With science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field jobs on the rise, many parents are looking at ways to give their kids a head-start. These 8 video games utilize math and engineering skill sets to get kids thinking about complex problem solving at a young age.

Kerbal Space Program
The goal in Kerbal Space Program is to build rockets using various space junk and engines provided. If the rocket is well built, it will launch off of the planet into space. If it’s poorly constructed, it will explode on its journey. Learning to figure out which materials are best for each building scenario is the challenge.

Minecraft
No list would be complete without the block building smash-hit, Minecraft. Players are let loose in a world of limitless building possibilities and Lego-style blocks can be built into whatever a child can dream.

World of Goo
Just like physics problems in high-school classrooms, World of Goo challenges players to use popsicle stick like materials to build bridges across stretches of land.

Amazing Alex
Amazing Alex is geared towards kids and helps them use their knowledge of household objects to problem solve. Floating balloons and rolling balls are basic physics principles that are combined in complex ways to help Alex make his way through the world.

Fantastic Contraption
In principle, Fantastic Contraption has players build simple vehicles with cogs and sticks to traverse mazes and pathways. The free game starts easily with 2-wheeled cars solving the easiest of puzzles, but quickly shifts into building other-worldly looking vehicles to scale mountains.

SpaceChem
Cleverly disguised chemistry training, SpaceChem uses the principles of basic chemical bonds to encourage players to solve a series of mazes by breaking and forming chemical bonds with items on-screen.

Patterns
Like an upgraded version of Minecraft, Patterns uses triangles instead of blocks to build a limitless number of objects. Players can use triangles and the souped-up object builder to create and interact with anything their heart desires.

Banjo Kazooie – Nuts and Bolts
A throwback to the Nintendo 64 game of the same name, the latest iteration of the Banjo Kazooie franchise has players build complex cars out of found materials to complete challenges. With no instructions on how to build the right car for the job, players are forced to think outside of the box to come up with wacky and sturdy creations.