Homeschooling     Home and Family     K-12     After School     Family Fun    

Stem toy that kids are guaranteed to love



Kids can learn all about the digestive system

Kid approved STEM kit

HVP received a STEM kit this summer so I decided to take it over to my grandson to get his approval. With the STEM toys from this company, you can keep your kids learning all year. Plus, they will have a great time doing it.

Meandmine sent us a STEM toy that helps kids learn about the digestive system called Journey Down The Belly. I enlisted my 8 year old grandson for this project. He was very excited to see what was inside the box and so we got to work right away. 

One of the best things about this kit from an adult point of view is that is comes with an easy to put together structure that hold all the (potentially) messy stuff your child will be using for this project. My grandson had it unfolded and put together in just a few seconds without even looking at the directions.

What's in the box
  • Book about digestion
  • Sturdy cardboard stand
  • Stomach bag
  • Straw
  • Ring to hold up the "stomach"
  • Glue
  • Small plastic pieces of fruits & veggies
  • Test tube
  • Fizz tablets
  • Baby Oil
  • Mesh bag with tissue paper
  • Funnel
  • Measuring cup 
  • Large plastic bag

There are 3 separate "experiments" in this toy. How the stomach works, digestive enzymes and poo. A cool thing about this is you use the same cardboard stand for all of the activities.

The Stomach

With this one, you get to make "stomach slime". Everything you need comes in a packet that is marked as such. My grandson had a little trouble getting everything put together but I think it was because he was so excited he did not properly read the directions. With a little intervention from mom he was well on his way. He was very impressed with end product had to show it to his dad and brother right away.

Enzymes



Break out the test tube and start filling it with baby oil and water. Insert fizz tablet and watch it do it's thing. My grandson was pretty sure this is how you burp. That was pretty awesome he thought. Again, he had to take it and show off what he did to his dad and brother.





Making poo

For this one, you turn the box sideways and insert the large plastic bag. All he had to do was put the mesh bag containing the paper into the bag and pour some water on it. He squished everything around for a bit and then opened the bag. He was delighted to find the paper actually looked like poo. He actually pranked his dad with this one by putting it in front of the bathroom door so when his dad came out he would be surprised. He couldn't contain his excitement waiting for dad to open the door.

All in all this toy was an absolute hit. We had a great time doing it and watching him get so excited over something that teaches was the best part for me and his mom and dad. I highly recommend you try this with your little scientists. We can't wait to try another one.

See more of these award-winning toys at Meandmine.



More Homeschooling


  • Visit cool sculpture parks in the Hudson Valley

    These sculptures are generally huge and sure to please

    Visit fun and educational sculpture gardens in the Hudson Valley. Sculpture Parks and their gardens are a unique way for families to appreciate and enjoy art. The open spaces are wonderful for kids of all ages. Most locations offer space to roam and enable us to enjoy these unique pieces at our own pace. read more »
  • Indoor spots for teens to play

    Older kids need to have some play time too

    Teens need places to go that aren't lame and won't bore them to tears. We have the best in the Valley listed just for you. read more »
  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • Everything you should to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • Minimize the risk of child identity theft

    NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers advice

    Child Identity Theft is a growing problem. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft for those under 19 years old grew 60% in three years. read more »
  • 5 reasons why your child should (and can) learn how to play chess

    A revolutionary new game that helps kids learn this game of strategy

    Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed entertainment. read more »
  • 5 ways to get kids excited about STEM learning

    The country needs more good scientists

    The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place. read more »
  • Keep kids learning during summer

    3 fun, easy ways

    With school out, summertime brings long, carefree days of play and fun. With a little thought and a few supplies, summer is a perfect opportunity to revitalize their innate love of learning that may be a bit squashed after a year of academic pressures, tests and schedules. read more »