Gifts That Keep Giving (if Not Exploding)

Toys help children discover interests that can last a lifetime, and many scientists have fond memories of playing with chemistry sets, ant farms, and electronics and science kits. Toy safety regulations in developed nations have reduced the versatility, dangers and unlimited experimentation for young would-be scientists, explains Jennifer Kingson for the New York Times. “Others, though, say the new crop of science toys – even with their cartoonish packaging and heavy emphasis on neon goo – actually represent progress,” she writes. “More entertaining, educational and accessible than earlier products, which relied heavily on a child’s inner motivation, these toys may actually help democratize the learning of science and introduce children to scientific methods and concepts at an earlier age.” A child’s inner motivation is crucial, notes many who comment on the article form the globe. Many point out that a lack of toys does not prevent children from inventing on their own, including homemade bullets in China or inventing weapons with potatoes and hairspray in the US, for love of science and not for hurting others. – YaleGlobal