App of the Week: Tools for wireless making


Top-notch tool empowers kids to invent, build, and control wirelessly.

Ed. note: App of the Week picks are now being curated by the editors of Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. Click here to read the full app review.

What’s It Like? 

littleBits Invent utilizes electronic building blocks that can be combined and recombined to make endless inventions. Once built, creations are controlled wirelessly by a smartphone or tablet. Kids can follow directions to build a remote control car or a Burglar Buzzer that sets off an alarm if anyone tries to take their piggy bank. The power of littleBits lies in its Invention Cycle. Kids are encouraged to create, play, remix, and share their inventions. This engineering process with a creativity twist encourages kids to use craft materials to personalize the electronics they build.

Price: Free, paid

Grades: 2-8

Rating: 5/5

Pros: Kids have incredible flexibility and independence as they invent with littleBits.

Cons: Attaching pieces to the mounting board can be tricky, and costs increase as kids need different Bits for new creations.

Bottom line: Easy-to-use, versatile electronic invention set that works wirelessly with your hand-held device.

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Meris Stansbury

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