As parents, finding fun and educational activities for our kids can be challenging, especially when our access to the outside world is limited. But don’t give up hope yet – STEM board games for kids are the perfect mix of fun and learning that can be enjoyed by the whole family. From classic favorites to innovative new games, these top 10 picks are sure to engage your kids and help them develop their scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical skills in a fun and exciting way. With these games, your kids will be able to explore the world of STEM in a safe and creative environment, while making friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab your family and get ready to discover the wonderful world of STEM through the best board games for kids.
What are STEM board games?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These are the areas of education that kids need to be prepared for in their adult life. Of course, there is a lot more to these subjects than just what we learn in school, but there are skills that are essential for kids to learn in order to thrive in the modern world. Children who play board games learn these skills without knowing them. They are exploring problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. They are also practicing critical thinking skills essential in almost any career field and everyday life. Board games are an easy way to bring STEM into playtime. There are many STEM board games on the market, each with its own unique theme and challenges. These games are designed to provide kids with a safe environment to explore these subjects while having fun. The STEM board games are discussed below under three categories (i) STEM-themed board games (ii) Classic Board games and (iii) Innovative board games.
STEM-themed Board Games
STEM board games are designed to help kids develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for coding. STEM board games often involve a variety of logic puzzles and challenges that require players to think critically in order to win. By playing these games, kids can learn how to break down problems into smaller pieces and use logical reasoning to solve them. Additionally, many STEM board games also emphasize collaboration and teamwork which are important elements of coding.
These are just a few of the many STEM board games available.
1. Robot Turtles
Ages 3+ This is a unique STEM board game that is designed for early learners. Your kids can play as turtles trying to collect gems while avoiding the sharks. This game is designed to introduce your preschoolers to the basics of programming through the use of movement cards and a special board.
2. Puzzlets
Ages 7+ This is an interactive STEM game that uses physical tiles and a computer game to teach your kids the fundamentals of coding. Your kids will develop problem-solving skills as they create their own custom games while learning important coding concepts.
3. ThinkFun Code Master
Ages 8+ This is a challenging STEM board game that requires your kids to plan ahead and use critical thinking skills in order to succeed. Your kids will learn important coding concepts as they progress through the levels, with each level increasing in difficulty.
4. Laser Maze
Ages 8+ This is a challenging STEM game that requires your kids to think strategically as they use lasers and mirrors to solve puzzles. Your kids will develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills as they progress through the levels of this game.
5. MindRacers
Ages 8+ This is a fast-paced STEM game that encourages your kids to think outside the box as they race against each other. Your kids will learn important coding concepts while having fun building and programming their own robots.
6. Magic Tree House – Adventure Board Games
Ages 7+ This is a fun and engaging STEM board game that challenges your kids to complete missions while exploring the world. Your kids can travel to different places around the world, learning about cultures and historical events along the way. This game is designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
7. Genius square
Ages 8+ This is a puzzle game that encourages your kids to use their problem-solving skills to fit the pieces together. Your kids will have fun as they race against the clock to solve the puzzles and complete the grid.
8. Code-a-Pillar STEM Board Game
Ages 5+ This STEM board game challenges your kids to use logic and problem-solving skills to bring their Code-a-Pillar to life. This is a great way for your kids to practice their engineering skills as they learn about the Code-a-Pillar programming language.
9. MUKIKIM Bee Genius
Ages 7+ This is an interactive game that encourages your kids to explore the world of science. Your kids will learn about the lifecycle of bees, pollination, and more as they play the game.
10. Think Fun Hacker Game
Ages 10+ This is a challenging game that encourages your kids to think logically and use problem-solving skills. Your kids will have fun as they try to crack the code and figure out the secret message.
STEM board games also help in the development of skills that are required in coding for kids. Board games also help kids learn how to problem solve and think logically. This is an important skill for coding, as coding often involves debugging and solving complex problems. By playing board games, kids can learn how to break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and then work out a solution. Finally, playing board games also encourage collaboration and team-building. This is important for coding for kids, as coding projects are often done in teams and require strong communication and collaboration skills. By playing board games together, kids can learn how to work together, compromise, and solve problems.
Classic Board Games
These games are true classics and are still enjoyed by kids of all ages. Classic board games like Life and Monopoly provide a fun and engaging challenge that teaches kids valuable skills like teamwork and critical thinking. These are classic board games that your family will enjoy for years to come. Some of the classic board games are listed below:
1. Connect Four:
Ages 5+ This game is fun and entertaining for the whole family. The kids enjoy and learn as they try to line up four of their colored discs in a row before their opponent does. Through Connect four kids learn fine motor skills, basic counting and mathematical skills, finding patterns and planning ahead.
2. Checkers:
Ages 6+ Winning is only one aspect of the game of checkers. You can also play the game with your kids so you can also gain from it; it’s a process to be relished and appreciated! Also, your kids will have fun as they try to capture all of their opponent’s pieces and win the game. Checkers board games can help in improvement of focus and concentration skills. It also teaches problem solving and patience.
3. Monopoly:
Ages 8+ This classic game encourages your kids to use their financial skills as they try to buy, sell, and trade properties on the board. Your kids will have fun as they learn about money management and build their own fortunes.
4. Scrabble:
Ages 6+ Scrabble is a fantastic tool for developing a wide range of abilities such as developing your vocabulary, intellectual abilities, math skills (as you calculate your and your opponent’s score). Scrabble, also tests your memory as you learn new words from the dictionary and recall them in-game
5. Snakes and Ladders:
Ages 4+ While certain traditional board games may seem a bit slow and old-fashioned these days, most young children still find snakes and ladders to be entertaining and frequently demand to play more. This game reinforces pre-math skills such as counting, recognizing and adding numbers.
6. Chess:
Ages 6+ This classic game is a great way to encourage your kids to use their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Your kids will have fun as they try to outwit their opponent and capture their pieces.
7. Battleship:
Ages 7+ This classic game encourages your kids to use their logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your kids will have fun as they try to strategically place their ships and guess their opponent’s locations in order to sink all of their ships.
8. The Game of Life
Ages 8+ The Game of life teaches kids the realities of life. It provides important lessons about money management, career choices, and family dynamics as they kids make their way through the game. Also, the kids have fun as they try to build the best life possible and reach the finish line.
9. Clue:
Ages 8+ This classic game is a great way to encourage your kids to use their deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills. Your kids will have fun as they try to figure out who committed the crime and gather clues from the suspects.
10. Othello and Go
These are great for teaching logical thinking and abstract reasoning. These games require your kids to think about the consequences of their moves and plan ahead in order to win.
Many popular board games like Monopoly, Chess, and Checkers require players to think strategically and understand how different pieces can interact with each other. This same type of thinking can be applied to coding, as a programmer needs to understand how different pieces of code can interact with each other to create a desired outcome.
By playing these board games, kids can develop the critical thinking skills necessary for coding for kids. Additionally, many board games also emphasize problem-solving and logical reasoning which are essential elements of coding. Playing board games can help kids understand the basics of coding such as loops, conditions, and data manipulation. Board games also provide a fun way for kids to learn about algorithms and computational thinking which are essential concepts for the computer science curriculum.
Innovative Board games
Innovative board games can also be a great way for kids to learn coding skills. These types of board games often involve the use of technology or digital components that can help kids understand the basics of coding. For example, some board games may involve programming robots or drones, while others may require players to use an app or website to complete tasks. By playing these innovative board games, kids can gain experience with coding concepts such as loops, conditions, and data manipulation in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, these board games often emphasize collaboration and teamwork, essential coding elements.
1. The Floor is Lava:
This game is based on the popular playground game. Players dodge obstacles to reach the finish line without touching the “lava”.
2. Blokus:
A strategy game where players aim to place as many of their pieces on the board as possible while blocking their opponents from doing the same.
3. Don’t Break the Ice:
Players use their mallets to chip away at the ice pieces without breaking the main block.
4. Shark Attack:
Players take turns rolling the dice and moving their shark pieces around the board, trying to gobble up the opponent’s fish.
5. It’s Alive!:
Players take turns placing pieces on the board to create a monster, then race to see who can be the first to assemble the monster.
6. Word Jungle:
Players try to spell words from the given letters while navigating through a jungle of obstacles.
7. Spot It!:
Players race to be the first to find the matching symbols between two cards.
8. Crocodile Dentist:
Players take turns pressing down on the crocodile’s teeth. If they press the wrong one, the crocodile’s mouth snaps shut!
9. Hoot Owl Hoot:
Players take turns moving owls around the board to the finish while avoiding the hazards.
10. Catan Junior:
A simplified version of the popular game Settlers of Catan, adapted for younger players.
How Board games help kids
Board games also help kids in early learning. Even the most basic board games may teach young children how to distinguish between different colors, count squares, improve their hand-eye coordination, and move heaps about the board. Additionally, the youngsters are taught fundamentals like waiting for one’s turn, abiding by the regulations, etc. Apart from this, there are some other benefits associated with board games which are listed below:
1. Improved Social Skills:
Board games are a great way for children to learn how to interact with others. As they play, they learn how to take turns, share, and develop good sportsmanship.
2. Building Problem-Solving Skills:
Board games require players to make decisions, think ahead, and problem-solve in order to win. This helps children develop better analytical skills that can be applied to any number of real-life situations.
3. Boosting Memory:
Playing board games helps children improve their memory and focus.
4. Encouraging Creativity:
Board games often require players to think outside the box in order to win. Creative problem-solving can help children come up with new ideas and approaches to everyday tasks.
5. Developing Hand-Eye Coordination:
Board games require players to move pieces around the board quickly, which helps them develop their hand-eye coordination.
6. Promoting Imagination:
Some board games require players to create new stories or characters. This encourages children’s imaginations and allows them to explore different ideas.
7. Bonding:
Board games are a great way for children to bond with their family members and friends. Playing a game together can create lasting memories and foster relationships. Also, board games teach an important life skill i.e., losing gracefully and accepting failures.
SkoolOfCode STEM-based strategy: Fun and Educational
SkoolOfCode has identified games as an effective way to teach kids the basics of coding in a fun and interactive way. Our STEM-based strategy involves introducing games and projects that are designed to teach kids coding fundamentals such as loops, conditions, and data manipulation. We also focus on projects th
at emphasize collaboration and teamwork, as these elements are essential for successful coding projects. Additionally, we also work on the holistic development of kids by helping them in presenting their work. Our students are showcasing their work and are learning skills such as confidence, public speaking, etc. Skoolofcode computer science curriculum is designed to help kids develop their problem-solving skills, logical reasoning abilities, and creative thinking. Finally, we make sure that our projects are fun and entertaining so that kids will enjoy making and learning with them.
Conclusion
STEM Board games are a great way to bring the whole family together and have a fun, educational experience. Not only are STEM board games fun, but they also provide a great opportunity to teach children important skills such as problem-solving, strategy, and collaboration. With so many different options available, it’s easy to find the perfect game for your family. So gather the kids around the table and get ready for a fun and educational game night! Also if you want some more fun and education with the latest technology then explore the world of coding for kids at Skoolofcode. So, let’s start the fun and educational roller coaster journey by booking a trial class.
By –Dr. Kadam Bhambari, an Educator at SkoolofCode with Ph.D. and MTech in Electronics. She is an expert in Microbit, Arduino, and Artificial intelligence.