Stick 'Em
Stick ‘Em
Empowering Learners with Creative Hands On STEM
At Acorn Training we are proud to deliver innovative learning programmes that incorporate the award winning Stick ‘Em kit. This practical challenge driven resource is transforming how schools engage with STEM by promoting creativity resourcefulness and authentic problem solving.
Stick ‘Em kits are intentionally simple and highly accessible combining everyday materials such as wooden chopsticks with electronic components. This low barrier approach makes STEM learning achievable for all schools including those with limited resources while encouraging experimentation invention and discovery through hands on activity.
Our programmes offer structured curriculum aligned activities that support schools in delivering meaningful STEM lessons without requiring deep technical knowledge. Pupils are guided to design build test and refine their creations developing vital skills such as collaboration resilience and critical thinking along the way.
What Makes Stick ‘Em Kits Special
Stick ‘Em kits offer far more than simple construction. They provide a flexible collection of parts that enable pupils to build imaginative working machines. Each kit brings together lightweight wooden sticks with a variety of electronic components including motors switches batteries small control modules and different types of sensors. This blend of simplicity and technology allows learners to produce creative prototypes while working with materials that are safe intuitive and budget friendly.
Because the kits are modular pupils can explore a wide range of engineering and robotics ideas. They learn how movement is created and controlled how sensors can trigger actions how circuits function and how different systems interact. This hands on understanding helps them progress from basic mechanisms to more advanced interactive builds.
These capabilities lead to genuinely exciting classroom projects. Pupils have built smart gantry systems capable of lifting and transporting objects with impressive accuracy which introduces them to automation and mechanical design. Another popular project is a motorised dustbin on wheels. Pupils steer it using a remote control and by adding a sensor the lid opens automatically when a hand or an object approaches. Experiences like these give learners a clear understanding of responsive design and real world robotics.
Stick ‘Em kits turn classrooms into compact innovation spaces where imagination electronics and engineering come together and where pupils learn to bring original ideas to life.
Design Thinking in Action
Design thinking is central to our educational approach. By embedding this process into our programmes we offer learners a structured yet flexible pathway for innovation.
The journey begins with empathy which encourages pupils to explore the needs and perspectives of real users. This ensures their problem solving is purposeful and relevant.
Pupils then define the central challenge they want to address before moving into ideation where they generate a range of possible solutions through brainstorming and collaborative exploration.
Next comes prototyping where pupils create physical models using Stick ‘Em kits. In the testing stage pupils gather feedback evaluate outcomes and refine their designs.
This cycle fosters curiosity adaptability and reflective thinking. It mirrors the processes used by engineers designers and innovators in real professional environments. With design thinking as a foundation pupils do more than learn about technology. They learn to think creatively strategically and empathetically.
Optional AI Modules
To prepare learners for a rapidly changing digital world we also offer optional Artificial Intelligence modules that align with the forthcoming AI for Fun programme led by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
These modules introduce pupils to core AI concepts including generative AI smart robotics and natural language processing. Through interactive activities pupils explore how AI systems gather information recognise patterns make decisions and support everyday technologies.
Our curriculum also covers responsible use of AI including ethical considerations algorithmic bias and the importance of data privacy. This ensures young learners build digital confidence while developing a thoughtful understanding of emerging technologies.
What Pupils Can Build with Stick ‘Em
Here are examples of the projects pupils can create using Stick ‘Em kits
• Smart gantry systems for lifting and moving objects
• Remote controlled vehicles that pupils design and build from scratch
• A motorised dustbin on wheels that opens automatically when a sensor detects movement
• Obstacle detecting robots that change direction when they sense an object
• Light responsive models that react to changes in the environment
• Mechanical grabbers and picking arms
• Small conveyor systems that move items along a track
• Drawing robots that create patterns using motion based mechanisms
• Wind powered structures with moving parts
• Simple alarm systems triggered by motion or proximity sensors
These examples can be adapted and customised allowing pupils to experiment refine their ideas and create even more advanced designs as their skills grow.
Inspiring the Next Generation
By partnering with schools we aim to make high quality STEM education accessible affordable and inspiring for every learner. Through Stick ‘Em and Acorn Training pupils gain the skills confidence and curiosity they need to thrive in a technology driven world.
Bring Stick ‘Em Robotics to your school and empower your learners to think critically build creatively and solve real world problems through hands on STEM.
Find out more here
