STEAM X-Blocks

Invent Play












“Many early childhood educators, myself included, believe that every classroom should have a full set of unit blocks, assorted props tied to children’s current interests and experiences, open storage shelves, and plenty of space and time to build and rebuild invented and familiar structures.”
Derry Koralek, President of DGK & Company, NAEYC

Build Bright STEM Futures

STEAM X-BLOCKS were designed as a step up from traditional building blocks. X-BLOCKS I and II include connections on all 6 sides and utilize 2 separate types of connections, enabling an additional locking mechanism — all in a simple building block.

HOW TO START BUILDING
STEP 1: Add the X-BLOCKS you would like to your cart.
STEP 2: Purchase and download the 3D STL files.
STEP 3: Choose a filament color and type.
STEP 4: Print using a CAD slicing software such as ANYCUBIC SlicerNext, Orca, Prussa, Blender 365, Ultimaker, or other apps, with a 3D printer.
STEP 5: Build and play to learn.
STEP 6: Try one of the STEAM X-BLOCKS Challenges or Lessons.

Explore X-Blocks

Educational benefits

STEAM X-BLOCKS were designed as STEM building blocks that expand on years of educational research about Block Play. (7 Stages of Block Play)

Most blocks use gravity or one connection on a single surface to combine with other blocks. However, evidence and research indicates that a simple-to-use, but more complex block, could create a stepping stone to a brighter future for our children.

As a K-8 Technology teacher, Weston Kincade created the 3D printable building blocks to encourage greater STEM building and learning when many of his students received 3D printers for Christmas in 2025. Those students later encouraged the development and even offered suggestions for modification.

3D printing would prove essential to this approach, enabling digital distribution and home printing for individual students, traditional classrooms, maker-spaces, and home schools. It eliminates the higher cost of retail building bricks, delays from imports, and other complications. Getting rid of these limitations creates many more exciting learning opportunities.

Welcome to STEAM X-BLOCKS. Now that potential is yours.

Steam vs stem?

What is STEAM and how does it compare to STEM?

While it might seem that way sometimes, this isn’t a versus situation. STEM is an acronym for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEAM adds Art to that core focus due to Art’s universal appeal and ability to improve all areas. This puts it in a category all its own.

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