sticks & white glue. The $139 price tag caused me to pause; yet when I compared with other building sets that allow for one sole design, I was sold. The possibilities are endless, and the exploration of STEM ideas at a young age is priceless.
I’m not going to lie, my husband and I had a blast building with PowerClix. Aside from a couple of grown-ups, who would love to receive PowerClix sets?
- Kids aged 5+
- Those interested in construction, and looking for freedom from brick-style building
- Creative thinkers
- Those working on fine motor skills or spatial thinking
- Future scientists, mathematicians, engineers…the list goes on and on!
We aren’t the only ones who are loving them! PowerClix are winner of Parents’ Choice top Gold Award, The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval and Oppeneheim Toy Portfolio’s top Platinum Toy Award.
Check out more about STEM toys for kids here:
Who would you bring home STEM toys home for?
Jess Benoit says
I love this post! Both of our girls love science and, since we homeschool, we make sure they get a chance to try anything they love. Thanks for the recommendation.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
FUN! Both of my boys are totally into all the STEM stuff, so they would love these. LOVE these.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love this! STEM is the future, and we need to make sure our kids enjoy it. It’s got to be more than some boring thing that they just learn in school.
Catherine S says
These sound like fun and educational toys. They would be great for my niece and nephew.
Melissa says
These all looks so fun. My son is 7 and so into science lately. His school has a great Makerspace.
Liz Mays says
Wow this is an awesome toy. I think the kids would have a blast being creative with Powerclix.
Marcie W. says
Incorporating STEM into playtime is so important, especially for young girls since I feel they tend to typically stay away from these areas of study. PowerClix looks like something all three of my children would enjoy and I would have to get in on the action too!
Liz Mays says
I would want to get involved and start creating too. I just love toys that encourage creativity like this.
Jennifer H says
My lil’st loves to build – this sounds like a great teaching tool! I love this developing space for STEM products!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
I am a huge fan of STEM toys! My twins didn’t come to live with us til they were almost 7 and at that point they didn’t know their alphabet and the couldn’t count to 10. They had a rough upbringing and school has been a struggle. We’re homeschooling one of the twins and the other one goes to a Montessori school. STEM toys allow us to teach them and allows them to learn without the pressures of school! I’ll definitely be looking into these!
Tonya says
Those are some awesome toys! I’m a huge proponent for introducing complex subjects through play. Incorporating STEM through play is wonderful.
Maureen says
I am a huge fan of educational toys – especially STEM ones! This looks like a great option that kids could really get into.
Ora Lee Gurr says
I think my youngest niece and nephew would like the PowerClix. I’m glad they are young enough for me to save and gift them next year. Educational toys are lots of fun, and support the desire to learn. I’m a STEM kind of girl.
Pam says
I am all about getting kids into STEM. These are great toys for it.
Theresa says
I am all for toys that encourage STEM learning. My daughter’s always liked toys like this.
Donna says
These are very neat. I think my son would enjoy creating with these very much.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
These look fun for any age! What a unique toy. Thanks for sharing it.
Felicia says
These look so awesome. I need to add these to our Christmas list.
Michelle F. says
Those are so cool! I have been wanting to get one of those magnetic building sets for my 3 year old.
Debra says
I am OBESSED with stem toys! My kids would love these!
Nicole Escat says
This is really cool, I’m sure this would be perfect for my son.
Ellen ThatChicMom says
Wow these are so cool! I know my kids would be frustrated at first but then the learning would be incredible. I needed one more gift, I may have to grab a set!
Michele says
If this is still around when my grand niece is old enough I will definitely be getting this for her. It is definitely worth the price!
Jeanine says
These look awesome. I think stem toys are so important especially now when electronics are all the rage and everyone just wants to be on/infront of the screens.
Ann Bacciaglia says
PowerClix look like a great toy for kids. I love when kids can have fun and learn at the same time.
Christie says
This is definitely a toy set up my son’s alley. He loves anything stem!
Rosey says
I’m glad you had fun playing with it. The price is a little high, but I agre, worth it for this one.
Nicole Escat says
I love these, Its both fun and educational. My kiddos would love these for sure.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I was always into science as well. So, it was no surprise that my daughter would take after me! She is currently in a STEM high school.
Shell Feis says
Those look really cool! I love open ended toys like that- anything that allows my kids to be creative is what I want!