The increasing demand for a STEM-educated workforce has innovators in education producing STEM-related toys and activities for children. Studies suggest that STEM education is crucial for the future of our youth and that what we teach children now will directly influence the economy and workforce for the next generation of workers.
One of these innovators is toymaker Adam Hocherman, who has come up with a new way for students to learn more about STEM education while using both analytics and creativity. His company, Tinkineer, makes a build-it-yourself marble machine kit called Marbleocity. The kit is composed of baltic birch plywood pieces, which fit together to form a “rollercoaster” for marbles.
Hocherman’s goal was to build a children’s toy that is based around the concepts of Physics so students will be prepared for high school and college level Physics classes. The kit comes with a cartoon comic strip made up of STEM-related material that aids the child in the configuration of the toy. This educational toy also gives children the opportunity to develop building and operational skills, which will benefit them if they choose a career in the STEM industry.
Introducing STEM-related material and toys to children now gives them the preparedness for the estimated job opportunities of the future. Science related jobs such as an Epidemiologist is expected to have an increased demand of 13.1% by 2022. This profession focuses on disease research and prevention. In the technology field, Computer Systems Analyst jobs are predicted to have a 24.5% growth by 2022. Engineering jobs such as Software Development will have an estimated 140,000 new positions by 2022 while mathematical jobs such as Accountant will have an estimated 166,000 new positions. For a full list of top STEM-related jobs click here.
Sources:
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-stem-jobs?page=2
http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/10/15/stem-toys-made-in-the-usa-marbleocity-marble-machine-kit/