Love finding new ways to make STEM more fun in my classroom! A few weeks ago, my friend Kristen from http://kristenskindergarten.com wrote an amazing article about different problem solving materials from Oriental Trading that make great STEM tub resources. Well, I just had to jump on board and grab some of my own.

What did I get? My first order included jigsaw puzzle blocks for creating interesting patterns.  They are so much fun, and students can identify colors and patterns to their heart’s content!

 

 

In addition to the puzzle blocks, I chose connecting fish. Love all of the possibilities for creating structures with these!

One of the most interesting sets Kristen featured in her posts was this amazing magnetic building set. So many possibilities with this set. It is no easy task to make 3-D shapes with these either!

Also in this order, this amazing set of pipes and connectors! I think this set will get many hours of play.  The only thing I had not thought of was the size of the base and how it needs a tub it will fit in.

In a subsequent order I was able to get counting pig erasers, stacking cups for cup towers, and a Tumble Trax Magnetic Marble Run.  I am so excited about the marble run! Rube Goldberg machines have always fascinated me, so this will be a perfect connection to how complicated machines work!

If you are interested in expanding your STEM resources, I recommend following this link:

http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/stem-a1-90000+2581.fltr

It is mind blowing how many different ways students can create and problem solve using resources from Oriental Trading! If you are looking for tubs, The Dollar Store has tubs like the ones I purchased for around $4 each.  They are transparent so students can see what is inside.  I recommend following this link to Kristen’s labels if you need labels for products mentioned in this post. They are perfect, and the real life photos help student put blocks back in the correct tubs!

I appreciate Oriental Trading sponsoring my class! It was a pleasure to share a post about the fun we will be having this year!