Rewind: 27 STEM kits from 2015

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These STEM toys from 2015 are helping to inspire the next generation of Makers.

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STEM education has been a growing venture in schools across the country, with even the President himself making it a priority to encourage students as young as grade-school to pursue the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. After all, these fields are changing the world rapidly within the areas of innovation, economic growth and employment. But let’s face it; these subjects don’t come easy to everyone, so how do we instill STEM in kids?

With this in mind, many startups have sought out new and exciting ways to entice the younger generation to explore their creativity and develop an interest in hands-on learning. Testament to that, here are several products from 2015 looking to inspire the next generation of Makers.

littleBits Gizmos & Gadgets

The Gizmos & Gadgets Kit is the ultimate invention toolbox, complete with motors, wheels, lights , switches, servos, buzzers and even the tools to build a remote control.

Jewelbots

Jewelbots are programmable friendship bracelets that teach girls the basics of coding.

Thimble

Thimble is a monthly subscription service that delivers fun electronic projects with guided tutorials and a helpful community.

Touch Board Starter Kit

Bare Conductive’s Touch Board Starter Kit contains everything you need to transform surfaces, objects or spaces into sensors.

Makey Makey GO

Small enough to fit on your keychain, backpack or bracelet, Makey Makey GO turns everyday objects into touchpads and combines them with the Internet. Say hello to the world’s first invention kit.

RePhone

RePhone from Seeed Studio allows Makers to create a phone themselves in minutes and hack a new way to communicate with things.

mBot

mBot is an all-in-one, Arduino-compatible robot that supports wireless communication and employs Scratch 2.0-like coding.

Ringo

Ringo is a miniature digital pet robot equipped with an accelerometer, a gyrosocope, six RGB LEDs, as well as sound and communication sensors.

Wink

Wink is an Arduino-driven robot designed to help transition students from graphical programming to more powerful written code languages. It’s also the sibling of the aforementioned Ringo.

Kano

Kano is a computer and coding kit for all ages that’s as simple as LEGO, powered by Raspberry Pi.

Primo Cubetto

Primo Cubetto is a smart wooden robot designed to teach kids the basics of coding away from the screen.

Petduino

Petduino puts a DIY twist on the old-school Tamagotchi.

STEMI

STEMI is a hexapod that can be built right at home and controlled via smartphone.

mCookie

mCookies are quarter-sized, stackable modules from Microduino that enable young Makers to bring their LEGO projects to life.

Modulo

Modulo is a set of tiny modular circuit boards that takes the hassle out of electronics.

The Crafty Robot

The Crafty Robot is a paper toy unlike any other — plug it into a USB port for 30 seconds, unplug it and you’ve got a moving robot.

Kamigami

Kamigami is an origami-style robot you can construct and program by yourself. Each one can be configured with a unique set of behaviors and characteristics through a drag-and-drop interface.

Phiro

Phiro is a LEGO-compatible robotics toy that children can play with, code and innovate in various ways.

Quirkbot

With Quirkbot, young Makers can devise and configure quirky robots (hence its name), blinking outfits and weird sounding creatures out of regular drinking straws.

Cannybots

Cannybots are LEGO-compatible, smart toy cars that introduce kids to the worlds of robotics, programming and 3D printing.

3DRacers

3DRacers is a Mario Kart-like indoor racing game that lets anyone design and 3D print their own car.

Volta Flyer

Volta Flyer is the world’s first DIY airplane kit that is solely powered by the sun.

Roby

Roby is a 3D-printed robotic machine that not only drives on four wheels, but can walk on two. If it falls, it can even pick itself up again with its pair of arms.

O Watch

O Watch is a DIY smartwatch for a kid, by a kid.

LocoRobo

LocoRobo is a cute, inexpensive robot capable of being wirelessly programmed.

KamiBot

KamiBot is a programmable, smartphone-controlled paper robot.

Pixel Pals

Pixel Pals are easy-to-build, fun educational kits that grow from a project to a friend you can program.

Fiat Lux

Fiat Lux is an Arduino-compatible kit specifically designed for unique wearable projects.

AZIBOt

AZIBOt is an open source, 3D-printed robot kit for STEM education in Africa.

The world’s first solar-powered DIY airplane kit

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Volta Flyer is the handmade airplane you wish you had when you were a kid!

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Remember making paper airplanes as a child, and the fleeting moment of gratification when the plane successfully glides, even for just a few seconds? Did you ever wish for your paper airplane to fly longer, and go wherever you wanted it to? Well, children in this day in age may never have to experience that problem. Meet Volta Flyer, the first DIY airplane kit that is powered by the sun.

Volta Flyer is the latest creation by ToyLabs, a company founded by Tim Curley, who was inspired to develop practical hands-on science education projects for his two kids. With Volta Flyer, youngsters will learn about basic mechanical engineering, aeronautics, electronics and renewable energy while building their planes and ensuring the perfect flight. The kit comes with prefabricated parts, detailed instructions and a tutorial on aeronautics and electronic design. Unlike any other airplane kit, the Volta Flyer has solar “panel-on-wing assembly” technology and unique power management system that powers flights without the need for batteries. By harnessing the sun’s energy, combined with its lightweight construction, the Volta Flyer possesses incredible flight time.

Assembly is as easy as constructing the paper airplane of yesterday. It can be built by hand in as little as 20 minutes without the need for special tools or glues. Kids can even personalize their Volta Flyer with decals and logos included with the kit. After constructing their plane, simply charge the Volta Flyer by pointing the solar panel wings towards the sun for 90 seconds, flip a switch to initiate propulsion, and then hand-launching the Flyer in the air. Students can even track flight times and paths and compare the results!

The Flyer is a major upgrade from the single sheet paper airplane and earlier glider plane sets. It comes with fuselage and electronic components, such as a printed circuit board, a resister diode, a 47mm propeller, and more. It is powered by a thin-film solar panel that operates at 4.8 voltages, a 100 current and 0.48 wattage. The airframe materials are eco-friendly depron wings and vertical stabilizers, as well as polystyrene wing joiners. The Volta Flyer is definitely a cool science project that involves practical insights and engagement with STEM.

Ready to take flight with the Volta Flyer? Soar on over to its Kickstarter campaign, where Curley and the ToyLabs crew is currently seeking $39,000. If all goes to plan, kits are expected to ship in March 2016.

40 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we take a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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Prometheus

This milling machine quickly carves, drills and shapes your PCBs so you don’t have to wait for a delivery truck. Zippy Robotics is currently seeking $95,000 on Kickstarter.

Tiny Arcade

This mini arcade cabinet lets you relive the golden age of video games right in the palm of your hand. Tiny Circuits is currently seeking $25,000 on Kickstarter.

FUSAR Mohawk

This helmet-mounted accessory allows you to capture photos and videos, talk to friends, call for help, track your rides and more. FUSAR has already reached its goal of $100,000 on Indiegogo.

NX1

This super fast, revolutionary 3D printer can create objects in minutes, not hours. NEXA3D is currently seeking $170,133 on Kickstarter.

QUBE

This $19 bulb is being billed as the “world’s most affordable” multi-colored smart bulb. Qube Smart Home is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

MyTree Bonsai

This portable device will remove harmful pollutants from the air that you’re breathing. Purair MyTree is currently seeking $131,317 on Kickstarter.

uCella

This smart home portal allows online shoppers to receive, return and manage their packages like never before. ComingSoon-Tech is currently seeking $25,000 on Indiegogo.

GeoThings

This Arduino-compatible, GPS-equipped, solar-powered platform can bring your outdoor IoT ideas to life. GeoThings is currently seeking $190,000 on Kickstarter.

TinyGlo+

This ATtiny167-driven board lets your imagination run wild with three programmable, full-color LEDs. JACK Enterprises is currently seeking $5,000 on Kickstarter.

LIVALL BH60

This smart helmet lets you signal turns, make calls, listen to music, send out an SOS for help and more. LIVALL is currently seeking $65,396 on Kickstarter.

Phazon

This pair of one-size-fits-all, wireless earbuds promise that they’ll never fall out. Phazon has surpassed its goal of $80,000 on Indiegogo.

Spot

This gadget is more than just a smart camera, it serves as your home’s eyes and ears. Zac Sutton just passed his goal of $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Bad Elf ADS-B

This affordable ADS-B weather and traffic receiver features universal app compatibility for pilots. Bad Elf is currently seeking $500,000 on Kickstarter.

Walli

This intelligent wallet connects to your phone and sends you a notification wherever and whenever you leave it behind. Walli Wearables has hit its goal of $25,000 on Indiegogo.

Elephant Door

This security system can detect when someone’s attempting to break into your home before entry has been gained, and alerts you in the process. Elephant is currently seeking $40,000 on Kickstarter.

Volta Flyer

This DIY airplane kit is solely powered by the sun. ToyLabs is currently seeking $39,000 on Kickstarter.

Clair B

This portable purifier utilizes dual filtration technology to provide you with fresh air whoever you go. Clair has garnered over $30,000 on Kickstarter.

AfterMaster TV

This unit makes TV dialogue louder and clearer, while making everything else sound fantastic. AfterMaster Audio Labs is currently seeking $200,000 on Kickstarter.

TrackR Atlas

This small device maps out your home and pinpoints where lost items are located. Chris Herbert has already well exceed his goal of $50,000 on Indiegogo.

The Luminous Electric Bargraph Clock

This beautifully-handcrafted clock automatically changes between three modes based on its position, giving you endless hours of vintage entertainment. Nuvitron is currently seeking $15,000 on Kickstarter.

Zoyo Baby

This Bluetooth-equipped wearable senses your baby’s vital signs and relays that information to you in real-time. Zoyo is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

KeyDuino

This development board is like an Arduino Leonardo with built-in NFC. Pierre Charlier is currently seeking $10,723 on Kickstarter.

JamBlaster

This accessory enables you to play music with others live remotely, record professional-grade audio, broadcast video performances and more. JamKazam is currently seeking $20,000 on Kickstarter.

Juvo

This sensor mat slips under your mattress to track and manage your sleep. Juvo is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Pura Scents

This plug-in dispenser allows you to control the aroma of any space from your smartphone. Pura Scents is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Femometer

This connected basal body temperature thermometer syncs to your phone, tracks and predicts your cycle, and alerts you to important natural changes in your body. Snow Li has already achieved her goal of $35,000 on Indiegogo.

smartBAT

This smart bat provides you with real-time data, speed and contact analytics on each swing. RIP-IT is currently $30,000 on Kickstarter.

The Kodiak

This lightweight, expandable backup solar system will ensure you’re never left in the dark again. Jared Grover has passed his $50,000 goal on Indiegogo.

RedBear Duo

This thumb-sized dev board designed combines Wi-Fi, BLE and a powerful Cloud backend, all in a compact form factor. RedBear has generated great popularity so far on Kickstarter, nearly doubling its $20,000 goal.

FireSat

This network of 200 satellites equipped with temperatures sensors can detect wildfires and oil spills as they start. Quadra Pi R2E is currently seeking $280,000 on Kickstarter.

FLOW

This smart, filtered water bottle has the ability to tailor a unique personal hydration program depending on your age, height, weight, activity level and environmental conditions. FLOW is currently seeking $30,000 on Indiegogo.

LifePrint

This portable printer, along with an accompanying app and social network, enables you to create augmented reality pics, then instantly print them directly from your phone. LifePrint has stormed past its $30,000 Kickstarter goal.

OXY

This Android smartwatch is fully customizable and works with virtually any phone. OXY is currently seeking $250,000 on Indiegogo.

NeverLose

This ultimate sports tracker mounts to skis, snowboards and bikes to prevent loss and theft from occurring. NeverLose is currently seeking $30,000 on Indiegogo.

Thermoco

This coin-size smart gadget measures and records room, fridge, cooler, camping tent, body temperature and much more. KSOLUTION is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

The STARFORCE PI

This tabletop mini-arcade boasts microswitch controls, video and audio, all crammed into a portable form factor. Marcel J. de Haan is currently seeking $204,654 on Kickstarter.

EcoQube C

This fish tank uses plants like basil and mint to keep your water clean.  Aqua Innovations has just about doubled its $15,000 goal on Indiegogo.

LightCan

This versatile LED light, which is no larger than an energy drink can, is capable of running at least eight hours on a single charge. Ape Labs is currently seeking $26,583 on Kickstarter.

CAT Clutch

This chic bag displays LED pixel art which can be changed via a companion mobile app to show off your style, while still holding lipstick and charging your phone. C.A.T. is currently seeking $20,000 on Kickstarter.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here.