When exploring the wide scope of ready-made micro:bit projects, kids can incorporate its assorted built-in features, like the microphone or a speaker, while developing valuable programming and computer science skills using the MakeCode editor. Speaking of the graphical MakeCode platform, if the environment is new to you, it works with plenty of other STEAM tools, too.
When it comes to crafting the perfect makerspace experiences, educators can try incorporating a wide variety of hands-on STEAM activities. To truly maximize student engagement and empower them all to feel like authentic problem solvers, however, 3D printing is an awesome option and these are some of the best educational 3D printers for K–12 school STEM programs.
Coding and arts education may not seem like they truly align all that much but, thanks specifically to the versatile Hummingbird Robot from BirdBrain, students can certainly combine them through impactful projects. Plus, with the fully capable Finch Robot 2.0, children in all K-12 grades can code and create with ease. And, there’s highly effective PD tools for teachers, too!
In these last few weeks before winter break, it’s easy to get distracted from learning. And we get it—everyone needs a break! In the meantime, though, we put together this list of festive projects from some of our favorite STEM tools. Kids can make a mold for a chocolate dreidel, have a robot snowball fight, or even craft custom snowflake garlands with these holiday activities.
Scratch is a great first language for programming different robotics tools or simply introducing children to some of the most important fundamentals of coding. On our store, you’ll find a large selection of STEM tools specifically for coding with Scratch, including the mBot-S, Finch Robot 2.0, Strawbees STEAM kits, Edison Robot, Makey Makey, and a whole lot of others.
Most school administrators will be happy to give their approval for starting a school robotics club but you’ll still have to show a clear value proposition in your proposal. Once you get approved, research some classroom robots and find lesson ideas, you’ll be ready to firm up the key logistics, including where you’ll meet, how often, and how to tie these experiences to learning.
One of the biggest focuses in 21st century education is on teaching coding and computer science. When integrating such efforts into these classroom lessons, however, there are even often plenty of opportunities for including math angles. So, while covering core CS concepts, like logic, variables, or functions, these tools help teachers connect math and coding in fun ways.
MakerEd is a technological and creative learning revolution that centers on a pedagogy designed to help children bolster significant skills like decision making, responsibility, relationship management, community engagement, creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and more through hands-on projects that create connections between their heads, hearts, and hands.
The great thing about educational robots is that they encompass the entire span of K–12 grades. By that, we mean that there are educational robotics tools available for kindergarteners just as consistently as there are robotics tools available for 12th graders. So, here’s the list of all our favorite options for classroom robotics kits for students across all different grade levels.
Students and makers can utilize both of the Glowforge 3D laser printers for creating three-dimensional objects out of existing digital designs. They can download or create their own design and the laser will cut and engrave the design as a custom print every time. The printers are even compatible with Chromebooks, Macs, PCs, or tablets and include easy design features.
