Toddlers play more creatively if they’re given a few toys, according to a new study in Infant Behaviour and Development. Too many toys at one time are distracting, writes Emma Young in Research Digest. The researchers drew from a pool of 32 toys of four types: educational toys (that teach colours, for example), “pretend” toys (that suggested themed scenarios – perhaps playing a being a doctor, for instance), action toys (that required an action such as stacking or building fr

Among the STEM toys in this holiday gift guide is this kit for ages 10 and up. In my day, children couldn’t isolate DNA at home, though I guess we could breed bacteria. Neither could scientists. Students learn to isolate DNA from a tomato, build a DNA model, and breed bacteria as they gain an understanding of how genetic engineering informs many biomedical- and science-related fields. They can even analyze evidence to identify suspects and solve a crime by studying genetic co

“Nimuno Loops” — LEGO-compatible adhesive tape — looks very cool. A new Indiegogo campaign is raising money for the product, reports Nerdist. The Nimuno Loops offer “flexible strips that can be cut to size and flexed around most surfaces.” #Lego #toys