About The STEM Workbench

Real Recommendations from a
Real STEM Educator

PhD in Biochemistry from a top-10 research university
FTC Robotics Coach
16+ Years Teaching STEM
Makerspace Director

Who’s Behind This Site

I’m a STEM educator with a PhD in Biochemistry from a top-10 research university, over 16 years of university teaching experience, and a current career teaching robotics to kids from kindergarten through high school.

I spend my days running a Makerspace, coaching an FTC robotics team, and teaching students on platforms like LEGO Mindstorms, LEGO SPIKE, and VEX IQ. I’ve watched hundreds of kids open their first robotics kit, and I’ve seen which ones spark something real and which ones end up collecting dust in a closet.

Why This Site Exists

When parents ask me what to buy for their kids, the answer is never simple. It depends on the child’s age, what they’ve done before, and what you’re actually trying to accomplish. But when those parents go home and search online, they find the same generic “Top 10 STEM Kits” articles written by people who’ve never opened the box.

I built The STEM Workbench because parents deserve better than that.

This site covers the full picture: robotics kits, 3D printers, science lab equipment, electronics, tools, and workspaces: everything a family needs to build a real STEM learning setup at home. My recommendations come from years of hands-on classroom experience, not spec sheets and Amazon reviews.

What Makes This Different

I actually use this stuff.

Every day. With real students. I know which kits teach something and which ones are overpriced toys. I know which 3D printers a 12-year-old can run independently and which ones will frustrate everyone in the house. I know when a kid is ready to move from block coding to Python, and when they’re not.

I’ll tell you what not to buy.

Most review sites recommend everything because they earn a commission either way. I’d rather lose a sale than recommend a product I’ve seen fail.

I think in learning pathways, not product lists.

A robotics kit isn’t a one-time purchase; it’s the start of a journey. I’ll help you see the full path from first kit to advanced engineering, so every dollar you spend builds toward the next step.

A note on affiliate links Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it doesn’t change what I recommend. I recommend the same products here that I recommend to parents where I work.

Get in Touch

Have a question about what’s right for your child? I’m happy to help.

admin@thestemworkbench.com