Best STEM Gadgets Shared on The Weather Channel
*Post contains paid partnership
My fascination with technology started with coding at the age of 12 – and ultimately led to networking certifications and a degree in IT New Media from RIT. If it wasn’t for that early hands-on experience in my grade school computer lab and a family friend’s computer-- I’m not sure what the path would have been! As you can probably guess I am a huge STEM advocate – and especially an advocate of giving kids hands on experiences to help them learn the principles of engineering, tech, math and science. Here are a few of my recent favorite technologies, as shared on The Weather Channel’s “AMHQ” morning show!
GYSKER Telescope
In honor of Global Astronomy Month and coming off the heels of the eclipse, let's keep that interest in our solar system! This Gyskertelescope is a great entry-level unit that is easy to set up and can even be paired with a smartphone to capture incredible images of the skies. Bring the whole family together to get excited about the stars!
One of the biggest questions I often get asked -- what tablet do you recommend for kids? I was especially excited to partner with AT&T on the recent exciting release of the AT&T AmiGO Jr. Tab. With the AmiGO Jr., parents don't need to worry because it is preloaded with teacher-approved games, apps, videos, books, and content to spark creativity --- all with no additional cost. Further, the AmiGO app provides parents with safe browsing, playtime limits, and location monitoring. Parents can also approve contacts with voice and video calls.
It’s proven that getting hands-on helps kids get interested in STEM. Spark their curiosity in engineering by creating your own candy machine or cyborg hand -- just one of the many builds from Thames and Kosmos, which encourage STEM in fun ways. The cyborg hand can be configured for a right or left claw. Using over 200 plastic pieces, build an awesome mechanical hand that uses hydraulic power --no motors or electricity are required. The hydraulic system mimics the same style industrial robots used in the modern world.
Shore Buddies tells a story about environmental awareness and science. Each plushie is made from six recycled plastic bottles. The plastic bottles are collected and shredded into plastic pellets that are then melted into yarn. Emma the Whale is the latest in the bunch, with some additional features, including authentic whale sounds and AI storytelling.
Stay tuned for Katie’s full segment on The Weather Channel!