MakerBox – Space Trek

Space Trek MakerBox

Space Trek’s MakerBox is an entry-level, Arduino-based electronics and programming kit designed for STEM learners in grades 6–12 and for educator professional development. Students and teachers build real skills by turning real-world inputs—sensors, buttons, touch, and more—into tangible outputs like lights, sound, motion, and on-screen displays using the Arduino IDE.

What is MakerBox

MakerBox is an introduction to Arduino that’s been engineered specifically for students and classrooms. Instead of relying on breadboards and loose jumper wires, MakerBox uses a connector shield and standardized 3-, 4-, and 6-pin cables across every module. This simplifies setup, reduces wiring mistakes, and helps prevent accidental shorts—so students can focus on learning, not troubleshooting.

Built around an Arduino Uno with a plug-and-play I/O Shield, MakerBox includes a broad, classroom-ready mix of modules—environmental and interaction sensors alongside LEDs, displays, audio, and actuation—so learners can prototype quickly, test ideas, and iterate with confidence.

The kit’s robust physical design is paired with a guided Arduino library that makes coding each module straightforward, even for beginners. The result is a smoother on-ramp to electronics and programming: faster builds, cleaner wiring, and a learning experience that scales from first-time makers to more advanced projects.

What's Inside MakerBox

Students work with an Arduino + modular IO system and a broad component set, featuring the following:

Compute + IO: Arduino Uno, Easy IO Shield, USB + modular cables
Sensors: ultrasonic, light, rotary angle, slide potentiometer, water sensor, NTC temperature probe
Inputs: button, rocker switch, 4-channel touch sensor, IR receiver + remote
Outputs: RGB LED, Eagle Eye LED, buzzers, vibration motor, I2C 1602 LCD, 4-digit display
System extras: DS1307 RTC module, serial MP3 player, TF card + speaker

The accompanying GitHub resources provide a dedicated MakerBox library plus example lessons and projects—with complete, ready-to-run lesson sketches and scaffolded project challenges—to build foundational programming fluency and computational thinking through hands-on, inquiry-driven STEM activities aligned with Space Trek’s instructional approach.

Classroom of the Future

Professional Learning in Computer Science

The MakerBox workshop series is an engaging opportunity for educators to learn about computer science in a fun and exciting way at Space Trek or in your school or district. The Arduino-based kits are versatile and can be utilized at each grade level band. Our professional learning addresses each of the seven competencies of the for Computer Science:

Knowledge of computational thinking and problem solving
Knowledge of data types and structures
Knowledge of programming logic
Knowledge of programming languages
Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networking
Knowledge of the historical aspects and social issues related to computer technologies
Knowledge of computer science pedagogy

We believe every student has the potential to make a contribution to the growing space economy, and it all starts with their first opportunity to build and program. Transform your classroom with standards-based, hands-on computer science.

Engagement and learning starts with inspiration. Looking to take it to the next level? Explore our camps, field experiences and classroom solutions that inspire the next generation of explorers through the excitement of space!