# STEM Sports Programmable sports toys allow children to learn and practice STEM skills. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jun 17, 2020 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/stem-sports ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the STEM Sports trend? **STEM Sports:** In order to get children interested in STEM, brands are creating programmable toys that are themed around sports. These products come in different forms and include connected toy soccer balls and programmable robots that play basketball. ## The consumer insight behind the STEM Sports trend Knowing the importance of building STEM skills from a young age, parents are increasingly prioritizing tech-based educational experiences for their children. However, to keep kids interested in learning skills like programming, there has to be an element of play involved. Merging skill-building with recreational elements that are more familiar to children ensures that they're able to maintain consistency in the process of learning. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 20, 2019 to Nov 30, 2022 - Published: Jun 17, 2020 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the STEM Sports trend ### Programmable sports toys Educational toys that merge recreational elements with skill-building are on the rise to get children interested and maintain consistency in learning programming and STEM skills. ### STEM-based learning solutions Innovative devices combine sports and games with learning, encouraging students to pursue STEM-related fields, especially girls and minorities, and increasing their digital intelligence. ### STEM-inspired activity kits Hands-on learning experiences offer a fun and engaging way to teach important STEM concepts to children, inspiring them to learn new sports, lessons and scientific facts or even exposing them to future career paths in STEM. ## What the STEM Sports trend means for industry ### For Toy industry Innovative programmable sports toys that allow for interactive experience and skill-building for children. ### For Education industry STEM-based learning solutions that blend sports and games with learning for an immersive experience. ### For DIY industry STEM-inspired activity kits that encourage hands-on learning and practical STEM learning outcomes. ## Workshop question How could your brand better merge educational experiences with recreational ones? ## Trend signals for STEM Sports Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 64%, freshness 14%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 14% ## Examples of the STEM Sports trend 8 featured examples from Feb 20, 2019 to Nov 30, 2022. - [STEM-Inspired Balance Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-bike1): Build & Ride by Adam Higgins Can Be Both Challenging and Playful (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy and game industry can innovate through the creation of more interactive learning toys. - [Playful Gaming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-robot): WowWee's MiP Arcade Supports Screen-Free Play & App-Connected Gaming (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can capitalize on the trend of playful gaming robots by creating innovative and entertaining robots that engage children and adults alike. - [Sports-Based STEM Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphero-sports): Sphero Sports Uses Robotics and Sports to Encourage STEM Learning (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Creating programming tools for more accessible and comprehensive STEM education in schools. - [Coding Race Car Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-wheels-id-swift-playground): The Hot Wheels ID Swift Playground Engages Kids with STEM Lessons (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore incorporating digital coding lessons into their products to engage children in STEM education. - [STEM-Inspired Electric Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-electric-skateboard): The Lectec LS Kids Electric Skateboard is Ready to Build (Category: Eco) Implication: Toy manufacturers can take advantage of the demand for STEM education kits by producing products that allow children to have hands-on experiences while learning about science and… - [Competitive Soccer Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tomy-soccerborg): The TOMY Soccerborgs Perform a Number of Quick Maneuvers (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into toy manufacturing processes to create more interactive and intelligent robot toys. - [STEM Sports Subscriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-subscription): STEM Sports Shares Curricula for Use at Home by Kids Ages Eight to 14 (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: EdTech companies can use this as an opportunity to create USP by adding interactive sports-based learning modules targeting primary and middle school students. - [Sporty STEM Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphero-mini-soccer): The Sphero Mini Soccer Robot Lets Users Play Games and More (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The sporty STEM robot toy industry is booming, and manufacturers can tap into the market by creating innovative and interactive toys that combine education with play. ## Recent trend clusters - [Fixable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fixable-devices) (Tech) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) - [Autonomy Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomy-stacks) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)