As the American K-12 system searches for ways to boost student engagement and aptitude in STEM education, technology is playing a pivotal role. Young children who enter classrooms today have an aptitude for tech, and educators must nurture that skill set with resources and tools that implement STEM learning.
Where do teachers find resources to integrate into their STEM instruction? The easiest place would be online. To save you some time, we compiled a list of resources that provide teachers with the tools that they need to teach quality STEM instruction to their students. Without further ado, here is our list of elementary school STEM/STEAM apps, tools, and resources that we love.
LEGO Education– LEGO Education has been working for over 37 years to find new and fun ways to encourage education among young children. From tangible to virtual, they offer resources to make learning interactive and rewarding and allow children to learn how they want. With the LEGO system for playful learning, preschool to middle school students will get a better approach to science, technology, engineering, and math fields (STEM).
Brilliant– This app teaches students key concepts in math, science, and computer science that are applicable in problem-solving scenarios. Back and forth, interactive lessons have been proven to be more effective than boring one-way lectures. Develop yourself using the materials assembled by top researchers and professionals. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 10.
A is for Amphibians– Children can have fun playing with frogs without getting dirty on the A is for Amphibians game for children between the ages of 5 and 8. This app contains STEM-based vocabulary and 3-D pictures to feed children’s curiosity about the world around them. The app comes free with a limited time offer of no in-app purchases.
FlinnSTEM Powered by IMSA Fusion– IMSA Fusion is a complete STEM program that provides additional enrichment to students interested in science and mathematics. The name IMSA Fusion comes from the blending of inquiry-based student content and in-depth teacher content. Instructors who implement this program receive much more than teacher instructions with student pages and a box of supplies; they also receive hours of video-based, on-demand online training that truly sets IMSA Fusion apart from any other solution available.
Elemental Path – This is a super smart company making super smart toys for kids. When Elemental Path debuted on Kickstarter in 2016, it was with the help of IBM Watson, which enabled the company to make toys that kids can communicate with. IBM Watson combines machine learning, computer vision, data mining, natural language processing, and human/computer interaction to mirror the actions of the human brain. The toy company, however, has switched to its own proprietary software for its new dino robot, the STEMosaur, that kids can build and talk to.
KIBO – The STEAM Robot Kit for Children 4 – 7– KIBO is created by KinderLab Robotics, a robot kit based on over 15 years of child development research that allows 4- to 7-year-old kids to program, build, decorate and run their personal robot. KIBO has proven to be effective in helping young students learn steam concepts and making them proud in the 54 countries where it’s being used. KIBO can be incorporated into the classroom without hassle to improve any theme or curriculum, thereby engaging students to learn STEAM concepts.
LittleBits Electronics– LittleBits Electronics encourages creativity and inquisitiveness in young ones to help them in their future. Using technology and electronic techniques, LittleBits has over 10 kits and 70 operable “Bits” to allow your child to create and play with endless possibilities. Children will learn lots about robotics and how to build things from scratch. They will also learn the basics of electronic components, powering, how things interact with one another to create an end-product, and much more. This app will also enhance their knowledge of STEM field mechanics.
Minecraft: Education Edition– This version of Minecraft will help you learn. Whether computer science, wilderness conservation, chemistry, coding, math, STEM topics, and more, you can learn educational topics the fun way. If you love Minecraft, you will surely love this version.
Morphi– Morphi is an app that allows you to create 3-D models that can – be printed into real tangible objects. Using visualization, innovation, creativity, prototypes, and education, create your best models today. Morphi can also be used as a starting place to learn any STEAM subject, stop motion animation, product or graphic design, or for Maker education. One version of Morphi is free, and volume purchases are available.
Bridge Constructor Playground– Build bridges using this app and your imagination. You build bridges across 30 different levels of difficulties and challenges. Your bridge will be subjected to a stress test for structural integrity. Compared to the #1 hit “Bridge Constructor,” this game provides easier access and more comprehensive tutorials. With no budgets or restrictions on available materials, you have the creative freedom to bring your ideas to life.
robots4STEM– In its bid to promote diversification and make education more inclusive, RoboKind created robots4STEM, a visual programming platform that provides students with the foundational knowledge required for computer science development. It uses a drag-and-drop programming system to teach students the logic of programming while they control Jett, a facially expressive, responsive, humanoid robot. It allows students to learn visual programming using a customized avatar and Jett, a technologically improved, facially expressive robot. This platform provides countless opportunities and activities to develop essential coding and programming abilities, and it is quite easy to install and use. It does not require a high level of coding or programming experience or proficiency for teachers and parents to use it to help their wards; its ease of use allows you to schedule classes at convenient times within or outside the instructional day.
