What is SciencetoyMaker and How Can it Be Used to Teach? Tips & Tricks
SciencetoyMaker is a website that provides instructions on how to print and make gliders, boomerangs, and other toys.SciencetoyMaker is a self-described sloppy website that is more concerned with the quality of what you get out of it than with the website itself. It is chock-full of useful science projects that allow you to make real-world creations.
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The end result is a collection of builds that include written instructions, images, and videos. There is also community feedback that adds to the layers of guidance.
What is SciencetoyMaker?
As a result, the scope is reasonable, limited to a few projects, but each one has received the attention to detail you’d expect from an engineer.
There is a wide range of projects available for all ages, but many will require an adult to explain and prepare the builds. Gliders, boomerangs, and dragonfly helicopters are the three main builds. Other projects are available, and they are organized in descending order of difficulty.
The website also provides links to other useful project websites if you want to do more once you’ve finished here, or if you just want to try out different types of projects right away. Having said that, there’s a lot here, from the oscillating woodpecker and climbing creature to the spinning tops and periscopes.
How does SciencetoyMaker work?
Because SciencetoyMaker is a do-it-yourself guidance website, you’ll need to download and read all of the project instructions. This could be done in class, with everyone building their own toys while being guided by the teacher. It could also be assigned as homework to be completed outside of class time and then brought in and presented to the class later.
The website includes instructions as well as galleries of completed projects, so you can see what you’re working on. But, more importantly, it demonstrates various approaches to completing a project so that each student can add their own personal touch.
Many projects are given guidance in sections, allowing you to break it down to fit into the time you have available. Following the video, guidance is also useful so that students can follow along on their own using their devices.
What are the best SciencetoyMaker features?
One of the most appealing aspects of SciencetoyMaker is its lack of polish. It appears that this alleviates the pressure to achieve perfection, allowing students to experiment and work toward a goal without feeling pressed. In fact, everything is lighthearted (and educational), and the tone reflects this.
The video inclusion is excellent, as you can follow along in a pop-out that takes you to YouTube (opens in a new tab). As a result, you can easily follow along on nearly any device and resume later if you need to.
The instructions are also informative, in some cases explaining the science behind how the build works and providing links to other relevant information. There are videos from others who have built their own varying types of gliders and show these in action in the more established projects, such as gliders.
How much does SciencetoyMaker cost?
SciencetoyMaker is a free resource with everything available on its website or YouTube channel. You can subscribe to the YouTube channel, but there is no obligation to offer anything in exchange for advice and building resources.
There are currently no visible ads on the website, but our ad blocker did pick up six items to block, so it’s worth noting that some tracking bots may be active.
SciencetoyMaker’s best tips and tricks
Begin in class.
Work through a project in class, guiding from the front, and have everyone make their projects individually or in groups alongside yours.
Assign homework
Choose an easy project and, after ensuring that all resources are available at home, designate it as a build to be brought into the next class. Perhaps even a flier race.
Please share your work.
Record the projects in class and upload some videos to the website to show students that their creative abilities can be recognized outside of the classroom.
