Women in STEM
littleBits Electronics
Mindware
"MindWare is a creator, manufacturer, and distributor of Brainy Toys for people of all ages. The diverse product line includes games, puzzles, brainteasers, arts and crafts activities, mysteries, mazes and more. MindWare’s goal is to place high quality toys that teach and entertain into the hands of children and adults." - http://www.mindware.com/h3-about-us.fltr
"At littleBits, we believe we need to create the next generation of problem-solvers and interventions need to occur early. The time is ripe to create the building block of the 21st century and to empower everyone to be an inventor. "
"littleBits is the easiest way to prototype and learn with electronics. It's an ever-growing library of electronic modules that snap together with magnets so you can invent anything!" - http://littlebits.cc/intro
"The LEGO® play experience is built on the idea of systematic creativity. The unique LEGO system combines structure, logic, and unlimited creativity and provides children with the ability to think creatively and reason systematically." - http://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/responsibility/developing-children
"Sifteo Cubes bridge the gap between digital and physical play by taking the form of classic, tactile play objects.
Rather than burying your head in a screen, Sifteo Cubes facilitate a shared play experience with face-to-face collaborative play. It’s the kind of active play from our childhoods that we want to give our children, infused with 21st century interactive magic that kids (and adults) love." - https://www.sifteo.com/about
LEGO
Sifteo Cubes
Gender Neutral Toys for STEM
Toy stores tend to divide toys into gender specific sections. “Girl” toys focus on traditional feminine and maternal qualities. These toys vary from baby dolls to cooking sets to dress-up bins. “Boy” toys play on traditionally masculine ideas such as toy cars, sports items, and construction sets. Girls get toys such as vacuums and baby strollers - toys with very low spatial learning capabilities - while boys get science-based toys and models.While marketing toys as non-gender specific does not prevent girls from playing with baby toys, it removes the idea that only girls are allowed to play with such toys. Dividing toys into stereotypically “girl” toys and “boy” toys can harm children’s success in the future. When toy companies market “girl” toys emphasizing taking care of babies, cooking, and cleaning - and rarely science and building toys- they are already establishing the stereotype that females are incapable of STEM subjects.