Category: Maker

Our Maker Mindset

There is no greater joy than watching children create something. Whether the creating is done solo or in a group, thinking is visible. You can see the “wheels turning”. Hands-on work requires trial and error. If […]

Did Anyone Feed The Dog? – Useful Ardunio Projects For Kids Project #1

On any typical morning in the Bigari household, you’ll hear the following phrase being yelled out: “HAS THE DOG BEEN FED YET?” You see, our dog Chloe had a rough life until she was rescued and […]

Modern Day Pioneers: That’s no Oregon Trail up ahead – it’s the convergence of STEM and World Languages

What does it take to be a pioneer? To leave the tried and true path in search of something more. To know that it is not if failure will strike, but when, and how you will […]

2017 #HOUROFCODE is here

Overview The Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10) is upon us, and with it comes one of the biggest education movements in history, Hour of Code. 475 million students have participated in an Hour of Code since it’s […]

We’re On Tilt Over The Kiwi Crate

If there is one thing that seems clear to me, children learn different subjects through different means. Some learn best by reading. Others absorb information better through video. Not every child wants to explore science through […]

This Year EVERYONE Is Invited to MineCon

We tend to have a bit of a Minecraft crush around Fractus Learning HQ. Part of this crush is because we love playing the game with our kids; part of it is because readers seem to […]

Family Time With the Doodle Crate

As my children get older, they don’t spend as much time playing with one another. This is especially true of my high school junior and her fourth-grade brother. One is interested in driving and hanging out […]

The Most Kid Friendly STEM Box Subscriptions For 2018

We are all aware of how important it is to encourage and nurture the love of learning in our children. But when you think back to gifts you’ve given in the past, how many of them […]

Tinkering Around With Tinker Crate

One of the best gifts you can get for a child is something that keeps them engaged yet teaches them at the same time. When children are toddlers this is easy – the child is still […]

Our Koala Crate Experience Was Music To Our Ears

Most of the STEM subscription boxes are targeted at older children. The Koala Crate from Kiwi Crate is not like most subscription boxes. And if you are looking to get a great gift for a young […]

Build A Love Of Programming With BitsBox

Here are two universal truths: 1)Kids are going to be asking for video games, apps, or other programs for Christmas this year. 2)Most parents would like their kids to grow up to be ‘creators’ rather than […]

Exploring The World Around Us With Green Kid Crafts

“Where do clouds come from, Daddy?” “Daddy, why does ice float?” Oh, I remember the days when my children would ask me more ‘Who/What/Where/Why?’ questions than the average cub reporter. While sometimes it got to be […]

STEM Lab Deluxe and My Child: A Match Made In Heaven

Raise your hand if you’ve seen the Mentos In Cola trick? I’m guessing your hand is up (if so, you can put it down now). Did you know who the first person to show it on […]

7 Foam Blocks Sets with Fun Free-Play Potential

Blocks are part of every adult’s treasured childhood memories. From wood to cardboard to plastic to foam, kids eagerly build for hours. Foam blocks now come in plenty of shapes and sizes to enhance children’s imaginative […]

9 Amazing Minecraft Toys for Kids Who Create

If your little ones are mad about Minecraft, they’ll love real-life Minecraft toys! These “blocky” toys may look strange at first glance, but the Minecraft generation will instantly recognize their favorite characters, animals, and objects from the […]

7 Terrific Lego Train Sets for Future Railway Engineers

If your kids are loco for locomotion, Lego train sets are a guaranteed hit. With every kind of model from old steam engines to modern high-speed trains, they have something for engineers of all ages, and […]

Here’s How Student ‘Learning Lab Leaders’ Make a Difference in Our Makerspace

I am always so impressed by the talents of our students. Our young people have so much to offer and share with the world around them. When we tap into that aptitude within our schools, we […]

Learning in a Makerspace

A Makerspace is both a physical and virtual space which provides a community with a place to play, build, invent, experiment, design and create prototypes. New tools and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters and […]

9 Lego Architecture Sets for STEM Skill Building Fun

Do something constructive with your time with the Lego Architecture series! Fantastic for encouraging concentration, dexterity, and STEM skills, these spectacular sets let you piece together famous structures, monuments, and cities from the real world. What’s […]

9 Solar System Projects for Astronomical Fun!

Shooting stars, colossal comets, and undiscovered UFOs—our universe is a mysterious place that inspires wonder in children and adults alike. Many children imagine futures as astronauts, traveling in a rocketship to explore the vast expanses of […]