1. Let’s play with toys and call it work!
STEM Kits
Let’s play with toys and call it work!

2. What’s a STEM kit? STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
LEAP has toys and games that can be borrowed by ASLs for 2 to 3 weeks at a time.
Some of our STEM kits have become branch staples, like Keva Planks and Snap Circuits.
We’ve introduced new STEM kits this year in the spirit of providing more ways for you to have rich STEM programming without a lot of prep time.

3. How do I get one?
We have a list of available STEM kits that is ed to ASLs and TLAs a couple of times a year, and can be requested anytime (just me).
To request a STEM kit, simply choose the one you want and send us an letting us know when you want it.
Some STEM kits have waiting lists and won’t be available immediately, but we’re working on related activities that can be done while you wait for the kit.

4. Then what?
Once you request a STEM kit, I’ll send it to you through inter-office mail, and I’ll send you an that details the contents and when it is expected back.
Each time you use the STEM kit, you will fill out a STEM report to be sent back to me with the kit, either digitally or on paper.
To return a STEM kit, simply put the “To: YSP” return label on the outside and place it with the branch’s outgoing inter-office mail.

5. STEM Reports
A STEM report must be filled out each time a kit is used. Include:
Date and time of use
Number of participants
Missing/broken parts
What you used from the STEM kit specifically
The activities you did
A narrative about how the participants used the kit and their reaction to/enjoyment of it.
What you think could be done to make the STEM kit more useful and appealing.

6. Makey Makey
Makey Makey is a computer science kit that uses a tiny motherboard and alligator clips to turn conductive objects into controllers.
This is a great way to help kids understand about conductive materials, computers, and circuitry.
A great way to incorporate the LEAPtop into programming in a new way.

7. Snap Circuit Extensions
Each branch has Snap Circuits, Jr which is a fun way to make lights and noise and learn about circuitry.
Snap Circuits Extension kit works with the Snap Circuits Jr set you already have and increases the number of projects you can do.
Lots of small parts means this can be complicated at clean-up time, so keep an eye out.

8. Little Bits
When requested, we send out the base kit, extended kit, and premium kits.
We also have Ozobots, Squishy Circuits, and the Cloud Starter Bundle.
We have a library of Little Bits pieces, some found in the kits, some not. I’m working on creating a full list of pieces that we have available.

9. Programmable Rover
One of the newest editions to our STEM kit family is the Programmable Rover.
This little robot can be used to augment computer science or geometry programming.
It has worked well with younger participants and teens, depending on which branch it visited.
We have several of these, so there isn’t a waiting list!

10. Keva Planks
Each branch has a set of Keva Planks, but if you want to have a large event, we can send you more!
These are great for learning about balance, engineering, physics, and art.
The Keva website has tons of projects and designs to try.
Challenge your participants to find new things to build with the Keva planks, and new ways to make art!

11. Other STEM kits This year we introduced these topic-based math kits:
Fractions
Pizza Fractions
Money
Time
Logic & Puzzles
Shapes & Matching
Addition & Subtraction
Multiplication & Addition
We also introduced non-math topic kits:
Geography
Teen

12. Other STEM kits
We are currently working on a computer science topic kit, as well as “packets” of existing curriculum from our Wiki page, online resources, and iPad apps that can augment the STEM kits or can be done to continue learning about a topic.
As we develop these further, we ask that you provide feedback in your STEM reports so we can make these better and more useful to you and your participants.

13. Play!
You may be familiar with some of these STEM kits, or may have joined us for our October training that showcased these kits.
We don’t have the newer math kits out because you have them all at your branches (which is exactly what we want).
Next year, we’ll have another STEM kit training that will include our more robust programming suggestions and will hopefully feature all the new kits that we have!

14. Questions? Comments?
We don’t have much time left in the school year, so all STEM kits will need to be returned by the second week in June.
STEM Reports are a vital part of STEM kits– if you return your kits without a STEM report, you may not be able to get another kit when you request it.
If you want to request a STEM kit or you have any questions about them,
Julie –
Josh –