Where are the Lego builders, the Play Doh makers, the take-it-apart-and-put-it-back-together-ers, or even the kids who love to draw ships, houses and other structures? What about the kids who want to be outside from sun-up to sundown? If any of these describes your kid, construction and manufacturing can be rewarding options. These fields draw on STEM and STEAM subjects and suit people who like to get hands-on with machines, materials and other equipment.
Legos and Play Doh are just the starting point of great toys for kids who are drawn to construction and manufacturing. Amazon has a list that includes classics like Lincoln Logs and more modern machine kits. Young adults (and even grown-ups) might be fascinated by 3D printing. Youth can learn about computer modeling and the production process.
Got a garage or shed full of tools? When they’re the right age, teach your kids how to use tools properly and encourage them to learn simple but useful life skills. Everybody has scrap word laying around — what can your child create with it?
Books by David Macaulay feature intricate and fascinating drawings of different structures. His book The Way Things Work Now is a great update on his classic that explains all manner of gadgets and systems. You can also search for books on construction and manufacturing, which range from books about excavators to profiles of female makers. Get familiar with the channels that have tons of shows about people making things like Discovery, Science, DIY and others.
Here are a few places you can explore for yourself across Kansas:
