The Engineering Behind Childhood Toys

Are kids who play with building and engaging gadgets more likely to pursue STEM fields?

The US alone estimates 8.504 million professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Additionally, statistical data indicate that approximately 311 million individuals worldwide are engaged in STEM fields, which corresponds to around 10% of the global working population." 

Technologists and engineers are essential to structure a more sustainable future development. STEM workers guarantee market productivity, interpreting and applying data to better understand the world. Thus, ensuring the functionality of an assembly line of production with logical techniques. 

Interestingly, these numbers match, for instance, with the number of Minecraft purchases - a groundbreaking 300 million downloads, according to Forbes. This trend also corresponds to the Beyblade market - with an overwhelming average of 200 million dollars in yearly revenue (The Economist Times). Meanwhile, a fraction of the Lego segment, the Lego Movie, grossed a total of $470.7 million. This suggests that many individuals involved in STEM may have had family backgrounds that encouraged engagement with toys and activities related to natural laws and the logic of life, though it does not imply a direct causation.

Studies have shown that game-based learning enhances student creativity and fosters a strong interest in subjects like engineering and logical thinking. Research indicates that toys such as LEGO®, Beyblades, crafting games, and physically stimulating toys can boost children's creativity while promoting responsiveness, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. These toys are made from lightweight materials, such as plastic and metal, making them easy to handle.

Illustrative image of kids playing with STEM toys - Available at: https://u.realgeeks.media/robbrealtyatlanta/Kids_from_Doublegate_real_estate_go_to_LEGO_camp.jpg 

Toys play a crucial role in shaping child development, activating different brain areas and enhancing memory through psychological boosts at various ages. From young children focusing on sensory experiences to older kids tackling complex challenges, early interest in problem-solving through competitive and flexible approaches can lead to a greater affinity for STEM fields as they grow.

Manipulating, assembling, and reworking projects can give kids a taste of how to navigate obstacles in the adult working world. Key traits that link childhood exposure to later career success include the ability to connect, communicate, brainstorm, and translate play into practical situations, effectively breaking down barriers. Engineers are tasked with producing certain products efficiently, a trend that positively correlates with the ability to find “hacks” and “tricks” to maximize enjoyment in games. Kids who are encouraged—through technical education and alternative resources—to solve challenges quickly and creatively are more likely to become responsible community members excited about science and technology.

Graph: 

I) The increase of Global STEM toys

II) Engineering services growth 

Available at: https://images.verifiedmarketresearch.com/assets/Stem-Toys-Market-Size-And-Forecast-6.jpg;https://www.marketdataforecast.com/images/mdf-global-big-data-and-data-engineering-services-market.webp.

Since interactive activities engage imagination and practical development, children can explore various areas of physics without needing complicated theoretical knowledge. Hands-on activities provide a sensory experience that illustrates the mechanics of different subjects. This learning approach aligns with constructivism, allowing kids to modify their surroundings, explore how different forms of energy and movement interact, design and personalize toys, improve social skills, and stay focused on school.

In Sydney, Australia, educators have employed Minecraft as a tool to help teach scientific concepts to students aged 12 to 13, granting them autonomy in their learning. Ninety-six percent of participants reported improvements in motor skills and understanding of structures. Additionally, toys help integrate both girls and boys in diverse activities.

For Beyblades, research even simulates their spinning mechanics to enhance competitive play. Well-designed toys capture kids' attention with exciting mechanics, while thrilling spinning battles not only entertain but also spark curiosity about science and STEM.

Regularly playing with construction toys can help children develop spatial skills and mathematical understanding. Toys that promote trial and error teach resilience and grit, while captivating kids with how a toy works can inspire interest in engineering. Playing with others also fosters social skills such as sharing and collaboration. The design process involved in toys encourages kids to build, test, and refine their creations, mirroring real-world engineering practices.

While the basic principles of toy engineering are consistent, a multidisciplinary environment helps maintain students’ focus throughout the project. This approach creates opportunities to engage with a community united by a platform for creative expression. The current workforce demands a balance of technical and non-technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and “soft skills,” which drive growth and foster the creation of innovative technologies, ultimately generating job opportunities. Accessible education aligns with the goals of SDG 4, which advocates for quality education for all.

Thus, toys serve as tools that unconsciously prepare children for their futures, whether in product creation, resource management, environmental protection, or teamwork. By keeping the gameplay simple, participants can engage in meaningful learning by adapting rules based on their acquired knowledge. This constructivist foundation enables young children to learn valuable life skills.

Reference List

Wonder (2017). How many STEM workers are there in the world today? - [online] Available at: https://askwonder.com/research/stem-workers-world-today-c9feq9d76. 

Nguyen, B (2023). Minecraft Just Surpassed 300 Million Sales—Here’s The Only Video Game Still Beating It - [online] Forbes.com  Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/britneynguyen/2023/10/16/minecraft-just-surpassed-300

-million-sales-heres-the-only-video-game-still-beating-it/ 

ET Bureau (2011). Beyblades spin a top-class return: Retailers report huge demand for the high-performance tops [online] https://economictimes.com Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/retail/beyb

lades-spin-a-top-class-return-retailers-report-huge-demand-for-the-high-performance-tops/articleshow/8234525.cms?from=mdr

NCSES.NSF (2024).The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2024 -[online] https://ncses.nsf.gov  Available at: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20243/key-takeaways 

Hossain K. (2023). TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING THE EDUCATION SYETEM IN MODERN ERA - [online] https://zenodo.org/records/10055075 Available at: https://nor-ijournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/ 11/NJD_119-47-86.pdf