Classroom Maker Tools

Our favorite beginner-friendly tools for K-8 tech teachers and makerspace facilitators:

Hardware

micro:bit - Compact, kid-friendly intro to coding and electronics.
Cricut Joy - Easy vinyl cutter for classrooms.
Sphero Bolt - Great for rolling robotics and programming logic.
Makey Makey - Turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine with Scratch.
LEGO Education SPIKE Prime - Hands-on STEAM learning with motors and sensors (grades 6-8).
Ozobot - Tiny programmable robots that follow drawn lines (great for K-2).
littleBits - Magnetic electronic building blocks for circuit exploration.
Arduino Starter Kit - Introduction to microcontrollers (grades 6-8).
Raspberry Pi 400 - All-in-one computer for coding projects.
3Doodler Start - 3D printing pen safe for younger students.
VEX GO - Construction system for elementary robotics (K-5).
Dash Robot - Programmable robot for K-5 with multiple apps.

Cardboard & Hot Glue - Still the most versatile tools for prototypes.
Straws, String, Rubber Bands - Perfect for kinetic builds and tension systems.
Copper Tape - Create paper circuits and electronics projects.
Popsicle Sticks & Craft Foam - Essential structural materials.
Pipe Cleaners & Zip Ties - Quick connections and flexible builds.
Recycled Materials - Bottles, boxes, containers for sustainable making.
LED Lights & Coin Cell Batteries - Simple circuit components.
Conductive Dough or Play-Doh - Squishy circuits for younger learners.

Tinkercad - Free, browser-based 3D design & circuits tool.
Scratch - Visual programming for grades 2 and up.
Canva for Education - Make posters, signs, and reflection docs easily.
Rotations App - Manage student rotations and station schedules in your makerspace.
Code.org - Structured computer science curriculum with scaffolded activities.
MakeCode - Block-based coding for micro:bit, Minecraft, and arcade games.
Book Creator - Digital storytelling and documentation tool.
Seesaw - Student portfolio platform for sharing maker projects.
CoSpaces Edu - Create AR/VR experiences with block coding.
Tynker - Game-based coding platform with STEM projects.
BlocksCAD - Block-based 3D modeling (alternative to Tinkercad).
Khan Academy - Free coding courses (JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL).

Glowforge - Laser cutter for wood, acrylic, and more (with supervision).
Cricut Explore - Advanced cutting machine for vinyl, paper, fabric.
Silhouette Cameo - Alternative cutting tool with free design software.
Creality Ender 3 - Budget-friendly, reliable 3D printer.
Button Maker - Create custom pins and badges for student projects.
Adobe Express - Design graphics, videos, and web pages (free for education).

Rotations App - Track student groups through maker stations efficiently.
ClassDojo - Behavior and communication platform.
Trello - Visual project management boards for student teams.
Padlet - Collaborative brainstorming and idea walls.
Google Classroom - Assignment distribution and collection.
Random Team Generator - Quickly create balanced student groups.
ClassroomScreen - All-in-one teacher tool with timer, noise meter, and widgets.

Minecraft Education - Build worlds while learning coding, math, and history.
Roblox Studio - Create games with Lua scripting (grades 6-8).
Kodable - Programming fundamentals through games (K-5).
CodeCombat - Learn Python and JavaScript through RPG gameplay.
ScratchJr - Simplified Scratch for K-2 students.