Tinker Totes are kits that customers can take home to explore the five aspects of STEAM, where S is for Science, T is for Technology, E is for Engineering, A is for Art, and M is for Mathematics.
Each kit comes in a backpack and can be borrowed for three weeks. There are currently five different Tinker Totes to choose from:
To view our entire selection of Tinker Totes, take a look in our online catalogue.
Exploring a Tinker Tote with your family? Keep the 4 Cs of STEAM learning in mind:
Collaboration
- Work together with your child to explore and learn how the items in the Tinker Tote work.
- Encourage children to work together to solve a puzzle or problem that might arise as they figure it out.
Communication
- Children can learn new things through the process of sharing and listening to others around them. Encourage your child to talk about their approach to Tinker Tote materials as you explore the possibilities.
- Ask what they are doing to solve any problems that may arise while they explore the materials. Are they coming up with a solution? What might work?
Creativity
- Encourage a sense of exploration and curiosity in your child’s approach to the Tinker Tote.
- Foster a sense of “tinkering” when using Tinker Tote materials. Try saying, “I don’t know what will happen. Let’s try it and find out!”
Critical thinking
- Ask ‘what’ questions that cannot be answered with yes or no. Allow time for your child to think about the question and come up with an answer.
- Tinker Totes are designed to expose you and your child to new ideas and concepts. Encourage your child to ask questions and pose inquiries.
- Encourage your child to ask, “Why?” Why might something happen when they are exploring the materials in the Tinker Tote?