Coach with Sparks!

Flying Machines
Grade K
+
Invent a wind-up flying machine that explores the transfer of potential to kinetic energy.
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Strawbots
Grade 2
+
Explore balanced and unbalanced forces in a motorized wiggling machine!
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Straw Structures
Pre-K
+
Connect lines into shapes and forms to build a tower as tall as you! Explore lines, shapes and forms to build and rebuild structures by yourself or with partners!
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Monster Mouths
Pre-K
+
Engineer a creature that can move its giant mouth with air pressure!
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Mazes
Pre-K
+
Two projects in one! Move a magnetic dot through a reconfigurable maze; build ramps and pathways to make a ball roll to its goal. Then connect your maze to a partner’s and extend the play!
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Monster Claws
Grade 4
+
Use pneumatic pistons, cylinders and a set of rebuildable components to make a claw that grabs!
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Hypnotizers
Grade K
+
Draw colorful spirals with a spring-driven machine! Includes everything you need to quickly create hypnotic drawings - wind-up mechanism, foam holder and platform, marker and adhesive notes.
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Linkages
Pre-K
+
Build moving creatures and mechanisms with systems of sturdy cardboard levers and pivots. Create animals that dance, fish that swim and other creatures that come to life!
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Blendies
Pre-K
+
Explore symmetry and balance with a reconfigurable spinning top! Use included markers to optically “blend” secondary colors from patterns and color blocks.
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Drawbots
Grade 2
+
Combine repositionable foam components, a spinning motorized weight and markers to create a whole new take on a vibrating drawing machine! Disassemble and build differently, or combine with a friend!
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Electric Vehicles
Grade 4
+
Build an electric car that can zip and zoom! Assemble axles and bearings on an adjustable platform, using unique connectors and lightweight materials. Then, race!
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Crankie Contraptions
Grade K
+
Tell an illustrated story with a screen-based machine! Assemble a folding frame, illustrate a story and roll out the sequence or narrative on a paper scroll “screen.”
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Art Machines
Pre-K
+
Assemble a system of levers and fulcra, and watch it all come to life! Create a compound machine creature that moves and can grab with its mouth!
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Don't take our word for it - listen to real teachers

"Sparks have made an incredible impact on student autonomy and self-esteem. They are making connections with the world around them and finding ways to express their unique ideas."

Kristen Filipovich
BCPS Elementary Art Educator

"Students are craving engagement. With Sparks, they are experiencing now what they can’t experience in the regular school year. The resources and slides had great real-world connections to share with students."

Brendan Penn
2018-2019 BCPS TOTY, STEM Teacher