Building blocks, while still a fairly simple toy, remain one of the most important valuable learning experiences for young children. Whether they’re stacking them or creating more complex structures, children are (unknowingly) learning in all areas […]
Category: STEM
Encourage Curiosity With These 13 Excellent Magnifying Glass Options
It’s a simple tool, but a magnifying glass offers the user the chance to see the world around them in finer detail. As children explore their surroundings, the ability to magnify objects like insects, leaves, plants, and rocks, […]
Virtual Reality and Primary Education
It’s probably every teacher’s worst nightmare: the children are plugged into virtual reality headgear and someone else is giving their lessons while the teacher is redundantly hanging about or simply a bystander while the lesson is […]
Could A ‘Chatbot’ Be Your Next Teaching Assistant?
With the biggest names in tech boarding the ‘Bot’ bandwagon faster than you can say “Hey Siri“, chatbots are destined to play an exciting and versatile role in our digital futures. As part of a fascinating five-part video series […]
9 of the Best Snap Circuits Electronics Kits for Bright Sparks
Snap circuits are a fun way for children to learn more about electronics. Kids can make all kinds of cool things, including remote control toys, simply by snapping the right pieces together. The great thing about […]
So Many Classroom 3D Printing Options – How to Choose the Right One
If you’ve looked into 3D printing, you know there are a lot of options – some good and some not so much. Since the technology is just beginning to enter classrooms and is new for most […]
Teaching Kids to Code: Text-Based vs Block-Based Programming
About two decades ago The MIT Media lab introduced the concept of block-based programming. The idea was to develop an interface that allowed computer programs to be built by simply dragging and dropping puzzle blocks to represent […]
How We Built Our School Makerspace
In the last few years, Makerspaces have become a popular venue for people to explore and create. A Makerspace is a space with various tools and materials, with the purpose for individuals to tinker, explore, and […]
How Solar Power is Helping Schools Teach STEM? – ToyLabs Interview
An interview with ToyLabs Founder, Tim Curley So where did ToyLabs come from and how was it brought to life? In 2013 I started ToyLabs with a commitment to inspire young minds with fun and exciting hands-on science projects […]
9 Cool Model Rocket Kits For High-Flying Fun
Model rocket kits are a fun way for kids to exercise their maker skills by assembling cool, colorful rockets that really fly. I can remember building model rockets as a child, and they are still an […]
7 Arduino Kits For Young Programmers and Makers
Arduino kits are a modern take on the electronics kits that many of us fiddled with as children. However, Arduino takes it a step further by using a microprocessor that can be programmed with simple “sketches” […]
4 EdTech Tools for Ramping Up STEM Learning
Many teachers can tell you first hand that STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education has been gaining influence in the world of academia for at least the last five years. Some parents have taken matters […]
9 Flying Toys To Teach The Science Of Flight
For children and adults, flight science is absolutely fascinating. Flying toys are an excellent way to have fun and foster an interest in flight science, flying, and aircraft. A learning toy can be as simple as […]
Science Exploration: 8 Best Microscopes For Kids and Teenagers
Many adults will remember using microscopes in school and even at home. After some frustration and adjusting of focus knobs, a new world was opened up for viewing. Microscopes for kids show students and young scientists […]
11 of the Best Build-Your-Own Robot Kits For Kids
Teaching basic robotics to kids is an excellent way to foster a love for science and engineering that will grow with them as they get older. Fun robot kits for kids are a great way to […]
Coding is the New Literacy – Think Playgrounds, Not Playpens
There is no denying that coding is snowballing in importance across schools all around the world. Whether it’s Scratch, Programming Games or the Hour of Code, an understanding of software and the ability to code is fast becoming an essential skill for […]
Using Minecraft to Challenge Students and Keep Learning Fun
Overview Much more than just a video game, Minecraft is being used by thousands of educators to tackle difficult learning concepts in an amazingly fun and collaborative digital environment. Students are exploring, crafting and making in 3D […]
Learning Code by Building Apps: TouchDevelop by Microsoft Research
Overview Created by Microsoft’s Research group, TouchDevelop is a touch-friendly app creation environment that allows students to build apps using their phone, tablet or desktop machine. The environment has been designed with a detailed focus on providing a safe and enjoyable space for students to […]
5 Different Ways to Start Creating Apps With Students
It’s true… Coding is officially cool! Well, at least that’s what Will.I.Am is telling me. With high profile figures in business, sport, technology and music promoting coding, it is no longer a space reserved just for […]
10 of the Best Online Programming Tools for Students
1. Hackety Hack Great for beginners, this site offers the absolute basics of programming from the ground up, with no previous programming experience required. Simple toolkits, technical support and online lessons make it a great way […]