Here at Team Snorble, we love a good celebration, especially when it comes to our smart companion. November 8th, 2022 is a special day for us since it’s National STEM/STEAM Day!
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) are important factors in our everyday lives. More importantly, these are factors that children can embrace when they’re young that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
Snorble® is going through the process to receive official STEM/STEAM accreditation from the Toy Insider. For context, toys that qualify for STEM/STEAM accreditation are cause-and effect-based and allow for those who play with them to learn about different aspects of science.
One of the oldest toys on the market, the yo-yo, is a STEM toy because it allows children to learn about rotational energy and what happens when something is pulled. With Snorble, children are exposed to different educational games that teach them about colors, animals, counting, and even mindfulness activities like yoga and meditation. Because we’ve created our smart companion’s educational materials using the research and teachings behind e-pedagogy, we take science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, and how children interact with each other very seriously.
STEM/STEAM Stats & Facts
If you’re still on the fence about getting your kiddo a Snorble - or any other STEM/STEAM toy for that matter - this info should help you make your decision.
- The U.S. Bureau of Statistics predicts that about 80% of future jobs will require technical skills. Our goal is to ensure our smart companion prepares children for the world they live in now and the future world they’ll help create. Starting your kiddo with a STEM/STEAM toy like Snorble could prepare them for the workforce.
- STEM/STEAM education and technology allow children to think creatively and ask questions. Moreover, when children learn the basics of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, they are likely to be good problem solvers and innovate - even if that innovation is coming up with a fun way to lace up their sneakers or pretending to be a veterinarian when playing with the family dog.
- The average pay for STEM jobs is approximately 70% higher than the national average for wages in North America. Sure, your child won’t get their first job for a while but knowing they’re choosing a career that they’ll not only love but will allow them to be financially sound isn’t a bad thing.
STEM/STEAM Characteristics
The following are the characteristics all STEM/STEAM toys must have. The first two are mandatory and the rest are the cherries on top of a very e-pedogogical sundae.
- Does this toy lead a child into exploring an aspect of STEM/STEAM?
- Is this toy engaging, approachable, appealing, and fun?
- Does this toy encourage open-ended play?
- Does this toy engage the imagination and promote creativity?
- Does the toy relate STEM to the real world?
- Does this toy encourage problem-solving?
- Does this toy spark divergent thinking to allow for trial and error?
- Does this toy build confidence?
- Does this toy promote hands-on play?
- Does this toy encourage child-led play?
- Does this toy include supportive materials for parents?
- Does this toy provide a curriculum for guided play?
- Does this toy encourage inclusive play appealing to all genders, different cultures, and or children with special needs?
- Does this toy offer opportunities for building social and emotional skills?
