Come on baby, do the Dinomotion! Dance if you like, but we’ll be here assembling this Jurassic Earth STEM kit from Engino®, and then we’ll be watching the dinosaur robots we’ve built doin’ their motion. They don’t dance, but they walk under the power of the included motor module. You supply (2) “AAA” batteries and build (5) different models, including a Triceratops and a Pterodactyl. Comes with printed instructions for (2) models and you can find more theory, experiments and (3) more models with 3D instructions in the free app. Ages 8+.

Teaching a kid how to manage time—hey, that’s up to you—but this wind-up clock kit teaches kids the basic mechanical principles of gears and pendulums. Clock has a clear body, approx 7-3/4” dia x 1” deep with a 1/2” tall base, and individually colored gears for easy identification. It’s spring-driven, so no batteries are needed. Bell "dings" in 15-minute intervals. Tweaking the pendulum mounting, and tuning it, takes a little focus. Ages 6-10. ! WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD–Small Parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

The secret is in the gears. This 185-piece kit from UGEARS® assembles in 2-3 hours without glue or tools, and results in an 8-compartment box. Opening the lid activates (3) main blocks to the side and front. A third block moves a lower drawer with (6) compartments, while a secret button on the back opens (2) secret compartments. Includes a locking latch. No doubt about it—this box is fancy, festooned with myriad floral and ornamental design elements. Completed box will measure approx 11” x 8-3/4” x 8”. Made in Ukraine. For ages 14+.

Back before Elon Musk was a gleam in a battery manufacturer's eye, there was a constant rumor that Detroit knew how to make cars that ran on water but kept it secret (ask your grandfather). Now it's come true—and you can build one yourself! This (85)-piece kit from Elenco® results in an ATV-ish rover that runs on salt water, with no batteries required. Measures 4-1/2” long x 3-1/2” wide with an adjustable height. Transparent case means you can see the pistons move in the V-4 engine. Ages 8+.

Make a whole bunch of fun and instructive Lego® machines/chain reaction models like marble runs and mousetraps involving ramps, buckets, funnels balances and much more. Comes with (33) Lego® elements, (6) Lego® balls, a dozen paper props, and a 78-page instruction booklet for (10) machines. You add a few common household items. Includes suggestions for more complicated devices if you have your own Lego® pieces, and if you don't, what are you waiting for? Ages 8+.

Wood or wooden you like to never see another pun on wood or wooden? Too bad--we’re not even trying to quit. Meanwhile, you can try these wooden wiggling fish, caterpillar contraption, winged wooden dragon ad b-plane  automaton that you crank to move. Made from laser-cut pieces that you peg or glue together, they will measure about 10-1/4” x 8-1/4” x 4-3/8” when finished. Come with instruction booklet, glue, sandpaper and wax.

Right after you build your own working medieval catapult or trebuchet. All you’ll need is glue, scissors and a steady hand (plus a small bag of marbles or rocks or something as a counterweight for the trebuchet) to construct these wooden, Canadian-made siege engine kits. The catapult stands 6” tall x 5” wide x 10” long and will toss assorted stuff 15 feet or farther, depending upon the stuff. The finished trebuchet will be 26” long x 18” wide x 24” tall and will propel small objects (meatballs?) 20 feet or more. Both include detailed instructions and are great resources for STEM activities. For ages 9+. Note: Please don’t propel small mammals, and please don’t put anyone’s eye out.

This amazing STEM kit from Thames & Kosmos explores physics in a fun, visual way that’s like a day in the park—the amusement park. Kids design and build working roller coaster models, and conduct hands-on physics experiments to learn about force, motion, energy and friction. They can complete challenges to build coasters of different shapes and sizes, and then let adjustable-weight cars scream through the tracks. Includes a durable, re-usable building system that’s easy to assemble and take apart. Contains (305) pieces and (20) experiments in a (32)-page, full-color manual, which includes engineering design challenges and a wealth of information on designing coasters. For ages 6+ with help, or 8+ for kids who want to try it alone. !WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD–Small Parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

This Lego® set from Klutz has (58) pieces, including gear wheels, bricks, axles and connectors to build (11) gadgets, including a claw, catapult, assorted vehicles, robots, a fan and a hand-held blender thingy. Includes a 78-page manual with detailed instructions and a plethora of punch-out paper parts for added verisimilitude. For ages 8+, or anyone else who knows what plethora and verisimilitude mean.

Build one yourself and learn about pneumatic and hydraulic technology in the process. The Thames & Kosmos® Mega Cyborg Hand kit is 2020 Astra Best Toys for Kids winner comes with a (52)-page color manual, (203) pieces and (5) experiments. The detachable thumb makes it left- or right-handed, although it's always going to have just (3) fingers, which is all robotic paws really need. Hand is adjustable to 160 degrees, and every finger adjusts to different angles, too, for precision movement. Control knob allows for up to 70-degree extension. No motors or batteries needed—just hydraulics and your own hand. You add some common household tools for assembly. Ages 7+..