Trunkaroo - STEAM Learning Boxes

There are lots of activity boxes out there for children. They are a great idea, as on a regular basis you are sent fun activities to do with your little one, or to keep older hands busy. There are art and craft boxes and cooking boxes, book boxes and stationery boxes. We have tried many of them and have had mixed success. They are a great concept though and I am constanly on the look out for ones that meet my little one's (and my!) interests as they are very handy to have in the house as ready made activities for rainy days, or days when we might be stuck at home. 

Trunkaroo contacted us to introduce their box and as soon as I read about it, I knew it was the kind of thing I would love to do with my 3.5 year old. Trunkaroo focusses on STEAM learning - science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. I've often used the internet to find simple experiments we could do together (vinegar, bicarb of soda and food colouring = much fun!), but I've struggled to figure out anything more and definitely not sure how to explain the science behind it to a little one.

Trunkaroo was started by Sahar who has a background in finance but was inspired by the younger members of her family to create boxes with a stronger learning angle. All the boxes are developed by educationalists and tested by young users to ensure that they are easy to use. All the items you need are in the box so no need to hunt around the house for random items. 

We trialled the Growing Seeds box. The timing was ideal as my little one had expressed an interest in how things grow. The box contained 2 activities - one practical science based one, growing different types of seeds under different conditions, and the other a more art and  craft based one of designing and making a flower in a pot. 

We planted cress and radish seeds in compost (using pellets supplied) and on cotton wool as a substrate. We were supplied with everything, down to a pipette and small paper cup for watering daily. We watched them grow and cared for them, and learned that the ones in compost grow taller and stronger than those with just water, so we discussed how compost was food for the plant.... you get the idea. It was great fun. 

The craft activity was ideal for a rainy summer day and we made a lovely little pot. 

Trunkaroo have covered various topics in the past and you can see them, and purchase some, on the website www.trunkaroo.com They are also going to be developing the website to include more ideas for activities we can do at home. 

I am defintiely puting Trunkaroo on our gift wish list. It is suitable for a large range of ages and encourages an interest in STEAM subjects which is very important for the future. 

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