Resources
Middle school is Grades 6-8
Tech Education Resources for Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Coding & Programming
Scratch by MIT
(https://scratch.mit.edu/) A free, visual programming platform designed specifically for beginners. Students can create interactive stories, games, and animations with colorful drag-and-drop blocks.
CodeCombat
(https://codecombat.com/) A fun way to learn coding through a gamified experience. Students solve problems and level up their characters by writing code. Offers various programming languages like Python and Javascript.
Websites
Codecademy (https://www.codecademy.com/), Khan Academy - Computer Programming (https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming) , Coursera - Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python(https://www.coursera.org/learn/python-programming-intro)
Tynker
(https://www.tynker.com/) Another beginner-friendly platform that uses puzzles and games to teach coding concepts. Offers paid and free plans with various programming languages.
Hardware & Robotics
Arduino
(https://www.arduino.cc/) An open-source electronics platform with a user-friendly interface. Students can build electronic projects using Arduino boards and various sensors and components. Great for hands-on learning about electronics and programming.
LEGO Mindstorms
(https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/mindstorms): A robotics kit that combines LEGO bricks with programmable components. Students can design, build, and program robots to perform tasks.
Websites
Make: (https://makezine.com/), Instructables (https://www.instructables.com/) - These websites offer project ideas and tutorials for building electronic and robotic projects.
Raspberry Pi
(https://www.raspberrypi.org/): A credit-card sized computer that can be used for various projects. Students can learn about computer hardware and operating systems by building projects with Raspberry Pi.
Digital Making & Design
Tinkercad
(https://www.tinkercad.com/): A free, web-based 3D design and modeling software. Students can design 3D objects and even generate code to 3D print them.
GIMP
(https://www.gimp.org/): A free and open-source image manipulation program. Students can learn basic photo editing and graphic design skills.
Websites
Design Shack (https://designshack.net/), Creative Bloq (https://www.creativebloq.com/) - These websites offer tutorials and inspiration for various design projects.
Blender
(https://www.blender.org/download/): A free and open-source 3D creation suite. Offers advanced features for 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering. (May require more advanced skills)
Problem-solving & Computational Thinking
Hour of Code
(https://code.org/): Offers a variety of one-hour coding activities across different platforms and languages. Great for introducing students to new coding concepts
Codewars
(https://www.codewars.com/): A platform for practicing coding challenges in various programming languages. Offers different difficulty levels to cater to all skill sets
Websites
Logic Puzzles Online (https://logic.puzzlebaron.com/), National Geographic Kids - Brain Games (https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/topic/brain-games) - These websites offer various logic puzzles and brain teasers that can help develop computational thinking skills.
Scratch Coding Competitions
(https://www.scratchfoundation.org/scratch-day) - Participate in online or local coding competitions designed for Scratch users.