Mr. Losik's "Best STEM Toys for the Holidays" Returns for 2025

 

For over a decade, I have been creating my list of the best holiday STEM gifts. Even though I retired from the classroom a year ago, the tradition continues with 15 new ideas for 2025. There's a little something for everyone aged 5 to 12. Shop early because there are some great Black Friday sales already underway, and lots of these items will go quickly.

Air Toobz - $159.99 - Fat Brain Toys - It's like they took the system that shuttles the money back and forth from the bank to the drive-through and turned it into a toy. Air Toobz lets little engineers build their own air-driven transport system. Here's what comes in a set: 20 colorful EVA foam balls, 6 transparent 12-inch tubes, 6 transparent orange corner tubes, 1 T-tube, 1 silicone funnel, 12 easy-fit connectors, 1 fan unit, a charging cable, and a durable carrying case. Little "Toobsterz", available separately, are fuzzy pets that travel the system just like the foam balls.

Foosbots - $22.95 Fat Brain Toys. While the idea of having a new foosball table in a beautiful game room might be the American dream for some, a couple of handheld Foosbots is a lot more practical. These 2.75-inch high soccer players spin vertically when you squeeze them, with the object of the game being to drive a ball past an opponent's goal line. Each set comes with two "bots" and two silicon goal lines. Games can be played by two or more players on any flat surface. Individual Foosbots can be added for $9.99 each. 

Magshutos Stunt Park - $21.99 Fat Brain Toys. "Load one of the Mag-Pods into the shooter, pull it back with just your finger, aim, and launch. From there, endless trick-shot possibilities explode into action," is how Fat Brain Toys describes "Magshutos", the fun pods that can be launched in endless ways. Each kit comes with a Mag-Pod with magnets that stick to different targets, plus 15 challenge cards. This sets includes one Stunt Module, Mag-Module, 2 Hex Rings, Tunnel Ramp, Rebounder, Launcher, 5 Mag-Pods, 15 challenges, and reusable sticky pads. Extra Mag-Pods can be purchased alone for $10.95.

"Little Woodchucks" Offerman Woodshop's guide to tools and tomfoolery - $23.95 Amazon. - Every year, I include a book in the list, and while I was cutting firewood this summer, I heard an interview with "Parks and Recreation" actor Nick Offerman describing his book for "little woodchucks". I knew it would be a perfect fit for this year's list. It's full of fun projects aimed at getting kids excited about woodworking in doable ways, infused with the real Ron Swanson's signature dry wit. 

"Are you an aspiring small woodchuck (an urchin) ready to get into some good mischief that involves a hammer, nails, and your very own pocketknife? Or are you a parent or otherwise amply-sized woodchuck interested in encouraging eye contact, giggles, handshakes, and other old-fashioned familial engagements, while introducing young woodworkers-to-be to the satisfaction and good, clean fun of hands-on crafting?

Either way, order your copy of LITTLE WOODCHUCKS so you and your wee workers can learn all about butt joints and the joys of woodworking." - Actor and master woodworker Nick Offerman.

LEGO Christmas Ornaments - $12.95 Amazon. LEGO seems to make kits to build everything these days. In the past, I have highlighted architectural and floral sets. Now LEGO is even making Christmas tree ornaments. Each kit makes the 4 ornaments pictured below and makes a fun Advent gift or stocking stuffer.

LEGO Speed Champions - $17-$248 Amazon. Speaking of LEGO making everything...since 2014, LEGO has released over 100 different Speed Champions car kits. I am partial to the Lightning McQueen or the Back To The Future DeLorean sets, but new for 2025 are 10 different F1 race cars. They can be purchased individually for $22 each or as part of the collectors' set for $248.

Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Hot Wheels Track - $43.19 Amazon. When I was little, the only thing more reliable than Santa's visit at Christmastime was that my Uncle Doug would get me something with wheels. One of my earliest memories of his gifts was the Fisher-Price Putt Putt Raceway, and this gift idea for toddlers reminded me of that classic. Not only is it fun, but there are also so many physics concepts to explore... even for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Here's what the 2025 version includes:

•Two 60-degree Hot Wheels racing loops, a double spiral racetrack, and a ring of “fire” stunt ramp

•Easy-lift ramp sends 1, 2 or 3 cars zooming down and around the tracks for cool racing and stunt action (Includes 2 Wheelies cars, additional vehicles sold separately.)

•50+ sounds and musical tunes play as kids launch their Wheelies cars

•Includes car “wash,” gas station, and mechanic stops for added pretend play

Poraxy Remote Control Puzzle Car - $9.95 Amazon. Both a 3D puzzle and a functioning remote control car, this vehicle kit from Poraxy is easily the best value on this year's list. It's great for kids 8-12 who enjoy a construction challenge that results in a functioning racecar. 

Construction Vehicle Advent Calendar - $23.79 Amazon. The vehicle theme continues with this cool Advent calendar. As kids count down to Christmas, they open a different door each day to reveal a new die-cast construction vehicle or engineering accessory. Not only will they know how many days are left until Santa makes his journey, but they will also have something new to add to their construction site.  

National Geographic Motorized Marble Run - $29.97 Walmart. The marble run has been around for decades and continues to prove to be a great toy and learning activity. What makes this one different is the motorized spiral elevator that not only takes marbles to the top of the structure, but can also serve as a catch basin at the end of the run, creating an endless loop of marbles traveling through the elements. 

Picasso Tiles $15 and up PicassoTiles.com. What started as a company creating simple plastic tiles that attach to each other with magnets has evolved into one that offers all kinds of themed playsets that still use the original magnetic tiles. The company is dedicated to making learning fun. It states, "We believe that open-play is essential for children’s development, as it allows them to develop skills that are not typically taught in the classroom. We are an art-focused STEM-backed company that prioritizes creativity while also letting kids learn on their own." 

PicassoTiles can be found at several retailers, but check their main website for their complete line of products and several holiday discounts. 

Flycatcher smART Sketch 2.0 Projector - $79.95 Flycatcher Toys. This year's list has been light on the technology side, but this gadget is one that really fosters engagement and all kinds of learning benefits. The projector displays images for users to trace from Flycatcher's library of themed cartridges or from the companion app, which allows kids to upload their own photos. It's especially fun this time of year to place cookies under the projector and trace festive patterns with frosting. 

Themed cartridges hold 60 images each and run $19.99 each. There's also an AI version of the projector for $114.99 that listens to user voice prompts and then generates that image for them to trace. So, if you tell it to create a picture of Santa by a Christmas tree, an original drawing will pop up to trace. 

Brainometry 3D Pattern Blocks $18.99 Learning Resources. The STEM Explorers Brainometry set from Learning Resources combines the benefits of geometric pattern blocks with the fun and challenge of building in 3D. Each set comes with 24 stackable blocks and 10 double-sided activity cards, housed in a sturdy storage case.

"Develops critical thinking and mathematical skills through colorful pattern-matching activities that challenge young minds while making learning fun and engaging for ages 5+" - Learning Resources.

BLDR Squishmallows - $4.99 and up Jazware. The world of LEGO-compatible plastic bricks continues to expand. Last year, I recommended generic creative and engineering bricks. This year, we dig into the world of BLDR and specifically their Squishmallow series. Playsets start small with individual characters, but expand to include all kinds of buildings. 

D&D Kids Planting Root Viewer $12.99 Walmart. Here's a great way to bring a little green inside this winter and see kids marvel at what really happens when plants grow underground. D&D creates all kinds of fun learning kits, and this one is described this way. 

•Real-Time Root Growth: The transparent planter lets kids watch roots develop below the surface, turning gardening into a fascinating science adventure.

•Complete Growing Kit: Includes root viewer box, nutrient-rich soil, Spring Onion and Cilantro seeds, tracking stickers, fun decals, and a step-by-step guide.

•Educational Booklet: The illustrated booklet teaches kids all about plant life while guiding them through planting, growing, and observing.

•Indoor Gardening: No outdoor space? No problem! This kit brings the joy of gardening indoors, rain or shine.

•Hands-On Learning: Watch science come to life with the Root Viewer Kit, sparking curiosity, responsibility, and a love for nature right from the windowsill.

Hopefully, this year's list has given you some ideas that are both fun and highly engaging. Everything is hands-on, and kids learn without even realizing it. There is a wide array of price points across this list, and it's designed to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests. 

Andy Losik's Elementary STEM Scope, Sequence, and Yearly Planning Guide - Now Free!

 

With 30 years of insight and experience in elementary science and STEM, Andy Losik provides a grade-by-grade guide to planning a full year of K-4 STEM. With segments of the year dedicated to nature-based exploration and other parts focused on engineering, the guide provides Next Generation Science Standards, the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Standards, and 16 sample suggested activities per grade level. Grade-appropriate technology apps and activities begin in kindergarten and build a series of skills students use to capture their world, amplify their depth of knowledge, and share their learning. This guide is designed to provide a framework and foundation for bringing a comprehensive STEM program to any elementary school.

Now on TPT.    FREE!

Andy Losik "The STEM Guy" Announces Professional Development Offerings for the 2025-2026 School

Bring fresh energy to your staff development with Andy Losik’s engaging STEM and EdTech workshops! With 30 years of classroom experience and national-level recognition, Andy delivers hands-on, practical PD that leaves teachers inspired and ready to innovate. From makerspaces to low-tech STEM to design thinking, each session is packed with real-world strategies. Reach out today to book a workshop and empower your team for the school year ahead! 

25-26 PD Offerings by Andy Losik

Email Andy at AndyLosik72@gmail.com • or call (616) 294-8436.

Find Out How Andy Losik Can Help Your School or STEM Program Grow

My name is Andy Losik, and I want to share all of the insight and resources I have developed over the course of my 30-year career in education. For the last 8 years, I was an elementary STEM teacher and it was quite the adventure. If you, your school, or your district is looking for help when it comes to launching or spicing up your STEM or tech integration program, please reach out today. The first consultation is always free as we talk about how I might be able to help you. Please reach out today.  

Sometime in early May of 2016, my elementary technology teaching partner and I were asked to attend a meeting with the superintendent. Were new iPads on the way to join our current fleet of MacBooks? Were interactive boards coming to each school? Were we getting new video equipment? Nope. Nope. Nope. 

We were informed that the program that the two of us had founded in the fall of 2000 was coming to an end. To begin the 2016-17 school year, we would be teaching STEM in our Young Fives to 4th-grade buildings. We weren't given any curriculum or budgets, guidelines or clear expectations. The administration was placing their trust in us. Now, that's nothing to downplay because it's actually quite rare when teachers are given a blank slate and trust to build something on their own. We had done the same thing 16 years ago and had built an award-winning program. We were determined to do the same thing with STEM...and it was hard. 

It's amazing how many other STEM teachers I meet online who are currently in that same spot where I was 8 years ago. Through it all, I gained a ton of insight on what and what not to do, how essential creating a classroom culture for innovation is, and where to source free and cheap materials. 

I have an extensive history of providing professional development going back to the mid 1990s. I have been recognized as a Google Certified Innovator, Apple Distinguished Educator, and have worked with companies like The National Football League and Sony on their educational initiatives. 

Looking Back on 30 Years In The Classroom with Scott Bruell from Drone Legends

Thanks to Scott Bruell from Drone Legends for asking me to share on his podcast. It was a great time to reflect on the many discoveries I made during my 30 years in the classroom. 

We talk about creating the right classroom culture for creating design thinkers as well as communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers.

Give it a watch, or a listen on your favorite platform. 

Don't Hide Your Magic - There's Still So Much To Be Done

 Thanks to Hamilton's Zach Harig for capturing my last few moments at Bentheim Elementary. I shared Brad Montague's "Don't Hide Your Magic" with my last ever class, but the sentiment shines far beyond my time in the classroom. 

I am a long long way from spending my days in a recliner. While I am taking a few weeks off to spend special moments with family, my goal by summer is to be back in a position where I am spreading all of the "magic" I have honed over my 30 years in the classroom.

If you are a STEM teacher, school district, or company looking for ideas or resources, feel free to contact me and see if I can be of assistance. 

Mr. Losik's 2024 Holiday STEM Guide: All Stars Edition

 

The holiday season always brings out the emotions, and this year is full of "all the feels" as the moms on Instagram say. December 20 will wrap up 30 years in the classroom and I will be tucking away the Legos and the building materials for the last time once the kids leave for their long-awaited holiday breaks. I am taking the winter to enjoy some adventures with family and then will embark on whatever is next in education and STEM. I am only 52 and truly feel like I am going out on the top of my game. Enough about me though. You're in the Christmas crunch and came here for great gift ideas so let's get on with the list.

As a bit of a tribute to the stuff my students learn from every day, and to kind of recap all of the years that I have been doing the list, this is going to be an all-star edition featuring mainly items I have highlighted before with a few rookies entering the mix at the end. 

Here's your starting lineup.

1. Lego-compatible bricks and baseplates $10-$25. 
It is hard to imagine a world without Lego, but in 2003 the iconic company almost went bust. Luckily some crafty licensing deals not only saved the company but then gave the world fun character-themed sets like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and even the sets of Friends and Seinfeld. Those sets are great, but really fosters creativity and engineering in kids are tubs of un-themed Legos with no instruction books. 

I am always a skeptic of buying off-brand, but I am sold on the generic Lego-compatible bricks and sets now being sold on Amazon. 500 Lego-brand bricks sell for $25 on Amazon. That same $25 buys 1500 generic bricks and without focusing on the tiny "LEGO" stamped on the "real ones", it's virtually impossible to tell them from the off-brand. Most come in convenient storage tubs as well.

All of the above holds true when shopping for baseplates and the savings can even be greater. At one point this year you could get ten 10"x10" generic baseplates for the price of 1 Lego-brand baseplate. There are lots of neat color variations and even some that have roadways and bodies of water printed on them. My favorite variation in the classroom are the ones with magnetic backing. For a fun accent in a kid's room or playroom, check out the ones with adhesive backing and easily create a Lego wall. 

2. MakeDo cardboard construction tools $8-$88
There's a reason the cardboard box is in the toy hall of fame and that is due to its versatility to become absolutely anything. Now mix in some safe to use saws and hole-punches with heavy-duty fasteners, your kids can create everything from costumes to cat condos to forts so cozy you might not see them much until it is time to go back to school.

Everything we have ever bought from MakeDo in STEM has been super durable as we continue through year 8 of the program, those tools and screws remain in like-new condition. There are starter kits at under $10 to get you going. I personally would buy a couple of screwdrivers so it can be a fun building event with another friend and one of the 180 piece boxes of screws. 

3. Worx ZipSnip cordless electric scissors $30.99 While we are on the subject of doing amazing things with cardboard boxes, I would be negligent in my duties if I did not include this magically safe and versatile cutter. We use these with students in first grade and above. The MakeDo tools include a cardboard saw rated for 3 years and up, and it's a whole lot safer than your kids cutting cardboard with a steak knife, but it can get noisy. The ZipSnip hums along through cardboard, posterboard, and construction paper. These will cut a lot of other household nuisances at Christmastime like the bulky plastic packaging and those twisties that hold toys in place inside that bulky plastic packaging. 

4. Pyxel: A Coder's Best Friend robotic dog $76.49 Batting in the cleanup spot is the fun tech gift of this year's list. There are a lot of great robots out there for kids like Spheros, Ozobots, and the Tello drone. All have appeared on my lists but in most cases are over $100. At just over $75, Pyxel allows for fun imaginative play while still allowing for some pretty high end coding experiences. Educational Insights has loaded this critter up with some really silly antics like a dance routine, tail chasing, and lifting its leg to pee. It all adds to fun and opens kids up to a world of coding with a very entry level learning curve. For the money

5. Fat Brain Toys timber planks 

6. Straws and connectors building sets

7. Hot Wheels track

8. Hey Clay

9. Fail-a-bration

The rest of the squad

glue guns

Entina Tina 2 3D printer

Teeter Popper

KiwiCo

Save big money at Menards - $5 bin

Science On The Grand 2024: Go Wild with Outdoor Learning Games

Van Andel Education Institute's Science on the Grand has been named one of the top education conferences in America and the 2024 edition has definitely lived up to the billing. 

Here is my session on ways to take STEM games outside and engage in real academic learning.  Big shoutout to Project Wild and Eduprotocols.

Go Wild with Outdoor Learning Games - SOTG 2024 by Andy Losik

WOOD TV: STEM Education at Blue Star Elementary Sparks Creativity and Learning

 We had the honor of Maranda from WOOD TV come to Blue Star and spend some time with fourth grade as we worked on a couple of different holiday projects. 

Holiday STEM Toys: Mr. Losik's 2023 Wish List

It's another holiday season and here comes another round of great gift ideas that aren't just fun, but are also good for kids. Whether we're fostering curiosity and creativity or bolstering social interaction, every one of these items is likely to put smiles on faces this December. I have been doing this list annually for a long time so be sure to check out previous versions going back to 2018. 

Whether you turn on your Christmas lights before the Thanksgiving dishes are done or after, finding the right present can be a yearlong task. I am always on the lookout for the right stuff for the upcoming year's list and I am always listening to my students to find out where their excitement lies regarding the latest and greatest toys that also carry some educational value. Just like every lesson or experience I design for my STEM classroom, I am looking to see which learning domain it fosters. Is it cognitive (gaining knowledge) or affective (appreciation for the beauty of the natural world or artistic culture)? Does it strengthen creativity? Is it social or does it build large and small motor skills? I don't mean to dampen the spirit of the season with this nerdy stuff but just wanted to share a little bit of the thought that goes into selecting each of these items. Okay, enough of that, onto the good stuff!

Educational Insights checks in this year with its GeoSafari Jr. line a handful of great options for 3 to 8-year-olds designed to bring them closer to their natural worlds. 

First up are the Kidnoculars binoculars that magnify things 2x and have comfortable eyepieces and a handy neck strap. Their best feature is the $12 price tag. 

GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars

GeoSafari Jr. Mighty Magnifiers

While the kidnoculars are great for spotting nature far away, the Mighty Magnifiers are wonderful for taking a closer look at nature up close. At around $16, the two items make great companions in an explorer bundle. A super cool feature is the built-in LED that makes these fun after dark as well.

Additionally from the GeoSafari Jr. line comes the SubScope. Priced at just under $40, young explorers can check out underwater habitats without getting wet...or at least that is the goal. With three built-in LEDs, the scope helps illuminate what's swimming around down below. Exploring ponds and lakes is great, but pack it on your next tropical adventure and check out some mangroves or tide pools. 

GeoSafari Jr. SubScope

For kids 8+ who might be looking for something on the techie side, Educational Insights offers Pyxel, the coding robot dog. While priced at $89, Pyxel is $100 less than some comparable robotic coding toys like the Sphero Bolt. As a STEM teacher, one of the main things I notice when it comes to kids learning to code is that the experience is so much more meaningful when they can make something in the real world happen as a result of their coding. It would be great if Pyxel just moved like an RC toy, but with an array of sensors, it doesn't take much for kids to really deepen their computational thinking and creativity with the code they're building. Pyxel uses the Blockly language that students in my STEM classes use as early as kindergarten so most will have a familiarity with it. 

Here's another techie suggestion for older kids. Just as Pyxel was all about coding the toy to do what you want, the Snap Circuits RC Snap Rover $89  is all about building the vehicle that can eventually be controlled with a wireless remote. Snap Circuits kits are great at teaching scientific and technical principles, but they also allow for modifications and creativity. The rover is like a puzzle in that kids need to pay attention to detail for it to function correctly, but then like an RC vehicle, they can further modify. This one was highly recommended by my students. 

RC Snap Rover

Let's take a look at some of the newest offerings from a list mainstay, Fat Brain Toys.

Nothing fosters kids' interpersonal social skills like board games, and man almighty do kids need help with their interpersonal social skills! Fat Brain's Make That Most Magnificent Thing Game $19.95 is based on the Ashley Spires picture book The Most Magnificent Thing $11.95 where a girl faces the challenges of building something "magnificent" from everyday items. In the game, all players are given the same task like "Build a musical instrument," and they are given two minutes to gather item pictures, arrange their contraption, and prepare a story about it. When time is up, each player explains their creation and then the group hands out award ribbons in categories like "Best Story" or "Most Creative Name". 

 

Hey Clay ($19.95) is quality air-dry clay that hardens within 24 hours and comes packaged in a big range of kits depending on what young sculptors want to build. Some of the kits available on Amazon include:

Winter Holidays

Ocean

Animals

Monsters

Dinos

Forest Animals and others

Along with 15 jars of clay per kit, access to a free interactive app is also included that gives step-by-step instructions and teaches kids and tweens professional sculpting techniques. 

screenshot from the instructional app

In over 30 years of working with kids, blocks are still one of the best things kids can play with. Fat Brain's Timber Planks are a cornerstone of my STEM instruction and have been featured on previous lists. This year I wanted to share something for the littlest builders. These are rated for 3 years and older and have reflective edges in order to create a sensory experience as well. The Montessori Woodwerks Reflection Blocks 27 Piece Set ($49.95) encourages kids to not only stack and create but to strategically arrange the blocks so the shatter-proof mirrored surfaces play off of one another and create optical illusions. 

reflection blocks

I always like to include a book in the list and this year, I really like Boxitects ($11.95) by Kim Smith. It's a picture book that encourages kids to be creative and find joy in making things, but the real message is that learning to work with someone else can be tough but also tremendously rewarding. 

Hopefully, this helps with your Christmas and holiday shopping for elementary-aged kids. Again, be sure to go back and check out the lists from previous years for even more ideas. 

Here are some additional quick recommendations as picked by my students.

• Butterfly Gardens
• Kinetic Sand
• ThinkFun Gravity Maze
• Tempera Paint Sticks
• Robotic Tumbling Pet Hedgehog
• Eco Robots
• LEGO Gingerbread House
• Volley Shot
• Digital Bookmark with Timer
• 5000 Awesome Facts

Shocker: ChatGPT Just Makes Stuff Up...Even About Us

 On the way to school today, I got to thinking about how if AI bots like Bard and ChatGPT are using what's available online to learn about subjects, then they are probably doing the same thing to learn about us. When I opened up ChatGPT and Google's Bard for comparison and asked, "Who is Andy Losik?" I got similar responses saying that both are language learners and don't have information on everyone in the world. However, when I went the language route and asked Chat GPT (Bard again declined the request) for a bio on Andy Losik the teacher and author, the results were astoundingly inaccurate...like shockingly bad...like a seventh grader giving an oral book report on a book that doesn't exist, just making it up as it goes along.

Let's take this paragraph by paragraph and spot the errors.

Andy Losik is an experienced elementary school teacher and published author, known for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to inspiring young learners. He was born and raised in the United States and attended college at Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Education.

First of all, gross...just kidding Sparty. Actually, Michigan State has a great education program but I received my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Hillsdale College. Now, all of that stuff about being innovative and inspiring? I think if we are going to knit-pick errors, then we should also applaud ChatGPT when it is spot on with its analysis. Just kidding. That is all subjective fluff that the machines must have learned are parts of every edtech bio.

After graduation, Andy began his teaching career as a second-grade teacher in a public school district in Michigan. He quickly developed a reputation as an energetic and passionate educator, known for his ability to connect with students and create a positive learning environment. Over the years, Andy has taught in various grades, from kindergarten to fifth grade, and has worked with students from diverse backgrounds. 

Wrong. I started my career teaching fourth grade in Arizona and I have taught students from Pre-K to 6th grade. While I have had all of the elementary grades in my technology and STEM classes, I have only been a classroom teacher in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. ChatGPT throwing in the "diverse backgrounds" seems like a gratuitous booster to the bio. My first two-and-a-half years were with very diverse classes in Arizona, but to be honest, the last 23 years haven't featured much diversity here in West Michigan. 

Andy's teaching philosophy centers around creating engaging and interactive learning experiences that challenge his students to think critically and creatively. He is a firm believer in the power of technology to enhance education and has integrated various tech tools into his classroom, including iPads and other devices, to help his students learn and grow.

Okay, so this is actually pretty close to what I would write about myself and it is interesting that the bot chose to mention iPads specifically. 

In addition to his teaching career, Andy is also an accomplished author. He has written several books on topics related to education, including "The Chromebook Classroom" and "The Google Infused Classroom," both of which have been widely praised by educators and students alike.

Well, I wish. So I have written a couple of books...none directly tied to Education. The first one was a silly novel about teachers who get framed for robbing a Las Vegas casino while on a trip to a classroom management workshop and the other is the biography of former NFL offensive lineman Jared Veldheer. I feel like I did some good things with both, but ChatGPT gives me glowing ratings. If you check out the ratings on GoodReads, there are two reviews and it's a split decision.

x

I had absolutely nothing to do with the two books attributed to me. These are just straight-up lies. I am a fan of both books and have probably tweeted about them or commented somewhere but "The Chromebook Classroom" is by good friend John Sowash and "The Google Infused Classroom" is by Holly Clark and Tanya Avrith. To me, this is egregious and frankly dangerous. If this "machine" is going to just fabricate whatever it wants, actual people are going to get cheated out of their own accomplishments by attributing them to someone else. Even scarier is when institutions start employing AI to create bios on candidates for everything from lines of credit to jobs. The world of misinformation will be an even more dramatic chaotic mess.

Andy's work has been recognized and celebrated by his peers and the education community. He has received numerous awards and honors, including being named Teacher of the Year in his school district and being selected as a keynote speaker at several national education conferences.

Nope. While I was the MACUL Teacher of the Year in 2009, I have never been "Teacher Of The Year" in my district. In fact, neither of the districts I have worked in even give that award. Yes, I have keynoted a few Michigan conferences, but I have never been asked on the national level.

Today, Andy continues to inspire and educate young learners, both in his classroom and through his writing. He is passionate about helping teachers and students alike to embrace new technologies and teaching methods that can improve the learning experience for everyone.

More fluffy stuff to wrap up the bio that is pretty accurate, but I hope this example shows that these AI chatbots just make stuff up to fill in the number of words specified. It's scary how flippantly misinformation, even about ourselves is generated. Like Public Enemy taught us, "Can't Trust It". 

Despite my initial shock, there are at least two positives I can think of for using this tool with students. First, if the bio were factual, it would be an excellent bio. Maybe instead of treating what ChatGPT gives us as finished products, we need to just look at results more like well-structured writing templates. All I really have to do with this is change the inaccuracies to factual information, and I have something very usable. This bio also makes it really easy to show your students just how unreliable ChatGPT is when asked to generate something factual. Have it create a bio for you and then fact-check it in front of your class. To channel Carrie Underwood, maybe next time they'll think before they cheat. 

Long Live Tinker Ball

Way back when our elementary STEM classes were known as Infotech and focused more on technology and tying it to literacy, Tinker Ball was one our most accessed sites. The Smithsonian Institute's Lemson Center for Invention and Innovation created Tinker Ball and the game where you stack everyday objects one might find lying around a garage is one of the longest-running student interactive sites still active. 

Give Tinker Ball a go. 

Ready or Not Here Comes Mr. Losik's 2022 Holiday STEM Guide

 
If it was still 1982, I would be frantically circling in the JC Penny catalog all of the Green Bay Packers stuff, Stomper 4x4 sets, an Atari, and most of the stereo equipment like the gem pictured to the left. The days of big "Wishbook" showing up annually in our mailboxes may be as ancient as somebody actually riding over the river and through the woods to grandma's house in a one-horse open sleigh, but my  STEM Christmas list is here for 2022 and it is full of great brain-engaging kids' gifts. 

Like every year, I have tried to find items that keep our kids active both physically and mentally. Some of these toys will have to wait to go outside until spring in colder climates, but it will be worth the wait. I have also included at the end some all-stars that have appeared on previous lists that are worth a mention as they continue to stand out as some of the most fun and engaging materials I have in my classroom.

The bald-headed principal in "Back to the Future" might've called Marty a "slacker", but all of the accessories that can be added to a slackline these days create adventuresome and active kids. Just find two sturdy trees (or posts) and you can string up a set of climbing and balancing obstacles faster than you could even get a stand-alone playset out of the box. Ancaixin products are available on Amazon and off a wide range of toys designed to keep your kids on the move. This set is currently $39.95 on Amazon, half off of the original $79.95 price. This is just one example available on Amazon. Search "slackline attachments" and you will find all kinds of other options. 

Another fun outdoor adventure item is this set of tree climbing holds (Amazon $39.99). They're just like the climbing holds that are bolted onto climbing walls, but they are threaded onto ratchet straps. Wrap the holds around the trunk of a tree and your kids will instantly have access to the branches. With the straps, they are portable and will not damage trees. 

Here's an active toy that keeps kids out of the weather and closer to the ground but builds balance and core muscle strength. The Teeter Popper from Fat Brain Toys ($39.99) lets kids rock in a sitting or "surfing" position. The suction cups on the bottom not only provide much-needed stability, they deliver as the name implies a whole bunch of popping. The rocking and the sounds make this a great gift for children with sensory needs. When kids aren't teetering or popping, they can recline in it to watch TV or read. Teeter Popper was a 2014 American Specialty Toy Retailers Association (ASTRA) toy of the year award winner and comes in 3 available colors.

Bringing home 2022 ASTRA Toy of the Year honors in the category of Active Play is Dueling Stomp Rockets ($19.99 Amazon) where two players each jump on individual air pumps and try to make their attached rockets launch higher than their opponent's rocket. The dueling rockets are the latest in a line of Stomp Rocket products available. Do a search on Amazon to see the full set of offerings, including  Stomp Racer air-powered dragsters. 

Wham-O's Yeti Footprints ($19.99  Dick's Sporting Goods) are the perfect inspiration for getting kids outside and into the snow. The oversized plastic feet attach to snowboots and act as snowshoes that leave giant footprints of the elusive abominable snowman. These not only elicit hours of silly fun, but get children thinking about the animals that leave tracks in the snow where they live. Also check out the Sno-Stompers available on Amazon. Those are a bit more at $31.99. 

Let's switch gears to some indoor fun and the various straw construction sets that are now available. I featured Strawbees construction kits two years ago that let kids build with straws and plastic connectors. One drawback to that original is its $50+ price tag for a 450-piece kit. Since then, toy companies have begun creating much cheaper alternatives. Amazon offers several 600-800 piece kits in the $25 range. Search for "straw construction kits" and check out all of the options. 

 

One of the best things about Fat Brain Toys is how they take classic toys and then rework them. Marble runs have always been great toys, but sometimes the pieces don't stack very well or the marble action can be really clunky. The way Fat Brain has reworked the marble run into its Trestle Tracks Deluxe Set ($39.95 - Amazon) is truly artful. The small steel bearing flow gracefully and the obstacle pieces are engineered to accelerate the balls through the track. Of course, the neatest aspect is that the tracks can be reconfigured over and over again. 

Speaking of new spins on a classic, check out how Fat Brain is introducing a generation to the age-old art of knitting. Getting kids into knitting has actually been happening for a while now as easier-to-use plastic looms have simplified the process. Fat Brain has taken that simplification to the next level with its hand-crank Loom Bot ($59.99). Thread the machine for either tube or panel knitting and crank away to create perfectly knitted material. The set includes 5 different needles, yarn, and detailed instructions. Fat Brain Toys includes an age-appropriateness scale and rank this item highest for 8 to 10-year-olds.

Easily the best combination of fun, learning, and value comes from Klutz and their Lego kits. This year, I am a big fan of the Lego Race Car STEM Activity Kit ($28.99 - Amazon) as it comes with 124 LEGO elements, a 64-page book, and a 3-foot section of track that kids build. The book features different scientific challenges and encourages creative mixing of the race cars' parts to experience the engineering process. 

Here's a piece of nostalgia that is making a much-needed comeback. Choose Your Own Adventure books  were a staple of my childhood and I am a strong advocate for our current school-age children experiencing them as well. Most of my lists over the years have included books and what these classics do is help kids grow their navigational skills. The books offer different paths that cause the reader to make choices based on calculated risks. We need kids to be more adventuresome as I see students all too often who are hesitant to make choices and want to be told what to build or make instead of trusting their own ideas. Sets of four books start around $15. Check Amazon for both original titles and newer ones, including ones based on Minecraft. 

Let's wrap up this year's list with some of the all-stars from lists of Christmases past. These are all items kids love to use in STEM and will keep them occupied and their brains engaged all season long. 

• Worx Cardboard Cutters - ZipSnip $39.99
• Make Do Cardboard Tools - $14.99, Extra Screws $18.00
• Fat Brain Timber Planks - $39.95
• Lego Compatible Building Bricks - $24.99

Here also are my most recent lists from 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Happy Holidays, everyone.