Though Instructables has been around for quite a while now, it’s still a very valuable resource for STEM teachers or any educator who is looking for some inspirational project ideas. Instructables is home to an online library of various projects completed by students, teachers, hobbyists, and everyone in between. This repository serves as inspiration and as a helpful guide for making in the classroom or in the makerspace. Whatever kinds of projects teachers and students want to do, there’s a good chance they can find some helpful content on Instructables since it’s filled with thousands—maybe even millions—of cool ideas!
Like so much of the Maker Movement, Instructables prides itself on creating a community atmosphere for makers, students, and teachers. They’ve encouraged thousands of people to share their projects and help others create their own along the way. In most cases, the instructions for DIY projects found on Instructables are broken down in a step-by-step format, which is ideal for teachers and students who are new to using certain technologies.
Along with promoting a sense of community, Instructables also wants to help kids discover and access their secret sets of skills—abilities and talents they might not know they have but could discover through making. They believe that when kids are curious, they start to blossom into lifelong learners, innovators, and problem solvers who love to share their ideas and inspire others. Any project—big or small, simple or complex—is welcome on Instructables and it’s a great way for kids to share their achievements as well as find other projects to try.
The projects on Instructables are aplenty and they’re broken down by category so that educators can find something they’re looking for easily. The categories include circuits, workshop, craft, cooking, living, and outside. If students aren’t necessarily inspired by traditional classroom learning, maybe educators can use one of the more non-academic project categories to get them building something that could be used around the house, for example. This would still give them a number of ways to experience hands-on learning, problem solving, and making!
Depending on the materials educators have access to in their classrooms or makerspaces, the craft and circuits sections might be good places to start. In these sections, there are project guides for using all types of technologies, like Raspberry Pi’s and Arduino’s to Circuit Stickers and 3D printing pens. And, a lot of the projects kids can find on Instructables actually can be used for a genuine purpose. This underscores another key intention of the Maker Movement—making with intent rather than making just for the sake of making.
To make things easier on educators, Instructables also has a section on their site titled ‘Teachers.’ Within this section, educators can explore all of the various project possibilities on Instructables broken down in multiple formats. They can search by age (K-5, 6-8, or 9-12) or by subject area. The different subject areas include 3D printing, robotics, electronics, engineering, art, math, and more! They can also join other educators who have enrolled in various classes offered by Instructables and learn more about some of the technology tools that enable ingenious making in the classroom or makerspace!
Finally, Instructables also hosts contests that start and end at pre-determined times. Students can submit specific projects and be eligible to win prizes depending on the creativity and success they demonstrate! So far, over 14,000 people have won something through Instructables’ contests and there’s no reason why your students shouldn’t take a shot at this as well! To explore all of the contest options from Instructables, visit their site!
Instructables is a very valuable resource for makers of just about any age. And, just as importantly, it’s very helpful for teachers as well. To explore the Instructables website further and learn more about what they can offer, spend some time poking around. And, be sure to check out our store to get just about every STEM, STEAM, and MakerEd tool you could need to build some of the projects you find on Instructables! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well and be sure to sign up for an Educator Discount account to save on any purchases you make from us!