Wolfner Library's STEM Kits

This is a list of accessible STEM Kits available to borrow from Wolfner Library for 30 days. Many of the kits include print/braille components, so braille readers can use them with their sighted peers. These kits primarily target grade school-age students, but kits for middle and high school students are also available. The kits can also circulate to home school patrons. Only one kit can be checked out at a time.
 
Note: Ages and grades listed below represent cognitive age/grade level.
 
Grade School
 
Giant Textured Beads with Pattern Matching Cards
STEM006
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-3

The Pattern Matching Cards reinforce the tactile continuum from real object (most basic level) to raised-line graphics (most advanced level).
Contents: 12 giant textured beads with three different textures, colors, and shapes, bead stringer, Drawstring bag (to store beads), 12 duplicate color/tactile matching cards, 12 platform color/tactile matching cards, 12 3-D view color/tactile matching cards, 2 sorting trays (with non-skid backing), activity booklet, both large print and braille, and storage/carrying box.
Geometry Concepts
Use Giant Textured Beads’ 12 beads with different textures, colors and shapes to introduce or review geometry concepts such as shapes and their attributes, classifying two and three-dimensional geometric shapes, and more.
Number Concepts
This kit offers many activities for learning number sense and algebraic relationships. Students can use the kit’s textured beads and pattern cards to explore patterns and sequences, practice simple addition and subtraction problems, and more.
Science Concepts
Students can make qualitative observations to help them sort and classify the kit’s textured beads by their various attributes. For instance, the bead’s texture, size/shape, weight, and color.
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the textured beads allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
DS.A.K-2. Data and Statistics
GM.C.1-3. Geometry and Measurements
NS.A-C. Counting and Number Sense
RA.A.K-2 Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
PS1.A.K Structure and Properties of Matter
 
Picture Maker Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit
STEM005
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-5

This fun, colorful kit can be used for numerous educational and recreational activities.
Contents: felt covered board measuring 20 3/4 x 13 inches, a wide variety of colorful VELCRO® brand-backed pieces that attach to the board in an infinite number of patterns, over 100 pieces in many shapes, sizes, textures, and colors; Extra VELCRO® brand hook material provided to create additional tactile pieces, and a large print/braille guidebook that has suggestions and example layouts in print and raised-line graphic form.
Shape Concepts
The Picture Maker has over 100 tactile pieces that can be used to familiarize and review a variety of shapes. More complex shapes such as trapezoids, parallelograms, and octagons can be easily constructed with a combination of long and short strips.
Number Concepts
Picture Maker can serve as an interactive math board and offers a variety of opportunities for learning mathematical concepts such as number sense and algebraic relationships. Students can use Picture Maker to count shapes, compare numbers through shapes, practice simple additional and subtraction problems, and more.
Geometry Concepts
Use Picture Maker to introduce or review geometry concepts, figures, and relationships such as angles, perpendicular and parallel lines, and more.
Science Concepts
Picture Maker can be used to create food pyramids, constellations, cell division models, and other science-related configurations.
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the shapes allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
DS.A.K-2. Data and Statistics
GM.A.1-5. Shapes and their Attributes
GM.B.1-2. Measurements and Units
GM.B.4. Identify and Measure Angles
GM.C.2. Addition and Subtraction to Length
GM.D.3. Concepts of Area and Perimeter
NS.A-C. Counting and Number Sense
RA.A.K-2 Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
6-8.ESS1. A. 1-3. The Universe and its Stars
9-12.ESS1. A. 1-3. The Universe and its Stars
6-8.LS1. A. 1-4. Organisms: Structure and Process
 
Sense of Science: Animals
STEM002
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-4

This kit was designed to meet three main objectives: (1) understanding characteristics of organisms, (2) understanding the life cycle of organisms, and (3) understanding organisms and their environment. Content: Two trays, a large print guidebook and a variety of visual and tactile overlays, that can be used alone or with the optional Mini-Lite Box (STEM001).
Science Concepts
Sense of Science: Animals enables teachers to make the “world of science’ related to animal life accessible, understandable, and enjoyable for students. The provided guidebook offers easy to follow activities based on animal classification by habitat: desert, forest, rainforest, arctic, ocean, backyard, and wetlands. In addition, the guidebook also provides math and ELA connections for each lesson as well as extensions for every activity. Sense of Science: Animals was designed to meet three main objectives: (1) understanding characteristics of organisms, (2) understanding the life cycle of organisms, and (3) understanding organisms and their environment.
GM. Geometry and Measurement
NS. Counting and Number Sense
RA. Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
LS1.A. 1-4. Organisms: Structure and Processes
LS1.D. 4. Organisms: Information Processing
LS1.B. 5. Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
 
Sense of Science: Astronomy
STEM014
For Ages 8 and Up
Grade Levels 3-5

This kit was designed to meet three main objectives: (1) understanding properties of Earth materials, (2) understanding objects in the sky, and (3) understanding changes in Earth and sky. Content: Two trays, a large print guidebook and a variety of visual and tactile overlays, that can be used alone or with the optional Mini-Lite Box (STEM001).
Science Concepts
Sense of Science: Astronomy is a unique kit designed to make learning about the Universe accessible, understandable, and enjoyable for students. The provided guidebook offers easy to follow activities based for various subjects and topics such as lunar and solar eclipse, the Milky Way Galaxy, Ursa Major/ Ursa Minor, and the phases of the moon. Furthermore, the guidebook also provides math and ELA connections for each lesson as well as extensions for every activity. In addition to the numerous activities the Kit also offers fold-out Astronomy displays for the solar system, the Northern Circumpolar Dome, and relative distance of the plants.
GM. Geometry and Measurement
NS. Counting and Number Sense
RA. Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
ESS1.A.1-5. Universe and Stars
ESS1.B.K-5. Earth and the Solar System
 
Sense of Science: Plants
STEM011
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-5

This kit was designed to meet three main objectives: (1) understanding characteristics of organisms, (2) understanding the life cycle of organisms, and (3) understanding organisms and their environment. Content: Two trays, a large print guidebook and a variety of visual and tactile overlays, that can be used alone or with the optional Mini-Lite Box (STEM001).
Science Concepts
Sense of Science: Plants is a fun and accessible way for students to learn about plant life. The provided guidebook offers easy to follow activities which are broken down into the following units: soil, seed, flowers, roots, stems, trees, and leaves. In addition, the guidebook also provides math and ELA connections for each lesson as well as extensions for every activity. Sense of Science: Plants was designed to meet three main objectives: (1) understanding characteristics of organisms, (2) understanding the life cycle of organisms, and (3) understanding organisms and their environment.
GM. Geometry and Measurement
NS. Counting and Number Sense
RA. Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
LS1.A.1-5. Organisms: Structure and Function
LS1.B.3. Organisms: Growth and Development
LS1.C.K-5. Energy Flow in Organisms
 
Spangle Tangle: Play and Explore Kit
STEM003
For Ages 5 and Up   
Grade Levels K-2

Spangle Tangle provides opportunities for learners to improve visual and tactile attention, communication, and creativity. Through specially designed activities, the learner develops motor, problem-solving, cognitive, self-care, social, and pre-braille skills.
Contents: 36 Spangle Tangle segments (4 bumps, 4 spirals, 4 tire treads, 4 alligator, and 20 smooth), 3 plastic tubes (short, medium, and tall), 3 tube stands, 1 tangle stand, and Spangle Tangle guidebook in large print with CD-ROM
Science Concepts
Spangle Tangle contains 36 segments that can be studied and used to teach multiple science topics. The kit’s segments can be manipulated to introduce simple physics concepts such a force and motion. In addition, the segments can be used to construct wavelengths for students to manipulate and build their vocabulary.
Number Concepts
Spangle Tangle provides a guidebook with numerous suggested activities for teachers. The segments provided allows for students to practice their number sense, counting skills, and practice identifying patterns.
Fine Motor Skills
Manipulation of the coil and tubes in the kits allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
DS.A.K-2. Data and Statistics
NS.A-C. Counting and Number Sense
RA.A.K-2 Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
PS1.A.1. Structure and properties of Matter
PS2.A.1-2. Forces and Motion
PS2.B.1-2. Types of Interactions
PS4.A.1. Waves lengths
 
Telling Time
STEM009
For Ages 3-8
Grade Levels: Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 2

Telling Time is an interactive and fun way for students to learn and demonstrate their understanding of concepts of time and analog clocks. The foam clock includes braille labels and a dry-erase plate to promote interactive learning and braille skills.
Time and Number Concepts
Telling Time's braille labels help students identify times through easy manipulation of the clock’s hands. The Telling Time clock also has a dry-erase plate for teachers to write a specific time for students to imitate by manipulating the hands on the foam clock.
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the Telling Time allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
GM.B-D.K-2. Geometry and Measurement
 
Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes
STEM010
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-2

Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes intended to facilitate a variety of matching, counting, patterning, sorting, and graphing activities.
Shape Concepts
Use Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes to introduce or review geometry concepts such as shapes and their attributes, classifying two and three-dimensional geometric shapes, and more.
Number Concepts
Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes offers many activities for learning number sense and algebraic relationships. Students can use the kit’s textured shapes to explore patterns and sequences, practice simple addition and subtraction problems, and more.
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the various shapes allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
DS.A.K-2. Data and Statistics
GM.A. K-2. Geometry and Measurement
NS.A-C. K-2.Counting and Number Sense
RA.A-B.K-2. Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
 
Wooden Constructo Set
STEM004
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-3

Construct all types of structures using various lengths of hardwood that have been drilled with holes. Lengths are linked together with color-coded nuts and bolts.
Contents: 12 red bolts, 12 yellow nuts, 4 right-angle joints, and 10 wooden lengths of various sizes.
Geometry Concepts
The Wooden Constructo Set has 10 wooden blocks of various lengths and 28 bolts to assist students in learning multiple topics. Students can use the kit’s wooden blocks to practice measuring length and unit conversions.
Number Concepts
Use this kit to help students master counting and number sense in a fun, interactive way. Students can use the kit’s bolts to practice counting, comparing numbers, and simple operations.
Fine Motor Skills
Manipulation of the wooden set and plastic bolts allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
DS.A.K-2. Data and Statistics
GM.B.1-2. Measurements and Units
GM.C.2. Addition and Subtraction to Length
GM.D.3. Concepts of Area and Perimeter
NS.A-C. Counting and Number Sense
RA.A.K-2 Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
 
Middle School and High School
 
DNA-RNA Kit
STEM008
For Ages 14 and Up
Grade Levels 9-12

This kit is an accessible interactive model that demonstrates introductory molecular biology concepts, including the formation of single and double strands of DNA, DNA replication, and transcription of DNA to messenger RNA.
Contents: 32 interlocking DNA subunits, 32 interlocking RNA subunits, large print guidebook, storage/carry-box, and braille guidebook.
Science Concepts
DNA-RNA Kit has 32 interlocking DNA and RNA sub-units for students to explore the molecular structure of DNA. With this kit, students can construct a model DNA structure, simulate transcription and translation roles, demonstrate DNA replication, and clarify the role of DNA in inheriting traits.
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the foam DNA pieces allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
9-12.LS1.A.1 Structure and Function
9-12.LS1.B.1 Growth and Development of Organisms
9-12.LS3.A.1 Inheritance of Traits
 
Snap Circuits Jr. Access Kit
STEM013
For Ages 8 and Up
Grade Levels 3-5

This kit offers 101 different projects and inventions for students to create and explore energy conservation and transfer.
Science Concepts
Snap Circuits Jr. Access Kit offers 101 different projects and inventions for students to create and explore energy conservation and transfer. Snap Circuits Jr. is an interactive way for students to study circuits, current, resistance, switches, motors and other basic electronic concepts. 
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the Snap Circuit’s pieces allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
PS3.B.4.1-2. Conservation and Transfer of Energy
 
Tactile Algebra Tiles
STEM012
For Ages 5 and Up
Grade Levels K-12

Tactile Algebra Tiles is an accessible version of traditional algebra tiles. The product allows visually impaired students to work alongside sighted peers.
Number Concepts
Tactile Algebra Tiles is a mathematical manipulative that provides students with concrete models for approaching abstract algebraic concepts and procedures. Algebra Tiles can be used by students in elementary through high school for practicing the four operations, simplifying expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, and factoring polynomials.
Motor Skills
Manipulation of the kit’s algebra tiles allows for development of both fine and gross motor skills.
A-C.K-5. Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
6-8.NS.A-C. Number Sense and Operations
6-8.EEI.A-C. Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities
Algebra 1
Algebra 2