Here are some of our favorite resources in our Makerspaces:
Spheros
Robotic balls–use basic apps (Sphero and Draw and Drive) for younger grades and programming apps (MacroLab and OrbBasic) for upper grades);
Math: Percentages, division, geometry, and patterns
Physics: Speed, time, and distance
Computer Science: Program flow, variables, conditionals, and reading sensors
Tons of Lessons here: http://www.gosphero.com/education/
SOLs:
Math K.11, K.12, 1.12, 1.13, 3.15, 3.16, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, 4.14, 4.16, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.10, 5.11, 5.15, 5.18;
Science 4.2, 5.3
Little Bits – Pro
Build simple electronic inventions with lights, sound, sensors, etc. Incorporate science, math, art, music. Learn input, output, power; (ages 8 and up)
Lessons here:
http://littlebits.cc/browse-lessons;
http://littlebits.cc/steam-resources
SOLs:
Science 2.2; 4.3, 4.6; 5.2
Many more content ties under Lessons including Music and Art
Cubelets
Build robots with Power, Sense and Action blocks; experienced students add Think blocks; can be used with Legos; (PK-5th)
SOLs:
Science K.1, K.2, 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
Squishy Circuits
Make conductive and insulating playdough. Use the playdough, a battery pack, LEDs, motors and buzzers to create something. Clear connection to open/closed circuits, conductive/insulating properties. Be careful not to touch the leads of the battery pack together or to touch them directly to the components. Recipes for dough and more here: http://courseweb.stthomas.edu/apthomas/SquishyCircuits/
SOLs:
Science K.1, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1
Makey Makey
Invention Kit – control computer inputs with any conductive object; Use with computer; Can program with scratch. Depending on the project, it can be used across all subject areas. Use the site to get started: http://makeymakey.com/ Find lots of ideas and how-tos here: https://sites.google.com/site/makeymakeyk12/
K-1st (with supervision);2nd-5th
SOLs:
Science K.1, K.2, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1
Green Screen Kit (green screen, lights, backgrounds)
Recommended App to use with Green Screen: Green Screen by Doink
Students can find backgrounds from Pic4Learning.com.
Depending on the topic, can be used across various SOLs.
Q-ba Maze
Engineering (show example for younger grades)
SOLs:
Science 1.2, 3.2; 4.2
Makedo
Cardboard creation materials (safe cardboard saw, wheels, hinges).
SOLs:
Math 2.15; 2.16; 3.14; Science 3.2, 5.11
Our Favorite Books
3D Printer
Use with Tinkercad, Cookie Caster, and TinkerPlay.
Dash and Dot
Use various apps (Wonder, Go, Blockly, Path, Xylo, Tickle). Go and Path are great for K-2; Blockly for all other ages.
SOLs:
K-5th
Can be adapted to work with multiple SOLs based on the challenge.
Lego Mindstorm EV3
Robots that can be programmed using an iPad or computer, though the computer software has more options. Can be used for many subjects based on the challenge.
SOLs:
Math 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, 4.14, 4.16, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.10, 5.11, 5.15, 5.18; Science 4.2, 5.3
Bee Bots/Blue Bots
Simple way to teach code to K-2. Can use with various mats that extend the educational value.
Ozobots
Draw to code or code using blockly apps or websites. Comes with Makers, 5 Bowling Sets, and Code Cards. Use for measurement, geometry, and probability in Math. Many other lessons here: http://ozobot.com/stem-education
Problem solving games here: http://ozobot.com/play/web-games
SOLs:
Math K.11, K.12, 1.11, 1.12, 2.11, 2.15, 2.16, 2.18, 3.9, 3.15, 3.16, 3.18, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 5.8, 5.9, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.15
Moss Robotics
Build a variety of robots that respond to their environment or experiment with programming robot behavior with languages that cover beginners and advanced users. Build with magnetic Power, Data Out, Data In, and Pass Through Blocks and steel spheres.
Books About Makerspaces
Invent to Learn
Make: Tinkering by Curt Gabrielson
The Art of Tinkering
Tinkerlab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors
World of Making: Best Practices for Establishing a Makerspace at Your School
How-to Books
Photojojo!
Woodshop for Kids
I Can Make That!
Sew Electric
Wool Buddies
EasyOrgami
Stick It!
Sylvia’s Super Awesome Project Book: Super Simple Arduino
The Learning Collaboratory 