Hands-on engineering kits for Pre-K to 8th grade. Every learner builds a working machine and takes it home.
Wind-Up Vehicle
Every learner gets their own bag with everything they need. Open it and start building.
Art Machine
Picture guides show every step, so early readers and mixed-age groups can build without written instructions.
Mazes
Every Spark asks “How could I?”, like how could I make a creature that moves? Learners build, test and change their own version.
Linkages
Every build really works, and every learner takes theirs home to keep playing.
“FutureMakers brings meaningful, hands-on STEAM learning to the classroom. The challenges they produce allow students to create and iterate in many different ways. They are not a ‘one size fits all’ but allow students to make on their own terms. The support they provide teachers gives them the confidence to get messy and take risks with their students.”
Guide, video, slides and printables are free with an educator account.
“FutureMakers has made the concept of hands-on STEAM education fun and exciting for the children of DC. The kits sparked joy and were reusable so children could explore their own interpretations of the engineered structures. The pre-made kits were easy to distribute and helped DCPL create fun and safe programs this summer.”
“Sparks are perfect for our summer camp programs. The kits, resources, and materials are all user-friendly, easy to store, fun to teach, and, most importantly, highly engaging for youth. We’ve used Sparks for our annual city-wide virtual Spring Break program, where youth receive kits at home and Zoom in with their FutureMakers coach!”
Sparks are hands-on, screen-free engineering kits for Pre-K through 8th grade. Every learner gets their own materials, builds something that really works, like a drawing robot or a wind-up car, and takes it home. Every guide lists the NGSS standards it supports. Browse all Sparks →
Most Sparks take 30 to 45 minutes. Some take 45 to 60 minutes, and the shortest takes 20 to 30. Each Spark's page lists its time.
Not very. Most Sparks skip paint and glue, and learners decorate with stickers and markers instead. Each learner's pieces come in their own bag, so cleanup is quick.
Any adult can, with no STEM background needed. Each Spark has a step-by-step visual guide, and a free educator account adds a coaching video and slide deck. Teachers, librarians, camp staff, parents and volunteers all lead Sparks.
Yes. Every Spark has a free online guide with step-by-step instructions any adult can follow, so volunteers and families can build side by side. See an example guide →
Pre-K through 8th grade. Most Sparks run from early elementary through middle school, and a few are made for kindergarten through 5th grade. Each Spark lists its grade range, so you can match it to your group.
Yes. Request a free sample and try a Spark with your group before you order for everyone. Samples ship free by UPS within the US and Canada, one request per person. Get a free sample →
By card in our online shop, or build an instant quote to pay by purchase order (Net 30), ACH, purchasing card or check. Tax-exempt organizations can order tax-free, and a W-9 comes with your quote. Get a quote →
Still have questions?
Contact us →
