Starting to offer maker opportunities to students can feel overwhelming. And, finding the right tools for students to use can be confusing. There are so many options out there and most of the materials are not found at local stores, so it is often impossible to sample them prior to purchasing. So, if you are just starting to dip your toes into the maker education/STEM water, here is a list of materials that I think are helpful and not too difficult to start with and also give students endless opportunities as making becomes a more regular part of your library/classroom time.
Engineering
Cardboard Engineering with 3Dux or Makedo (Grade K-12)
One great way to get started giving students some opportunities for creation is simply by giving them cardboard to design and build with. Collecting cardboard is easy (and free), and I have found that it is a favorite material for students, even after investing in other hands-on learning tools. I love how open-ended cardboard can be, so students can truly design anything when they use the material. To help kickstart the creative process, when I give time for making with cardboard, I typically present some sort of design challenge. For example, maybe students can create their own tiny home design. Or, have students build a design for an invention. You might even weave a maker challenge into some content area learning and have students build a setting from a story read in class.
Two resources that can elevate cardboard designs and make them more accessible for students to build with are 3Dux Connectors and Makedo. 3Dux connectors are reusable connector pieces that help students instantly build 3D creations out of cardboard. Makedo’s tools resemble construction tools and come with components that are similar in name like Scrus, Scrudrivers, and Safesaws. These materials connect and cut cardboard to create more complex creations. One of my favorite components within Makedo is the Fold Roller, which perforates cardboard and creates a clean fold.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t forget to tell the facilities staff at your building when you start a collection! Chances are they will have many items to donate, and then they won’t confuse your collection with trash.
- Canary cutters are useful tools that make cutting cardboard easier and safer for kids.
Strawbees STEAM Classroom (Grades 1-12)
Strawbees is an awesome product that allows students to practice design thinking, rapid prototyping, and invention. Strawbees includes pre-cut reusable straws and special color-coded connectors that are easy for students to pick up and immediately start working with. The components that come in Strawbees are color coded (for example, the 3-connector piece is always green), so students can easily locate what they want to build more efficiently. Strawbees is extremely open-ended and can be connected to many content areas. For example, students are able to create and manipulate 3D shapes to supplement and solidify different geometry concepts.
A few things to keep in mind:
- When you are introducing Strawbees, give students time to play first. Students need some free time to explore and get comfortable with the tool before going deeper.
- Strawbees Classroom, a platform that assists in teaching with Strawbees, allows teachers to provide students with step-by-step directions for making 3D objects.
- You can use drinking straws and cardboard to create objects with Strawbees too!
Robotics
Beebot (Grades PreK-2)
The Beebot is an incredibly simplified robot that is a wonderful way to introduce coding to primary learners. It is a screen-free robot, where students simply push buttons on Beebot’s back to make the Beebot move in different directions or pause. The Beebot is a great way to introduce the foundational concepts of computer science without being overwhelming for kids (and adults). I also like that Beebot has many different accessories that can be used to tie in other core subjects like math and reading.
A few things to keep in mind:
- As I mentioned above, the Beebot can be used with many different accessories that can integrate other content areas. For example, I love the Number Line Mat and I have created challenges like, “Program Beebot to stop on the correct answer to 3 + 2 =? ”
- The Beebot Pen Holder Jacket is another fun accessory that gives kids an opportunity to try to draw different shapes using code.
Ozobot (Grades 3-12)
The Ozobot Evo is a small robot that can be coded in two ways: Students can draw and use color codes for a completely screen-free programming experience, or they can use Ozobot Blockly, which is Ozobot’s online block-based programming language. Sometimes a robot can feel less intimidating when you can interact without a screen, and the Ozobot Evo is a great example of this. Then, when students are ready to explore more advanced coding, they can advance to the online platform.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The Ozobot can be coded with any black, blue, red, and green markers. However, the markers that come with the Ozobot have an angled tip that is helpful when drawing the code.
- Learning to draw the code for Ozobot can be a challenge for students. I found that their Bot Camp Booklet is a great way for students (and educators) to get started.
- Ozobot has a wonderful online platform with hundreds of activities and lesson plans for integrating Ozobot Evo into the K-12 classroom.
Circuitry
Chibitronics (Grades 3-12)
Chibitronics are a great way to introduce circuitry concepts to students. Chibitronics kits include LED light stickers in various colors and conductive tape (either copper or fabric tape) that give students an opportunity to create their own unique designs with circuits. The STEM Starter Kit also comes with a booklet that walks a student through the foundational concepts that will unlock creative circuitry creations for learners. There are also helpful free templates that can be downloaded and printed on their website.
A few things to keep in mind:
- In the past, Chibitronics exclusively used copper tape with their LED lights, but they now primarily use fabric tape which I found to be much easier.
- They also have a wonderful Educator Guide that is available for download on their website. I found this to be helpful in getting started.
Kits
MackinMaker Take & Make Kits (Grades K-8)
MackinMaker Take & Make Kits are a very low-pressure way to start giving students opportunities for hands-on learning. These kits come with a book, a product, a container, and a set of challenge cards based on a specific theme. The kits are designed so students can be empowered to start making on their own and are a great option for independent or partner activities.
A few things to keep in mind:
- There are nine themes to choose from: Art, Architecture, Coding, Design Thinking, Engineering, Machines, Space, STEM using LEGO Education, and Upcycling.
- The kits could also be used for enrichment activities, as a part of a literacy center/station, or as a checkout option in the library.
If you are looking for hands-on learning tools but you don’t know where to start, I’d love to support you by creating a list of custom product recommendations for free! Just fill out this Custom Product Recommendation form. Do you already have the tools but don’t know how to implement them? I support educators through hands-on workshops. Contact me to learn more!
