STEM Based Gift Ideas from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre*

If you are like me, then you are at this moment looking at various websites to gift shop for your family with Christmas just weeks away. I find that when I purchase gifts for my children, I tend to ensure that the toys I get are educational in some ways and that they are benefiting from learning through play. Today we have teamed up with Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre to showcase some amazing gifts which they are selling in their online gift shop. Now you may remember us featuring them sometime back when we were invited to review Bluedot Festival last year.  Since then, Jodrel Bank has been awarded the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

If you love supporting local venues then do note that all profits from sales in their Gift Shop are reinvested into the Discovery Centre so they can keep inspiring even more people with the wonder of Jodrell Bank. So do check out their gift shop which sells all sorts of items from space-themed gifts, astronomical themed gift ideas, Bee themed products, accessories, jewellery and mugs.  In our post today, we are featuring four amazing STEM-themed gift ideas as well as two items to help teens learn their periodic table. Do keep on reading to find out how to order these items in time for Christmas and how much they cost.

STEM Technology – Binary Puzzle

The STEM Puzzle Set contains four little puzzle set, the first an anti-gravity science-themed puzzle, next a robot transformer which is a technology-themed puzzle. Followed by an engineering themed ball bearing test puzzle and finally, a mathematics themed number challenge puzzle. Inspired by binary code, the language of computers, this series of clever challenges are designed to put your brain through its paces! Do you have what it takes to crack the computer code?  This gift set contains: 1 wooden puzzle board, 36 wooden pegs, 1 booklet with 4×4 and 6×6 challenges and solutions. Suitable for children aged eight and above, this puzzle is priced at £10.50. You will also find extra STEM quiz included inside the box.  A great gift set to get children who love pushing boundaries and who are curious about science, engineering and mathematics. Keen to get this and support Jodrell Bank? Then head to their website to purchase it here.

STEM Engineering Puzzle Set

Tangram is probably the most famous and well-known puzzle design in the world. Tangram rules are that you must use all seven shapes “Tans” ie they must all touch but not overlap.  Combine some clever construction with logical thinking, a little creativity and a lot of imagination! Get your brain and fingers warmed up trying to build the 40 animals, people, objects and shapes shown on the enclosed puzzle cards. Just move or rotate the seven wooden pieces to form the shape that matches each silhouette. Which one will you master first – the rabbit, the windmill or maybe the running man? Recommended for children aged eight and above, this brain training puzzle is priced at £8.50 and can be purchase here. A great game to help children with local thinking and grow their creativity.

STEM Mathematics Puzzle Set

Mathematics Pentomino and Puzzle Cards is perfect for any eight year-old-child who loves a challenge. A Pentomino is made from five identical squares fixed together at the edges – there are 12 altogether and they’re all named after letters. When fitted together in a variety of ways, they form the silhouette of an amazing number of well-known things.  Use different combinations of the 12 Pentominoes to tackle the 40 challenges on the enclosed cards and see how you ‘shape up’! The perfect game to help you find out if you have a symmetrical brain by problem-solving this puzzle.  Priced at £8.50 you can buy it from here.

STEM Technology – Binary Puzzle

Inspired by binary code, the language of computers, which is made up of 1s and 0s. This series of clever challenges is designed to put an eight-year-old or older child’s brain through its paces! Do you have what it takes to crack the computer code? Well, this is the only way to find out is to try the 52 challenges. This particular set contains 1x Wooden puzzle board, 36 wooden pegs, 1 booklet with 4×4 and 6×6 challenges and solutions. Do note, this is not suitable for young children due to the small component. To play the game, you need to choose a challenge from the booklet. Next place the 1s and 0s in their given starting positions with the orange showing. Finally  follow the rules to solve the grid by placing 1s and 0s in each remaining spot with the black ink showing.  Priced at £10.50, you can purchase the Binary Puzzle here.

Periodic Table A5 Ring Binger and Notebook

The Periodic Notebook is a  great addition to have if your teen is learning about periodic tables at school.  Made from paper, the notebook measures 21 cm by 14.5 cm and is priced at £2.60.  This gives your child to jot down fun experiments in the book while memorising the table.  To accompany the notebook, do also get the Periodic Table A5 style ring binder which is a great stationary for anyone who wants a fascinating science theme.  Both these items are perfect as a Christmas gift. The ringbinder is priced at £4.25, you can buy it from here.

Note: Do note Jodrell Bank are currently offering free UK delivery on all orders over £25 and remember, the last date to order for delivery in time for Christmas is Friday, 18 December 2020.

About Jodrell Bank

The story of Jodrell Bank begins in 1945 when Bernard Lovell came to The University of Manchester to observe cosmic rays. A quiet observing site was required and the University’s botanical station at a little known place called Jodrell Bank, 20 miles south of Manchester, was the ideal location.  Hence Jodrell Bank is part of the University of Manchester. It operates the Lovell Telescope and e-MERLIN, the UK’s national radio astronomy facility.  If you are wondering why it is called Jodrell Bank it is because Bank is the Cheshire name for a small rise or hill and Jodrell is an evolution of the surname Jauderell and is the name of a small area of land near the Cheshire village of Lower Withington previously owned and named after William Jauderell (whose name, over the centuries, changed to Jodrell). In 2019, Jodrell Bank has been awarded the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

You may also want to read this:

Christmas Gift Guide – Gift Ideas for Children

Christmas Gift Guide – Gift Ideas for Babies and Toddlers

Review: Personalised Ruby Port with Handmade Chocolate Truffles Gift Set

Review: Magical Christmas Woodland Adventure at Blakemere Village

* We were sent these items for free in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.