Recommended+Software+and+Construction+Kits

Constructing Modern Knowledge Homepage - www.constructingmodernknowledge.com
 * =**Software**= || = **Grades** = || = **O/S** = || = **Function** = ||
 * **Tech4Learning Suite** [|www.tech4learning.com] ||   ||
 * Frames 4 || 1-12 || Win/Mac/Linux || Object-based animation, stop-motion, claymation with many features and export options. ||
 * ImageBlender || 1-12 || Win/Mac || Image creation and editing tool with many special effects, layers, and tutorials. ||
 * Pixie || PK-6 || Win/Mac/Linux || Paint, text and audio tools allow young students to create multimedia. ||
 * Share || All || Win/Mac/Linux || Create & collaborate with interactive projects with animations, graphics, videos and more. Make web pages, PDFs, Flash animations or a presentation ||
 * **Fablevision** - Animationish

[|www.fablevision.com] || 4-8 || Win/Mac || Paint-based animation tools with multiple exporting formats. Three levels of animation tutorials. Lessons are online. Download trial version. ||
 * **Generation YES** - TechYES

[| www.genyes.org] || 6-9 || Online || Project-based student technology literacy assessment program. Curriculum, classroom resources, project tools, and assessment tools. ||
 * **LCSI -** Microworlds EX Robotics

[|www.microworlds.com] || 4-12 || Win/Mac || Multimedia authoring environment and Logo-based programming language for robotics, animation, simulations, interactive stories, games. Viewed on web via browser plugin. || [|www.microworlds.com] || Teachers || Win/Mac/Linux || Create educational activities and games for students online or off. A version of Logo similar to MicroWorlds may be used underneath Java-based projects. || [|www.inspiration.com] || 4-12 || Win/Mac || Visual data tools. Explore, organize, analyze data with graphics and multiple representations. Conduct surveys on computer or via the Web. || [|www.inspiration.com] || 6-12 || Win/Mac || Mind-mapping & outlining tool for brainstorming projects. Create outlines, concept maps, diagrams, or presentations. ||
 * **LCSI -** Transform
 * **Inspiration -** InspireData
 * **Inspiration -** Inspiration
 * **Scratch**

[|scratch.mit.edu] || 4-8 || Win/Mac/Linux || Free block-based/iconic programming language. Great online space for sharing projects. Good for animating stories. Robotics is controlled via Picoboard. || [|www.turtleart.org] || 4-8 || Win/Mac || Graphic programming language based on Logo turtle graphics. Good for art/geometry exploration. (free with permission from its creator, Brian Silverman) || [|education.mit.edu/starlogo/] || 8+ || Win/Mac || Free block-based/iconic programming language with parallel processing focused on modeling. Good for simulations and math explorations. ||
 * **Turtle Art**
 * **Starlogo**


 * = **Construction Sets** = || = **Grades** = || = **O/S** = || = **Function** = ||
 * **Playful Invention Company**

[|www.picocricket.com]

**Pico Crickets** || K-12 || Mac/Win || A playful robotics instruction kit that may use found materials or LEGO along with very clever sensors, sound blocks and display bricks. The software is proprietary, but quite similar to Scratch. Brian Silverman and Mitchel Resnick, two of the people behind the design of LEGO robotics technology since the beginning head this company.

//Fantastic basis for learning about robotics and engineering, but sadly no longer for sale. Great to use at CMK!!// || [|www.sparkfun.com] || 5-12 || Win/Mac || A low-cost USB-interface for controlling homemade robots with sensors communicating with Scratch. Inputs only (sensors), while Arduino features inputs and outputs. || www.legoeducation.us
 * **Picoboard**
 * **LEGO Education**

**Mindstorms RCX** (Yellow Brick) || K-12 with teacher scaffolding || Mac/Win || The first untethered LEGO robotics set runs great with MicroWorlds EX Robotics and although missing some new sensors and functionality, affords maximum flexibility across the curriculum. Since RCX is past its use-by date, we only have a few bricks and towers here at CMK 2012. ||
 * **WeDo** || K-3 || Win/Mac || Tethered robotics set for young children. Works with WeDo software or with Scratch. We recommend using Scratch.

http://scratched.media.mit.edu/resources/wedoscratch-miniguide || [|www.gogoboard.org] //not at CMK 2012// || K-12 || Win//Linux || Low-cost robotics controller designed for the developing world. May be programmed via MicroWorlds, Scratch and other programming languages. Use electronics, junk and broken toys in construction. || [|www.sparkfun.com] [|web.media.mit.edu/~leah/LilyPad/] || K-Adult || Win/Mac/Linux || Arduino is an open-source robotics controller standard that works with all sorts of programming languages and electronics. Scratch for Arduino may be used for programming,
 * **LEGO MindStorms NxT** || 6-12 || Win/Mac || LEGO’s current line of robotics construction set emphasizing engineering and robotics competitions. Works with RoboLab software and MicroWorlds EX Robotics. ||
 * **GoGo Board**
 * **Arduino & Lilypad Arduino**

Lilypad Arduino is a variant designed for wearable computing. Scratch for Arduino may be used for programming, || [|www.wacom.com] || K-Adult || Win/Mac || Low-cost, but powerful drawing tablet for use with graphics software. Available in different sizes. Refurbished models are often available online at a substantial discount. ||
 * **Wacom Bamboo Pen Drawing Tablet**

Cameras, USB microphones, cables, card readers, MIDI keyboards and other stuff are available. Just ask Gary. Online bookstore: [|www.constructivistconsortium.org/books]