TOP PICKS | 21 TOOLS
Digital Resources for School Makerspaces
Top Picks
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3DBear AR
3D design and augmented reality merge in creative, interactive app
Bottom line: A great fit for classroom or makerspace settings as long as students have clear direction and compatible devices.
Makers Empire
Stellar 3D design hub promotes innovation, collaboration, and creation
Bottom line: This is a great design and creation tool that teachers and students can use to be innovative and share ideas with a vibrant community of makers.
Hello Ruby
Crafty, mostly screen-free approach to computer science
Bottom line: These creative, beautifully made craft- and interest-based projects have the potential to bring students -- particularly girls -- into the world of coding and computers.
Gizmos & Gadgets
Top-notch tool empowers kids to invent, build, and control wirelessly
Bottom line: Easy-to-use, versatile electronic invention set that works wirelessly with your hand-held device.
Wizard School!
Curated videos and creative challenges ignite active learning
Bottom line: There's plenty of material to inspire kids to embark on learning adventures that get them to explore, create, and share safely on the screen and off.
3D Slash
Minecraft-like 3D modeling (and printing) made super easy for all ages
Bottom line: This may be the fastest, cheapest route from idea to 3D printing out there, if you don't mind low-res, pixelated designs.
3DC
3D modeling tool allows for simple or complex creations
Bottom line: This is a good 3D design and modeling platform, but it might take a bit of exploration to really see the true potential.
Curiosity Machine
Kids build, share, receive pro feedback with awesome engineering site
Bottom line: Though it may not be an instant fit for your classroom, the exceptional quality of the site’s projects and processes makes it worth any problem solving.
Design Squad Global
Fun engineering problems encourage classroom competition, innovation
Bottom line: Design Squad Global makes learning STEAM concepts fun through hands-on activities and easy-to-understand scientific explanations.
DIY
Design, build, and share new things offline and online
Bottom line: DIY motivates kids to tackle a wide range of problems with independent and scientific thinking.
Kai's Clan
Innovative STEAM package takes robot coding to the next level
Bottom line: A nearly perfect spin on STEAM coding that combines a bunch of technologies into one, and effectively fuses the real and virtual worlds.
Tinkercad
Amazingly simple yet powerful online CAD tool turns kids into makers
Bottom line: Full-featured site and app make iterative 3D design accessible, social, and relevant.
KidsThinkDesign
Projects inspire creativity; a place for kids' sharing would boost fun
Bottom line: A go-to site for teachers looking for well-presented project ideas; kids will need opportunities to share work locally.
Made with Code
Enticing projects and inspiring videos offer anyone an intro to coding
Bottom line: Solid intro to coding with diverse projects geared toward tween/teen girls; sets foundation to explore deeper level coding and logic activities.
Science Buddies
A magic wand for those seeking science project support and success
Bottom line: Take the jitters out of science or engineering projects and fairs; this remarkable site coaches and supports students, parents, and teachers.
Autodesk Design Academy
Outstanding project-based tutorials for popular engineering software
Bottom line: The projects found here are a great way to teach and learn digital design; all are truly fantastic (and free!), with everything you need ready to go.
Instructables
Endless collection of DIY projects; good for sharing and inspiration
Bottom line: User-generated projects inspire sharing and learning, though more refined navigation would make it easier to sift through all the great ideas.
SketchUp
Make learning meaningful through 3D design
Bottom line: SketchUp is a fantastic, subject-agnostic tool that does take time to learn but helps students gain truly useful, transferable skills.
WhiteBox Learning
Design, analyze, and then build STEM applications
Bottom line: Complete learning modules include simple CAD design simulation tools, a digital competition, and options for hands-on building.
Make:
Fuel creative makers with project ideas, reviews, and community
Bottom line: Excellent DIY resource that empowers kids to learn by making and experimenting.
Grafio 3 - Diagram Maker
Flexible app transforms sketches into pro-level designs and diagrams
Bottom line: A terrific choice for creating simple diagrams or presentations on iOS.
