When it comes to integrating new EdTech tools effectively, it's understandable that some teachers are hesitant. In our Tips & Tricks series, we aim to help simplify integration for teachers new to certain tools. Since we offer a wide variety of STEM solutions on our store, both the EdTech brands and products that appear in this series are each extensive. Whether you are looking to learn more strategies for teaching coding with the Bee–Bot, trying to find some troubleshooting tips for the Dash Robot, or simply trying to broaden your EdTech horizons, we're confident you'll find some useful content here. Most of these guides feature simplistic language and easy-to-understand breakdowns as well. From start to finish, educators, technologists, administrators, and librarians can learn about optimizing these tools in their unique educational environment.
Also, no product lines or STEAM disciplines are off the table. As you might know, our store has hundreds of EdTech and maker solutions—from simple to complex. Starting in the early grades, we know educators need guidance. That often does not change for those teaching at the high school level. So, you may find Tips & Tricks for the simplest of technologies, like the Cubetto Robot. You may also benefit from learning about integrating 3D printing projects in high school classes using MakerBot CloudPrint. Our expertise and relationships with professionals from many of today's best EdTech manufacturers have helped us identify the key elements teachers are wondering about and present them with easy-to-find hints in a concise way. We are always adding new content and updating these posts as well. So, check back every other Wednesday for the latest edition of our Tips & Tricks series.
The 3Doodler Create+ is great for middle school makerspace activities and takes only about a minute to heat up. To make things simple, its light turns blue when it reaches the highest heat setting and green when it is on lower heat. Other than that, students just need to plug it in to work and teachers can create great makerspace
Since it’s a Scratch-compatible robot, the Marty V2 is super accessible for students with different CS experience levels. Scratch is a graphical coding language, which means your students don’t necessarily need to have prior experience with coding to program their Marty. Then, there’s its Scratch Jr. and Python compatibility—making the Marty V2 viable in all K-8 grades.
Within the Blue–Bot app, there are two different modes: explore mode and challenge mode. Using either mode, kids can access the same directional buttons they’ve used with the Bee–Bot along with a few new features, like 45-degree turns and digital capabilities. Read on to learn how this slightly more advanced early elementary robotics tool can impact STEM learning.
The Dash Robot is designed for students who are six and older, making it a superb option for kids who have never tried robotics or coding. It allows all students to use block code to bring the robot’s actions to life on their desk or their screen. Whether you’re looking for good robots for students to use in afterschool clubs
The Skoog 2.0 is a tactile device that students can utilize to create sounds and music based on how they touch the various sides of this cube-shaped structure. It’s soft and even somewhat squishy, mimicking the top side of a drum with its unique texture but the Skoog 2.0 helps K–12 music teachers create learning experiences that are equally fun
Though modeled after the Google Expeditions system, the Expeditions 2.0 VR kits feature new technical and instructional upgrades as the RobotLAB team designed them based on the feedback from thousands of educators. Plus, among the 700 Expeditions 2.0 field trips, teachers can find relevant content that aligns with their lesson plans, which we’ll explore more inside.
The Glowforge 3D laser printers are some of the most capable high school STEM solutions we offer. Using these machines, kids easily create tangible designs from tons of different materials and each one helps CTE educators unlock truly future-focused instruction in makerspaces or classrooms. And, they’re quicker than 3D printers with lasers that cut and engrave rapidly.
The Mayku FormBox is a largely ready-to-use STEM solution with (almost) everything that students need to start manufacturing their own molds. The pack comes with the FormBox, Mayku Cast sheets, Mayku Form sheets, a power cord, a first making kit, a suction tube, and even a universal vacuum connector. They just need a vacuum tube and we have all the
The EdCreate Expansion Kit for enhancing Edison Robot STEAM projects helps students focus on construction with its 115 building parts, including blocks, gears, wheels, pegs, and more that are each compatible with both the Edison and LEGOs. The kit also includes classroom project guides and instructional videos that show students how to construct the five EdBuilds.
This flexible robotics system is certainly intuitive for students of all different ages. It’s easy for kids to program in various STEM and computer science projects and it also unlocks tons of creative freedom in both makerspaces and other non-traditional classrooms. Plus, with its micro:bit compatibility, students can add interactive elements to any classroom STEAM project.
