Smart List: 34 STEM Networks & Maker Resources

Getting Smart is acknowledging people and organizations making a difference with the 3rd Annual Smart Lists. During October and November you’ll see about 20 ‘Best of’ lists, not in order, not exhaustive, just people we appreciate doing innovative work.

Today we are celebrating 10 great state STEM networks; 10 STEM networks and resources; and 14 maker resources.

State STEM Networks

• Educate Texas: Public-private network of seven T-STEM Centers and 60+ Academies
• Ohio STEM Learning Network: Anchored by Battelle and Metro, a great Columbus STEM school.
• NC STEM Learning Network with a strong statewide collaborator in NC New Schools
• California STEM Learning Network  
• Science Foundation Arizona, Arizona STEM Network
• Washington STEM: seven regional STEM networks   
• Tennessee STEM Innovation Network   
• Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
• South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science
• Empire State STEM Learning Network: 10 regional networks

STEM Networks & Resources

• Project Lead the Way: Used in over 8000 schools (see Getting Smart feature)
• National Academy Foundation: 667 career academies (see Getting Smart feature)
• New Tech Network: 180 schools (see Getting Smart feature)
• National Math and Science Initiative: Pre-AP curriculum and training and more
• UTeach Institute: Fast track STEM teacher preparation
• Engineering is Elementary: Great K-5 STEM content
• STEM Connector: Place for advocates to connect online
• Digital Harbor Foundation: Urban tech center (see Getting Smart feature on Baltimore)
• Exploratorium: Learning lab on Pier 15 in San Francisco
• NASA Education: Amazing amount of learning resources

Maker Resources

• Blink Blink: Designs maker kits with girls, for girls
  • More on empowering girls through positive early interactions with tech
• Modular Robotics: Makes of MOSS and Cubelets robot toys
• LittleBits: No soldering, wiring, or programming required#
• Maker Education Initiative: Start your maker search here
• Kano: DIY computer you build and code
• Maker Faire: String of big show and tell events
• Arduino: Open-source electronics prototyping platform
• DIY: Place for kids to share what they do *
• ModKit: Democratization programming and engineering
• Lego Mindstorms: Build and program robots
• MakerBot: Global leader in desktop in 3D printing
• AgentSheets: Game design
• Imagination Foundation: Host of the Global Cardboard Challenge**
• MaKey MaKey: Turn everyday objects into touchpads

For more Smart Lists, check out:

• Smart List: 36 Ways to Learn Almost Anything
• Smart List: 40 Innovation Investors
• Smart List: 55+ Great Blogs & Blasts

This Smart List is sponsored by the MIND Research Institute, who is on a mission to ensure that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems. For more on MIND’s ongoing research about learning, mathematics and how the brain works as well as how they are creating innovative, visually-based software games that support effective learning environments for students and teachers, check out their website or follow them on social media.

* Learn Capital Partner, # Getting Smart Partner, ** Board member or Advisor