Teaching Resources

Two Books about Combining Creativity with Common Core Standards

Imagine you are a teacher trying to implement a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) approach to teaching in your classroom. You have heard of project-based learning and know that it helps kids build skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. All of these skills are part of STEM and are considered valuable skills for college and today’s job market. You want to try project-based learning in your classroom, but you have been avoiding it because the thought of trying...

How to Make Curves with Copper Tape

If you are starting to explore paper circuits as part of crafting with paper, you need to learn how to make curves with the copper tape. It is easy to do, but it takes a little practice. To make the tape look like a curve, start attaching the tape making frequent tiny folds to create the curve. Press each fold lightly to stick the tape to your surface. When you have the tape in place, it will have a lot...

How to turn your Pegboard Storage into 3D Art

If you have a lot of crafting supplies, you know how hard it can be to keep it all organized. I have a lot of wall space so when I saw this idea for a framed pegboard storage unit on ABeautifulMess.com I decided to make my own version of it. It works for storing my smaller items like tape and tools. I added some bins for harder to hang items like heat guns. I basically followed their directions, except I...

How to Make a Scribble Bot

Making a scribble bot is an easy and fun STEM activity to do in a class or at home with your child. Combine it with a class on electricity and circuits. Here is a quick video tutorial on how to make one:

7 Types of Tape for your Makerspace

Tape is an easy and safe tool for people of all ages to use for building. It is great for quick prototyping, works on a variety of surfaces, and can be either temporary or permanent. Lots of finished projects utilize tape in some manner, as a way to adhere to things to each other, to cover a jagged edge of a part, or to decorate. Here is a list of commonly used tapes. Transparent adhesive tape (i.e. Scotch tape) This...

Circuit Troubleshooting

Having trouble with getting your LED circuit to work? Try the following: Make sure the positive side of the the light is connected to the copper tape or wire that is touching the positive side of the battery. Make sure the battery is in firm contact with the battery. Is the positive side of the batter touching the negative copper tape or vice versa? Does the copper tape have any rips that are breaking the connection? Are there any places where the...

When Engineering Happens: How Mini Skateboards Teach Design Thinking

“We tried all the systems that had been tried before, then we tried our own systems and we tried some combinations that no one had ever thought of. Eventually, we flew.” – Orville Wright When you think about STEM  (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math-related programs), the “science” and “math” parts of the acronym are the ones we can relate to. Those were two of the mandatory subjects we all studied starting as young children on through high school.  Technology speaks...

Five Sites to Introduce Electricity and Circuits

Are looking for good introductory level information on electricity and circuits? Here are links to sites that we have found to contain clear discussions about the basics. They all have content that is appropriate for the fourth grade level energy curriculum specified by the Next Generation Science Standards, and they are good for anyone needing information about how electricity works:   Explainthatstuff.com This site has lots of good science and technology information that is directed toward kids. There is an...

Three Books that Teach Kids about Electricity

If you are looking for books that can teach kids about electricity, here are four that are sure to work. They are all written in a manner that will engage your child or class in the history and science of electricity. Take a look: Charged Up: The Story of Electricity by Jacqui Bailey Some kids learn better when the information is given in the form of a story. If your child fits this learning mode, then they are sure to...

A Guide to Choosing LEDs for Paper Circuits

Paper circuits are a fun way to gain some circuitry skills while letting your creativity get a little exercise. If you are thinking of doing something with paper circuits, you might be wondering which LEDs will work best for your project. I have experimented with three types of LEDs and here is a brief description and review of each: Circuit Stickers If you are looking for something easy to use and that will reliably make a connection, consider Chibitronics circuit...