The Way Things Work

The Kids First Engineering Design Kit invites young explorers to dive into the exciting world of mechanical physics! With 22 action-packed science experiments, your budding engineer will construct amazing models like a pulley system and a crane, demonstrating core principles of force and motion. As they play and create, they're also building critical thinking skills and sparking curiosity about the universe around them. 5-10 years

The Thames & Kosmos Mechanical Engineering: Machines & Vehicles STEM Experiment Kit sparks curiosity and innovation in kids aged 8 and up! By building 20 exciting mechanical models like a crane and an all-wheel drive ATV, children delve into the fascinating world of physics, exploring concepts like force, motion, and energy. This hands-on learning experience not only cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also connects real-world applications of engineering, making it an essential educational tool for budding young scientists and builders. 8+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Motors & Generators Science Kit is an exciting adventure into the world of electricity and motion for kids aged 8 and up! This award-winning kit offers 25 hands-on STEM experiments that encourage young minds to explore the fascinating relationship between electricity and motion. With a full-color student guide, children will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they discover how electric motors and generators work. 8+ years

My Gears - Machine Set is the perfect gateway for our little engineers to dive into the fascinating world of mechanics! With engaging models that move, children can not only follow step-by-step instructions but also unleash their creativity by experimenting with their designs. This set inspires curiosity and highlights the exciting cause-and-effect relationship in engineering, all while enhancing skills in geometry, measurement, and problem-solving. 5-10 years

Learning Resources Simple Machines is the perfect gateway for our curious young minds to dive into the world of STEM! With 63 engaging pieces, kids can build a lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, and wedge—all at the same time! This hands-on toy not only inspires future engineers but also encourages critical thinking by exploring key concepts like effort, force, load, motion, and distance. 8+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Kids First: Intro to Gears STEM Experiment Kit is a fantastic way for little ones aged 3 and up to dive into the exciting world of mechanical engineering! With this kit, young learners can build four different geared machines while exploring fundamental concepts like gears, power, and motion. Designed with oversized, durable pieces, this kit not only enhances fine motor skills and visual-spatial reasoning but also sparks curiosity and problem-solving as kids experiment with various configurations, guided by a beautifully illustrated manual. 3+ years

ARRMA Pinion Gear, 34T Mod1 Safe-D8, is not just a functional component—it's a gateway to understanding mechanics for our curious young minds! Perfect for budding engineers, this pinion gear teaches principles of gear ratios and power transfer while engaging kids in hands-on projects. With its precision design to prevent slippage, children can safely experiment and strengthen their problem-solving skills as they build and race vehicles. 8+ years

The Qaba Truck Engine Toy is an interactive mechanic set that invites children aged 3 and up to explore the exciting world of cars. With 61 pieces, including realistic sounds and lights, it stimulates hands-on learning about car parts and functions, nurturing problem-solving skills and creativity as kids engage in pretend play. Parents will appreciate how this toy not only entertains but also develops important cognitive and motor skills through imaginative exploration. 3+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Kids First: Intro to Tools & Building STEM Experiment Kit is a fantastic way to engage young minds with mechanical engineering principles. Designed for curious preschoolers, this kit not only teaches the basics of using tools like hammers and screwdrivers but also fosters fine motor skills, visual-spatial understanding, and creative reasoning as they construct their own models. Parents and educators will appreciate the durability of the parts and the beautifully illustrated manual, making learning both safe and enjoyable. 3+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Physics Pro (V 2. 0) Science Kit invites curious minds aged 8 and up to dive deep into the world of advanced physics through 31 exciting experiments. With over 212 parts, kids not only build incredible models like wind tunnels and hydraulic lifts but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they explore fluid dynamics, energy, hydraulics, and pneumatics. 8+ years

The K’NEX Education – Intro to Simple Machines: Wheels, Axles, & Inclined Planes Set offers a vibrant collection of 221 durable pieces that inspire creativity and engineering skills in children ages 8 and up. By engaging in hands-on building projects, kids not only learn about fundamental scientific concepts like motion and forces but also develop critical thinking and teamwork as they collaborate on their own exciting creations. This set is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning in a fun and interactive environment. 8+ years

Thames & Kosmos Structural Engineering: Bridges & Skyscrapers is a hands-on science and engineering kit that allows kids to build 20 different models while learning about crucial concepts like force, load, compression, and tension. Designed for intermediate builders, this kit not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also encourages teamwork as kids explore the fascinating world of structural engineering. With over 285 interchangeable pieces and a detailed manual, parents and educators will appreciate how this award-winning kit makes learning both engaging and educational. 8-14 years

The K'NEX Education - Intro to Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys Set is a fantastic way for children in grades 3-5 to dive into the fascinating world of engineering. With 178 colorful pieces, this hands-on construction set not only cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also aligns beautifully with STEM learning objectives. It empowers teachers and parents alike to inspire a love for science through engaging, interactive projects that foster creativity while meeting national educational standards. Grades 3-5

Inclined Plane, 16. 5 Inch, is the perfect hands-on tool for exploring fundamental physics concepts like friction and effort! As parents and educators, we know that interactive learning experiences can spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of how simple machines work. 5+ years

The Learning Resources STEM Force & Motion Activity Set invites kids ages 5 and up to dive into the thrilling world of science and engineering! Packed with 20 engaging pieces, this set sparks curiosity as children explore fundamental concepts like gravity, inertia, and friction through hands-on investigations. With cars, tracks, weighted blocks, and more, we can encourage our young learners to problem-solve and collaborate, all while having a blast! 5+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Orbiting Solar System STEM Kit invites young learners to delve into the wonders of our universe by building a dynamic, rotating model of the solar system! This engaging kit harnesses the power of a windup motor to set the planets into motion—no batteries required—making it an eco-friendly choice for inquisitive minds. Not only does it spark curiosity about our celestial neighbors, but it also fosters an understanding of fundamental gear mechanics, including the fascinating concept of planetary gears. 8-14 years

The Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment & Model Building Kit is a fantastic way for kids aged 8 and up to dive into the world of mechanical physics. Through building 26 engaging models, children will enhance their problem-solving skills, understand fundamental engineering principles, and explore how simple machines make everyday tasks easier. Parents and educators will appreciate the hands-on learning approach that encourages curiosity and critical thinking, setting the foundation for future science and engineering pursuits. 8+ years

The Bubble Factory: Motor Car Engine Workshop is the ultimate hands-on adventure for aspiring little mechanics! With this exciting toy, children can dive into the world of engineering by taking apart and rebuilding their very own car engine. Not only does it ignite their imagination, but it also promotes fine motor skills, problem-solving, and understanding mechanical concepts—all while having a blast with lights and sounds. 3+ years

Learning Resources Beginner's Balance is an exciting gateway to early math and science skills for our little ones! Perfect for ages 4 and up, this engaging seesaw balances not just toys, but also the foundation for understanding mass and measurement. With 10 adorable bear counters and a helpful activity guide, our children can explore concepts in a hands-on way, making learning feel like play. 4+ years

The SPARK & WOW Spinny Gears wooden gear board is an exciting, hands-on learning tool for toddlers aged 2-5 years. Designed to cultivate critical thinking and spatial reasoning, this engaging toy challenges little ones to fit colorful gears onto pegs while discovering various combinations and spinning them to create mesmerizing patterns. Parents and educators will appreciate how this toy not only fosters creativity but also enhances coordination and problem-solving skills in young learners. 2-5 years

The Learning Resources STEM Simple Machines Activity Set offers a hands-on journey into the fascinating world of engineering for children aged 5 and up. With 19 interactive pieces, including a lever board and an Archimedes screw, this activity set inspires critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of cause and effect. Parents and educators will appreciate how it seamlessly introduces STEM concepts while encouraging children to explore real-world applications in a fun, engaging way. 5+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Big Engineering Makerspace invites kids to dive into the fascinating world of physics and engineering with 22 exciting lessons and experiments. This comprehensive STEM kit empowers children to build real-world machines like a hydraulic lift and robotic arm while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Perfect for homeschooling or learning pods, this kit not only engages young minds but also nurtures a love for science and discovery without the need for batteries! 8+ years

The Eitech 10006-C06 Classic Series Basic Set is more than just a construction toy; it’s an engaging introduction to engineering for kids aged 6 and up. With over 270 durable steel pieces, this set sparks innovation and creativity while helping children develop important cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and fine motor skills as they build at least six engaging models. We appreciate how the included easy-to-read illustrated instructions empower young builders to explore their imaginations and learn fundamental STEM principles along the way. 6+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Catapult Engineering STEM Maker Kit inspires kids to design and build six exciting medieval machines, including catapults and trebuchets. This engaging kit not only nurtures creativity and critical thinking but also deepens understanding of mechanical physics concepts like force, energy, and motion through hands-on activities and experiments. Perfect for young engineers aged 8 and up, it transforms learning into an epic adventure filled with fun and discovery! 8+ years

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 3+ years

Eisco Labs Simple Machines, Wheel & Axle Model is an engaging hands-on tool that turns the concept of levers and pulleys into a tangible experience for our young learners. This sturdy wooden machine offers classroom-friendly construction, perfect for modeling real-world applications like cranes and various mechanical systems. As parents and educators, we appreciate how it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of physics principles in a fun and interactive way. 8+ years

Battat – Toddler Construction Toys – Developmental Toy Vehicle Kit – Sports Car Building Set – Screwdriver And Tools invites young minds to unleash their inner engineers! Packed with 22 chunky pieces, including a fantastic battery-powered drill, this set encourages hands-on exploration and creativity. As children grasp colorful parts and operate the drill, they develop essential motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 3+ years

The K'NEX Education - Intro to Simple Machines: Gears Set is a fantastic tool that brings engineering concepts to life for our kids in grades 3-5! With 198 colorful pieces, this set allows our children to build 7 functioning gear models of real-world machines, sparking their imagination and curiosity. Not only does it provide hours of engaging play, but it also teaches crucial STEM principles like mechanical advantage and gear ratios through hands-on, inquiry-based exploration. Grades 3-5

Bachmann Industries Large 'G' Scale 24. 5mm Small Metal Wheel Set is the perfect addition to any budding engineer's toolkit! These all-metal wheels not only enhance your train models but also spark curiosity, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity. 14+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Gyroscope is a classic scientific device that brings physics to life for curious minds. Perfect for exploring concepts of motion, forces, and gravity, this engaging tool offers hands-on experiments that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Parents and educators will love how it blends nostalgic play with essential STEM learning, making science both fun and accessible! 8+ years