Each school makerspace is different but, if you’re looking to add hands-on maker tools to yours, we offer a huge variety for K–12 STEAM learning. For this list, we’ve highlighted lots of our most in-demand offerings—from low-tech starter materials to high-end MakerEd machinery. Whether you would rather start small or make your space robust, they work in any situation.
The 3Doodler Create+ is definitely more for older children, and is especially effective with those who’ve had experiences with the 3Doodler Start pen in the past. The main improvements to the 3Doodler Create+ include a strong dual drive system, the enhanced speed control features, dual temperature capabilities, and its ease of use. Learn all about its place in STEAM inside.
The skills kids acquire through hands-on STEM activities can help prepare them to show resilience or emotional intelligence when they face adversity as well as helping them learn to navigate modern-day challenges. Dr. Pam Davis founded pop-up makerspace company, Wellbotics, and learned this early on. Here, she talks SEL, social justice, embodied learning, and more.
When unboxing the LulzBot Mini V2, you’ll notice a bright green 3D printed octopus in each box. That’s because the LulzBot team hand tests every 3D printer they manufacture on-site before they ship them. From there, it’s real easy for students to get started thanks to their in-depth LulzLesson project guides and 3D printing platform, which is known as Cura LulzBot Edition.
While educators won’t necessarily need official curricula or detailed project guides in makerspaces, these suggestions, however, are great examples of unique maker supplies, including different types of 3D printers, coding kits, electronics tools, and design equipment. So, we’re excited to walk through some less common makerspace tools for creating high-quality learning.
The Glowforge Pro is the more capable Glowforge printer and, as such, its price tag is higher. Of course, your students can do more with a Glowforge Pro, including using its Pro Passthrough technology, which allows them to create larger prints out of infinitely long materials. If they want to start with simpler Glowforge projects, however, the Glowforge Plus might be best.
Educational leaders and school librarians routinely team up on repurposing traditional library rooms into versatile, multi-purpose facilities. There are so many benefits to this but it’s often largely tied to the importance of STEAM education and popularity of various makerspace kits. So, this week, we are exploring some top STEM supplies that also double as library supplies.
With the 3Doodler Start 3D printing pen, children can experience hands-on design and creation starting in the early grades. Instead of kids choosing a 3D design and watching a 3D printer complete it, however, they get to print their very own 3D objects by hand. Plus, it is completely safe and its tactile frame makes it easy for young students to use in makerspace projects.
You might hear this a lot, but almost every school makerspace may feature unique learning and building materials. Because makerspaces are found all throughout the K–12 grades (and even college), an elementary makerspace will often look a whole lot different than one you’ll see in a high school. So, using the right supplies at the right times makes a significant difference.
As the Maker Movement continues to influence early education, K–12, and even higher education, many times, it is school librarians who’ve helped to create these hands-on STEAM experiences. So, we’ve compiled this white paper with tips on leveraging library environments in designing unique and active lessons, measuring success in school makerspaces, and more.
