This post about MaKey MaKey inspired us to browse Kickstarter looking for the latest projects that would be of interest to STEAM educators, parents, and geeks. There are hundreds of ideas proposed in the Technology and Design sections alone, but we felt like the following projects really captured the spirit of what we want Teaching Robots to be all about.

Roominate: Funding ends on June 16th, 2012 – FUNDED!

• A build your own doll house complete with connectable circuits aimed at getting girls interested in STEM. We especially love that Roominate was created by three young woman with STEM degrees. They’ve also been prototyping their project at the Children’s Creativity Museum in SF, and are packaging the hands-on kit with a video about the storytelling and creative play that Roominate fosters. Fund this project at the $49 level to get a kit of your own!

Kinetic Creatures: Funding ends on June 18th, 2012 – Less than $1,000 to go

• Designed by an art teacher and an industrial designer, these walking cardboard creatures use mechanical linkages to mimic the movement of muscles. The kit comes in elephant, giraffe, or rhino versions and can be hand cranked or set up to move independently with the addition of a gear kit. Somewhat complex, we think these would be a fun collaborative project or an ambitious adventure for an older kid. Kits range from $30-60, depending on which animal and movement kit you purchase.

Two Foto Animator: Funding ends on May 30th – FUNDED!

• We were drawn to this project because it’s a beautifully executed version of the classic Thaumatrope (which, incidentally, Noah recently adapted to be a new hands-on activity at the museum). Utilizing the power of persistence of vision, the Two Foto Animator is a laser-cut, wooden frame that holds, and rotates a  two frame flip book. Get the wooden animator with a $60 pledge.

The Kite Machine: Funding ends on June 2nd – Less than $400 to go

• A New York based project wherein the creators will refurbish a vintage vending machine and sell handmade kites from various location in the city. We like the playfulness that the Kite Machine encourages. The project creators plan to host kite building workshops and use the Kite Machine to promote environmental and social sustainability. Pledges of $15 and up get a mini-kite!

Hexy the Hexapod: Funding ends on June 27th – FUNDED!

• An Open Robotics kit with 20 servos, an Arduino microconroller, and ultrasonic distance sensor for eyes. The kit looks a little daunting (lots of tiny screws and pieces) but is a nice affordable step up from other robot “toys”. We’d be interested to know a little more about the python-based programming language (especially how accessible it would be for kids to figure out). A $80 pledge get you the acrylic kit, but you need to get your own servos and electronics; $200 gets you the complete kit.