Smart List: 30 STEM Networks & Maker Resources

Getting Smart is acknowledging people and organizations making a difference with a series of back to school top 10 lists. During August we will run about 40 ‘best of’ lists, not in order, not exhaustive, just people we appreciate.

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

State STEM Networks

• Educate Texas: Public-private network of 7 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

• Tennessee STEM Innovation Network

• Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council

• South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science

• Many others coming along quickly – let’s call them tied for 10th! For example, the successful new Long Island Regional STEM Hub – that would be the 18th or 19th largest state on its own.

STEM Networks & Resources

• Project Lead the Way: 4,700 middle and high schools (see Getting Smart feature)

• National Academy Foundation: 460 high schools (see Getting Smart feature)

• New Tech Network: 120 high schools (see Getting Smart feature)

• National Math and Science Initiative: pre-AP curriculum and training

• UTeach Institute: fast track STEM teacher preparation/certification

• Engineering is Elementary: great K-5 STEM content

• STEM Connector: a place for advocates to connect online

• Digital Harbor Foundation: see Getting Smart feature on Baltimore

• Exploratorium: learning lab on Pier 15 in San Francisco

• NASA Education: amazing amount of learning resources

Maker Resources

• Maker Education Initiative: start your search here

• Maker Faire: a 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

• Rasberry Pi: teaches kids all over the world to learn programming

• Lego Mindstorms: build and program robots

• MakerBot: global leader in desktop in 3D printing

• AgentSheets: game design

• Imagination Foundation: promoting maker stuff like Caine’s Arcade

What would you add to the list?

Tom is on the Imagination Foundation board. DIY is a portfolio company of Learn Capital where Tom is a partner.