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, will encourage their curiosity and hopefully further their interest in science. When choosing a magnifying glass, there are plenty of options. Consider your child’s age and how they will be using it. For outdoor exploration, a portable and durable option is best. If they […]
Category: STEM
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 going on. Although the scenario is as unlikely as any virtual primary school teacher has so far proven to be, we have seen the benefits of utilising virtual learning environments such as YouTube, Minecraft, the Flipped Classroom and so on to compliment what 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 on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Richard Waters from the Financial Times delves into how these hi-tech ethereal characters will change our lives forever. Pocket AI — bar raised for digital assistantsWatch this video on YouTube But what about in the classroom? How could ‘in-context’ artificial intelligence help […]
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 snap circuit sets is that they are both incredibly easy to use and totally safe. Each set contains motors, resistors, switches, transistors and capacitors. The pieces in a snap circuit set snap together so kids don’t have to mess about soldering wires. Smaller snap […]
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 schools, choosing a good partner and printer is important when diving head first into this new world. There are plenty of schools which have experienced problems from purchasing machines that are no longer serviced or weren’t made well, and avoiding these missteps can save […]
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 complex programming constructs and commands. With this new method for teaching and learning computer science, the hugely popular Scratch platform was born. This approach lowered the bar for experimenting with programmatic thinking, making it possible for students to create interactive animations and small games without writing a single line of code. […]
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 create. In schools, Makerspaces have increased in popularity, housing a variety of materials from low-tech arts and crafts to high-tech software and electronics for students to experiment with and build their own designs. Many conferences and workshops feature a Makerspace area, giving educators ideas […]
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 in support of STEM education, while providing parents and teachers with great tools that make it easier for them to engage their kids in science education. Much of this was motivated by my own experience working with my young daughter (now six) and son (now ten) […]
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 exciting project for all ages. In addition to maker skills, model rockets are an educational tool that can teach the concepts of propulsion, flight, and aerodynamics. It’s important to note that when purchasing model rocket kits, make sure that you have all of the supplies […]
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” uploaded to the component. The programmer writes these “sketches”, or programs, by using and manipulating pre-written, open-source code. Many kits include the pieces to build robots that can be controlled with an Arduino compatible controller and others have basic components to assemble various Arduino […]
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 into their own hands and purchased a STEM box for their teens. There are plenty of different avenues professors can take to implement STEM education. Here are four popular tools aimed at facilitating STEM education in the U.S. (and many other) education systems: 1. Lego […]
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 a paper airplane and sophisticated as an infrared remote controlled helicopter with stabilizing gyroscope. Kites, rockets, and boomerangs all illustrate flight science and can provide hours of entertainment. Young scientists can use their maker skills and perform experiments with science kits that focus on […]
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 aspects of our world that are not able to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopes for kids should be durable and simple to use. Magnification power is an important consideration. Higher power microscopes will allow viewing of smaller objects. Many microscopes include additional […]
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 introduce children to simple engineering concepts. Robotics projects increase creativity, teach children to follow directions, and the finished product gives them a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Not only that, but they have a cool toy to play with when the project is complete. […]
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 all 21st century learners. At a recent TEDx event in Jackson Mississippi, Professor Marina Bers discussed her research into the design and study of innovative learning technologies to promote children’s positive development. How does this research manifest and present itself in the real world? Well programming robots of […]
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 virtual worlds where their creativity and imagination can run wild. No matter what your discipline, the many different elements of Minecraft can be employed to add fun and meaning to just about any lesson. Name: Minecraft / MinecraftEdu Pricing: $26.95 / Education discounts Compatibility: Desktop / Mobile / Console Access: […]
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 learn coding basics, progress their skills and publish their very own apps to run on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux. Name: TouchDevelop Pricing: Free Compatibility: Desktop / Mobile Access: No signup required Privacy: Customizable (privacy policy) A Quick Look Create Apps for Hour Of Code™ with TouchDevelop!Watch this video on […]
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 geeks and nerds. A huge part of this mainstream adoption to coding has come from our daily interaction with smartphones and Apps. With 17 year old students becoming App millionaires and thousands of new Apps entering the marketplace each day, the opportunities for kids to […]
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 for students to get started. 2. Light-Bot Great for younger students who might not be able to grasp full programming just yet, this game allows users to control a robot using programmer-style logic and commands. (Update: You do need Flash enabled to use it […]