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 ]
Pocket Guide to Dog Tricks Book Review
Kyra Sundance's Pocket Guide to Dog Tricks (affiliate link) might be too big to fit in an ordinary pocket, especially if you're a woman and all you get is those FAKE pockets!), but it's a handy size nonetheless. It's also much less intimidating than some of the thicker, standard-sized training books we've read since adopting Tesla almost six years ago. Admittedly, at nearly six years old, my brilliant dog has mastered a good number of the 101 ... [ Read More ]
New Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining Nintendo's PR team for a sneak peek at the newest Nintendo Labo extension: the Vehicle Kit. First, a quick refresher. The Nintendo Labo adds an exciting Maker element and a new level of interaction to Nintendo Switch games. The Nintendo Switch can be used with Joy-Con controllers and special new kits, like this one, to create what they call an interactive Toy-Con. This post contains affiliate ... [ Read More ]