The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2029 employment in STEM occupations will increase by 8%, more than twice the rate of non-STEM careers. And the fact that the median STEM wage is more than double that of non-STEM wages underscores the importance of effective K-12 STEM instruction.

STEM subjects can be dense and difficult for students to engage with, which is why these top STEM apps can make a valuable addition to your STEM-teaching toolkit. Most offer free basic accounts, and all are designed to capture the imagination of users, through games, puzzles, and high-quality graphics and sound.

Best STEM Apps for Education

Periodic Table 2024: Chemistry iOS Android Web
An extremely popular free app that provides a wealth of useful information about the periodic table and its chemical elements. Click on any element to reveal a submenu of images, history, properties, solubility, Wikipedia links, and more. With more than 40,000 ratings, this app has a remarkable average 4.8 stars out of five. The developers keep the app updated and respond to selected comments. Don’t have a mobile device? Not to worry, the web version is accessible on your desktop computer and is super easy to use.

Tynker: Coding for Kids iOS Android
An award-winning app, Tynker Coding for Kids teaches the basics of coding and beyond with games and puzzles that teach coding principles. More than 200 starter tutorials help users practice skills with every new step. But it’s much more than simply learning skills -- kids can create and launch their own characters, weapons, drones, and more for Minecraft, Crystal Clash, and Barbie. Free app with in-app purchases. To unlock all features, purchase a subscription of $24.99 per month or $59.99 per quarter.

Froggipedia by Embibe iOS Android
A former Apple App of the Year, Froggipedia invites users to embark on a virtual exploration and dissection of frogs, all without textbooks, lab space or ethical concerns. High-quality images and animations demonstrate frog anatomy, life cycle, and behavior in a way that will engage kids in learning frog biology—and pique their interest in other life science topics.

K-5 Science for Kids - Tappity iOS
Guided by Haley the science expert, kids learn science with thousands of fun interactive lessons, activities, questions, and stories covering more than 100 topics, including astronomy, Earth science, physics, and biology. Lessons align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Free to try, with several paid subscription plans.

The Elements by Theodore Gray iOS
Animated by detailed, high-quality 3D graphics, The Elements by Theodore Gray brings the periodic table to life. With its strong visual appeal, it’s ideal for engaging science learners of any age, while older students will benefit from the depth of information presented.

The Explorers iOS Android
This former Apple TV App of the Year winner invites amateur and professional photographers and scientists to contribute their animal, plant, and natural landscape photos and videos to this extensive showcase of Earth’s wonders.

Hopscotch-Programming for kids iOS
Designed for the iPad, and available for iPhone and iMessage as well, Hopscotch-Programming for Kids teaches children age 4 and above the basics of programming and game/app creation. This multiple-award winner is an Apple Editors’ Choice.

Inventioneers iOS Android
Kids learn physics while having a blast creating and sharing their own inventions, aided by Inventioneers Windy, Blaze, and Bunny. Winner of Parents' Choice Gold Award.

Minecraft: Education Edition iOS Android
The ultimate building app for students, teachers, and kids of all ages, Minecraft is both a game and a powerful teaching tool. The education version provides hundreds of standards-aligned lessons and STEM curricula, tutorials and exciting building challenges. For teachers, students, or schools without a Minecraft: Education Edition subscription, try the hugely popular original Minecraft: iOS Android.

Monster Math: Kids Fun Games iOS Android
This highly touted gamified math app allows kids to learn and practice grade 1-3 Common Core Math Standards. Features include multiple levels, skill filtering, multiplayer mode, and in-depth reporting with skill-by-skill analysis.

Prodigy Math Game iOS Android
Prodigy uses an adaptive game-based learning approach to engage students grades 1-8 in building and practicing math skills. Math questions are aligned with state-level curricula, including Common Core and TEKS.

SkySafari iOS Android
Like a pocket planetarium, SkySafari lets students explore, locate, and identify millions of celestial objects, from satellites to planets to constellations. Try the voice control feature, or use it in augmented reality mode to combine a simulated sky chart with the real view of the night sky.

• Science Buddies: How to Use It to Teach Science
• Kide Science: How to Use It to Teach STEM
• Best Cybersecurity Lessons and Activities for K-12 Education

Tinkercad offers a free and powerful way to work with computer-aided design, or CAD, for students of a wide range of ages. But it does more.

The art of 3D design using digital software tools has been an expensive and computer-resource draining task. Now Tinkercad is here to help make this fun and intelligent way of working accessible to everyone.

This can be used to teach CAD specifically, perhaps in a shop class, but is also useful for art classes, physics, math, and more. The designs can be used or 3D printed for real-world use -- helping empower students to create in a professional way from scratch. But it does more with circuitry and coding skills baked in too, making it a powerful STEM-teaching tool.

This guide aims to lay out all you need to know about Tinkercad to help you decide if it could benefit your class.

• New Teacher Starter Kit
• Best Tools for Teachers

What is Tinkercad?

Tinkercad is a software platform that allows for the design and manipulation of 3D images using CAD, coding, and circuitry.

Tinkercad works as a web and smartphone app, so it won't use up computer resources and, since it's free, can be accessible to a wide range of students from nearly any device. This allows student to design, edit, and print 3D objects and offers the ability to work with virtual circuits and to learn code using blocks.

At its most basic this lets students create shapes and then combine these to create more complex objects. If your school doesn't have a 3D printer this need not be an issue as it's also possible to order 3D prints of designs as needed.

Everything is education-focused so there is a dashboard for teachers to be able to create lessons and classes, share, and monitor as needed.

How does Tinkercad work?

Tinkercad is a free web tool so you simply need to go to the site, or download the app, register for free, and you can start designing and editing right away.

Tinkercad breaks down into three STEM-friendly sections: 3D design, circuits, and codeblocks. The first is for pure CAD work, the second for physics and electronics-style circuit building and testing, and the third is for writing coding using block-based code.

Teachers can set tasks or classes to groups or individuals and then monitor progress as students perform the tasks. Usefully this is all ISTA, Common Core, and NGSS standards-aligned to make hitting those important markers even easier for educators. 

Using sample videos teachers can give students ideas about potential projects, which can then be worked on in class as well as outside the room using their own devices and logins.

What are the best Tinkercad features?

Tinkercad is very easy to use, making it appealing for students as young as grade 3 and above, yet offers enough complexity to cater for older students in grade 12 too.

Tinkercad lets you output designs into Minecraft, which is a great way to get students excited about working with the software. They can also 3D print their creations to get an even more satisfying physical end result of their efforts.

The availability of scaffolded mini-lessons makes this a great way to get started and to introduce students to CAD. They can learn at their pace in a way that builds confidence, especially when making fun creations that leave them wanting to do more.

The Tinkercad community is popular and active so students can share and use designs with and from others to get more out of the tool. This can help in saving time, building off the back of another's work, but can also be helpful in teaching collaboration and sectionalizing projects. 

Teacher resources are plentiful with the ability to create classes, add students, import, and share designs with the groups. Usefully, there are lesson plans and tutorials also available to make teaching any of the three functions simpler.

How much does Tinkercad cost?

Tinkercad is a totally free web app and downloadable smartphone and tablet app. You just need to sign up with an email address to get the most out of the service to get going with ad-free use. The fact work can be saved and accessed across devices without charge is a really powerful feature here.

Tinkercad best tips and tricks

Build for Minecraft
Start by designing with a Minecraft output end result in mind to have students excited and engaged on this new tool right from the outset.

Print out
Be sure to use the 3D printing option to make real-world results from the designs so students can see the impact their ideas can have. Phone cases is a fun one to create.

Fix a problem
Find a real-world problem and set students the task of solving it with their designs, perhaps working in groups to achieve the ideal result.

• New Teacher Starter Kit
• Best Tools for Teachers

Look around. What do you see?

Perhaps computers, phones, desks, and lights. Possibly chairs, backpacks, and textbooks. Likely walls and windows. Maybe a parking lot with cars.

We are surrounded by the products of engineering. Every human-made object, no matter how small or common, contains within it the engineering design process from start to finish. Accounting for the “E” in STEM, engineering is an essential but mostly unseen aspect of human existence.

This year, National Engineers Week falls on Feb 18-24, making it a great time to explore the top engineering lessons and activities detailed here. Engineering lessons are a natural fit for science classes, as well as project-based learning. All are free, except for a single modestly-priced exception that’s too good not to include.

Best Free Engineering Lessons and Activities 

TryEngineering Lesson Plans
Searchable by age, category, and keywords, these highly detailed lesson plans are classroom-ready. Each lesson includes a specific design challenge, materials required, background, vocabulary, and much more. From TryEngineering.org, a collaboration of IEEE, IBM, and the New York Hall of Science.

The Tech Interactive Engineering Lessons
More than two dozen lesson plans and related challenges that look at engineering through the lens of diverse subjects, from data science to English Language Arts to systems design. From the highly regarded The Tech Interactive science and technology center in San Jose, California.

PBS Kids Design Squad Global
Strong selection of videos, activities, design challenges, games, and more that engage kids in hands-on engineering. Visit the dedicated educator section for lesson plans and professional learning.

2026 Science Buddies Engineering Challenge
Science Buddies' upcoming engineering challenge will be announced January 2026. In the meantime, explore past challenges, which include standards-aligned complete lesson plans and videos of past winners and their creations. Elementary, middle, and high school challenges available.

Engineering Design Process
Engineering is essentially problem-solving. To start, you must first define the problem. Then what? Use this information-packed flow chart to teach design thinking to your students. A video plus links to other resources makes this a complete lesson.

Machine Learning for Kids
Machine learning forms the basis for the exploding field of artificial intelligence. On this-easy-to use site, students can follow the step-by-step guidance to start teaching the machine something about human experience. Be sure to check out the premade downloadable guides. Create a free account or try it with no account needed.

Engineer Girl Design Challenges
Engineering isn’t just about high-tech materials. Students take on the challenge of using everyday goods to design airplanes, batteries, bridges, and more.

Cyberchase Science and Engineering
Explore games, videos, activities, and topics related to engineering and science on this PBS Kids site based on the educational children’s television series Cyberchase. Included are interesting downloadable lessons, sortable by topic and sharable to Google Classroom. No account required – just start the fun and learning.

Teach Engineering K-12 Curriculum
Strong collection of complete, standards-based K-12 engineering lessons, searchable by grade levels. Each lesson includes a video, background information, learning objectives, standards, worksheets, investigating questions, pre- and post-assessments, and more. Topics range from the basics of design thinking to creating working models of physiology to creating spaghetti bridges (naturally!).

PBS Learning Media
A rich resource for diverse topics in engineering, from design to history to careers. Browse interactive lessons, audio, video, documents, and images, or search by grade and type or resource. Questions such as, “Why can’t humans fly?” and “Is there life in space?” will keep students engaged, learning and asking questions of their own.

Engineering For Good Plastic Solutions
Plastic is everywhere. It’s in our oceans, in our soils, and—not surprisingly—in our bodies. This three-week project-based learning unit aims to help students develop solutions to the plastic pollution problem, through classic engineering workflow. Included are lesson plans, videos, and documents for grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. NGSS-aligned and shareable to Google Classroom.

Design a Robotic Insect
What allows insects to crawl and fly the way they do? In this fascinating lesson that combines biology with engineering, students will learn about insects and robotic analogs, then design their own.

The Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain
The 21st-century explosion of mobile devices and the looming threat of climate change have made the lithium-ion battery extremely important to modern life. Learn about all facets of the battery life cycle, from lithium extraction to e-waste in this robust lesson from Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL). This lesson includes guides for students and teachers, as well as revealing video and engaging graphics.

ASCE Bridge Florida software
Free for education users, this downloadable bridge design software is intended to provide the sophistication of a robust professional CAD software while offering a simpler interface for students. The video tutorial will help students to start designing and testing quickly. Will your virtual bridge hold the weight of a tractor-trailer? Don’t worry, you can always go back to the drawing board.

TEDEd Engineering lessons
A diverse selection of animated video engineering lessons. Investigate ideas such as the world’s biggest battery, building the Hoover Dam, and how jetpacks work (hint: when's the last time you saw a jetpack?). Each video includes questions to ponder and resources for further study. Filter by grade level, duration, and type of video.

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Virtual Robot Curriculum
An ingenious way to teach and learn robotics online, without physical robotics equipment. Students and teachers can access the program anytime, from any connected device, and all progress is automatically saved. Account options include single licenses at $9 per student and 12 licenses for $100.

► Best STEM Apps For Education

► Best Technology Lessons and Activities

► Best Science Lessons & Activities

Amazon has announced that as schools across the country experience disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon Future Engineer will provide free online access to sponsored computer science courses in the US, which is for independent learners grades 6-12, and teachers who are remotely teaching this age group. Parents can also access this curriculum. 

Amazon Future Engineer and curriculum partner, Edhesive, will grant teachers and students access to these free courses shortly after they complete an online application, which can be found at amazonfutureengineer.com. 

Courses currently available include:

• Middle School - Computer Science Explorations
• High School – Introduction to Computer Science in Python, Computer Science Principle (AP endorsed), Computer Science A - Java (AP Endorsed)

To learn more, read Amazon’s COVID-19 blog post about this new offering and additional ways Amazon is supporting community members affected by COVID-19, and below for more background on the Amazon Future Engineer program.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards to honor seven teachers and their schools working to help students in underserved and underrepresented communities build skills in computer science. Prize packages are valued at more than $25,000. 

The more than 2,400 teachers participating in the Amazon Future Engineer Program at over 2,100 schools nationwide can be nominated or apply at AmazonFutureEngineer.com from February 13th to March 12th.  

Award recipients will be chosen based on criteria which includes their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within computer science education, a recommendation from a school administrator, and compelling, personal anecdotes about their school and students. Seven award recipients will be chosen from across the country – two high school teachers in the Eastern U.S., two in the West, two in the Central region, and one Amazon Future Engineer Robotics Grant teacher. Scholarship America will judge applications and select the award recipients. 

Computer science is the fastest-growing profession within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field, but only 8% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree, with a small percentage from underserved backgrounds. Students from underserved backgrounds are 8 to 10 times more likely to pursue college degrees in computer science if they have taken AP computer science in high school. 

All Amazon Future Engineer teachers can apply to the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards starting on February 13th through March 12th at AmazonFutureEngineer.com. School principals, administrators, peers, and students can also nominate Amazon Future Engineer teachers. 

The schools of award recipients will each receive a prize package valued at over $25,000, which may include a variety of needed donations to their classrooms, STEM toys and activities, school upgrades and enhancements and more. They will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to re:MARS, Amazon’s AI event covering a diverse array of topics and themes related to Machine Learning, Automation, Robotics, and Space. Teachers with questions about the application can visit AmazonFutureEngineer.com.

One high school found the best way to rev up learning was to teach engineering skills through building racecar engines and other motor sports challenges. The class also includes field trips to Martinsville, Bristol, and Charlotte racetracks; constructing a drag racing car; and riding in the Burton race car at a local track. 

Who: Chris Overfelt, Motorsports instructor at Burton Center for Arts & Technology

Where: Roanoke County Public Schools, Roanoke, VA

What: Teaching Engineering Skills through Building Racecar Motors

We implemented the Motorsports class in 2002 after engine building was placed on the state competencies. In 2011, we discovered that the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow competition was being held in Pennsylvania. As luck would have it, we won and went to Nationals our first year. 

The course is very popular, and it has certainly worked out in the last six years--three national titles, two seconds and a third. All extra time after school and trips are done by the free will of everyone involved. Other programs at the school have included redesigning toy ride-on cars for children with disabilities and reprogramming computers to give to those in need.

Positive Results

This program teaches a lot of hands-on skills and really focuses on the concept and value of teamwork. When the team does well they win scholarship money for tech colleges. Team Vibrant Performance from the Burton Center for Arts & Technology once again earned the nod as the best engine building team in the nation. On Dec. 8 the team took their third national championship at the annual Hot Rodders of Tomorrow championship in Indianapolis with a final average time of 17:26. 

Biggest Challenge

While Motorsports is a course at BCAT, the Hot Rodders portion of my class is extracurricular. We have had to work extra hard to develop this part of the class. Every year students leave the team, so sometimes it's hard to fill their spots. It requires hand tools and a lot of dedication from everyone involved. Funding is the largest hurdle.

Finding Funding

All travel and money needed for the program is self-funded by the students and myself. Some seasons we travel as much a several thousand miles. We solicit local businesses for help covering costs. (This part is the hardest part of all.) 

Pro Tips

If you want to have the best program it will require a ton of work. Connect with local businesses and share your success to help inspire donations. 

Recently, Advance Auto Parts, through the Good360 Foundation, donated 27 pallets of supplies to the BCAT Automotive Technology and Motor Sports programs. Items such as motor oil, anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid, wax and other car care items were provided, which represented thousands of dollars of materials.

Tech Skills

• Welding
• Fabricating
• Auto painting
• Engine performance

SAM Labs

Kids use block code and wireless blocks to program, design, and create

Pros: Students will love the hands-on creation process and interactive features that bring their designs to life.

Cons: The site is slow to load, and costs for the various blocks and kits can add up quickly.

Bottom Line: With some perseverance, it's a great fit for PBL and STEAM, helping students learn programming skills and engineering concepts through invention.

Read more.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed byCommon Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

AutoCAD is perhaps the most well-known CAD software out there. It can be found in high schools and colleges, and it’s usually one of the first programs people learn when getting into CAD. This is partially due to the program’s intuitive interface and its free student edition. It also happens to be one of the few CAD programs that works on Mac.

This software is meant to create 2D designs for architecture, electrical systems, mechanical parts and more. AutoCAD might not be a good fit for more complex projects, but it has a wide range of tools and can be a great introduction to CAD programs. And if you want to focus more on a specific discipline, AutoDesk offers additional complimentary programs that focus more on engineering, architecture and construction.

When you first open AutoCAD, a page will pop up to walk you through the interface and teach you how to use the various layers and command functions. You will have access to a beginner handbook, intermediate guide and advanced skills document to help you learn and improve from your skill level. Very few CAD programs offer such helpful and beginner-friendly guides in their software.

AutoCAD also includes a library of materials, to give your work a more completed look. These materials include brick, wood and various colors. Additionally, this software lets you adjust the lighting of your projects and apply photorealistic rendering to better illustrate your designs.

AutoCAD can be viewed and edited on computers, tablets and smartphones, which makes it easier to share your work with your customers, coworkers and bosses.

Like other CAD programs, this one works in layers, allowing you to keep track of your various elements and change them when needed without disturbing the entire design. You can easily add and edit text both in 2D and 3D format.

Using this software, you will be able to create 2D images like maps, exploded-views with annotations, and blueprints. You will also be able to use the 3D modeling tools to create building models, mechanical components and more. You can even convert 2D images to 3D, and vice versa, to help you save time on your projects.

Note that while this software can help you create some basic 3D models, its power really lies in 2D image creation, which makes it ideal for blueprints and architectural designs. It isn’t the best fit for large, complex designs. If you’re wanting more powerful 3D CAD software, you might be interested in SolidWorks.

AutoCAD’s user interface features large icons and a simple layout, so you can find the tools you need quickly. The command line can be toggled on and off to give you more space when not in use, and it responds to a variety of commands so you can work more efficiently. You can also set up macros in this program to speed up frequently used tools and processes.

This software is compatible with a wide range of files including DWG, DXF, DWF, DGN, SKP, STEP and STL, among others. This means you can edit and adjust designs initially created in other programs and that you can 3D print your designs.

AutoDesk’s website splits AutoCAD’s support into eight different areas, so you can get help for your specific field of work. There is also an active online forum where you can ask questions and get help from other users, and there are plenty of troubleshooting and learning tutorials to help you work through difficult projects.

If you don’t find the help you need on the knowledgebase, you can contact the company by email or phone. Technical support is included with your software at no additional fee, so you can always get the help you need. While looking around, we also found plenty of user-created YouTube tutorials so you’ll be able to find additional help outside of the company, if necessary. 

Unfortunately, you must choose a subscription when purchasing AutoCAD, as there are no one-time purchase options. There are three different subscription options to choose from: one year of service for $1,575, three years of service for $4,725 or monthly payments of $195. These are the prices we found at the time of publication. It's definitely not the most economical software on the market, but it is decently priced considering all of its tools and features.

AutoCAD is one of five CAD programs in our comparison that offers free software for students, educators and schools. AutoDesk specifically states that the student edition must be used for educational purposes only. You will need to provide proof to AutoDesk that you are a student, educator or school to get access to this version.

cross posted at toptenreviews.com

Autodesk Design Academy

Outstanding project-based tutorials for popular engineering software

Pros: Tutorials are extremely clear and well thought out for both teachers and students, and digital materials are exceptionally high-quality.

Cons: There's very little peer-to-peer support available, and most projects offer few chances to make novel choices or discover features on your own.

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.

Read more.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed byCommon Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

Crazy Gears 

Highly applicable STEM-themed free play, easy appeal for wide audience 

Pros: Open-ended play and exploration put kids in the driver's seat and can lead to many new discoveries.
Cons: Some levels can feel repetitive.
Bottom Line: A clear, simple, and fun introduction to science and engineering topics that may otherwise feel unapproachable for some kids.

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

Have you ever experienced digital learning? Digital Learning Day on February 23rd is the perfect time to try out a great digital learning resource. This interactive program will help you teach all about how forces work. Discover what they are, types, combining, and more through engaging online activities.

Courtesy of Knovation   

To honor the inventor of the Ferris Wheel, George Washington Ferris, try this engineering lesson. Students will immerse themselves in a study of motion, lode, and construction of various wheels throughout history. Structural engineering and design investigations will also occur during their investigation of the "London Eye" to analyze wheel design challenges that Ferris and others who preceded him must have experienced.. Then the students will work in cooperative groups to build and problem solve as they will use pasta, glue, and tea bags to construct a big wheel.

Courtesy of Knovation   

With National Engineers Week taking place this February 17-23, it's a great time to explore products that budding engineers will love to play with and learn from. The toys below are grounded in STEM learning and foster creative problem solving and building techniques that are the foundation for children with an early engineering mindset.  

Pendulonium™ STEM Challenge

The Pendulonium STEM Challenge from Learning Resources challenges children's engineering, problem solving, and critical thinking skills as they play around with early physics concepts such as force and momentum in search of the ideal solution.

• WHERE TO BUY: Amazon
• AGES: 5+ 
• MSRP: $19.99

Gears! Gears! Gears! Machines in Motion

With the Gears! Gears! Gears! Machines in Motion from Learning Resources, kids engineer their own playtime fun with the help of creative, open-ended building activities. Kids can build their own versions of numerous different interactive machines and vehicles.

• WHERE TO BUY: Amazon
• AGES: 4+
• MSRP: $39.99

1-2-3 Build It™ Rocket-Train-Helicopter

Your budding engineer will love using these mix-and-match pieces to build three different modes of transportation—a rocket, a train, or a helicopter (one at a time). Use the play screwdriver to put the large, durable pieces where they go. Great for learning early STEM skills. Built plane measures 7½”L x 4”H.

• WHERE TO BUY: Amazon
• AGES: 2+
• MSRP: $19.99

Plus-Plus: Open Play Tube (70 Pieces) 

This 70 piece travel-friendly tube is a screen-free boredom buster for the whole family. Use the enclosed idea guide to build a spinning top, people, trees, flowers and more! Or, use your imagination and build in 2D or 3D. It's one shape with endless possibility!

• WHERE TO BUY: Target (Online Only)
• AGES: 4+
• MSRP: $39.99

element14.com, the online community for engineers, has donated 250 micro:bit devices to support coding in the classroom.

‘The Great micro:bit Education Giveaway’ was launched in August 2018 and invited STEM educators to submit a proposal for a project they would like to run using micro:bit. Twenty-five applicants were selected to receive a micro:bit club pack – each containing ten devices and related accessories including batteries, adapters and USB cables.

The successful applicants were asked to document the progress of their projects on the element14 Community. Highlights included maker sessions for young and vulnerable children in New Brunswick, Canada, in a series of projects for G:RL Power Code Fest Americas – an event supporting young female coders in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru – and the development of an interactive mental arithmetic challenge by a group of students in Pennsylvania. 

Three projects which were deemed to have demonstrated exceptional merit and creativity were selected for special recognition and a micro:bit prize package to help further their development. Educators Robert Ancell from New Zealand, Andrei Beloiu from Romania and Wil Lindsay from the U.S. were announced as the winners.

Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media for the element14 Community and Premier Farnell, said: “As a key distributing partner for the micro:bit foundation, promoting coding and digital literacy in education is one of our highest priorities. The overwhelming global response to our Great Education Giveaway is a testament to the incredible things STEM teachers can accomplish with the right tools and support.”

Details of the Great micro:bit Education Challenge, including the winner blogs and project highlights, can be found here:  https://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-91357/l/the-great-microbit-education-giveaway-winners

To register to become a member of the element14 Community, visit http://www.element14.com/

Engineering STEM Resources

Since there are a gold mine of resources below I will keep my comments short. While STEM incorporates so many disciplines, I thought you might enjoy looking at some the best sites I could find in the area of Engineering. As you look through 42 possibilities, be sure to take some notes. It really is OK to get lost in one or two and leave the rest for later.  Please take a moment to share this post with fellow educators with a tweet. Enjoy your journey and please let me know others I should add. 

Design Squad Nation – Another great service from PBS filled with some entertaining and engaging ways to integrate STEM into any classroom. Teachers can explore and use Design Squad Nation activities, animations, video profiles, and episodes in classrooms and after-school programs, in libraries and museums, at events and at home.

Engineer Your Life – This engaging website is the centerpiece of a national campaign, and is meant for high school girls and the adults in their lives (parents, counselors, teachers, and other educators) who want to learn more about what life and work are like for engineers. It is a great place to explore outstanding engineering possibilities.

Teach Engineering – This is a comprehensive collaborative project between faculty, students, and teachers associated with five founding partner universities, with NSF National Science Foundation funding. This real world collection continues to grow and evolve with new additions submitted from more than 50 additional contributors, a cadre of volunteer teacher and engineer reviewers, and feedback from teachers who use the curricula in their classrooms.

Discover Engineering  – This organization coalition of volunteer engineer professionals works together to celebrate engineering and give students hands-on experiences with engineering.

eGFI Dream Up The Future – Be ready to discover a variety of tools to boost your students’ math and science skills, enliven the classroom with engineering projects, expand your own professional horizons and stay informed. There is also an amazing free newsletter with updated features that will arrive in your in-box every month. This is a site that is a must visit for any STEM teacher.

EIE – Engineering is Elementary supports educators and children with curricula and professional development that develop engineering literacy. EiE serves children and educators in grades K- 8 with research-based, teacher-tested curriculum materials for schools and out-of-school time programs. The program also helps teachers build skills and confidence in teaching engineering and technology in their professional development workshops.

The Lemlinson Center -Take a moment to visit this amazing website that showcases the study of invention and innovation. It is part of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, the center documents, interprets, and disseminates information about invention and innovation; encourages inventive creativity in young people; and fosters an appreciation for the central role that invention and innovation play in the history of the United States.

Cooper Hewitt Lesson Plans –  Take a look at the design possibilities covering all subject areas and grade levels. There will surely be something to promote design thinking!

Try Engineering – Here a place to visit for the latest information, resources, and research. It will provide numerous ideas to bring engineering to the classroom.

The Engineering Place – This might be the right place to get the idea you need. There are wonderful lesson plans for K-8 students.

Spark!Lab – Discover the Spark!Lab Process for design which includes, Identify a problem or need (Think It), Conduct Research (Explore It), Make sketches (Sketch It) Build prototypes (Create It),  Test the invention (Try It), Refine the invention (Tweak It), Market the invention (Sell It). You will want to explore the links to these these resources and the amazing Spark Lab Free Design Book.

Tinker Ball – This is a great simulation that allows students to see there are multiple iterations and possibilities when designing.

Curiosity Machine – Explore this wonderful program that puts an emphasis on artificial intelligence and engineering.

UL Explore Labs – Solve real problems through science and engineering and become part of the movement to make the world a safer place.

STEM Career – Find your STEM type. Explore different careers and see where you might fit. Your students may find that they are an engineer!

Sketch Up Free – One of the easiest ways to draw in 3D. Say hello to SketchUp Free: 3D modeling in a web browser

AutoDesk TynkerCad – It is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It’s used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!

Physics Games – Check out these great Physics games that are all about constructing something.

Energy in a Roller Coaster Ride – This interactive roller coaster ride produced by WGBH illustrates the relationship between potential and kinetic energy. As the coaster cars go up and down the hills and around the loop of the track, a pie chart shows how the relative transformation back and forth between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.

CK12 Roller Coaster – This is a wonderful example of the many simulations that teachers can work with student on at CK12.

Engineering For Good –  This is a three-week, project-based learning unit for middle school science classrooms focused on developing solutions for negative impacts of plastics on the environment. In this NGSS-aligned unit, students use the engineering design process to define a problem, brainstorm solutions, develop prototypes and iterate on their designs. The project culminates with students producing videos about their solutions to share with the community.

ITE Resources – The activities and presentations in this site are specific to introducing K-12 kids to what ITE does – transportation!

Bridge Designer – One of my favorites which had been known as the West Point Bridge Design Program. It teachers physics as students create and test their simulated bridge.

Link Engineering – This is a site that connects PK12 engineering to experts and resources for teachers and students.

Go Explore – A wonder website on transportation engineering from the people at Iowa State.

OK GO Sandbox – Helping students learn through the joy, wonder, and fun of OK Go’s music videos. You will find some real engaging possibilities!

Super Bowl Engineering – A great collection of activities, lessons, and videos to help students see the engineering in football.

Engineering Americas’ Favorite Past Time – If you liked the above link for football then check out this baseball site.

Engineering Education Pod Casts – These are a series of educational podcast to help students understand engineering in the real world.

Engineering Video Snippets – Discover this collection of Illuminating short videos that take you inside the elementary engineering classroom.

Engineering Map of America – In this interactive map from American Experience, learn about the most challenging and important engineering projects that transformed America. Each project is described with a variety of supporting materials, including archival images and documents as well as videos excerpted from American Experience episodes.

NASA: More To Explore – Check out the links at this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.
Big DIY Ideas – Here are 35 fun DIY engineering projects just for kids that you and your students will enjoy. Notice that some are perfect for tiny tots and other projects are terrific for older kids and teens. Use your best judgement and provide adult supervision and guidance when needed.

Engineering Projects for Grades 7-9 from NASA – These are all some neat projects from the NASA Summer Innovation Program. There is a lot to pick from.
Design Squad Activity Guide – Check out this PDF document that includes the design process along with some great build possibilities. This comes to you from Intel and PBS.
Dyson Foundation Challenge Cards –  Are you ready for a challenge. Check out these easy to support ideas for students who want to build it better!

NBC Learn Science of Innovation – You will enjoy this great collection of videos that can fit into a lesson based on all types of design and technology principals.

US Patent Office For Kids – At the USPTO, they are always thinking of ways to promote innovation. Here are a few fun activities for makers, builder, tinkerers and all to enjoy. Check back for new activities from time to time.

NASA Robotics Alliance Project – The Robotics Alliance Project seeks to provide a clearinghouse of robotics-related educational materials. Click on the links provided and below to find lessons, materials, and robotics education discussion forums.

PBS Learning Media Engineering and Technology – Discover resources and projects that connect students to engineering design practices and future careers.

Atkins STEM School Pack for Engineering – Discover this wonderful PDF booklet filled with great build possibilities for student to explore

Ted-Ed Engineering – Build a lesson around any TED-Ed Animation, TED Talk or YouTube video 

cross-posted at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com

Michael Gorman oversees one-to-one laptop programs and digital professional development for Southwest Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a consultant for Discovery Education, ISTE, My Big Campus, and November Learning and is on the National Faculty for The Buck Institute for Education. His awards include district Teacher of the Year, Indiana STEM Educator of the Year and Microsoft’s 365 Global Education Hero. Read more at21centuryedtech.wordpress.com.

Vernier Software & Technology is accepting applications for its 2019 Engineering Contest. This annual contest recognizes one middle school, high school, or college educator with a prize valued at $5,500 for innovatively using Vernier technology to introduce engineering concepts or practices to their students. 

“Using Vernier sensors with Scratch to introduce coding, to integrating sensors with Arduino™, or creating sensor-controlled LEGO® robots are just several ways instructors can incorporate hands-on technology into their engineering instruction,” said John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology. 

Applications for the Vernier Engineering Contest are due by February 15, 2019, and the winner will be announced on the Vernier website and Facebook page in March. To enter, educators must complete an online application and produce a video showcasing the entry, the Vernier technology used, and the engineering concepts addressed. The Vernier sensors may be used in conjunction with any Vernier software titles or with Arduino®, LEGO®, Scratch, LabVIEW™, or other system.

Applications will be judged by a panel of Vernier experts based on innovation, engineering objectives, and the ease by which other instructors can replicate the project. One winner will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier technology, and $1,500 toward expenses to attend the 2019 National Science Teachers’ Association (NSTA) STEM conference or the 2019 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference.

For complete information on the 2019 Vernier Engineering Contest and to submit an application, visit https://www.vernier.com/grants/engineering/.

Mosa Mack Science  

Engaging design challenges turn kids into actual science detectives 

Pros: Kids see a reason to learn major science concepts because they're solving relatively realistic problems.

Cons: Some investigations could be more tightly linked to the problems presented in the initial video.

Bottom Line: An engaging way to weave some engineering into your middle school science lessons. 

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education  

WhiteBox Learning

Design, analyze, then build STEM applications

Pros: Students are able to engage in an authentic engineering process that builds science knowledge.

Cons: Kids may get lost in the heavy text sections.

Bottom Line: Complete learning modules include simple CAD design simulation tools, a digital competition, and options for hands-on building.

[3D Design Tool Promotes Curiosity, Experimentation]

Read more here.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

By Common Sense Education

Surviving Mars

Colonizing Mars is in our future, but why wait?

Pros: Engrossing beginning keeps the player busy with many buildings and tasks to attend to.

Cons: Once the initial base is set up, the middle part of the game is a slog, and the game expects the player to want to play multiple times!

Bottom Line: Lots of potential and perhaps much better in a year or so of updates; use this in a class about space exploration and the harsh realities of colonization.

[3DBear Challenges ISTE 2018 Attendees to Build a Martian Colony in AR]

Read more.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

UL Xplorlabs

Safety engineering site blends in-class experiments with online sims

[3D Design Hub Engages Kids With STEM, Literature and More]

Pros: Simple-to-implement classroom experiments are integrated seamlessly with engaging online content.

Cons: Currently there are limited topics available, and the online community isn't especially active.

Bottom Line: Middle school students get to design and test solutions to actual safety problems.

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

By Common Sense Education

Vernier Software & Technology has announced the winners of its 2018 Vernier Engineering Contest, which recognizes science, engineering, and STEM teachers for their innovative use of Vernier sensors to teach students engineering concepts and practices. The two winning teachers—Chris Berg of Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, Calif., and Tate Rector of Beebe Junior High in Beebe, Ark.—will each receive prizes valued at $5,500.

Selected by a panel of Vernier experts, the winning projects demonstrated engineering practices called for in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and were chosen based on innovation and the ease by which other teachers can replicate the project.

Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier technology, and $1,500 toward expenses to attend the 2018 National Science Teachers’ Association (NSTA) STEM conference or the 2018 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference.

[3D Printing For Learning]

The Winning Projects

Berg created a framework to investigate collisions using the Vernier Dual-Range Force Sensor, a cart and track system, and student-designed, 3D-printed bumpers.

Rector asked his students to define a problem facing their school or community and determine a solution. The students used the engineering design process to develop an automated lighting system that activates when someone enters a cross walk in a dark portion of the school's parking lot.

Jen Rushing of Central Coast New Tech High in Nipomo, Calif., was also recognized with an honorable mention. In her project, physics students incorporated the Digital Control Unit and Vernier sensors into the creation of Rube Goldberg machines.

To learn more about the Vernier Engineering Contest and to see videos of the winning entries, visitwww.vernier.com/grants/engineering/.

For the fourth year in a row, Garrison Forest, an all-girls’ K-12 private school outside of Baltimore, Maryland suspended regular classes for 4th and 5th Grade for one week for girls to be immersed in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). From January 29 to February 2, girls worked in groups to create and program musical instruments to play an original song.

Collaborating in groups of three, each girl was assigned the role of Main Composer, Main Engineer or Main Programmer and used Scratch, Makey Makey and PicoBoard to design and program their instruments. Throughout the week, the students tested and made changes to their instruments, preparing them to be ready to present to parents on Friday.

STEAM week is part of the Lower School’s Imagineering program; a Garrison Forest signature program in which the school’s full time Imagineering expert Chris Shriver works with students in Preschool through 5th Grade in pre-engineering labs to teach the problem solving and collaborative skills that students need to excel in science, technology, engineering, art/design and math. The program seeks to address gender inequities in STEAM-based careers by preparing even the youngest Garrison Forest girls with hands-on experience in those fields.

Today at the 2018 National Title I Conference, Cricket Media highlighted its corporate eMentoring programs for students in low income communities. Launching this month, TryEngineering Together™ leverages Cricket Media content and STEM enthusiast eMentors to put students on the path to STEM careers.

TryEngineering Together partners with corporations to match company employee volunteers with students in grades 3-5, particularly those in economically disadvantaged communities, in 1:1 “eMentoring” relationships to create STEM learning experiences.

Students and eMentors participating in TryEngineering Together might collaborate to explore the wonders of flight, learn about how wind energy helps to preserve the planet, or how inventions are shaping the future.

Learn more at www.crickettogether.com and tryengineeringtogether.com/.