Here’s my 2018 list of toys that inspire ingenuity, creativity, tinkering, STEM learning, building, and making for kids of all ages.

Price Ranges: $ – under $25 $$ – $25-49.99 $$$ – $50-74.99 $$$$ – $75-99.99 $$$$$ – over $100

Makedo Cardboard Construction Tools Ages – 6+ Price – $ Description – Makedo is [...]]]>

Here’s my 2018 list of toys that inspire ingenuity, creativity, tinkering, STEM learning, building, and making for kids of all ages.

Price Ranges:
$ – under $25
$$ – $25-49.99
$$$ – $50-74.99
$$$$ – $75-99.99
$$$$$ – over $100

Makedo Cardboard Construction Tools
Ages – 6+
Price – $
Description – Makedo is one of my favorite STEM construction toys out there on the market and it’s super low cost to get into it. Everyone knows that kids can have as much fun with empty cardboard boxes that the gifts that came inside them and this takes the fun to the next level. With the basic Toolkit that comes with plastic screws, safety cutter, and screw driver kids can construct anything they can imagine with leftover cardboard from holiday shipping boxes, so be sure to save them!
Link – https://www.make.do/collections/all-products

Circuit Scribe
Ages – 8+
Price – $$
Description – Circuit Scribe is a fun conductive ink pen that allows you to draw your own circuits for use with other included components, such as lights and switches. Mini and Basic kits are very reasonably priced at $14.99 and $34.99 respectively.
Link – https://shop.circuitscribe.com/

blink blink
Ages – 8+
Price – $$$
Description – blink blink has found a niche in wearables, allowing kids to make fun wearable technology. The Wearable Tech Kit provides the necessary tools to engineer sewable circuits into DIY arts, crafts and fashion tech projects – from LED light up scarfs and leggings to pressure sensors for other wearables.
Link – http://www.blinkblink.cc/kit/

Dash and Dot – Wonder Workshop
Ages – good for all ages, 8+ for programming tools
Price – $$$$$
Description – Dash and Dot are programmable robots that can follow lines, play music, and other interactive tasks.
Link – https://store.makewonder.com/#/robots

LEGO
Ages – 4+
Price – $$$
Description – LEGO offers a range of products for budding young engineers and tinkerers. Even though all can appreciate the value of the simple brick, the “Technic” and “Power Funtions” lines of product that include gears, axles, and motors can be used to build machines and learn about energy and power.
Link – https://shop.lego.com/en-US/

LEGO Mindstorms
Ages – 7+
Price – $$$$$
Description – For an all in one, albeit expensive, box of versatile parts, take a look at LEGO Mindstorms EV3. The basic robotics kit includes the programmable brick that kids can learn to program as well as a range of motors and sensors to make magic. Check the website for free apps to do the programming as well as a series of challenges.
Link – https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms

Water Rockets
Ages – 14+
Price – $$
Description – Supply your own two liter bottle and bicycle pump to use with this launcher and kids can create their own rockets that will launch up to 100 feet in the air.
Link – https://tinkersphere.com/novelties/2430-water-propelled-rocket-085761143319.html

Model Rockets
Ages – 8+
Price – $
Description – Aerospace projects are a very fun way to engage young people. The Estes brand offers a range of kits from those that are ready to fly to those with assembly and some design required. They’re available in a variety of stores, but be aware that you will need to purchase motors separately. The A type motor is the least powerful, but important if you want to launch the rocket multiple times. To start, you’ll need a rocket, launch pad, ignition system, and motors, which usually come with igniters and recovery wadding.
Link – http://www.estesrockets.com/

littleBits
Ages – 8+
Price – $$$$
Description – littleBits is a platform of easy to use electronic building blocks that kids can use to create inventions. The Base Kit includes ten modules including a DC Motor, buzzer, dimmer, and light sensor. A way to have fun and learn about electronics and logic all at the same time.
Link – https://shop.littlebits.com/

GoldieBlox
Ages – 4+
Price – $$
Description – Designed and marketed primarily to young girls, GoldieBlox offers a series of kits and sets that allow kids to play and learn about mechanical and other systems.
Link – https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/6EC51CBE-A1F4-43D7-9E45-37D67E6C9836

Tools, just tools
Ages – 4+
Price – $$
Description – Imagine being a kid that likes to build and tinker and hearing a grownup say “get your tools so you can help.” Not plastic toys, but real tools sized for little hands. Consider a basic set with some degree of good quality that includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a wrench.
Link – https://www.amazon.com/Grip-96009-Childrens-Tool-Kit/dp/B001AIU2UO

Makey Makey
Ages – 7+
Price – $$
Description – Use Makey Makey to connect to virtually anything that will conduct even a little electricity to make fun inventions. Use bananas to make a keyboard. Use play dough buttons as a game controller. Great for beginners and fun even for expert makers.
Link – https://shop.makeymakey.com

fischertechnik
Ages – 7+
Price – $$
Description – A classic German-designed series of component parts to create a variety of machines and structures. Mechanical models can be made from gears, basic building blocks, static parts, wheels and many other parts. Available from many retailers, this construction set helps children to understand everyday technology by playing.
Link – http://www.studica.com/us/en/fischertechnik/fischertechnik-universal-starter/536618.html

Vex
Ages – 8+
Price – $$$$$
Description – Used in school based programs and robotics competitions, the VEX Robotics Design System offers students an exciting platform for learning about STEM.
Link – http://www.vexrobotics.com/find-a-reseller

Meccano
Ages – 5+
Price – $$
Description – A fairly widely available building platform that uses modular parts. Build vehicles, robotics, buildings, and other items limited only by imagination.
Link – http://www.meccano.com/where-to-buy

Disruptus
Ages – 10+
Price – $
Description – Disruptus is a game that asks players to look at objects and ideas and use different approaches — as determined by the roll of a die — to innovate. Disruptus draws inspiration from the practice of “disruptive thinking,” one of the most powerful ways to innovate. Disruptive thinking has been used to create ideas and objects like digital music, and car sharing programs.
Link – https://www.funnybonetoys.com/product/disruptus/

Rokenbok
Ages – 3+
Price – $$$$
Description – Rokenbok is a construction toy system that promotes STEM learning through hands-on exploration and play. Children build their own Rokenbok cities and then use remote control vehicles, conveyor belts, and chute systems to interact with their creations.
Link – https://rokenbokeducation.org/toys

“Designing STEM Career Pathways for Student Success: A Step-by-Step Approach”

The price of very capable laser cutting is still dropping way down, to the point that many models [...]]]> Laser cutters are great! These devices can easily cut flat materials including wood, cardboard, and acrylic for rapid prototyping and manufacturing. They can even inscribe or engrave those and more such as wood, metal, stone, and others.

The price of very capable laser cutting is still dropping way down, to the point that many models are attractive options for schools. But, school officials and others may not know all they should about these shiny (quite literally) objects that they might learn about at a conference or in a magazine article. So, if you’re thinking about introducing a laser cutter into your school’s maker space or STEM lab, make sure that you understand all of the important safety considerations in your planning and maintenance. Here are some basic tips for the layperson that need to be considered:

1. Know Your Laser – for the peace of mind of your users, laser cutters are generally classified as ANSI Class 1 lasers, meaning that they are generally not hazardous to the eyes nor skin. However, any and all maintenance should be performed by a professional since many models contain more powerful lasers.

2. Plan for Filtration and Exhaust – This is an absolute must in planning since many materials that might be cut may release harmful gases and particulate. Most late models have filtration and exhaust blowers built in for fumes caused by the material being cut. However, you need to have a plan for your exhaust, which in most models needs to be ducted through 6” pipe to somewhere. A quick side story – I once saw a large laser cutter ducted through a 6” hole that was cut into the space that a window air conditioner accordion side panel would take, meaning that when both the laser cutter and air conditioner were both turned on, the fumes were being pumped directly back into the room – no bueno! So, acquaint yourself with the manufacturer’s spec for how often to replace any filters and for proper ducting. If you’re in a school, ducting into an area in which children or others may be working or playing outside is not going to be up to code.

3. Beware of Fire Hazards – The high intensity beam of laser light produces high temperatures, and certain materials may be caused to unintentionally ignite under certain conditions. For fire safety, keep the area in and around the laser cutter free of debris and flammable materials and vacuum regularly. Also keep a properly maintained and inspected fire extinguisher in the area.

4. Know what Can or Can’t Be Cut – Make sure that users know the difference between safe and unsafe materials for use with the laser cutter. Widths of materials that can be cut will vary based upon the machine, so follow manufacturers’ advice. Nevertheless, here are a few yes’s, no’s and maybe’s for materials for laser cutting:

Yes – wood, acrylic, cardboard, cork (all of a certain thickness – check manufacturer’s specs)

No – PVC/Vinyl (produces lethal chlorine gas), teflon, nylon, polyethylene, Lexan/polycarbonate (be careful, this can be easily mistaken for acrylic), foam, Fiberglas, carbon fiber

Maybe – plywood (check for certain glues), MDF (smells bad and known to gunk up filters), paper and tissue (may be flammable – check power settings)

Others – metals, stone, and glass and other ceramics won’t cut, but might be engrave-able, always research other materials and check to be sure

Finally, as with any specialty equipment in any area of the school, make sure the staff and students are properly trained in the use of the equipment. Send a teacher to a workshop or training program, and develop safety rules and a safety test that students need to pass in order to be able to use the machine. Make sure everyone understands the rules and procedures and you’ll then have a great and powerful tool on hand to make ingenious designs!

TEEAP Keynote – November 7, 2014 – Slides

Here is the PowerPoint handout for the session: Making and Publishing iBooks from Start to Finish – NJECC 2014

Here are some files you can use [...]]]> Today I am presenting a workshop at the NJ Educational Computing Cooperative Annual Conference at Montclair State University. I will be highlighting the development of my iBook “Engineers Decide.”

Here is the PowerPoint handout for the session:
Making and Publishing iBooks from Start to Finish – NJECC 2014

Here are some files you can use to play in iBooks Author for Mac:
iBooks Author Demo Files

Enjoy!

Written by David Janosz Jr., ‘Engineers Decide’ was designed to inspire and educate future engineers and children who have a curiosity about the engineered items they encounter everyday. The first of its kind, the book tackles subject matter that has, to date, never been published in an interactive electronic format. It is built [...]]]>

Written by David Janosz Jr., ‘Engineers Decide’ was designed to inspire and educate future engineers and children who have a curiosity about the engineered items they encounter everyday. The first of its kind, the book tackles subject matter that has, to date, never been published in an interactive electronic format. It is built with interactive multimedia and multi-touch tools available through iBooks Author and is exclusively “Made for iBooks,” Apple’s leading eBook platform.

For Immediate Release

Frederick, MD – In 2008, author and educator David Janosz began to search for picture books to read to his oldest son, and noticed a discrepancy in the works available.

“I noticed that there were a large number of books available about people working in a limited few professions like fire fighters, artists, athletes and celebrities, rather than books about more prevalent occupations,” Janosz says.

Further, the author could find no books related to engineering, one of the world’s most popular professions.

With the release of ‘Engineers Decide’, an interactive iBook available for free through March 31, 2014 in 51 countries supported by iBooks, Janosz hopes to fill the gap in the market.

“I wrote and published ‘Engineers Decide’ because I want every young person to be able to envision himself or herself doing engineering,” he says. “I know that most will not become engineers, but too many children never even see the possibility.”

Ideal for parents or teachers with children ages five through ten, ‘Engineers Decide’ explains that engineering isn’t about “things” but about individuals, inspired to bring forth the discoveries that will change our world. By instilling the joy of designing the future – whether as part of a team or working solo – ‘Engineers Decide’ ignites children’s curiosity to the wonders of applying their imagination to meet fresh challenges.

Synopsis:

Awaken the young engineer within your student or child! Ideal for ages five through ten, Engineers Decide explains that engineering isn’t about “things” but about individuals, inspired to bring forth the discoveries that will change our world. By instilling the joy of designing the future – whether as part of a team or working solo – Engineers Decide ignites children’s curiosity to the wonders of applying their imagination to meet fresh challenges. Engineers deciding upon solutions for product development, as well as all sorts of inventions familiar to children, are described simply and depicted with colorful artwork. And photos show children actively participating in the adventure of discovering next-generation technology. Filled with interactive graphics and videos, Engineers Decide stirs tomorrow’s engineers to realize their potential by exploring this exciting field.

Janosz employed his own decades of experience as an educator while creating the book.

“We used colorful, vibrant artwork and simple, effective language. Photos show children actively participating in the adventure of discovering next-generation technology,” he says. “Further, the iBook is filled with interactive graphics, videos, and a drawing scratchpad. It’s truly about exploration, not just teaching.”

‘Engineers Decide’ is available now and can be downloaded from the iBooks Store on an iPad or OSX Mavericks. The iBook is free through March 31, 2014 in 51 countries supported by iBooks.

To download the iBook, visit: http://tinyurl.com/engineersdecide

The trailer video for the book can be viewed here:

About the Author:

David A. Janosz, Jr. is an educator with eighteen years experience designing and delivering STEM education programs nationally and internationally with a focus on technology and engineering topics. He resides in Maywood, NJ, is married and a father of three young children.

Diana Chelaru provided original artwork to serve as the primary illustrations for Engineers Decide. Ms. Chelaru is an artist from Nyack, NY.

Teach Ingenuity Concepts LLC is a small business that focuses on publishing and consulting related to technology and engineering education and STEM for grade levels Pre-K through twelve.

Contact: David Janosz / dave@teachingenuity.com

I originally wrote the book in 2008, which is about the time my oldest child was old enough [...]]]> I wrote Engineers Decide because I want every young person to be able to envision himself or herself doing engineering. I know that most will not become engineers, but too many children never even see the possibility.

I originally wrote the book in 2008, which is about the time my oldest child was old enough to have picture books read to him. Immediately, I noticed a large disparity between the number of books that are available about people that work in a limited few professions such as firefighters, artists, and athletes, and those that were about more prevalent professions. At that time, I found no children’s books related to engineering, one of the world’s most popular professions. Since that time, thankfully, a few self-published titles have emerged, such as Engineering the ABC’s written by my friend Patty O’Brien Novak.

So, I set out and made dozens of notes about things that engineers do. I went on to note ideas that put those things into some context that I thought children could understand and relate to. For example, a thought about engineers that work on machines became a page about engineers that work on machines that make something that is fun and familiar to all children such as crayons.

Upon completing the original manuscript, I put a package together and sent a proposal to dozens of publishers. I received but one response to say that the idea had merit, but the book just wasn’t right for their company. Now that the book was nowhere other than in a few dozen publisher’s slush piles, I was more than discouraged. But, in January 2012 things started to look positive again when I learned of Apple’s release of free iBooks Author software. Since I have some background in design and page layout software, I figured I might be able to pull off self-publishing the title without having to put out over ten-thousand dollars to fund a print run. I was also very intrigued by the fact that the iBooks format offered interactive multimedia features.

I went ahead and contacted the artist that I had hired to do some drawings for my first publishing attempt, Diana Chelaru. Diana made the drawings into beautifully colored panels while I searched online stock photo and video databases for the multimedia elements. With a few hundred hours invested into the endeavor, my dream became reality when the iBook was released in the iBookstore on July 17, 2013.

Here is the original description:
Awaken the young engineer within your student or child! Ideal for ages five through ten, Engineers Decide explains that engineering isn’t about “things” but about individuals, inspired to bring forth the discoveries that will change our world. By instilling the joy of designing the future – whether as part of a team or working solo – Engineers Decide ignites children’s curiosity to the wonders of applying their imagination to meet fresh challenges. Engineers deciding upon solutions for product development, as well as all sorts of inventions familiar to children, are described simply and depicted with colorful artwork. And photos show children actively participating in the adventure of discovering next-generation technology. Filled with interactive graphics and videos, Engineers Decide stirs tomorrow’s engineers to realize their potential by exploring this exciting field.

Thus far, Engineers Decide is only available as an iBook for the iPad. Please use this link to download from the iBookstore.

If you represent a group of educators or an engineering professional society, I would be happy to work with you on a free promotional offer for your school or group. Please feel free to contact me at dave@teachingenuity.com with regard to that or any feedback you may have about the book.