In the Chicago area, suburban schools tend to have earlyish breaks in March while Chicago Public Schools often don't break until mid- to late-April. Spring Break weather can be unpredictable to say the least, but regardless of timing, there are fantastic options in the metro area for enrichment for kids up through middle school. We're pleased to present you with our inaugural list of Chicago Spring Break STEM and STEAM Camps. Coding? Check. ... [ Read More ]
United States Naval Academy STEM Summer Camp
Applications are now open for the popular Summer STEM Program at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland! At least one Maker Mom reader sent her son recently and he had a blast at the camp. It's reassuring to know this site is living up to its mission to help parents raise STEM-loving kids! The US Naval Academy Summer STEM camps are offered for rising 8th-11th graders. The application includes not only basic questions about ... [ Read More ]
Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week
Whether at schools, libraries, or at home, millions of Americans participate in Hour of Code during the first week in December. It's a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to computer science and computer programming through introductory coding activities that take about an hour. Computer Science Education Week If you are looking for spectacular Hour of Code activities, you ... [ Read More ]
Cool Tech Gifts and Gadgets for Kids 2018
Christmas is coming and Hanukkah might be over by the time you read this (it starts December 2, 2018). Are you wondering what to get your favorite children? We've got a great round-up of STEM gifts that build science, technology, engineering, and math skills and are geared toward girls and boys ages 8 and up. Look for Kim Moldofsky. The Maker Mom, on WGN Morning News on 11/27/18 around 9:30 AM Central. Kim and a pair of her young maker friends ... [ Read More ]
Klutz Maker Lab Circuit Games Review
This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Klutz. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own. Understanding the basics of circuitry is a key STEM skill. Makers should also be familiar with the basic elements of electronics, so I'm always on the lookout for new ways to introduce these things to kids. Therefore, I was eager to take a look at the new Klutz Circuit Games Lab, one of the items in their Maker ... [ Read More ]
Galaxy Girls Book Review
I'm thrilled to bring in an authentic voice to review Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space. Please welcome Miriam, a 10-year-old, book-obsessed writer, dancer, singer, actor, roller-blader, chef, and more. She lives with her parents, younger brother, and dog on the north side of Chicago. This review contains affiliate links. Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space Before I even turned to page one, the cover of Galaxy ... [ Read More ]
Rox’s Secret Code: Book Review
I was so intrigued by Rox's Secret Code (affiliate link), a cool new interactive picture book, that I wanted to tell you about it even before I passed it along to one of my young reviewers. The interactive piece will launch in early November, but you can get a peek at it in the video below. The book has an entire team behind it. It's the brainchild of Mara Lecocq, was written by Nathan Archambault, illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner, and ... [ Read More ]