Archives: Resources

The iEARN project has encouraged on-line communications between students in the US, Eastern Europe and Latin America through over 100 active global projects. For example, as a result … learn more

Maxis (now Electronic Arts) pioneered environmental simulation software for students. The series includes SimEarth, SimCity and, recently, the Sims (probably not appropriate for students). Each involves constructing a … learn more

This project facilitated by U.C. Santa Barbra and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis provides an inquiry-based approach to science that is fun and meaningful. Ecologists … learn more

Computer games allow players to be stakeholders in the events that occur on the screen. Here are examples of games being developed that help people learn about the … learn more

Project MAC at the Concord Consortium has launched a $7 million project, sponsored by NSF, DOE and NIH and Harvard, Northwestern,and local schools etc., to build on modeling … learn more

Molecular modeling (mathmol)takes advantage of the Web to display 3D models at the intersection of math and biology/chemistry and to mount a series for K-12 of hypermedia textbooks. … learn more

Tree of Life depicts modeling by showing all of life. The Tree of Life Web Project is a collaborative effort of biologists and nature enthusiasts from around the … learn more

StarLogo TNG is a downloadable programming environment that lets students and teachers create 3D simulations (and games!) for understanding complex systems. Create different classes of objects (Boids) and … learn more

This non-technical article looks at Professor Ian Couzin’s work on how a group of individuals make decisions about how to move and where to go all at once? … learn more

How do schools of fish swim in harmony? How do the tiny cells in your brain give rise to the complex thoughts, memories, and consciousness that are you? … learn more

Bill Nye, the Science Guy, has assembled 40+ simple & fun experiments you can do at home or in the classroom. Create everything from a simple stethoscope or … learn more

CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE EXPERIMENTS AND ACTIVITIES At Steve Spangler Science, we’re on a mission to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. A subscription to the Steve Spangler … learn more

Learn how you can make a solar powered hot air balloon with just tape and black plastic trash bags. An interesting project for a sunny day.

Think maker spaces are just for older kids and tech nerds? This video was created in one of Einstein’s Workshop’s stop motion animation classes, by Sophie and Allanna, … learn more

Marek Baczynski made a self driving potato. And then named him “Pontus” and adopted him as a pet. This video is part how-to-build, and lament on how adopting … learn more

Here is another maker space aimed at students and adults (big kids?). They encourage education through exploration, providing toys and tools to help students learn first-hand how science … learn more

Jennifer Turliuk and Andy Forest outline their recipe for success in this Make Magazine article: dedicated space, real tools, process and interest driven, kids teaching kids, exhibition and … learn more

A good way to see what all the excitement is about is to visit a nearby maker space. This map locates maker spaces in every part of the … learn more

Hackerspace-in-a-box is a classroom experiment exploring the horizons of emerging technologies, science, media, art, emotional/social intelligence, and PLAY through hackerspace facilitated workshops. This is one of their test … learn more

Manurewa High School is one of the largest multicultural high school secondary schools in New Zealand, with an enrollment of about 2,000 students. After their new maker space … learn more

The makerspace (also referred to as hackerspace) concept is simple and as such it can take many forms. Give people tools, space and community and you get a … learn more

Here’s an easy way to get started. Have your students create a roller coaster out of nothing but construction paper, tape, glue and string. The objective: have a … learn more

This book by Nic Penny offers a wealth of ideas for making satisfying musical instruments from everyday and junk materials. It is aimed at children aged eight and … learn more

Sugru is a mouldable silicone rubber glue or clay that sticks to almost anything, moulds like play-dough, then cures overnight. You can create an inexpensive alternative using just … learn more

This resource provides simple experiments to ask questions and get answers, allowing your students to become scientists. Here are a set of experiments with ingredients you can find … learn more

Transform your smartphone into a powerful digital microscope with a stand you can build for for about $10.

A video showing the steps to build the platform and the gorgeous results. Check out Smartphone to Microscope for $10 on this page.

Styrofoam is a great material and can be used for many things like prototyping, prop making and even RC airplanes. Cutting Styrofoam can be very tricky though. The … learn more

Nick Penny makes an stringed guitar like instrument from simple junk materials, including a soda bottle (hence the name). One of the projects from his book.

FIRST sponsors a series of competitions each school year, including a robotics challenge. Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, feels that “FIRST is more than robots. The robots are … learn more

So, looking for a cheaper rover platform, say under $500? Roger Cheng was inspired by JPL’s Open Source Rover project and created a much cheaper alternative, Sawppy. Most … learn more

This video shows what it takes to make a simple autonomous robot using an ultrasound sensor and Arduino computer board. The parts list, code, and written instructions can … learn more

Using recycled boxes from cereal boxes and other household items, maybe some construction paper, and paper fasteners your younger students can build their own “robots”. When the robots … learn more

Learn how to make your own soft robotic tentacle using silicone rubber and some ball point pens! This project is an easy and affordable way to demonstrate soft … learn more

Not all projects require soldering or electronics. This simple hand explores many of the concepts of robotics, but is created from cardboard, drinking straws, string and a hot … learn more

If you’re a beginner just starting out these eight projects will help hone your skills. Could be the basis for a class or after-school project lab.

John Park builds some lively and inexpensive miniature robots. Starting with a simple vibrabot made from a scrub brush, John assembles a solar junkbot and a slightly more … learn more

Howtoons is what happens when you combine a comic book artist, an inventor, and a toy designer. Howtoons provides engaging content that teaches kids how to build things, … learn more

STEM demonstrations do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Sciphile.org believes that science education is important, and pursuing it should be fun. They host a library of … learn more

Purple Plow Challenge, from the American Farm Bureau, encourages students to research scenarios related to food, hunger and sustainability and build their own prototypes to solve the defined … learn more

It’s fun to build toy-like projects. It’s educational to learn through applied physics. It’s invaluable to know that you are someone who can make something from nothing, and … learn more

This hands-on experiment and lesson plan from TeachEngineering provides students with an understanding of the issues that surround environmental cleanup. Student teams create their own oil spills, try … learn more

OK, now you have your PVC pipe bent, how do you make it looks like something other than PVC pipe? This video shows you how to remove the … learn more

PVC can be a cheap building material. But it’s not easy to bend into different shapes … until now. Heating sand on a portable induction cook top or … learn more

This maker challenge from TeachEngeneering challenges students to design or improve an existing passenger compartment so that it better withstands front-end collisions, protecting riders from injury and resulting … learn more

The problem with STEM is that teachers often have to purchase the materials at their own expense. Sarah has assembled this collection of STEM engineering challenges that are … learn more

Instructables has created a collection of 100 STEAM Projects created for teachers and educators to do with youth. Each project encourages exploration, modification, and students to pursue their … learn more

WestEd offers professional development, evaluation, research, coaching, and assessment development in all STEM subjects. Their resources include teacher professional development and classroom lessons to help students, address and … learn more

Look to sites like STEM Grants for information on educational grants for K-12 and educational non-profits. Other sources for funding and support can be found by contacting your … learn more

In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever that our nation’s youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of … learn more

Underwriters Laboratories’ XplorLabs is a free resource designed to encourage students to “solve through science.” Aimed at middle school students, the site uses interactive videos, instructional experiences, hands-on … learn more

This video looks at Westfield Vocational High School and shows how their teachers and students are reinventing vocational education to be relevant for today’s students. This school is … learn more

JASON’s goal is to provide curriculum and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for K-12 students, and provide high-quality professional development for teachers. In addition … learn more

A growing body of research suggests that creating video games can be a highly engaging way for children to learn a range of STEM skills. Moreover, it encourages … learn more

This site, a National Science Foundation initiative, provides information, events, and resources that highlight promising practices and tools in support of effective K-12 STEM education. The site highlights … learn more

To prepare for the STEM adventure, PBS station KEQD offers this checklist of five questions your school needs to consider.

This post defines six characteristics of a great STEM lesson. Our favorite is: STEM lessons allow for multiple right answers and reframe failure as a necessary part of … learn more

This 16 minute film looks at STEM education at the STEM Magnet Lab School in Northglenn, CO. Some quotes include, “I’ve taught insects before, and I’ve never taught … learn more

Anne Jolly reviews how PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) were implemented, or not, and how STEM programs need a higher level of accountability. What, exactly, makes a particular curriculum … learn more

Aimed at educators, this introductory video defines STEM (integrating Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), outlines the benefits, and identifies areas like school organization, teacher preparation, and student assessment.