Sparks for Co-ops and Microschools

One kit per learner, a free step-by-step guide, and a build every learner takes home.

Ordering for several groups, a whole co-op or a library homeschool program? Request a quote

Students collaborating to build a hands-on STEM project in the classroom
Bagged for each learner

One kit per learner, with the parts for their build and a picture guide inside. No sorting, no shopping list.

Children designing and testing engineering prototypes with Sparks kits
A guide anyone can lead from

Every Spark comes with a free educator guide, coaching video, slide deck and printables. Read the guide online with no login; a free account opens the rest.

Young learners engaged in creative problem-solving with building materials
One room, many ages

Most Sparks have a simple build to start and extensions for more advanced learners, so younger and older kids can build side by side.

Students celebrating a successful STEM build in a school setting
Made to keep

Every learner takes their build home to show family, take apart and build again. Nothing to store between sessions.

Price it for your group

How many learners, how many sessions? See your etimated total in seconds.

Open the price estimator →

Find the right level for your group

All Learners: Sparks for new buildersIntermediate: Sparks with more stepsAdvanced: Sparks for confident builders

See a Spark up close

Art Machines

Learners build a cardboard lever machine with a creature face that moves.

Grades
Pre-K+
Session
20–45 min
Prep
5–10 min

Everything's in the kit. You add scissors and markers.

Look inside · free, no login

Questions

Will it fit our session time and space?

Yes. Most Sparks take 30–45 minutes, so they fit a 55-minute session with time to test and pack up. There's no food or heat, and each learner's parts go back in their own bag, so it works in a borrowed room. A few Sparks ask for scissors; every guide lists what to have on hand.

Can a parent or volunteer lead it?

Absolutely. Every Spark comes with a full written guide you can read online, no login needed. Sign up for a free educator account to view the coaching video and slides.

Can we try one before ordering for the group?

Yes. Try a Spark with your group before you order for everyone. Request a free sample →

How do we pay?

By card at checkout. Tax-exempt groups can order tax-exempt. If your organization pays by purchase order, email sales@kidsmakethingsbetter.com and we’ll review it.

Can families pay with ESA money?

FutureMakers is an approved vendor in the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account, the Arkansas Education Freedom Account and the Utah Fits All Scholarship. Each program reviews purchases family by family, so check your account’s rules before you order. We’re not in Texas TEFA yet.

Still have questions?

Contact us →