Best in STEM 2021

The toymakers and brands that are lending a helping hand to science, technology, engineering and math education

Newsweek partnered with STEM.ORG to find the most fun, engaging and educational toys for tomorrow’s budding scientists, engineeers and mathematicians.

Asked to imagine An inventor, most people probably picture A lone genius toiling in solitude: Einstein working out physics formulae or Edison in his patent office or Steve Jobs in his garage. But some of the most creative and dedicated inventors are surrounded by other—often much younger, smaller—people. They're educators—a category that includes parents. They're working to raise the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing new ways of learning. ¶ Behind these parents and teachers is an army of tinkerers, toymakers and entrepreneurs who continue to innovate, providing fun ways for students of all ages to internalize the science, technology, engineering and math skills they will need. And with many of our children being schooled from home these days, it's more important than ever for families to know which resources they can rely on. ¶ We're proud that Newsweek partnered with STEM.ORG to highlight the toymakers and brands that help strengthen STEM education. We wish a happy and engaging time to all the innovators out there, large and small. → ANDREW B. RAUPP, Founder & Executive Director at Stem.org Educational Research™

METHODOLOGY Compared to traditional toy award and product evaluation strategies with relatively high payto-play approval percentages (95%+), STEM.ORG Educational Research™ (SER) has taken into consideration 2,311 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem)-designated products from Q1 2015 – Q3 2020, abiding by its own proprietary 100-point scoring rubric—considered by many of the top brands as the industry standard. Interested parties can submit their items regardless of financial status on an ongoing basis and trust that SER does not financially benefit from the sale of any product bought or sold. The organization has issued its authentication to 68.2% or 1,577 out of 2,311. The top 65 or 4% of those items authenticated (2.8% total) have made this year’s Newsweek Best In STEM list. For the complete list with latest pricing, please visit NEWSWEEK.COM on Nov. 6.