Maker Spaces
The maker movement is a contemporary STEAM culture that encourages invention and prototyping. It includes engineering activities such as electronics, robotics, and 3-D printing, as well as more traditional crafts such as metalworking, and woodworking. It stresses the creative use of DIY, technology, and learning In contrast to the scientific method, people build and test prototypes.
Books
Free Book Makerspace Playbook from Maker Media outlines two basic types of maker projects: exploratory workshops where students learn basic engineering and building skills through a sampling of brief activities, and applied projects that involve multiple disciplines and drive students to extend their basic skills. Within those two categories, there are plenty of different ways to structure tinkering time—from design challenges and make-and-takes to portfolio projects and freeform making. By incorporating a variety of different types of activities into an afterschool club, teachers can keep students engaged in tinkering while helping them unleash their creativity.
Mathical Book Prize recognizes outstanding fiction and literary nonfiction related to mathematics for youth aged 2–18. The intent of the prize is to engage youth in the power and beauty of mathematics—to give them confidence to consider and solve arithmetic, spatial, logical, structural, and algebraic problems; to see that math can be employed to better understand and appreciate the wonders of nature and human artistic expression
Book: Your Starter Guide to Makerspaces
Book: Dewey Mac Maker Mysteries: Dog Gone Dog and videos at http://www.deweymac.com/ Explore the spy gadgets that Dewey makes throughout the book and learn how you can make a lie detector, a claw blaster grappling hook, and a spy microphone.
Book K - 5: STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids
Book: Smithsonian Maker Lab: You can conduct some interesting science experiments with this book including how to make a jungle in a bottle and how to turn a lemon into a battery.
Book: Tinkerlab: A Hands on Guide for Little Inventors the content is sure to inspire your young makers. You’ll find art, engineering, ways to inspire creativity and more.
Book Maker Dad: This book has a bunch of fun projects for Daddy-daughter maker sessions. Even if you’re the mom or grandma, this book has great ideas
Book: Why Design? Activities and Projects From the National Building Museum by Anna Slafer which, though published in 1995 has a persistently relevant approach and format. It helps kids investigate existing designs and identify potential improvements, and also challenges them to identify problems that trouble them to inspire ground-up innovation.
Book: Amazing Rubber Band Cars: Easy-to-Build Wind-Up Racers, Models, and Toys
Book The Robot Book: Build & Control 20 Electric Gizmos, Moving Machines, and Hacked Toys (Science in Motion)
Book: Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1
Read Alouds For Elementary
Oh, Molly Lou. Who hasn’t fallen in love with her after reading Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon? Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell is a companion book that helps us fall in love with her all over again. Molly Lou’s grandmother shares stories of her youth, playing with twigs, flowers, and household junk to create her own toys and games. When a new girl moves in next door and is stuck in the world of store-bought toys, Molly Lou shows her that the best thing to play with is a huge imagination. The story line is sweet and simple, proving that kids don’t need fancy devices and toys to “make their own fun.”
Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier is a delightfully modern spin on The Little Red Hen with Ruby as the master engineer of a backyard fort. Her brothers refuse to help her with her project and doubt her abilities, but she proves them wrong by building and creating every element of the fort by herself.
Whoosh! by Chris Barton is kid-friendly autobiography that tells of Lonnie Johnson’s accidental invention of the legendary Super Soaker water gun for kids. Lonnie shared that he “wanted to be an engineer before I knew what an engineer was.” He demonstrated persistence and a passion for problem solving that became the cornerstone of his successful career.
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk is a smart and creative way to introduce students to the basics of coding. He compares introductory coding methods – sequencing, conditions, and loops – to the steps of building a sandcastle in a simple, kid-friendly way that is appropriate for even the youngest learners.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer is the true story of young William, who was faced with frightening circumstances as his village of Malawi in Africa was faced with devastating drought. At the age of 14, William miraculously engineered a functioning windmill using spare parts from the junkyard, supplying life-saving water and electricity to his village.
I love how this book allows all our students to see themselves as makers in their own unique ways. The pages are filled with diverse and special needs characters, teaching our students that anyone and everyone is welcome in our Makerspace and has gifts and talents to share with the world. If you read ANY book to your little makers this year, make it this one!
the perfect follow-up maker activity:What better way to encourage our kids to be makers than to provide them with the time, space, and materials to create in a classroom Makerspace?! Check out THIS BLOG POST for tons of starting points, and also check out my comprehensive Makerspace Starter Kit to make your set up and management a snap!
Books
Free Book Makerspace Playbook from Maker Media outlines two basic types of maker projects: exploratory workshops where students learn basic engineering and building skills through a sampling of brief activities, and applied projects that involve multiple disciplines and drive students to extend their basic skills. Within those two categories, there are plenty of different ways to structure tinkering time—from design challenges and make-and-takes to portfolio projects and freeform making. By incorporating a variety of different types of activities into an afterschool club, teachers can keep students engaged in tinkering while helping them unleash their creativity.
Mathical Book Prize recognizes outstanding fiction and literary nonfiction related to mathematics for youth aged 2–18. The intent of the prize is to engage youth in the power and beauty of mathematics—to give them confidence to consider and solve arithmetic, spatial, logical, structural, and algebraic problems; to see that math can be employed to better understand and appreciate the wonders of nature and human artistic expression
Book: Your Starter Guide to Makerspaces
Book: Dewey Mac Maker Mysteries: Dog Gone Dog and videos at http://www.deweymac.com/ Explore the spy gadgets that Dewey makes throughout the book and learn how you can make a lie detector, a claw blaster grappling hook, and a spy microphone.
Book K - 5: STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids
Book: Smithsonian Maker Lab: You can conduct some interesting science experiments with this book including how to make a jungle in a bottle and how to turn a lemon into a battery.
Book: Tinkerlab: A Hands on Guide for Little Inventors the content is sure to inspire your young makers. You’ll find art, engineering, ways to inspire creativity and more.
Book Maker Dad: This book has a bunch of fun projects for Daddy-daughter maker sessions. Even if you’re the mom or grandma, this book has great ideas
Book: Why Design? Activities and Projects From the National Building Museum by Anna Slafer which, though published in 1995 has a persistently relevant approach and format. It helps kids investigate existing designs and identify potential improvements, and also challenges them to identify problems that trouble them to inspire ground-up innovation.
Book: Amazing Rubber Band Cars: Easy-to-Build Wind-Up Racers, Models, and Toys
Book The Robot Book: Build & Control 20 Electric Gizmos, Moving Machines, and Hacked Toys (Science in Motion)
Book: Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1
Read Alouds For Elementary
Oh, Molly Lou. Who hasn’t fallen in love with her after reading Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon? Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell is a companion book that helps us fall in love with her all over again. Molly Lou’s grandmother shares stories of her youth, playing with twigs, flowers, and household junk to create her own toys and games. When a new girl moves in next door and is stuck in the world of store-bought toys, Molly Lou shows her that the best thing to play with is a huge imagination. The story line is sweet and simple, proving that kids don’t need fancy devices and toys to “make their own fun.”
- Molly Lou’s unique, self-assured character is so easy for kids to identify with and admire. This book is perfect to kick off outdoor engineering and imaginative play as days get warmer in the spring and summer. This book encourages kids (and parents too!) to get “back to the basics” and use their imaginations to create their own playful experiences.
- Follow-up maker activity: Let your students experience the joy and wonder of engineering in the outdoors! Give them large ziplock baggies and head outside to collect found items from nature. Allow them to use their materials to create toys, games, nature scenes, and other inventions. Make sure to check out my Outdoor Discovery STEM Bins to bring the magic of engineering in the great outdoors to your students!
Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier is a delightfully modern spin on The Little Red Hen with Ruby as the master engineer of a backyard fort. Her brothers refuse to help her with her project and doubt her abilities, but she proves them wrong by building and creating every element of the fort by herself.
- Girl Power! Diverse characters! Inclusiveness! Collaboration! This book packs all these qualities and more into a story that plays off of a classic folktale, not to mention provides a beautiful portrayal of the engineering design process in action. From blueprints to tests and improvements, Ruby demonstrates perseverance, self-discipline, and even some forgiveness and compassion in the end.
- Follow up: From blanket forts to box forts to pillow forts, the only limit is your students’ imaginations! They can even create mini-forts and tents for action figures or stuffed animals using any STEM Bin engineering material.
- Students can identify with Vashti as they attempt to overcome personal struggles and achieve the courage to try new things. This book is not limited to visual arts as students are inspired to “make their mark” through music, dance, drama, engineering, science, technology….even leadership and social justice. A worldwide celebration of International Dot Day provides a wonderful platform for classrooms to participate in Dot Day activities.
- Celebrate International Dot Day with your students by integrating dot activities all across your curriculum! Katie King created some ELA activities to practice retelling, idioms, and vocabulary. You can also use this free dot coloring page from Quiver and download the free Quiver app to bring a world of augmented reality to your students’ dots!
Whoosh! by Chris Barton is kid-friendly autobiography that tells of Lonnie Johnson’s accidental invention of the legendary Super Soaker water gun for kids. Lonnie shared that he “wanted to be an engineer before I knew what an engineer was.” He demonstrated persistence and a passion for problem solving that became the cornerstone of his successful career.
- Inventor books, especially ones that feature inspiring, modern-day black inventors such as Lonnie Johnson! Lonnie is an innovative entrepreneur who proved that with perseverance, hard work, and creativity, you truly can create something to make the world more awesome. Kids may be inspired to invent and test their own toys and projectile devices.
- Follow-up maker activityHave your students create their own projectile toys! Students can use either pool noodle pieces or cups to create their blaster, then test the accuracy by hitting targets to earn points. This challenge is a great application for potential and kinetic energy.
- Bold illustrations and unique paper-cutting methods bring the story to life. The child’s parents serve as wonderful role models for her creativity. This is a wonderful book to demonstrate different methods of making and inspire even the littlest makers.
- Have students use their “Hands” to create a monthly Maker Mat project! Open-ended creative choice boards are themed seasonally and are perfect to use with Makerspaces, STEM Bins, or even home projects. Maker Mats enlarged as poster-size in my classroom so that my students always have creation ideas in front of them. You can also integrate technology with a variety of suggested apps and websites.
- This book truly encourages students to seek creative ways to solve problems around them. It also has a wonderful theme of growth mindset as Maxine tests and improves her design multiple times before achieving success.
- Hold a “Pet Parade!” Have students decorate balloons like animals and create simple parade floats with toy cars and yarn. This is a wonderful application of pushes and pulls for younger learners. If you have driving robots, students can also attach animal balloons with tape or plastic cups and program their floats through the parade!
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk is a smart and creative way to introduce students to the basics of coding. He compares introductory coding methods – sequencing, conditions, and loops – to the steps of building a sandcastle in a simple, kid-friendly way that is appropriate for even the youngest learners.
- Introduce the basics of coding to my students. (How to Code a Roller Coaster also) After reading this book to my students, even Kindergartners are able to understand basic coding terms as we apply them to apps and websites. It features a black little girl as the main character, encouraging representation in the fields of coding and informational technology.
- This book is valuable to kick off the Hour of Code in December! After reading this book, students can play Hop Scotch Coding to actively experience sequencing, conditions, and loops. They work in teams to create different sequences of code on the floor and then take turns following them. Introduce unplugged coding lessons and coding apps such as Kodable and Box Island. Check out Coding for Little Kids blog post to read more about coding in my classroom!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer is the true story of young William, who was faced with frightening circumstances as his village of Malawi in Africa was faced with devastating drought. At the age of 14, William miraculously engineered a functioning windmill using spare parts from the junkyard, supplying life-saving water and electricity to his village.
- This book features a remarkable black engineer who defied unbelievable odds, using self-discipline and innovation to save his village. It is an awe-inspiring true story that provides a natural springboard for discussions with our students about the true purpose of engineering – to create something to improve our world. I always get emotional when sharing this book with my students! Check out his Ted Talk to see William tell his story.
- Have your students create simple windmill models to learn about wind energy and the importance of renewable energy. This book can also be easily applied to my Wind-Powered Maze STEM Challenge.
- All students have favorite forms of making and many forms that they’ve not yet tried! From collage to clay sculptures to painting, students are sure to find their favorite maker methods in this poetry book and will be inspired to try new ones.
- Set up a variety of weekly Maker Stations to allow your students to explore different creative challenges and mediums! My Maker Stations are differentiated for K-1st and 2nd-5th and feature 40 different activities that incorporate engineering, art, science, music, and more. Each Maker Station recommends simple supplies, provides QR code resources for students, and includes a matching student recording sheet.
I love how this book allows all our students to see themselves as makers in their own unique ways. The pages are filled with diverse and special needs characters, teaching our students that anyone and everyone is welcome in our Makerspace and has gifts and talents to share with the world. If you read ANY book to your little makers this year, make it this one!
the perfect follow-up maker activity:What better way to encourage our kids to be makers than to provide them with the time, space, and materials to create in a classroom Makerspace?! Check out THIS BLOG POST for tons of starting points, and also check out my comprehensive Makerspace Starter Kit to make your set up and management a snap!
Articles
Maker Space In Education Series… 10 Sites To Start Making In The Classroom
Maker Space In Education Series… 10 More Sites….Making With Technology
Integrating Maker Spaces into the Curriculum
I want to start a makerspace. Where do I begin?
How to Define Success in Your Makerspace
Cultivating Accountability and Motivation in the Makerspace
I Have $1000 to Start a Makerspace: What Should I Buy?
30 Ways to Create the Conditions to Inspire in a Makerspace
Integrating Makerspaces Throughout the CurriculumThe makerspace isn't just a fixed space where kids come and go to complete busywork. It's an extension of a well-established approach to educating students that has applications and deep implications across disciplines.
STEM Bins 101: The Basics
Resources
Maker Space Playbook
Resource for setting up a Maker Space or writing a proposal for one
Resource for setting up a Maker Space or writing a proposal for one
MIT K-12 Makerspace Resources for K-12 Getting Started, Types of Makerspaces, Storage, Tools and Materials, Events, Projects, Workshops, Articles and Books.
Free Makerspace Library of Hands-On ProjectsTinkRWorks’ TinkRpedia has everything educators need to get started with STEM/STEAM Project-based Learning. Teachers can browse the educator-curated Makerspace Lesson Library—featuring free, hands-on projects that cover a variety of subjects and difficulty levels. All of the projects require access to a 3D printer and utilize recycled materials. Projects are offered at three levels:
Reusable Tool List
Consumables List
Maker Manifesto
Design Challenge Learning? It’s a combination of project-based learning, design thinking and the engineering design process that develops the innovator’s mindset through iteration. The lessons on this page, developed over the years by educators at The Tech, will help teachers lead their students through science and engineering challenges. They also make fun and effective team-building activities for groups of teachers.
Makers for Change Gr. 6 - 12 Serves students to supporti community engagement in makerspaces, and inspiring makers to become changemakers. Students are empowered to art chapters at their schools and learn about making through a social impact lens. The Makers for Change library enables students to learn how to build solutions to problems in their communities. Teachers are supported in developing 3D-printing labs and long-lasting maker culture in their schools. Makerspaces are provided resources to connect with their communities and bring in youth. Makers for Change projects include animal prosthetics, 3D-printed toys, braille/tactile models, and laser-cut items. Applications to start a chapter are processed once a month.
Maker Stations for Home and School Challenges K - 5
Free pack of 15 Maker Stations for three weeks of at-home or school learning. Each Maker Station includes simple challenges using items around the home, scannable QR code resources, and a student recording sheet.
Free Download: How to Start a Makerspace Guide
PBS Design Squad: From balloon jousting to wind energy, download engineering design challenges and worksheets. Check out this build spinner that gives you challenges based on available supplies.
Makers Empire: A list of engineering design challenges related to the coronavirus such as designing a cough catcher or fever detector.
Windmill Challenges gr 3 - 8
Fold 'n Fly Give each of your students a blank piece of paper. Have them go to the Fold ‘N Fly website and choose an airplane design. Once everyone makes a paper airplane, have them write their name and two questions to ask someone else.When you give the cue, everyone throws their airplane around the room. They continue picking up airplanes and throwing them until you ask them to stop. You could also play music as your cue. Ideally, everyone would stop after one or two minutes.Next, everyone will pick up one paper airplane that is closest to them. They must find the owner
of the airplane they picked up and answer the questions on the airplane. Each person then introduces the owner of the airplane they have to the group. This activit could be repeated several times. In addition, each person could talk about the airplane design they chose and why they chose it.
Maker Mondays Weekly ideas for Maker Challenges Maker Stations, Maker, Maker Challenges, and Maker Divergent Challenges.
Club Oasis: A free online forum for STEM educators and parents to connect, share project ideas, and explore resources.
US Patent Office For Kids – At the USPTO, they are always thinking of ways to promote innovation. Here are a few fun activities for makers, builder, tinkerers and all to enjoy. Check back for new activities from time to time.
Maker Space In Education Series… Making It With Raspberry Pi
3 budget-friendly makerspace organization hacks
Five-step Engineering Design Process developed by the Museum of Science in Boston to guide most STEM lessons and activities
Projects for Makers provides a simple, enjoyable projects for students to get involved in making.
Ideas for creating a breakerspace A growing number of school libraries and makerspaces feature breakerspaces, where students explore by taking items apart and to find out how they work, school librarian Katie Darty writes. Darty and a number of educators and librarians share how breakerspaces can be organized and offer tips and resources.
Tools list for projects
Maker Space Agreement rules and procedures for students
Design Education in all Disciplines The Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum offers several resources on how to integrate design-thinking connections into the K–12 classroom. Features more than 400 design-based lessons written by educators from all disciplines. In addition to the K–12 lessons, the website offers best practices, videos, and other design resources that allow educators to be fully equipped to implement design education across any subject. Three sample lessons illustrate how design thinking can be integrated into mathematics, science, and English language arts learning: “Using Design to Solve Math Problems in the Real World,” “Connecting the Scientific Method to Design,” and “Learning Paragraph Structure Through Design.
Ready, Set, Design is a quick group activity. It uses simple, inexpensive materials and is an effective tool for problem solving, creative thinking and team building. Ready, Set, Design is not just for designers but can be used by any audience as a way to engage in design thinking.
Free Makerspace Library of Hands-On ProjectsTinkRWorks’ TinkRpedia has everything educators need to get started with STEM/STEAM Project-based Learning. Teachers can browse the educator-curated Makerspace Lesson Library—featuring free, hands-on projects that cover a variety of subjects and difficulty levels. All of the projects require access to a 3D printer and utilize recycled materials. Projects are offered at three levels:
Reusable Tool List
Consumables List
Maker Manifesto
Design Challenge Learning? It’s a combination of project-based learning, design thinking and the engineering design process that develops the innovator’s mindset through iteration. The lessons on this page, developed over the years by educators at The Tech, will help teachers lead their students through science and engineering challenges. They also make fun and effective team-building activities for groups of teachers.
Makers for Change Gr. 6 - 12 Serves students to supporti community engagement in makerspaces, and inspiring makers to become changemakers. Students are empowered to art chapters at their schools and learn about making through a social impact lens. The Makers for Change library enables students to learn how to build solutions to problems in their communities. Teachers are supported in developing 3D-printing labs and long-lasting maker culture in their schools. Makerspaces are provided resources to connect with their communities and bring in youth. Makers for Change projects include animal prosthetics, 3D-printed toys, braille/tactile models, and laser-cut items. Applications to start a chapter are processed once a month.
Maker Stations for Home and School Challenges K - 5
Free pack of 15 Maker Stations for three weeks of at-home or school learning. Each Maker Station includes simple challenges using items around the home, scannable QR code resources, and a student recording sheet.
Free Download: How to Start a Makerspace Guide
PBS Design Squad: From balloon jousting to wind energy, download engineering design challenges and worksheets. Check out this build spinner that gives you challenges based on available supplies.
Makers Empire: A list of engineering design challenges related to the coronavirus such as designing a cough catcher or fever detector.
Windmill Challenges gr 3 - 8
Fold 'n Fly Give each of your students a blank piece of paper. Have them go to the Fold ‘N Fly website and choose an airplane design. Once everyone makes a paper airplane, have them write their name and two questions to ask someone else.When you give the cue, everyone throws their airplane around the room. They continue picking up airplanes and throwing them until you ask them to stop. You could also play music as your cue. Ideally, everyone would stop after one or two minutes.Next, everyone will pick up one paper airplane that is closest to them. They must find the owner
of the airplane they picked up and answer the questions on the airplane. Each person then introduces the owner of the airplane they have to the group. This activit could be repeated several times. In addition, each person could talk about the airplane design they chose and why they chose it.
Maker Mondays Weekly ideas for Maker Challenges Maker Stations, Maker, Maker Challenges, and Maker Divergent Challenges.
Club Oasis: A free online forum for STEM educators and parents to connect, share project ideas, and explore resources.
US Patent Office For Kids – At the USPTO, they are always thinking of ways to promote innovation. Here are a few fun activities for makers, builder, tinkerers and all to enjoy. Check back for new activities from time to time.
Maker Space In Education Series… Making It With Raspberry Pi
3 budget-friendly makerspace organization hacks
Five-step Engineering Design Process developed by the Museum of Science in Boston to guide most STEM lessons and activities
Projects for Makers provides a simple, enjoyable projects for students to get involved in making.
Ideas for creating a breakerspace A growing number of school libraries and makerspaces feature breakerspaces, where students explore by taking items apart and to find out how they work, school librarian Katie Darty writes. Darty and a number of educators and librarians share how breakerspaces can be organized and offer tips and resources.
Tools list for projects
Maker Space Agreement rules and procedures for students
Design Education in all Disciplines The Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum offers several resources on how to integrate design-thinking connections into the K–12 classroom. Features more than 400 design-based lessons written by educators from all disciplines. In addition to the K–12 lessons, the website offers best practices, videos, and other design resources that allow educators to be fully equipped to implement design education across any subject. Three sample lessons illustrate how design thinking can be integrated into mathematics, science, and English language arts learning: “Using Design to Solve Math Problems in the Real World,” “Connecting the Scientific Method to Design,” and “Learning Paragraph Structure Through Design.
Ready, Set, Design is a quick group activity. It uses simple, inexpensive materials and is an effective tool for problem solving, creative thinking and team building. Ready, Set, Design is not just for designers but can be used by any audience as a way to engage in design thinking.
Apps
- Pixel Press Floors (iPad) allows anyone to use just pencil and paper to create her own video game level. Teachers use the app to teach design thinking to students. The app and lesson plans are available for free.
- Orb, a new ARKit app for iOS by Pantheon, uses augmented reality to develop maker skills. Students young and old can design and build entire worlds in a matter of minutes by transforming simple shapes into 3D objects. For example, instead of creating a tree on a two-dimensional surface such as a phone screen, students can build the tree so it looks like it’s growing in their classroom. They can walk around the tree, adding leaves as they go. They can add an airplane to the sky or build a spider on their friend’s head! If they take a screenshot or video, students can share a picture of their creation through email or whatever sharing options are on their devices. They can even export to a 3D printer.
- Apparatus android is a game where you build simple mechanical structures to make a path for one or several marbles to the goal. Use the laws of classical mechanics to complete each level.
- Fix the Factory (android) develops problem solving skills, logics sequencing and programming abilities. Also play on the web
- Green Screen for creating green screen videos 2.99
- Every Circuit – (android) Circuit Builder
- Snapguide App easy way to create and share how-to guides. Discover new recipes, DIY projects, fashion ideas, make-up tricks, tech tips and lifehacks. Create your own guides and share what you love doing.
- 3DC.io is an iPad app that lets you easily build, share and 3D print various designs.’3DC uses basic shapes (cube, sphere, cylinder, cone etc.) to create any 3D models. From the simplest design to the most complex objects – you can build anything by simply moving, rotating and scaling primitive objects.'
- Makers Empire 3D - Easy 3D Modeling is a powerful but simple to use 3D modelling app that rewards you for creating! Level up as you design, socialize with other makers and complete daily design challenges. Unlock new design tools as you go…Makers Empire 3D is capable of incredibly detailed 3D designs yet is so simple anyone can use it! Pick a design module like BLOCKER, our feature rich voxel editor, CHARACTER, our avatar builder or SHAPER, our traditional free form 3D modelling module.
- my.SketchUp is the web version of the popular desktop application SketchUp. my.SketchUp is an excellent tool students can use to create anything they want in 3D.
- Makers Empire 3D - Easy 3D Modeling is a powerful but simple to use 3D modelling app that rewards you for creating! Level up as you design, socialise with other makers and complete daily design challenges. Unlock new design tools as you go…Makers Empire 3D is capable of incredibly detailed 3D designs yet is so simple anyone can use it! Pick a design module like BLOCKER, our feature rich voxel editor, CHARACTER, our avatar builder or SHAPER, our traditional free form 3D modelling module.
Websites
- Magazine for Makers Make: publishes tested projects, skill-building tutorials, in-depth reviews, and inspirational stories, accessible by all ages and skill ranges. Project categories include craft and design, digital fabrication, drones and vehicles, science, technology, and more. The Make: website provides an online 3D Printer Buyer’s Guide (updated for 2017), as well as an online Boards Guide and Drones Guide.
- Make: Maker Media is a global platform for connecting Makers with each other, with products and services, and with our partners. Make Projects can serve as a resource for science and mathematics teachers. Teachers can search for projects that support their curriculum standards.
- GAMER STEM CHALLENGES!
- Ready, Set, Design is a quick group activity. It uses simple, inexpensive materials and is an effective tool for problem solving, creative thinking and team building. Ready, Set, Design is not just for designers but can be used by any audience as a way to engage in design thinking.
- Instructables – Here you will find ideas to make so many things that could Make a great connection to learning. When first opening the program give the Search Engine a try. Put in some keywords of some possible learning ideas. It might be planets, insects, civil war, or nutrition. You can even filter the results using multiple categories
- Making & Science website
- Eurekus STEAM Curriculum some units are free Others range from $10 - $25
- How strong is a piece of paper? K - 3
- Design thinking process During the school year we “grade” students based on their use of our design thinking process rather than grading students solely on their final products.
- Anthony's Kite Workshop for dozens of kite plans suitable for families and classroom projects, along with General Kite Hints and Tips.
- NASA Kites students to gain a feel for aerodynamic forces is to fly a kite. " This NASA site starts with a short history of kites, and then introduces the forces that act on kites.
- National Kite Month resources under the For Teachers link in the main horizontal menu. This page tells the history of kites, starting with the legend that a "Chinese farmer tied a string to his hat to keep it from blowing away in a strong wind." Other links include "Why Kites Fly", "How to Fly a Kite", and kite games and projects for use in a classroom.
- Professor Kite and the Secrets of Kites teaches us how to pick the right kite for different days. "Deltas, Diamonds and Dragon kites fly well in light to medium winds (approximately 6-15 mph) while Box Kites and stickless Parafoil kites fly better when the winds get a little stronger (approximately 8-25 mph)."
- Virtual Kite Zoo sketches and descriptions of kites of every shape and size, many of them also including historical, anecdotal, allegorical or aeronautical snippets of information."
- Green Screen Resources
- STEAM Makerspace - 114 tips, ideas, resources and even lesson ideas for creating your very own STEAM Makerspace.
- DIY is a place for kids to share what they do, meet others who love the same skills, and be awesome. The big idea is that anyone can become anything just by trying - we all learn by doing." Fashioned after scouting badges, skills are learned by completing challenges, and patches are earned along the way. For example, the Game Dev skill includes 7 challenges, the first of which is creating an image sprite.
- Howtoons - Learn how to build things, like pinewood derby race cars, with this detailed and engaging online comic book.
- Maker Education Initiative in Oakland, California, supports educators and communities—particularly those in underserved areas—to facilitate meaningful making and learning experiences with youth. The “Getting Started” section of the Maker Ed website provides a set of curated, introductory resources for those new to making or interested in learning more about making. It also provides practical, concrete ways for integrating making into educational settings. The “Tools & Materials” section contains lists and examples of useful tools and materials for making activities and makerspaces. This section also offers guidance or tutorials on specific tools or skills. The “Projects & Learning Approaches” section includes a wide variety of information to provide educators and facilitators with ideas for short-term activities, as well as open-ended, long-term projects, curriculum samples, examples of facilitation methods and practices, and the pedagogies and values aligned with making.
Click Here to Visit Website - Curriculum for makerspaces K-12 Microsoft Makerspaces has a great resource for Middle School/High School level. docs.com/MicrosoftinEducation/9289/
- The Exploritorium Tinkering Studio – Tinkering is at the very heart of formative learning, allowing for iterations that encourage revision and reflection. Kids develop an understanding of how to learn from failure and setbacks in order to experience eventual success. The Tinkering Studio is primarily an R&D laboratory on the floor of the Exploratorium, but whenever possible they try to share their projects, activities, and developing ideas following an “open source” model. Learn how you too can enjoy their activities in your classroom while allowing your kids to Tinker and Make!
The Exploritorium Tinkerer Collection – Speaking of Tinkering you may wish to introduce your students to some amazing Tinkerers and the occupations that surround them. Perhaps this could be part of a Makers Unit of Study that focuses on College and Career Readiness and 21st Century Skills. It might be fun to see what your students can Make of it! - 3D Printing Resources
- Lightworks free video editor with novice to advanced tools
- Makerbot in the Classroom: an introduction to 3D printing and Design Guide
- MakerBot Educators program aims to unite teachers who use 3D printing so they can share content and best practices and further the adoption of 3D printing in schools.
- MakerBot Educators program aims to unite teachers who use 3D printing so they can share content and best practices and further the adoption of 3D printing in schools.
- Foldscope Instruments the Foldscope, an ultra-low-cost microscope made from common materials such as paper. It is designed to be produced affordably, to be durable, and to give optical quality similar to conventional research microscopes. Click Here to Visit Website
- Rube Goldberg Projects
- Simple Machine Challenge
- Engineering Kids includes video
- Goldburger To Go comes from PBS.
- How to Build a Homemade Rube Goldberg Machine
- Web-based Rube Goldberg Applications
- How to Make a pinball game from a cardboard box
- You can sort of build a Rube Goldberg-like machine at Tinker Ball.
- Make Your Own VR Headset: The Google Cardboard website has templates that you can print and follow to build your own virtual reality viewers (scroll past the items listed for sale). Instructables also offers a template and directions for making your own VR viewers. The following video covers the process from start to finish.
- Maker Camp – Here is an opportunity for students to join other young inventors and artists from around the world on Google+ to make awesome projects, go on epic virtual “field trips,” and meet the world’s coolest makers. You will find that Maker Camp inspires kids ages 13-18 to embrace their inner maker, get their hands dirty, fix some things, break some things, and have a lot of fun doing it. Everything is archived so all lessons and projects will be available at Maker Camp even after the summer so you and your students can Make all year long.
- 3D Printing getting started and projects and lessons
- Sylvia’s Super-Awesome Maker Show! has more than 20 free episodes in which Sylvia shows children—and adults—that making things can be fun, easy, and more rewarding than just buying something. During the episodes, Sylvia provides step-by-step instructions with detailed explanations as she makes and creates.
- Maker Education
Find resources and tools to help bring elements of maker culture into schools and classrooms, and encourage students to explore STEAM subjects within the context of maker projects.
- The Maker Education Initiative (Maker Ed) The goal of “Educate to Innovate” is to move American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade. By building a maker network dedicated to providing creative learning opportunities to youth nationwide. Note the Resource section.
- Maker Camp – This was created as a summer-time learning opportunity by Google. The units that are part of this program are awesome and can be brought into the educational curriculum. Take your time browsing because you are going to find some engaging possibilities
- Instructables Instructables is an educational website and mobile app where you can have access to a treasure trove of instructional videos and how-to guides covering a wide variety of topics from science experiments to amazing inventions. If you need some new ideas for your next classroom maker project, Instructables offers a library of over 100k of do-it-yourself projects
- The Invent To Learn Guide to 3D Printing in the Classroom: Recipes for Success
- Activities for Science Making The free Science Journal app for Android lets students use their smartphones or external sensors to conduct experiments and record findings.
- littleBits kits are at the intersection of STEM/STEAM and the Maker Movement. The kit includes easy-to-use electronic building blocks (or “Bits”) that empower youth to invent anything, from their own remote-controlled car to a smart home device. The Bits snap together with magnets, requiring no soldering, wiring, or programming.
- Design a Car
- Design Squad Nation
- Making in English Language Arts
- Making in Math
- Engaging Students in the STEM Classroom Through "Making"An engineering professor and former executive director of the Maker Education Initiative describes how the Maker Movement is engaging STEM students in new ways.
- Maker Movement: Bridging the Gap Between Girls and STEM
- SciGirls television show, website, and educational outreach program draws on research about what engages girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning and careers. . Each episode of SciGirls follows a group of middle school girls who are eager to find answers to their questions about science and technology. With the help of scientific mentors, the girls design their own investigations on topics ranging from the environment to engineering and nutrition. The show’s website is integrated into the episodes, with archived projects from the site being featured on the show.
Click Here to Visit Website
Click Here to View Program Videos
- Engineer Girl Designed "to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women," Engineer Girl features interviews, fun facts ("Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1903, years before Henry Ford industrialized automobile production."), videos, quizzes, a scholarship section, and a look at some women who were engineering pioneers of the 20th century.
- Build Cardboard Toys with Kids
- Makered numerous maker resources curated by an educator. “Tools and Materials” section contains lists and examples of useful tools and resources in making activities and makerspaces, including suggestions for consumables, hardware, machines, open source software, and other technologies. This category also includes guidance or tutorials on specific tools or skills.
- Makedo cardboard construction
- Make: is a digital and paper magazine, the producer of Maker Faire, and a website. "The site features breaking DIY news and information, original content on building, repairing, and modifying the technology that surrounds us, and step-by-step project articles on a broad range of topics." Start your exploration with Projects (look for it on the secondary horizontal menu) for a "cookbook of DIY projects for the workshop, kitchen, garage, and backyard.
- SparkFun "We think everyone should have the hardware and resources to learn and play with cool electronic gadgetry." SparkFun supports their vision with online tutorials, curriculum for electronics classes, and a national bus tour "to spread innovation at schools, libraries, and hackerspaces throughout the country!" Tutorials cover concepts (polarity, electric power), skills (how to read a schematic), projects, and technology (GPS basics).
- Sylvia's Show Sylvia and her dad (producer) produce "Sylvia's Super-Awesome Maker Show!" about "everything cool and worth making". Recent videos include Lilypad Heartbeat Pendant (using an Arduino and a pulse sensor), and Sylvia's Squishy Circuits (a pliable dough you can make in your kitchen).
- PBS Learning Makers Party - Thus initiative encourages people around the world meet up, learn to make things, and share what they've made online. This wonderful collection is designed to support the Maker Party by providing a one-stop shop of STEM and digital making resources that focus on the problem, technology, or process behind object creation.
- Making Stuff
Grades 6-12 | Collection | Materials Science
Join technology columnist David Pogue as he delves hands-first into the field of materials science. Find out which materials he thinks will play a role in shaping the future.
- Playful Learning - We bring hands-on lessons to your fingertips, complete with inspiring videos and engaging printables. Try a free lesson on us, use code: FREE.
- Rugged Rovers is a free iPad app in which students can create simple designs for space rovers. Students draw a design for their rovers then add up eight wheels to it before taking it for a virtual test drive. Students test their rover designs by driving them across a Mars spacescape. To help their rovers over obstacles students can use a small power booster. The power booster must be used in moderation because it cannot instantly recharge. The object of the activity is to design a rover that can travel as far as possible. When students get their rovers stuck, they can go back and try a new design.