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 ]
Fall STEM Fun and Themes: November Edition
Whether your family homeschools, supplements with afterschool topics of your own, or you just enjoy learning about the world around you, here are notable STEM themes to run with this autumn! Fall into STEM Fun this November ... [ Read More ]
Winter Break STEM Camps in Chicago, 2018
It's fun to learn things outside of school- there are fewer time constraints and no tests! Those are just some of the reasons winter break camps can be such a treat. Kids can learn computer programming (coding), computer modeling, and even real-world construction in just a few days. We've partnered with several of Chicago's leading STEM education providers to bring you a directory of STEM and maker-themed winter break camps that will keep your ... [ Read More ]