We're adding to our series of guides to seasonal STEM fun! There are special STEM days all year long and we're working to compile them into family-friendly bits that will help guide your family activities, whether for homeschool, supplementing, or work with youth groups. Use these February STEM themes to guide your winter study, reading, and fun You can find the STEM in any day. For example, you can make these crystal hearts for Valentine's ... [ Read More ]
2019 Summer STEM Camp Guide: Chicago Edition
Is it possible that all those hours playing Minecraft will lead your child to a lucrative career? With the right guidance, all that screen time may pay off! In partnership with our companion site, STEM Kids Chicago, we're present with Chicagoland's most comprehensive guide to STEM and STEAM camps. Whether they are in elementary school, middle school, or high school, these camps can ignite your child's passion for science and technology or fan the ... [ Read More ]
Chicago Spring Break STEM Camps 2019
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 ]