The Best STEM Kits for Tweens

Use these STEM kits for tweens in your lesson plans or give them to your older kids as gifts. They’ll love them!

If you’re like most homeschooling moms, you’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to keep your tween engaged in learning.

These kits help teach kids about science, technology, engineering and math. There are many different types available, so it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for your child.

That’s why I’m sharing some of the best ones for middle schoolers.

Tween boy and girl working on a robot engineering kit.

Why Teach STEM in Middle School?

There are a few different reasons STEM should be a regular part of your homeschool.

For one, exposure to these subjects often helps improve students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also increases their confidence in their ability to do well in these subjects.

When we add these to our middle school lesson plans, we’re helping prepare our kids for the rigors of high school and college coursework in these subject areas.

Also, students who are interested in STEM are more likely to continue their education past high school, into careers in these fields. These are growing, in-demand industries, so it makes sense to expose your tween to these subjects to see if they have any interest or aptitude toward them.

Why Use a STEM Kit

One word – convenience!

If you’ve ever put together a STEM focused activity, you know it can be a hassle sometimes. From coming up with the project idea to scrambling to finding everything you need, doing it all yourself takes a lot of time and energy.

That’s why I love using kits, especially for these subjects. When you use one of these boxes, they’ve already done a lot of the work for you. Aside from the occasional household item or tool, everything you need is in one handy package.

And, along with the instructions, lots of them contain mini-lessons to help tweens understand the learning behind the creation.

How to Choose a STEM Kit for Older Kids

First, you need to decide whether you’re looking for something that encompasses all aspects of STEM or a singular subject.

When choosing a pre-made kit for older kids, it’s important to consider their interests and abilities. If your child loves tinkering with things, they might enjoy a project that involves building things or taking things apart.

If they’re more interested in science, something that focuses on experiments might be a better fit.

Does your tween excel at math and love puzzles? If so, a kit that involves problem-solving could be the perfect choice.

To get the most out of an all-in-one kit, you’ll want to pick one where the project and your tween’s interest align.

Also, if you want your tweens to work on the project independently, make sure you choose something that they can do with minimal help.

Luckily, there are dozens of quality kits available that make perfect gifts or you can easily add to your homeschool lesson plans. Below, you’ll find 20 that are perfect for kids 9-13.

Hopefully, you’ve found something that will spark your tween’s interest and get them excited about science, technology, engineering, and math.

A collage of images of STEM kits appropriate for middle school kids.

Any links in this post may be affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.

Additional STEM Ideas

Here are some other hands-on activities you can do with your tweens as you study the various STEM subjects.

Gifts for Tweens

If you’re looking for more gift ideas for your older kids, check these out.

STEM Kits for Tweens

If you're looking for an educational gift for your older kids or for a fun addition to your science lessons, these STEM kits make a great choice for middle schoolers.

What’s your favorite STEM kit for middle schoolers?

Megan Zechman
I love homeschooling! Learning is a way of life for our family. Most days you will find us exploring our Central Florida community, having fun while learning. I am constantly looking for new and interactive ways to engage my older children.
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman

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