SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. — Bright little minds always want to know “how it works.” Using basic STEM concepts, kids can build their own toys, experiment and learn while having fun. Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined GDL to show us some of the hottest STEM-centric toys for this holiday season.
3D BUILD & PLAY (3DOODLER)
● Kids design their own character-driven worlds as they build confidence in STEM and engage in creative storytelling.
● Ages: 4+
● MSRP: $29.99
● Available: Amazon
BOTLEY 2.0 THE CODING ROBOT ACTIVITY SET (LEARNING RESOURCES)
● Botley 2.0 provides endless hours of screen-free STEM fun, helping kids learn hands-on coding and critical thinking skills without the need for a phone or tablet.
● Ages: 5+
● MSRP: $84.99
● Available: Amazon
DIY MUSIC MAKER (HAND2MIND)
● Kids learn about the science of pitch, vibration, and acoustics while building their own box guitar, pan flute, and ocean drum in this award-winning STEM kit.
● Ages: 5+
● MSRP: $34.99
● Available: Amazon
APOLLO- A GAME INSPIRED BY THE NASA MOON MISSIONS (BUFFALO GAMES)
● Families work together in this cooperative strategy game to get to the moon and back.
● One player acts as the Mission Control and informs the other players, who play as astronauts, to aid decision-making and resolve crises on the ground.
● 2-5 players
● 60-minute play time.
● Ages: 12+
● MSRP: $29.99
● Available: Target (exclusive)
LEGO DUPLO MODULAR PLAYHOUSE (LEGO)
● This open and accessible dollhouse is perfect for kids to play with together.
● Teach toddlers about aspects of everyday life, such as cooking, mealtime, and bedtime routines.
● Ages: 2+
● MSRP: $59.99
● Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart
K’NEX ARCHITECTURE (BASIC FUN)
● Kids can discover their inner architect by snapping together rods and connectors to build designs including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and the London Eye.
● Ages: 9+
● MSRP: Golden Gate Bridge, Eiffel Tower:$49.99;
○ London Eye: $59.99
● Available: Amazon (exclusive)
SMITHSONIAN JELLYFISH TANK (NSI)
● Kids can watch a bloom of “jellyfish” elegantly “swim” as they learn more about these amazing and unusual animals.
● Requires three AA batteries (not included).
● Ages: 10+
● MSRP: $24.99
● Available: Barnes & Noble, Blains, Meijer, Fred Meyer, Target
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About Kendall:
Kendall Kirkham joined “Great Day Live” in November 2017 from Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as morning co-anchor for WMC Action News 5. Prior to her stint in Memphis, Kendall served as co-host of "Tulsa Live" at KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kendall also worked at KETK in Tyler, Texas, The Dallas Morning News and started her career as an intern for “The Ellen Show” and E! Entertainment.
Kendall has interviewed countless celebrities and notable figures, from Bob Woodward to Arsenio Hall, John Travolta and Paula Deen. She’s hit 9 Gs with the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, raised money for various charities in three local “Dancing with the Stars” competitions, and even played a gangster on stage for a traveling Broadway show. Kendall is most proud of her work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She continues to support the hospital in various capacities today.
Kendall is a proud Texas native. She grew up in the Fort Worth area and graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Radio/TV/Film.
Kendall is thrilled to join the “Great Day Live” team and is having a ball highlighting this thriving community. She hopes to bring a smile to viewers at home every single day. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys exploring the countless sights, sounds and eats of Tampa Bay with her husband Jason and son Knox.
About Java:
Java Ingram is a New Orleans native/Texan and is excited to call Florida home! Prior to joining the “Great Day Live” team, Java served as host of a lifestyle-entertainment show in Birmingham, Alabama. She also woke up dark and early, weekday mornings to help drivers make it to their destinations safely as a traffic anchor.
Java started her on-air broadcast career in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. In Tupelo, she served as morning news anchor, producer and reporter.
Javanté is an award-winning journalist, having been recognized by the Associated Press for Best Anchor, Best Reporter and Best Franchise Reporting, just to name a few.
When she's not working, Java is very passionate about giving back to the community, having served on the corporate boards for The Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, The Civic Ballet Company, The Doniphan Dance Project and the Leadership Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She has volunteered also with a number of civic organizations.