STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is all the buzz right now and no doubt your kids have come home excited about the latest project they have been working on at school. But how can you channel that excitement and enthusiasm at home, especially when you are a little time poor to whip up hands-on activities and experiments yourself? How about monthly STEM Science subscription activities for kids? We’ve found the perfect kits.
I discovered KiwiCo on a search for a good quality subscription kit that would have enough punch to keep Striker and Sunshine engaged for a few hours on activities that they were actually interested. Both adore building and creating so I reached out to the company with a request to test a box. There was a lot of excitement in the house when we received the Kiwi: Science, Art and More kit for ages 5-8 and the Tinker: Science and Engineering kit for ages 9-16+. Of course, the kids wanted to get started straight away.
Monthly STEM Science Subscription Activities for Kids
Table of Contents
Kiwi: Science, Art and More Science Kit
The Kiwi Kit was the first box we opened. We were sent the Spinning Science crate. Sunshine was brimming with excitement as she unpacked it and declared immediately “I’m trying this by myself”. Go for it girl!
Just like all Kiwi crates, Spinning Science is an opportunity for kids to explore a particular science principle or concept. It this case, obviously, we were exploring how things spin. Through this kit, Sunshine was able to make a drawing top, a penny top and blow top.
Once created the engineering element kicks in through the customisation stage where Sunshine could manipulate her tops to spin slowly or faster, to wobble or wander, or to utilise in a range of games. She had so much fun doing this!
The Kiwi Crate range has been developed for kids aged 5-8. Sunshine was just on the cusp of being a little too old for it however she loved completing the activity and did indeed complete it all without any help. She even took the completed kit to school the next day.
So what did we think? Both Sunshine and I thought the kit was easy to follow with clear instructions. All items are included so you don’t need to search your resource cupboard for bits and pieces to add, much to my relief. I think the demographic is perfect and I now have it on our radar as a great annual subscription for birthday and Christmas.
Head to www.kiwico.com/
Tinker: Science and Engineering kit
The Tinker Crate has been developed for kids aged 9-16. Sunshine is currently 9 years old so I was a little concerned that she may be a little young to enjoy the activities independently without my assistance. I was chuffed to discover that the kit comes with blueprints and a link to a video tutorial if the going gets tough. With a little concentration, Sunshine was able to complete the whole thing by herself. Perfect!
Our Tinker Crate contained an Infinity mirror kit. The blueprint provides step by step instructions which are easily followed to create the end product. I was impressed to note that there were spare parts just in case a mistake was made. This certainly reduced Sunshine’s anxiety around making mistakes as she knew there was a safety net.
The Infinity Mirror task includes a small electronic component which Sunshine found very exciting. Again, it wasn’t difficult to master by following the instructions. The end result was the creation of an endless tunnel of light (or so it appeared).
This Tinker Crate was our favourite as it was the right challenge level and was a little more complex than the Kiwi Kit for the age group below. Sunshine has asked that we sign up to the subscription so she receives one every month.
Head to www.kiwico.com/
STEM Science Subscription Details
Whilst KiwiCo is based in the United States of America, they are available to Australian subscribers. The first step is to decide which crate is the best age-appropriate pick for your kids or gift recipient. What I love about the subscription is that you can switch the line at any time, so if you think they’re ready for a higher challenge you can jump to the level up.
The second step is to choose your length of subscription. A crate will then be sent out each month over the course of the subscription length. Super easy!
A single month is just under $30.00USD whereas an entire year is currently $205USD. Sounds a little pricey, but I think it’s a great special occasion gift with the quality of each project far exceeding some of the science kits I have seen locally for a lot more.
Because I reached out to KiwiCo they have told me that Kid Bucket List readers can receive the first month free (excluding postage of $9.95USD for Australian shipping). You will be signed up to a monthly subscription but you can cancel at any time (which means you could receive the single free crate and then cancel if you don’t like it). Head to our Kid Bucket List offer page for full details.
I also suggest checking out the KiwiCo Facebook page as they often have even better deals on their page
Please note, I reached out to KiwiCo to trial two of their crates. I agreed to post my thoughts on an Instagram story in return HOWEVER Sunshine loved the crates so much that I have chosen to share here on the Kid Bucket List site without payment or further sponsorship.