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STEM Learning for Early Childhood

Inspire curiosity and hands-on discovery with Kaplan’s STEM learning resources. From science exploration to engineering, math, and robotics, these classroom-ready tools help children build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through engaging, play-based learning experiences.

STEM Play Mat - 59" x 39.5" Rectangle
Item: 32336P
Status: In Stock
$94.95
2 years & up. Bring the feel of the outdoors inside with these vibrant, real-image play mats. The polyester surface is extremely lifelike and is sure to captivate young learners. Each mat measures 59"L x 39.5"W.
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Ramptastic - STEM Ramp for Testing Velocity
Item: 63780
Status: In Stock
$76.95
3 years & up. This sturdy wooden incline ramp invites children to explore STEM concepts through prediction and experimentation. The six varying textures give children the opportunity to test the effects of surfacing, weight, and velocity on the potential speed and function of different objects. Ramptastic also introduces simple machines to children and is the perfect addition to the STEM toys in your classroom. Activity card(s) included. Cars sold separately. Measures 12.5"L x 4.75"W x 4.25"H.
K'NEX® Introduction to Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys
Item: 25250
Status: In Stock
$69.95
Grades 2 & up. Hands-on Investigation Kit supports building a variety of real-world models that demonstrate science and technology concepts. Students will explore through hands-on investigation 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class levers along with fixed, movable and combination pulley systems. Includes building instructions for 8 different models with real-life photo and key facts. Complete set includes K'nex rods and connectors in a sturdy, divided case, teaching resource CD (with teaching notes, building projects and extension activities) and student building guide. 178 pieces.
Click Builders Classic Prism - 1,000 Pieces
Item: 63675
Status: In Stock
$64.95
3 years & up. Make building a captivating experience with this collection of Click Builders. Young children can design an infinite number of structures, which will improve their fine-motor skills, creative-thinking skills, and problem-solving skills. The transparent colors will also teach children about color patterns-especially if they play with these builders on a light table. 1,000 pieces in different sizes and colors.
Discover and Learn STEAM Books - Set of 4
Item: 303251
Status: In Stock
$66.95
3 years & up. Spark curiosity and early problem-solving skills with this book set, specially selected for preschool learners. Through playful stories and colorful illustrations, children are introduced to the foundational concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in ways that are easy to understand and fun to explore. Each book encourages young learners to ask questions, observe the world around them, and think creatively as they begin building the skills that support lifelong learning. These books connect everyday experiences to basic STEAM concepts. From exploring how things work to discovering patterns, shapes, and creative expression, the stories help children develop curiosity, critical thinking, and imagination. The approachable language and engaging visuals make complex ideas accessible while supporting vocabulary development and early literacy.
Snap and Stack Thistle Blocks - 220 Pieces
Item: 300585
Status: In Stock
$64.95
18 months & up. Encourage creative play, tactile exploration, and open-ended building using the Snap and Stack Thistle Block set. Children can easily fit the durable plastic bristles together to create satisfying connections and construct anything their imagination can inspire. A variety of pieces will help children develop color and shape recognition as well as size relationships and pattern building. This 220-piece set allows for large builds independently or collaboratively.
Specimen Stones: Bugs - 9 Stones
Item: 38033
Status: In Stock
$64.95
2 years & up. Support collaborative conversation and exploratory play with this durable set of  9 bug specimens in a shatter-resistant acrylic. Set includes 9 authentic specimens; wasp, bee, butterfly, ladybeetle, scorpion, cricket, pill bug, june beetle, and spider. Double-sided reference cards included with the set offer vivid images and fun facts to deepen observation, vocabulary, and scientific curiosity. Ideal for <strong>classroom science centers</strong>, discovery tables, or early childhood STEM activities, these specimen stones encourage children to observe, compare, and discuss the natural world. Each stone measures 2.25"L x 1.5"W x 1"H.  Also pair perfectly with the Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand (sold separately) for easy display and group learning.
Design and Drill Robot Workshop XL - Build 6 Robots - 150 Pieces
Item: 301665
Status: In Stock
$99.95
3 years and up. Give young engineers a space where they can blossom. The Design & Drill® Robot Workshop equips young children with everything they need to build multifaceted, mobile robots. Playing with robots helps young children explore concepts of engineering, coding and math in an engaging way. The collection's many interchangeable pieces empower children to construct any kind of robot that enters their imagination. Set includes 150 pieces, enough to build 6 different robots.
Weather Bear Set With Clothes
Item: 97275
Status: In Stock
$61.95
3 years & up. Introduce children to early weather concepts and teach them to dress for the seasons at the same time with the help of this cuddly friend! This fun bear set includes four outfits that are perfect for their corresponding seasons. Dress this bear for the appropriate weather conditions and encourage your child to model their outfits after it. For an activity, call out seasons and have children dress the weather bear appropriately. This Weather Bear Set promotes fine motor skills, color recognition, logic, and independence. Bear measures 12.2"H. The set includes 20 pieces.
Specimen Stones: Sea Creatures - 9 Stones
Item: 38034
Status: In Stock
$69.95
2 years & up. Durable set of sea creature specimens in shatter-resistant acrylic. Set includes 9 authentic specimens; sea star, shrimp, sea anemone, brown algae, hermit crab, crab, seahorse, tiger barb, and red algae. Double-sided cards featuring detailed images, fun facts, and important information included. The stones fit perfectly inside the Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand for display in classroom centers (sold separately, item 38036).
Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle - Trilobite - 6 Pieces
Item: 300799
Status: In Stock
$59.95
3 years & up. Inspire a deeper interest in science, extinct creatures and basic geology principles through this Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle. Chunky pieces feature interesting textures and a subdued natural color scheme. A satisfying magnetic click will indicate a correct match-up of pieces, encouraging children to complete the puzzle and create a realistic replica of a Trilobite.
Texture Time: Toddler Loose Parts STEM Kit
Item: 38011P
Status: In Stock
$99.95 - $109.95
18 months & up. The possibilities of discovery are multiplied when rich variables are at children's fingertips. Container Play: Toddler Loose Parts STEM Kit is a laboratory of opportunity to experiment and explore various loose parts with different textures and colors. Sorting by color, size, and shape, as well as creating patterns, helps toddlers develop problem-solving and basic math concepts.
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Resources: Earth's Elements at Play - 144 Pieces
Item: 91277
Status: In Stock
$73.95
3 years & up. Inspire and be inspired with this set of 144 unique, soft formed loose parts that mimic elements we see in the world around us. The law of gravity will test a child's patience, concentration and problem solving skills while creating imaginative structures. The set includes loose parts that represent water, trees, bricks, wood, steel, stones, a ball and people. The idea guide is full of images that will help spark imaginations and inspire new creations.
Specimen Stones: Fossils - 9 Stones
Item: 301315
Status: In Stock
$64.95
2 years and up. Spark curiosity and scientific exploration by giving children an up-close view of the ancient world with this set of Fossil Specimen Stones. Encased in clear, shatter-resistant acrylic, these authentic specimens show children shells, stones, shark's teeth, and other artifacts from prehistoric times. The set's reference cards feature colorful images and fascinating facts that will enhance any science activity.
Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand
Item: 38036
Status: In Stock
$68.95
Beautifully display the pieces from the Specimen Stones sets (sold separately) using the durable, beechwood Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand. Keep a complete set of 9 stones visible and organized during and between supplemental lessons using this easy-to-use display.
Natural Stack and Sort Board
Item: 33141
Status: In Stock
$68.95
12 months & up. This oversized board features colorful counting discs for sorting onto stationary pegs. Double-sided wooden squares show numbers 0 through 9 on one side and corresponding dot patterns on the other. The removable counting discs offer versatile opportunities for matching, counting, and practicing addition and subtraction, both on and off the board. Measures 15.75"L x 3.5"W x 4"H.
KEVA® Contraptions 200 Plank Set
Item: 52468
Status: In Stock
$69.95
7 years & up. Construct tracks of tunnels, funnels, ramps, and chutes, then set the ball rolling and watch your creation come to life. The open-ended, no rules play promotes experimentation, creativity, and problem solving, which are key mental skills for aspiring young engineers and architects. As children build through trial and error, they gain an early understanding of physics and engineering concepts like balance and structural stability. No glue and no connectors means structures are vulnerable to collapse, but this teaches children to build with care, honoring fine motor skills and dexterity in the process. Set includes: 200 pine planks, 2 KEVA® balls, and an idea booklet.
Little Bricks Construction Set - 60 Pieces
Item: 33942
Status: In Stock
$54.95
3 years & up. Practice architectural theories, model scales and engineering with this 60 piece Little Bricks set. Included are 10 double-sided concept cards to give ideas for specific structures. Textured TPR plastic and weighted metal interior is scaled to miniature brick size for architectural building. Build models and scenery for pretend play, stop motion videos and more. Perfect for indoor and outdoor play. The four color gradients of the bricks provide an authentic building experience. 60 piece set. Store indoors. Individual bricks measure 1.75" L x .6" W x .89" H.
Chunky Bead Sequencing Set
Item: 46408
Status: In Stock
$56.95
4 years & up. Encourage children to practice fine motor skills with this delightful Chunky Colorful Bead Sequencing and Patterning Practice Set with Storage Box. This bright colored bead sequencing set develops shape-recognition, color recognition, and spatial relations. Includes 10 simply designed, colorful patterns, and 45 pattern blocks in 6 different shapes and colors for replicating each pattern. Stores neatly in a wooden case.
GeoSafari® Jr. Talking Microscope
Item: 63770
Status: In Stock
$67.95
4 years & up. Introduce children to a real scientific toy that provides visual detail and information about animals, plants, and everyday household items. Fully functioning 5x microscope with two comfortable eyepieces contains 20 slides with 60 photo-quality images, and over 100 facts and questions. Multilingual audio-4 languages included! Requires 3 AAA batteries (sold separately).
Science Exploration Books - Set of 7
Item: 51266
Status: In Stock
$65.95
3 years & up. Bring literacy into your science center with this comprehensive Science Exploration Books for Literacy and Early STEM Learning. This collection of science themed books is great for introducing new STEM concepts to your children. These books discuss topics such as leaves changing, magnets, the five senses, and more! Encourage children to ask questions about vocabulary and concepts they're unfamiliar with. Set of 7.
Unit Block Marble Run - 40 Piece Set
Item: 37089
Status: In Stock
$79.95
3 years & up. Children can begin early exploration of physics, STEM lessons, and architectural design using the Unit Block Marble Run 40 piece set. Rubberwood blocks feature drops, bumps and routed paths that allow for multiple building opportunities. Ten double-sided concept cards provide building inspiration for different block arrangements as well as corresponding lessons related to physics theories. Set includes 4 starter acrylic marbles and 36 block pieces scaled to unit block proportions allowing for multiple run path possibilities. Largest piece measures 5.51"L x 2.76"W x 2.76"D.
Bee-Bot® & Blue-Bot® Docking Station
Item: 62969
Status: In Stock
$80.95
3 years & up. A USB rechargeable station for up to six Bee-Bots or Blue-Bots, ideal for educational settings. It can be wall-mounted with six Bee-Bots or Blue-Bots. Bee-Bots (item# 62966) and Blue-Bots (item# 55563) are sold separately. One-year warranty.
STEM Builder Series Build an Animal - 300 Colorful pieces and Activity Cards
Item: 63197
Status: In Stock
$52.95
3 years & up. Over 300 pieces contribute to this kit's endless building possibilities. An assortment of activity card(s) illustrate possible animal and pattern configurations and encourage children to design their own creations. The Build an Animal STEM Kit builds on children's natural curiosity by providing the materials and freedom to explore. The Animal Building Cards give children a start by building a giraffe, lion, elephant, chicken, frog and bird. Children should then be encouraged to build, create, and invent on their own. Use these and the Number Sense and Pattern Cards at interest areas, in small groups, and for independent learning.