# Modular Arduino Electronics Microduino Uses Electronic Modules to Help Kids Develop STEM Skills By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-12-18 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-modules References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2015/12/15/toys-teaching-stem/) & [microduino.cc](https://www.microduino.cc/) These [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits)-like electronic modules for kids help children develop important STEM skills. A fun as well as educational toy, the mCookie from Microduino consists of [small magnetic modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-building-set) that can be fitted together to create something bigger. They are also compatible with actual LEGO bricks. [Arduino](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robotics-kit) IDE is required for downloading code onto the electronic modules. Tiny circuits also mean some parental supervision might be required, but the toy is designed for youth aged 6 and up. Pairing a familiar toy with new technology is an excellent way to get young people involved, especially if they are just starting out with coding concepts. This skill-building toy makes a practical gift for youngsters this holiday season. It's also a gift that keeps on giving as new abilities are acquired that could prove useful in the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Modular Electronics:** The use of LEGO-like electronic modules offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the toy industry for fostering STEM skills in children. - **Coding Education:** Pairing familiar toys with new technology presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the education industry to engage young learners in coding and programming concepts. - **Skill-building Toys:** The development of skill-building toys that combine entertainment and education creates a disruptive innovation opportunity in the gift industry for promoting continuous learning and growth in children. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Industry:** The toy industry can leverage modular electronics to create innovative products that enhance children's learning experiences and develop their STEM skills. - **Education Industry:** The education industry can embrace the concept of pairing familiar toys with new technology to revolutionize the way coding and programming concepts are taught to young learners. - **Gift Industry:** The gift industry can capitalize on skill-building toys that offer both entertainment and educational value, providing parents with meaningful and long-lasting gifts for their children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modular Robotics Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robotics-kit.md) - [Introductory Connected Device Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plug-and-make-kit.md) - [Physical Coding Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codee.md) - [Reprogrammable Robot Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quarky.md) - [Digital Magnetic Toy Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tenki-spliced-magnetic-attraction-toy.md) - [STEM-Driven Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits.md) - [STEM Holiday Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-gift-shop.md) - [AI-Enhanced STEM Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidx-classbox.md) - [All-Ages Mini Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-robot-kit.md)