Technology is an invaluable catalyst for deeper learning experiences in the early grades but, by the time kids get into their high school years, it’s more of a necessity. The modern workforce is filled with an increasing number of STEM jobs that require applicants to know coding, 3D printing, or some other emerging skill. And, then there are the STEM jobs employers can’t even fill because there aren’t enough qualified applicants who possess the necessary tech skills. An invigorated, tech-based learning regiment in high school can change that and help position students on the fast track for success and these STEM tools can help.
It’s important, as it is in every grade, for high school teachers to know which technologies offer their students the best preparation for the real world. Anything from pocket-sized computers to complex robotics can help students learn programming. Similarly, anything from 3D printers to CNC machines can help them master design skills. It’s finding the right combination of hands-on and theoretical tech training that helps kids gain what will soon become fundamental skills. For high school students who have used technology in the years preceding ninth grade, they will be ready to take the next step and cement their value as a member of the Future Ready society. With these recommendations for high school STEM tools, students and teachers can team up to ensure an aptitude for up-and-coming technologies and an attitude for embracing uncertainty.
1. Arduino Starter Kit
Coding and programming skills are the foundation of any Future Ready student. Perhaps one of the best EdTech products to help reinforce the basic skills kids learn in the early grades with authentic coding experiences in high school is the Arduino Starter Kit. Using an Arduino board and step-by-step instructions, students can design and execute 10 increasingly complex programming projects that illustrate authentic creation and manipulation of physical and digital objects using coding techniques.
2. Carvey
Carvey is a 3D carving machine designed to elicit major impact in high school classrooms and makerspaces. Using object specs and parameters they input through a simplified computer program, students can construct crisp and detailed projects with the power of digital fabrication. It’s super safe and unbelievably quiet, plus Carvey offers an invaluable extension of Maker Education that kids can leverage while learning how to apply innovative ideas to solving real-life problems.
3. LittleArm
This compact robotic arm enables kids to carry out simple and complex tasks using a robotic assistant. Using its robot arm and controlling it from a computer program, students can enter programming cues and the LittleArm will execute the movements that could result in anything from picking up an object to presenting students with what they’ve asked for. LittleArm runs off of an Arduino board and serves as a highly interactive introduction to the greater complexities of robotic programming in the classroom.
4. Mod-t
The MOD-t 3D printer is a simple and affordable but incredibly powerful option for first-time 3D printers. Its simple design and easy-to-use software helps stabilize modern classrooms and enable students and teachers to explore the intricacies of 3D printing from up close. MOD-t will help propel real-world preparation and energize student-lead inventing with an end-to-end 3D printing experience that’s fast, flawless, full circle, and, most importantly, safe.
5. Samsung Gear VR
Any high school classroom would be complete with a sleek new VR viewer. Many schools are scared away, however, because they assume VR is too expensive or the technology doesn’t have an applicable use in education. Both views would be wrong. The Samsung Gear VR is less than $100 and provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves into almost any environment they can think of. Studying ancient civilizations? Kids could visit them. How about blood vessels? VR can take them there as well.
6. Raspberry Pi
You may be already familiar with the Raspberry Pi and its potential to replace your traditional computer tower with a device the size of a credit card. That certainly is true. It can also help students explore coding in a variety of ways and in a variety of environments once they set their new computer up. Whether it’s Python or with another programming language, the Raspberry Pi is a versatile and powerful tool for enabling coding and empowering students to create programmable devices that run off of its code.
7. XYZ 3D Printers
Designed specifically for use in education, XYZ’s long line of versatile 3D printers have something that can fit in every classroom (and every budget). Depending on your output need, teachers could opt for introducing students to the da Vinci Pro or da Vinci Duo or use the combination 3D printer and scanner to maximize the time students spend designing their creations. Whatever the case, XYZ provides a student-centered 3D printing experience that maximizes creative learning and helps kids prepare for the future.
High school is the time for students to ramp up their tech use and start leading learning experiences that will prepare them for the real world. Each of these products are available in our store and we can help create custom STEM, maker, and IT solutions for students in all high school grades. Whether you need help launching a 3D printing program, 1:1 initiative, or need to bolster a network in the classroom or library, we’re your one-stop shop for everything you need to create authentic learning environments in high school classrooms. For more information and to get started, give us a call at 1 (877) 252-0001 or email sales@eduporium.com.