Makerspace

Trying to look on the bright side, we’ve joined the optimistic crowd in questioning whether this unprecedented period provided educators, administrators, and learning designers with lessons on educational trends and regularities. To us, the yearlong experience of teaching through a pandemic validates the value of MakerEd and EdTech tools.

Sometimes, makers just need to take things up another level. Typically, 3D design and creation are fun and fruitful experiences for students of all ages, but those who’ve mastered some of the basics tend to crave a new challenge. And, that’s perfectly fine since, as we’ll learn, the 3Doodler PRO+ 3D printing pen provides that extra power.

Though it’s been available to educators and making an impact in many classrooms for some time now, the Code Kit is another perfect example of littleBits bringing circuitry, engineering, and now coding together to provide students with a learning experience that’s as engaging as it is relevant to their futures. Keep reading to learn more about it!

Students and makers can use Glowforge 3D laser printer to make three-dimensional objects out of digital designs. They can download or create their own design and the laser will cut and engrave the design for custom prints every time. The printers are compatible with Chromebooks, Macs, PCs, or tablets and include easy design features.

We have awarded our educational technology grant for the month of April to Creighton Helms of the Gervais School District. Creighton serves as the principal of the Gervais Elementary School in Gervais, OR and has really worked to create relevant STEAM learning opportunities for the students he supports.

We’ve awarded our EdTech grant for March to Andrew Nikola from the Wappingers Central School District in New York! Andrew works with students throughout K-12 and serves as one of the district’s innovation leaders. Learn more about how we’ll be helping them advance their district-wide approach to providing equitable hands-on experiences.

Designed for MakerEd experiences in Grades 3 and up, the Mayku FormBox helps spark creative product design, on-the-fly fixes, and innovative design thinking. Oh, and it’s on sale now through Feb. 28! Keep reading to find out how to access this limited-time deal on a versatile tool for design and maker education.

Under ordinary conditions, 3D printing is among the most popular avenues for technology teachers to take advantage of all of the advances in STEAM instructional tools. By combining both physical and digital construction, 3D printing helps students think like an engineer, solve pressing problems in a very unique way, collaborate with classmates, and a lot more.

With the 3D Build & Play, students can feed filament into the slot in the back of the device, which is shaped similarly to an electric drill. Once the strand of filament is in place, they can start cranking the lever to work it through the inside and get it ready to mold in their invention as they develop creativity

MakeDo is loved by many and serves as an easy-to-use STEAM tool in and out of the classroom. It is a collection of construction tools, including screws, screwdrivers, and a saw, that students can use for building with cardboard. They’re totally reusable, which often inspires and educates students on the importance of reusing and upcycling while creating.