Resources
We know that you are always looking for educational resources for your kids, whether they are STEM-related or not. There are a lot of options available, but useful ones can be hard to find. Here are a variety of resources that we have come across that you might find beneficial.
DIY Electronics Stores
Adafruit: DIY electronics and kits and open-source hardware and tutorials
Maker Shed: The online store of Make: magazine and Maker Faire
Sparkfun: Over 2,000 open-source components and widgets plus online tutorials
STEM Activity Websites
Atenasciandplay: Indoor and outdoor STEM activities for toddlers and preschoolers
littleBits: Electronics DIY projects
Rosie Research: Fun science projects that teach real science
Science Sparks: Creative science ideas and experiments for school or home
The STEM Laboratory: Fun STEM activities for kids
Hackathons
Blueprint: Free learnathon and hackathon for local high school students held at MIT
CodeDay: Worldwide event where students get together and build apps & games
Hack Club: This website maintains a list of high school hackathons in the US
MAHacks: Free bi-annual hackathon for high school students in New England (MA)
Major League Hacking (MLH): Student hackathon league powering over 200 events
MetroHacks: Free high school hackathon for high school students in New England
TechTogether: Boston’s largest all-female, femme, and non-binary hackathon
College Prep for Teens
Collegewise: Nation’s largest college counseling organization
College Scoops: Helping parents and students find the right college fit
College Trips and Tips: College tips and travel guide by parents for parents
Edmit: Personalized, transparent pricing and outcomes data on colleges
Gap Year Solutions: Gap year consulting services
Internship Connection: Find STEM internships in Boston, New York City, and Austin
Strategic Academic Success (MA + CT): STEM prep courses and seminars
Girls’ and Women Programs and Organizations
Black Girls Code: Teach girls ages 7-17 about computer programming and digital technology
Girls in Tech: Educates and empowers girls and women who are passionate about technology
Girls Who Code: Hosts free coding programs for girls grades 3-12
Lesbians Who Tech: Community of queer women in tech and the people who love them
MakerGirl: Girls ages 7-10 learn how to design and print their very own 3D object
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing: Community for high school & college women in tech
She Geeks Out: Networking organization for tech and tech-adjacent women and their allies
STEM Study: List of networking, advocacy, and mentorship programs for women and minorities
SWENext: Become part of the Society of Women Engineers as a student ages 13-18
TechGirlz: Offers free workshops to get girls interested in different kinds of technology
Technovation Challenge: Girls build a business plan and mobile app that address a community problem
Women in Tech Summit (WITS): Series of events that inspire, educate, and connect women in technology careers
Startup and Tech Jobs in Massachusetts
AngelList: Startup jobs around Boston
Built in Boston: Boston-area job board
LearnLaunch: Edtech job board
Venture Fizz: Tech and startup jobs, news, and insights
STEM Podcasts and Videos for Kids
Brains On!: A science podcast for curious kids
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids: A show led by kids who submit their questions
I Can Be What?!: YouTube series that gives kids a sneak peek into the world of STEAM careers
Tumble: Stories are told about science discoveries, with the help of scientists
Wow in the World: Stories about science, technology, and innovation
Magazines
Chop Chop: Cooking magazine for kids that includes recipes, interactive games, and STEM activities
Make: DIY projects involving computers, electronics, robotics, metalworking, and more
Popular Science: Science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects
Scientific American: Guide to advancements in science and technology
Smore Magazine: Science magazine for curious girls and boys
A few of BostonTechMom’s favorite books!
Parenting Support
Moms as Mentors: Resources to empower moms and daughters
Phase2Parenting: Boston resources for raising tweens and teens
Tutoring and Coaching
Beyond BookSmart: Executive Function coaching for students
GoPeer: Connects qualified college undergraduate tutors with K-12 students
Educator Resources
BlocksCAD: Easy-to-use blocks-based CAD tool designed to teach math and coding to grades 3-12
Creative Learning Systems: SmartLab Makerspaces for STEM Grades K-12
CYBER.ORG: Free K-12 cyber education program with age-appropriate content that aligns with state standards
Eduporium: Custom tech bundles for teachers and libraries, including starter activities & in-school workshops
Journal of Emerging Investigators: Science journal & mentorship program publishing research by students
MATHCOUNTS: Fun and challenging math programs for middle school students
MIT Edgerton Center: Free makerspace resources for K-12 educators
Nasco: Customized STEM solutions that engage students, enhance achievement, and expand innovation
OpenSciEd: High-quality freely available science education materials
STEM Grants Services: Free resource for finding and writing STEM grants
Tinkercad: Free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding
Vidcode: JavaScript & Python coding tutorials that enable students to make portfolios of creative projects
About BostonTechMom
Cyndi Reitmeyer is BostonTechMom’s founder and the person behind the articles and program listings. Her blog explores topics related to raising children who are comfortable, competent, capable, and confident around science, technology, engineering, and math—whether they’re headed for a STEM career or not.
A business professional for tech startups and the mother of two girls, Cyndi is committed to helping parents help their kids explore STEM from a young age. She searches for a spectrum of STEM opportunities that are hands-on, creative, and inclusive, and most important, FUN!
