Engineering & Maker Science Resources | Cape Cod Science Network

Engineering is where science becomes useful

This page connects the science of how things work with the maker spirit of building, testing, repairing, inventing, and improving. It is also a natural STEAM page: art and design help engineering become understandable, beautiful, and human.

Local Makers Maker Sites Global Spaces Learning Tools Competitions Careers Colleges

Start Local

Cape Cod, Massachusetts & New England Maker / Engineering Resources

Start close to home. These links connect Cape Cod students, teachers, artists, inventors, and lifelong learners with nearby maker culture, engineering education, workshops, and project-based learning.

Cape Cod Maker

Cape Cod Makers

A local maker and DIY culture group for Cape Cod, connecting makers, classes, group activities, shared resources, and creative technical talent.

Learn more → Cape Cod Makerspace

Cultural Center of Cape Cod — Makerspace

A Cape Cod makerspace with equipment and instruction for students and artisans, including tools connected to 3D printing, heat press work, woodturning, classes, and mentoring.

Learn more → Future CCAN Feature

Future: Cape Cod Maker Project Listings

A future CapeCodScience.com area where students, teachers, clubs, inventors, artists, and community makers can submit projects, photos, and group information for approval.

Learn more → Local Education

Cape Cod Community College — STEM

Local STEM pathways and college science, technology, engineering, and math learning for Cape Cod students.

Learn more → Local STEM

Cape Cod Regional STEM Network

A regional STEM ecosystem connecting schools, organizations, and community partners that support science and engineering learning on Cape Cod.

Learn more → Massachusetts STEM

Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council

Statewide STEM initiatives, strategy, and resources connecting education, workforce, and innovation across Massachusetts.

Learn more → Student Projects

Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair

A Massachusetts pathway for students to turn engineering ideas, inventions, prototypes, research, and experiments into judged projects.

Learn more → Cape Cod Science

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

A Cape Cod science leader whose work includes ocean engineering, sensors, robotics, instrumentation, vehicles, ships, and real-world engineering in extreme environments.

Learn more → Ocean Engineering

WHOI Underwater Vehicles

A practical engineering doorway into underwater robotics, autonomous vehicles, ocean instruments, pressure systems, navigation, and ocean data collection.

Learn more → New England Maker Education

MIT Edgerton Center

Hands-on maker, science, and engineering programs for MIT students, K-12 students, and educators, with a strong project-learning spirit.

Learn more → K-12 Engineering

MIT Edgerton Center — K-12 Education

Hands-on science, engineering, and maker opportunities designed to educate and inspire kindergarten through high school students and educators.

Learn more → University Makerspaces

MIT Project Manus

MIT’s effort to upgrade campus makerspaces and foster student maker communities across the institute.

Learn more → MIT Makerspace

MIT Making — Metropolis and The Deep

Two open MIT makerspaces supporting design, prototyping, electronics, fabrication, and student making.

Learn more → Engineering for Good

MIT D-Lab

A design and development program using hands-on engineering, community partnership, and practical problem solving for global challenges.

Learn more → Boston Makerspace

Boston Makers

A nonprofit community makerspace with digital fabrication, craft tools, classes, mentorship, and a community of thinkers, designers, and makers.

Learn more → Boston Makerspace

Artisans Asylum

A Boston-based makerspace offering equipped workshops, classes, membership, and community space for fabrication, woodworking, metalworking, and creative building.

Learn more → Massachusetts Makerspace

Lowell Makes

A Massachusetts makerspace with workshops, classes, open shop access, community events, and facilities for many kinds of hands-on work.

Learn more → Maker Facilities

Lowell Makes — Facilities

A large maker facility with shops, meeting spaces, classrooms, and community workshop access.

Learn more → University Makerspace

UMass Lowell Lawrence Lin MakerSpace

An engineering maker space supporting student invention, product development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Learn more → New England Engineering

Olin College of Engineering

A New England engineering college known for project-centered engineering education, design, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and creative problem solving.

Learn more → Engineering + Arts

Olin College Curriculum

Olin’s curriculum combines technical and engineering education with arts, humanities, social sciences, and entrepreneurship.

Learn more → Engineering Education

Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach

A center focused on engineering education, outreach, robotics, design, and hands-on learning for students and teachers.

Learn more → New England Engineering

WPI — The Global School / Project-Based Learning

WPI is known for project-based learning, engineering, technology, and hands-on problem-solving education.

Learn more → New England Engineering

Northeastern College of Engineering

Boston-based engineering education with co-op, research, innovation, and practical engineering pathways.

Learn more → New England Engineering

Boston University College of Engineering

Boston engineering programs and research across mechanical, electrical, biomedical, materials, systems, and computer engineering.

Learn more →

Maker Sites

Maker Sites, Fab Labs & Build-It Resources Around the World

These are practical places to begin making: global directories, project libraries, fabrication communities, electronics tutorials, CAD tools, 3D printing resources, and maker education platforms.

Global Maker Network

Fab Foundation

A global organization that supports access to tools, knowledge, digital fabrication, education, innovation, and invention through Fab Labs and maker learning.

Learn more → Global Directory

FabLabs.io

A global Fab Lab directory and community hub for digital fabrication labs, learning, prototyping, and invention.

Learn more → Maker Education

Fab Academy

A fast-paced hands-on digital fabrication learning program where students build weekly projects and develop technical portfolios.

Learn more → Maker Education

Academany

A global distributed education structure connected to Fab Academy, Fabricademy, and hands-on digital fabrication learning.

Learn more → MIT Making

MIT How To Make Almost Anything

The famous MIT course that helped inspire the Fab Lab movement and shows advanced making, fabrication, electronics, and invention.

Learn more → Maker Culture

Make: Community

A global maker culture hub connected to Make: magazine, maker projects, events, and DIY learning.

Learn more → Project Library

Make: Projects

Project ideas, tutorials, builds, and maker inspiration for electronics, craft, fabrication, robotics, and more.

Learn more → Maker Events

Maker Faire

A global celebration of makers, students, inventors, artists, engineers, and DIY creativity.

Learn more → Project Library

Instructables

A huge project-sharing community for DIY builds, electronics, crafts, woodworking, 3D printing, robotics, recipes, repair, and creative invention.

Learn more → Maker News

Hackaday

A global engineering and hardware hacking site covering electronics, embedded systems, open hardware, reverse engineering, and maker projects.

Learn more → Project Sharing

Hackaday.io

A project-hosting platform for hardware makers, electronics builders, hackers, students, and open-source engineering projects.

Learn more → Project Library

Hackster.io

A maker and developer community for hardware projects, IoT, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, robotics, machine learning, and electronics.

Learn more → Electronics Projects

Arduino Project Hub

A collection of Arduino projects for sensors, robotics, art, data, electronics, automation, and creative STEM learning.

Learn more → Maker Education

Arduino Education

Learning resources and kits for teaching coding, electronics, robotics, sensing, and physical computing.

Learn more → Student Projects

Raspberry Pi Projects

Free projects and learning paths for coding, electronics, physical computing, sensors, games, web, AI, and digital making.

Learn more → Digital Making

Raspberry Pi Foundation

A nonprofit supporting computing and digital making education for young people around the world.

Learn more → Electronics Tutorials

Adafruit Learning System

Clear tutorials for electronics, sensors, wearables, microcontrollers, robotics, art, and creative technology.

Learn more → Electronics Tutorials

SparkFun Learn

Hands-on electronics tutorials, circuits, sensors, microcontrollers, robotics, and educational guides.

Learn more → Beginner Electronics

micro:bit Projects

Beginner-friendly coding, electronics, sensors, classroom physical computing, and project-based learning.

Learn more → Coding + Making

Microsoft MakeCode

A block and JavaScript coding platform for micro:bit, Circuit Playground, Arcade games, Minecraft, and maker education.

Learn more → Physical Computing

CircuitPython

A beginner-friendly Python environment for microcontrollers, sensors, LEDs, robotics, and physical computing.

Learn more → 3D + Circuits

Tinkercad

A free browser-based tool for 3D design, electronics simulation, circuits, and beginner CAD learning.

Learn more → Circuit Simulation

Tinkercad Circuits

A friendly way for beginners to simulate circuits, Arduino projects, LEDs, sensors, and simple electronics before building.

Learn more → CAD Education

Onshape Education

Cloud CAD tools and educational resources for student engineering design, modeling, and collaboration.

Learn more → Design Software

Autodesk Education

Education access to Autodesk design and engineering software used in CAD, fabrication, architecture, and product design.

Learn more → CAD/CAM

Fusion 360 Education

CAD/CAM/CAE tools for design, manufacturing, 3D modeling, simulation, and digital fabrication learning.

Learn more → Open-Source CAD

FreeCAD

A free and open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler for mechanical design, prototyping, and engineering projects.

Learn more → Open-Source CAD

OpenSCAD

A script-based open-source 3D CAD tool useful for precise models, parametric design, and 3D printing.

Learn more → PCB Design

KiCad

A free and open-source electronics design automation suite for PCB design, schematics, and circuit board layout.

Learn more → Circuit Design

Fritzing

A beginner-friendly electronics design and documentation tool for breadboards, circuits, and PCB learning.

Learn more → 3D Printing

Thingiverse

A large 3D model sharing community for printable parts, prototypes, toys, tools, and maker designs.

Learn more → 3D Printing

Printables

A 3D printing model community with downloadable designs, contests, and educational printable projects.

Learn more → CAD Models

GrabCAD Community

A CAD model library and community for engineers, designers, students, and product development learners.

Learn more → CNC + Machines

OpenBuilds

An open-source hardware community for CNC machines, 3D printers, linear motion, fabrication, and builder projects.

Learn more → 3D Printing History

RepRap

The open-source 3D printer movement and wiki that helped grow personal fabrication and desktop 3D printing.

Learn more → 3D Printing Education

Prusa Education

3D printing education resources from Prusa for schools, teachers, and project-based maker learning.

Learn more → 3D Printing Education

MatterHackers Education

3D printing resources, guides, materials, and tools for classroom and maker education.

Learn more → Open Hardware

Open Source Ecology

A global open-source hardware project focused on practical machines, resilient communities, and the Global Village Construction Set.

Learn more → Community Science

Public Lab

A community science and open hardware network for environmental monitoring, mapping, water testing, and civic science.

Learn more → Appropriate Tech

Appropedia

A sustainability and appropriate technology wiki with practical designs for energy, water, food, building, and community problem solving.

Learn more → Sustainable Making

Precious Plastic

A global community sharing open-source machines and methods for recycling plastic into useful products.

Learn more → Ocean Maker History

OpenROV / Sofar Trident Archive

A doorway into the citizen undersea robotics movement and small underwater exploration vehicles.

Learn more → Open Hardware

Open Source Hardware Association

An organization supporting open-source hardware, certification, community standards, and shared designs.

Learn more → Sharing + Licensing

Creative Commons

A key licensing resource for students and makers who want to share projects, instructions, images, and educational materials responsibly.

Learn more → Project Collaboration

GitHub

A major platform for sharing code, hardware documentation, CAD workflows, project notes, and collaborative maker development.

Learn more → Project Collaboration

GitLab

A collaboration platform for software, documentation, engineering projects, and open-source teams.

Learn more → Student Making

Hack Club

A nonprofit network helping high school students start coding clubs, build projects, and create with technology.

Learn more → CNC Learning

CNC Cookbook

Practical CNC machining, feeds and speeds, tooling, and manufacturing learning resources.

Learn more → Electronics Learning

All About Circuits

Electronics tutorials, textbooks, calculators, forums, and circuit learning tools.

Learn more → Electronics Learning

Electronics Tutorials

Basic-to-advanced electronics lessons for circuits, components, transistors, op-amps, filters, and power electronics.

Learn more → Repair + Design

iFixit

Repair guides and teardown resources that teach students how products are assembled, repaired, and designed.

Learn more →

Maker Spaces

Maker Spaces and Fab Labs Around the World

Physical maker spaces help people learn through tools, mentors, workshops, shared equipment, and community. This directory starts with well-known spaces and directories; many more can be added over time.

Spain / Fab Lab

Fab Lab Barcelona

A leading digital fabrication and innovation laboratory connected with IAAC, urban innovation, design, fabrication, and maker learning.

Learn more → Spain / Design + Fabrication

IAAC — Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia

An advanced design, architecture, urbanism, and digital fabrication institute connected to Fab Lab Barcelona.

Learn more → United Kingdom

London Hackspace

A long-running community workshop for makers, hackers, electronics, fabrication, and shared tools in London.

Learn more → United Kingdom

Makespace Cambridge

A community workshop in Cambridge, UK, supporting making, learning, fabrication, electronics, and shared tools.

Learn more → United Kingdom

DoES Liverpool

A UK maker community and shared workspace for electronics, digital fabrication, coworking, and creative technology.

Learn more → United Kingdom

FabLab London

A London-based Fab Lab resource for digital fabrication, making, and creative technology.

Learn more → Portugal

FabLab Lisboa

Lisbon’s Fab Lab for digital fabrication, community making, design, and prototyping.

Learn more → Germany

FabLab Berlin

A Berlin-based Fab Lab offering digital fabrication, workshops, prototyping, 3D printing, laser cutting, and maker education.

Learn more → Germany

c-base Berlin

A well-known Berlin hackerspace and creative technology community.

Learn more → Austria

Metalab Vienna

A hackerspace in Vienna for technology, open knowledge, electronics, software, and creative projects.

Learn more → Netherlands

Waag Futurelab

An Amsterdam public research and design lab working with technology, society, creativity, and open innovation.

Learn more → Netherlands

Fablab Amsterdam

A Fab Lab connected to Amsterdam’s maker and digital fabrication ecosystem.

Learn more → Germany

OpenLab Hamburg

A community laboratory and workshop for open technology, science, and hands-on experimentation.

Learn more → Japan

Tokyo Hackerspace

A community workshop and hackerspace for electronics, coding, making, and creative technology in Tokyo.

Learn more → Hong Kong

MakerBay Hong Kong

A Hong Kong makerspace and education organization focused on creativity, social innovation, fabrication, and learning.

Learn more → China

Shenzhen Open Innovation Lab

An open innovation platform in Shenzhen connected to hardware, maker culture, manufacturing, and social impact.

Learn more → Kenya

Gearbox Kenya

A Nairobi makerspace and hardware innovation hub supporting prototyping, fabrication, entrepreneurship, and technical skill-building.

Learn more → Togo

WoeLab

A Togo-based community makerspace known for open hardware, local invention, and community-centered technology.

Learn more → Uganda

Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center

A Uganda innovation and engineering space supporting student and community technology projects.

Learn more → Australia

Makerspace Adelaide

A community makerspace in South Australia for tools, workshops, electronics, woodworking, fabrication, and learning.

Learn more → Australia

Maker Community Inc.

An Australian maker organization supporting makerspaces, repair, tools, and creative technical communities.

Learn more → Chile

Fab Lab Santiago

A Chilean Fab Lab and digital fabrication resource for prototyping, design, and maker learning.

Learn more → Peru

Fab Lab Perú

A Peru-based Fab Lab network and digital fabrication learning resource.

Learn more → Brazil

Fab Lab Recife

A Brazilian digital fabrication lab and maker learning resource connected to local innovation and design.

Learn more → United States

Noisebridge

A San Francisco hackerspace for technology, art, electronics, software, hardware, and learning by doing.

Learn more → United States

NYC Resistor

A Brooklyn hacker collective and shared workspace for electronics, crafts, coding, fabrication, and creative technology.

Learn more → United States

Pumping Station: One

A Chicago hackerspace and makerspace for tools, classes, electronics, metal, wood, art, coding, and community projects.

Learn more → United States

Dallas Makerspace

A large volunteer-run makerspace offering classes, shops, tools, and shared equipment for many disciplines.

Learn more → United States

Milwaukee Makerspace

A community workshop for fabrication, electronics, woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and creative making.

Learn more → United States

Sector67

A Madison, Wisconsin makerspace for invention, electronics, prototyping, classes, tools, and engineering projects.

Learn more → United States

TinkerMill

A Colorado makerspace and community workshop with fabrication, classes, equipment, and creative technical collaboration.

Learn more → Maker Directory

Makerspaces.com Directory

A resource explaining makerspaces and connecting visitors to makerspace information, ideas, and equipment examples.

Learn more → Global Directory

Hackerspaces.org Wiki

A community directory and wiki for hackerspaces and makerspaces around the world.

Learn more → Global Directory

FabConnectHer Fab Labs & Maker Spaces Directory

A growing directory of Fab Labs and maker spaces with a global orientation.

Learn more →

Learning

Engineering, Design & Science Education Resources

These resources help students and teachers learn engineering thinking: define a problem, research, sketch, prototype, test, improve, explain, and build with purpose.

Official Education

NSF Engineering Education Resources

National Science Foundation educational resources for K-12 classrooms focused on engineering lesson plans, activities, videos, and images.

Learn more → Engineering Learning

TryEngineering

IEEE-supported engineering lessons, activities, games, videos, and student resources designed to inspire engineering curiosity.

Learn more → Teacher Resources

TeachEngineering

Free, standards-aligned engineering lessons and activities for K-12 classrooms and project-based learning.

Learn more → Design Process

TeachEngineering — Engineering Design Process

A teacher-friendly guide to the engineering design process and open-ended problem solving.

Learn more → Student Guide

Science Buddies — Engineering Design Process

A clear student guide to asking, imagining, planning, creating, testing, improving, and sharing engineering projects.

Learn more → Project Guide

Science Buddies — Engineering Project Guide

A step-by-step project guide for engineering design projects, science fairs, invention challenges, and prototypes.

Learn more → Engineering Outreach

DiscoverE

Engineering outreach resources, Engineers Week, student activities, career inspiration, and engineering awareness programs.

Learn more → Careers + Inspiration

EngineerGirl

A National Academy of Engineering site inspiring students, especially girls, to learn about engineering careers and problem solving.

Learn more → NASA Engineering

NASA STEM Engagement

NASA learning resources, challenges, activities, and student opportunities connected to space, engineering, and exploration.

Learn more → Design Process

NASA Engineering Design Process

NASA educational resources related to designing, building, testing, and improving engineering solutions.

Learn more → JPL Education

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Education

Student and teacher lessons connected to space missions, robotics, engineering challenges, and planetary exploration.

Learn more → Student Engineering

Design Squad Global

A PBS engineering and design site for students with hands-on activities, challenges, videos, and project inspiration.

Learn more → K-8 Engineering

Engineering is Elementary

Engineering curriculum and hands-on STEM learning from the Museum of Science, Boston.

Learn more → School Programs

Project Lead The Way

STEM and engineering curriculum pathways for schools, teachers, and students.

Learn more → Design Thinking

Stanford d.school

Design thinking resources, methods, and learning experiences connected to creativity, human needs, and problem solving.

Learn more → Human-Centered Design

IDEO Design Kit

Human-centered design methods for understanding people, prototyping, testing, and building solutions with empathy.

Learn more → Free Courses

MIT OpenCourseWare — Engineering

Free MIT engineering course materials across many departments and topics.

Learn more → Free Courses

MIT OpenCourseWare — Mechanical Engineering

Free course materials in mechanics, design, manufacturing, robotics, systems, thermal science, and more.

Learn more → Free Courses

MIT OpenCourseWare — Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Free MIT materials for circuits, signals, embedded systems, computation, electronics, and engineering foundations.

Learn more → Free Learning

OpenLearn Engineering

Free engineering and technology learning resources from The Open University.

Learn more → Open Textbooks

LibreTexts Engineering

Open engineering textbooks and course resources for multiple engineering fields.

Learn more → Free Learning

Khan Academy — Electrical Engineering

Introductory lessons on circuits, signals, and electronics concepts for self-paced learners.

Learn more → Online Courses

Coursera Engineering Courses

Online engineering courses from universities and companies around the world.

Learn more → Online Courses

edX Engineering Courses

University-backed online engineering courses and programs in many disciplines.

Learn more → Online Courses

FutureLearn Engineering Courses

Online engineering and technology courses from universities and learning partners.

Learn more → Open Learning

Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative

Open learning courses and evidence-based education tools, including STEM foundations.

Learn more → Global Courses

NPTEL Engineering Courses

Free engineering courses from Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institute of Science.

Learn more → Global Courses

SWAYAM Engineering

India’s online learning platform with engineering and technology courses from national institutions.

Learn more → Invention Learning

Invention Education

Lemelson-MIT resources supporting invention education, creativity, problem finding, and student innovation.

Learn more → Invention

Lemelson-MIT Program

A program encouraging invention, innovation, student inventors, and engineering problem solving.

Learn more → Student Innovation

The Big Ideas Contest

A student innovation competition and resource hub encouraging solutions to social and environmental challenges.

Learn more → Engineering News

Engineering.com

Engineering news, articles, tools, and industry resources for students and professionals.

Learn more → Engineering News

Interesting Engineering

Popular engineering and technology stories that can help students see real-world innovation in action.

Learn more → Engineering Videos

Practical Engineering

Accessible videos and explanations about civil engineering, structures, infrastructure, water, materials, and everyday engineering.

Learn more → Engineering Videos

The Efficient Engineer

Visual engineering explanations for statics, mechanics, structures, fluids, and core engineering ideas.

Learn more → Engineering Videos

Smarter Every Day

Curiosity-driven science and engineering videos that often explore machines, physics, manufacturing, and design.

Learn more → Student Inspiration

Mark Rober

Popular engineering, robotics, and creative build videos that introduce students to problem solving and invention.

Learn more → Maker Inspiration

Stuff Made Here

Advanced creative engineering builds that show design, machining, robotics, coding, testing, and persistence.

Learn more →

Tools

Circuits, Fabrication, CAD, 3D Printing & Prototyping Tools

A maker page should help students move from reading to doing. These resources support building with electronics, software, mechanical design, sensors, circuits, 3D printing, CNC, and physical prototypes.

Electronics

Arduino

Open-source electronics hardware and software used worldwide for sensors, robots, art installations, automation, and student projects.

Learn more → Computing + Making

Raspberry Pi

Small computers and educational resources for coding, electronics, automation, servers, AI, and creative computing projects.

Learn more → Beginner Hardware

BBC micro:bit

A beginner-friendly microcontroller and educational platform for coding, sensors, LEDs, robotics, and classroom maker projects.

Learn more → Maker Hardware

Adafruit Industries

Maker hardware, sensors, microcontrollers, kits, tutorials, and creative technology tools.

Learn more → Maker Hardware

SparkFun Electronics

Electronics parts, kits, tutorials, and classroom-friendly hardware for sensors, robotics, and physical computing.

Learn more → Robotics Hardware

Pololu Robotics & Electronics

Robotics kits, motor controllers, sensors, servos, wheels, electronics modules, and technical resources.

Learn more → Electronics Projects

DigiKey Maker.io

Maker projects, electronics resources, and components connected to real-world prototyping.

Learn more → Electronics Resources

Mouser Electronics — Empowering Innovation Together

Electronics, technical content, circuits, and engineering resources for students and builders.

Learn more → Electronics Education

Texas Instruments Education

Learning resources and hardware connected to electronics, calculators, circuits, and STEM education.

Learn more → Engineering Hardware

Digilent

Educational engineering tools for electronics, FPGA, test instruments, embedded systems, and university labs.

Learn more → Lab Engineering

National Instruments Academic

Engineering education and lab tools for measurement, control, data acquisition, and real-world test systems.

Learn more → Vision + Robotics

OpenMV

Small machine vision hardware and learning tools for robotics, computer vision, sensors, and embedded AI.

Learn more → Maker Hardware

Seeed Studio

Open hardware, sensors, microcontrollers, Grove modules, IoT tools, and maker education products.

Learn more → Sensors

Grove System

Plug-and-play sensor modules and educational electronics building blocks for makers and classrooms.

Learn more → Robotics Hardware

RobotShop

Robotics components, educational robots, sensors, actuators, and kits for hobbyists and students.

Learn more → Educational Robotics

VEX Robotics

Robotics education kits, classroom tools, and competition hardware for students and teachers.

Learn more → Classroom Making

LEGO Education

Hands-on STEAM learning resources and robotics systems for classrooms.

Learn more → Beginner Electronics

littleBits

Modular electronics kits for building circuits, inventions, and creative technology projects.

Learn more → Robotics Education

Sphero Education

Programmable robots and classroom STEAM activities that teach coding, robotics, and problem solving.

Learn more → Robotics Kits

TETRIX Robotics

Robotics building systems and education tools for student engineering projects.

Learn more → Robotics Hardware

REV Robotics

Robotics components and educational hardware for FIRST, classroom, and maker projects.

Learn more → Robotics Parts

AndyMark

Robotics parts, kits, mechanical components, and educational robotics supplies.

Learn more → Hardware + Materials

McMaster-Carr

A vast industrial supply catalog useful for materials, fasteners, hardware, tools, mechanisms, and engineering prototyping.

Learn more → Fabrication Service

SendCutSend

Online laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication for prototypes, student teams, and maker projects.

Learn more → Fabrication Service

Ponoko

Online laser cutting, CNC, and digital fabrication services for prototypes, products, and creative designs.

Learn more → PCB Fabrication

OSH Park

Purple printed circuit board manufacturing popular with hobbyists, students, and electronics makers.

Learn more → PCB Fabrication

JLCPCB

PCB and prototype manufacturing services for electronics makers and engineers.

Learn more → PCB + Prototype

PCBWay

PCB fabrication, assembly, CNC, 3D printing, and prototyping services for maker and engineering projects.

Learn more → 3D Printing Tools

OctoPrint

Open-source 3D printer control and monitoring software for makers, schools, and labs.

Learn more → 3D Printing Software

Cura

Free slicing software widely used for preparing 3D models for printing.

Learn more → 3D Printing Software

PrusaSlicer

Free slicing software for preparing models for 3D printing, used by many makers and schools.

Learn more → 3D Design

Blender

Free open-source 3D creation software for modeling, visualization, animation, and design.

Learn more → Engineering Simulation

OpenFOAM

Open-source computational fluid dynamics software useful for engineering, fluids, aerodynamics, and simulations.

Learn more → Engineering Simulation

SimScale Education

Cloud-based engineering simulation for fluid flow, structures, thermal analysis, and classroom projects.

Learn more → Engineering Simulation

COMSOL Academic

Simulation tools for multiphysics engineering, teaching, and research.

Learn more →

Competitions

Engineering Competitions, Maker Challenges & Student Projects

Competitions can help students turn curiosity into teamwork, deadlines, prototypes, presentations, and real engineering experience.

Robotics Competition

FIRST Robotics Competition

A high school robotics program where students work with mentors to build robots, solve a yearly challenge, and develop workforce skills.

Learn more → Robotics Competition

FIRST Tech Challenge

A student robotics program using smaller robots, engineering notebooks, coding, collaboration, and competition.

Learn more → Youth Robotics

FIRST LEGO League

A robotics and innovation program for younger students that combines LEGO robots, research, teamwork, and creative problem solving.

Learn more → Robotics Competition

VEX Robotics Competition

A global robotics competition pathway where students design, build, program, and compete with robots.

Learn more → Robotics Education

REC Foundation

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation supports hands-on STEM programs and robotics competitions.

Learn more → Robotics Competition

RoboCup

An international robotics and AI competition centered on autonomous robots, soccer, rescue, industrial, and junior robotics.

Learn more → Ocean Engineering

MATE ROV Competition

A marine technology competition where students design and build underwater robots to solve real-world ocean challenges.

Learn more → Aerospace Engineering

NASA Student Launch

A research-based engineering challenge where student teams design, build, test, and launch high-powered rockets with payloads.

Learn more → Aerospace Engineering

NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

A NASA student challenge focused on designing and testing human-powered rover systems for exploration-inspired terrain.

Learn more → Student Engineering

NASA TechRise Student Challenge

A challenge where student teams design experiments for flight testing on commercial suborbital vehicles.

Learn more → Civil + Urban Engineering

Future City Competition

A middle and high school engineering program where students design future cities with innovative solutions to real issues.

Learn more → Science + Engineering Fair

Regeneron ISEF

A major international science and engineering fair bringing student researchers together to present projects and compete for awards.

Learn more → STEM Competition

Science Olympiad

A student competition organization with events spanning science, engineering, technology, design, and problem solving.

Learn more → Technology Competition

Technology Student Association

Student competitions and leadership activities connected to technology, engineering, design, and applied STEM.

Learn more → Engineering Competition

TEAMS Competition

A TSA competition where students work in teams to solve engineering challenges and apply STEM problem solving.

Learn more → Community Engineering

eCYBERMISSION

A STEM competition for students using science and engineering practices to solve community problems.

Learn more → Invention Competition

ExploraVision

A K-12 science and technology competition encouraging students to imagine future technologies and explain how they might work.

Learn more → Invention

Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams

A program where high school teams receive grants to invent technological solutions to real-world problems.

Learn more → Engineering Writing

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

An annual contest encouraging students to think and write about engineering, society, and the future.

Learn more → Civil Engineering

ASCE Student Symposia

Civil engineering student symposia and competitions including concrete canoe, steel bridge, surveying, and other practical challenges.

Learn more → Mechanical Engineering

ASME E-Fests

Events and competitions for mechanical engineering students, including design, innovation, and professional development.

Learn more → Aerospace Engineering

AIAA Design/Build/Fly

An aerospace engineering competition where teams design, build, and fly radio-controlled aircraft for mission challenges.

Learn more → Vehicle Engineering

SAE Collegiate Design Series

Student design competitions including Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Aero Design, and other vehicle engineering challenges.

Learn more → Vehicle Engineering

Formula SAE

A student motorsports engineering competition focused on designing, building, and competing with small formula-style vehicles.

Learn more → Vehicle Engineering

Baja SAE

A student competition where teams design, build, test, and race rugged off-road vehicles.

Learn more → Energy + Vehicles

Shell Eco-marathon

A global student competition focused on designing and building ultra-energy-efficient vehicles.

Learn more → Sustainable Engineering

U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

A collegiate competition challenging teams to design and build high-performance, energy-efficient buildings.

Learn more → Solar Engineering

Solar Car Challenge

A student competition that challenges teams to design, build, and race solar-powered cars.

Learn more → Aerospace

American Rocketry Challenge

A national student rocketry competition where teams design, build, and launch model rockets to meet specific mission goals.

Learn more → Structural Engineering

International Bridge Building Contest

A student engineering challenge focused on model bridge design, testing, efficiency, and structural concepts.

Learn more → Creative Engineering

Destination Imagination

A creative problem-solving program for student teams combining STEM, engineering, arts, performance, and invention.

Learn more → Creative Engineering

Odyssey of the Mind

A creative problem-solving competition where students build, design, perform, and solve open-ended challenges.

Learn more → Bioengineering

iGEM Competition

A global synthetic biology competition where students design biological systems and address real-world problems.

Learn more → Engineering for Good

Engineers Without Borders UK — Engineering for People Design Challenge

A project-based design challenge bringing real-world engineering and global responsibility into student learning.

Learn more → Engineering for Good

EPICS in IEEE

A program supporting engineering projects in community service and student-centered design for social impact.

Learn more →

Careers

Engineering Societies, Careers, Ethics & Public Service

Engineering is powerful because it changes the real world. These organizations help students understand disciplines, professional pathways, public safety, ethics, inclusion, sustainability, and service.

Engineering Leadership

National Academy of Engineering

A U.S. academy advancing engineering leadership, public understanding, grand challenges, and engineering education.

Learn more → Grand Challenges

NAE Grand Challenges for Engineering

A list of major engineering challenges connected to sustainability, health, security, infrastructure, and human flourishing.

Learn more → Professional Engineering

National Society of Professional Engineers

A professional organization focused on licensed professional engineers, ethics, advocacy, education, and engineering responsibility.

Learn more → Engineering Ethics

NSPE Code of Ethics

A key ethics resource emphasizing public safety, honesty, competence, and professional responsibility.

Learn more → Civil Engineering

American Society of Civil Engineers

A professional society for civil engineering, infrastructure, student members, standards, publications, and competitions.

Learn more → Mechanical Engineering

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

A global mechanical engineering society supporting standards, education, events, publications, and professional development.

Learn more → Electrical + Computer

IEEE

A major professional society for electrical engineering, electronics, computing, communications, robotics, standards, and technology.

Learn more → Student Outreach

IEEE TryEngineering

Engineering learning resources from IEEE for students, educators, volunteers, and STEM outreach.

Learn more → Chemical Engineering

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

A professional society for chemical engineering, process engineering, biotechnology, energy, materials, and education.

Learn more → Aerospace Engineering

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

A professional society for aerospace engineering, space, aviation, student competitions, and technical communities.

Learn more → Vehicle Engineering

Society of Automotive Engineers International

A professional engineering association for mobility, vehicles, aerospace, standards, and student design competitions.

Learn more → Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering Society

A professional society for biomedical engineering research, education, meetings, careers, and student chapters.

Learn more → Engineering Education

American Society for Engineering Education

An organization focused on improving engineering and engineering technology education.

Learn more → Inclusion + Careers

Society of Women Engineers

A global organization supporting women in engineering, outreach, scholarships, careers, and leadership.

Learn more → Inclusion + Careers

National Society of Black Engineers

A student and professional organization supporting Black engineers through scholarships, career development, leadership, and community.

Learn more → Inclusion + Careers

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

A national organization fostering Hispanic leadership in STEM, education, careers, and community.

Learn more → Inclusion + Careers

American Indian Science and Engineering Society

A national nonprofit supporting Indigenous representation, education, and careers in STEM.

Learn more → Inclusion + Education

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

A nonprofit working to increase representation and success of underrepresented minorities in engineering and computer science.

Learn more → Engineering for Good

Engineers Without Borders USA

A nonprofit supporting community-centered engineering projects, student chapters, and global development work.

Learn more → Engineering for Good

Engineers Without Borders UK

A movement and charity focused on putting global responsibility at the heart of engineering.

Learn more → Global Engineering

Engineering for Change

A platform connecting engineers, designers, and innovators working on global development and appropriate technology.

Learn more → Canada Engineering

Engineers Canada

The national organization of Canada’s engineering regulators, with information about the profession and licensing.

Learn more → Australia Engineering

Engineers Australia

Australia’s national engineering professional body supporting engineering careers, standards, and members.

Learn more → UK Engineering

Royal Academy of Engineering

The UK national academy for engineering, supporting education, policy, innovation, and public engagement.

Learn more → Engineering Society

Institution of Engineering and Technology

A UK-based engineering institution covering technology, electrical, electronics, manufacturing, digital, and professional development.

Learn more → Mechanical Engineering

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

A professional engineering institution supporting mechanical engineers, students, events, and technical knowledge.

Learn more → Civil Engineering

Institution of Civil Engineers

A professional body for civil engineering with resources for infrastructure, careers, education, and public good.

Learn more → Systems Engineering

International Council on Systems Engineering

A professional society focused on systems engineering, complex systems, requirements, design, and lifecycle thinking.

Learn more → Computing + Engineering

Association for Computing Machinery

A professional society for computing, software, human-computer interaction, and technical education.

Learn more → Sustainable Engineering

Engineers for a Sustainable World

A student and professional network using engineering to address sustainability and environmental challenges.

Learn more →

Colleges

U.S. & Canadian Colleges / Universities with Strong Engineering Programs

These programs are useful starting points for students exploring broad engineering pathways, project-based learning, research, entrepreneurship, and maker culture.

United States

MIT School of Engineering

A major engineering school with broad programs across mechanical, electrical, aerospace, nuclear, materials, biological, civil, environmental, and systems engineering.

Learn more → United States

Stanford School of Engineering

Engineering education and research across many fields, connected with design, entrepreneurship, computing, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Learn more → University Makerspaces

Stanford Making Spaces

Stanford’s campus maker spaces supporting electronics, 3D printing, laser cutting, sewing, woodworking, machining, and project learning.

Learn more → United States

UC Berkeley College of Engineering

A broad engineering college with programs across bioengineering, civil, electrical, computer, mechanical, materials, nuclear, and industrial engineering.

Learn more → University Makerspace

Berkeley Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation

A design and maker learning space supporting prototyping, fabrication, human-centered design, and engineering creativity.

Learn more → United States

Caltech Engineering and Applied Science

Engineering and applied science programs in a research-intensive environment connected to physics, aerospace, computation, and technology.

Learn more → United States

Georgia Tech College of Engineering

A large engineering college with broad programs, labs, student teams, maker spaces, and technology innovation.

Learn more → University Makerspaces

Georgia Tech Makerspaces

Georgia Tech engineering maker spaces including the Invention Studio and specialized make-and-measure labs.

Learn more → United States

Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering

Engineering programs connected to robotics, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, materials, biomedical, and innovation.

Learn more → United States

Cornell Engineering

Broad engineering education and research across many fields, including mechanical, civil, electrical, materials, biomedical, and systems.

Learn more → United States

Purdue Engineering

Large engineering programs in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, industrial, biomedical, and more.

Learn more → United States

University of Illinois Grainger Engineering

Engineering programs and research across computing, electrical, mechanical, civil, materials, aerospace, bioengineering, and more.

Learn more → United States

University of Michigan Engineering

Broad engineering programs, student teams, research, entrepreneurship, and hands-on project spaces.

Learn more → University Makerspace

Michigan Wilson Student Team Project Center

A major student team project center with tools for building solar cars, rockets, vehicles, submarines, Mars rovers, and more.

Learn more → United States

University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering

Engineering programs and research in Austin spanning aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, petroleum, and more.

Learn more → United States

Texas A&M Engineering

Large engineering school with many disciplines, research centers, student projects, and practical engineering pathways.

Learn more → United States

University of Washington College of Engineering

Engineering programs connected to computing, aerospace, bioengineering, civil, electrical, human-centered design, and more.

Learn more → United States

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

Engineering programs across computer science, electrical, mechanical, bioengineering, materials, chemical, and civil engineering.

Learn more → United States

UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

Engineering programs and research in bioengineering, computer, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, nanoengineering, and more.

Learn more → United States

Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering

Engineering research and education across biomedical, materials, mechanical, electrical, civil, environmental, and systems fields.

Learn more → United States

Northwestern McCormick School of Engineering

Engineering education with design, entrepreneurship, research, and whole-brain engineering connections.

Learn more → United States

Duke Pratt School of Engineering

Engineering programs including biomedical, electrical/computer, mechanical, civil/environmental, and design-centered education.

Learn more → New England

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Engineering and applied science programs connected to computation, design, materials, bioengineering, environmental science, and more.

Learn more → United States

Princeton Engineering

Engineering programs and research in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, operations, and biological engineering.

Learn more → United States

Columbia Engineering

Engineering education and research in New York City across many disciplines and innovation areas.

Learn more → New England

Olin College of Engineering

A project-centered engineering college emphasizing design, hands-on learning, arts/humanities integration, and entrepreneurship.

Learn more → New England

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

A New England engineering and technology university known for project-based learning and practical problem solving.

Learn more → New England

Northeastern University College of Engineering

Engineering programs with co-op, research, global experience, and applied innovation in Boston.

Learn more → New England

Boston University College of Engineering

Engineering programs connected to biomedical, electrical, computer, mechanical, materials, systems, and product innovation.

Learn more → New England

Tufts School of Engineering

Engineering programs with a strong connection to education, robotics, design, human factors, and interdisciplinary learning.

Learn more → Massachusetts

UMass Amherst College of Engineering

Massachusetts public engineering programs in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, environmental, and industrial engineering.

Learn more → Massachusetts

UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering

Engineering programs connected to marine technology, electrical, mechanical, civil, computer, and biomedical engineering.

Learn more → Canada

University of Toronto Engineering

A major Canadian engineering school with broad programs, research, design, and industry connections.

Learn more → Canada

University of Waterloo Engineering

A Canadian engineering school known for co-op education, entrepreneurship, mechatronics, systems design, and applied learning.

Learn more → Canada

UBC Faculty of Applied Science

Engineering and applied science programs in British Columbia across many disciplines and sustainability areas.

Learn more → Canada

McGill Faculty of Engineering

Engineering education and research in Montreal across bioengineering, civil, electrical, mechanical, materials, mining, and more.

Learn more → Canada

University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering

Canadian engineering programs in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, materials, mining, petroleum, and more.

Learn more → Canada

University of Calgary Schulich School of Engineering

Canadian engineering programs emphasizing energy, sustainability, biomedical, software, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

Learn more →

Global Colleges

International Engineering Universities & Institutes

Engineering is a global language. These universities and institutes offer broad science, technology, engineering, design, and research pathways around the world.

United Kingdom

University of Cambridge Department of Engineering

A major UK engineering department with research and teaching across many engineering fields.

Learn more → United Kingdom

University of Oxford Engineering Science

Engineering science programs and research across information, control, biomedical, civil, mechanical, chemical, and materials themes.

Learn more → United Kingdom

Imperial College London Faculty of Engineering

A broad engineering faculty covering aeronautics, bioengineering, chemical, civil, computing, design, electrical, materials, and mechanical engineering.

Learn more → United Kingdom

UCL Engineering

Engineering education and research across chemical, civil, computer, electronic, mechanical, medical, and systems disciplines.

Learn more → United Kingdom

University of Manchester Engineering

Engineering programs and research in a UK university with a strong science, materials, and technology heritage.

Learn more → United Kingdom

University of Edinburgh School of Engineering

Engineering teaching and research in electronics, civil, chemical, mechanical, energy, materials, and bioengineering.

Learn more → Switzerland

ETH Zürich Engineering Sciences

A leading Swiss technical university with engineering, architecture, computer science, materials, robotics, and science programs.

Learn more → Switzerland

EPFL School of Engineering

A Swiss engineering school with broad research and education in microengineering, mechanical, materials, electrical, bioengineering, and more.

Learn more → Netherlands

TU Delft Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Dutch engineering programs connected to design, materials, maritime engineering, manufacturing, and energy systems.

Learn more → Netherlands

TU Delft Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

A major European aerospace engineering faculty for aircraft, space, structures, aerodynamics, and systems.

Learn more → Germany

Technical University of Munich — TUM School of Engineering and Design

Engineering and design programs spanning mobility, energy, robotics, aerospace, civil, mechanical, and more.

Learn more → Germany

RWTH Aachen Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

German engineering programs and research connected to mechanical engineering, production, energy, mobility, and industry.

Learn more → Sweden

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Sweden’s major technical university with engineering, technology, science, architecture, and industrial innovation.

Learn more → Finland

Aalto University School of Engineering

Finnish engineering programs connected to design, built environment, energy, mechanical engineering, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Learn more → Italy

Politecnico di Milano School of Industrial and Information Engineering

Italian engineering education in industrial, information, mechanical, electrical, materials, and automation fields.

Learn more → France

École Polytechnique

French science and engineering education with mathematics, physics, computing, engineering, and innovation pathways.

Learn more → France

CentraleSupélec

A French engineering school focused on engineering sciences, systems, energy, digital technology, and innovation.

Learn more → Israel

Technion — Israel Institute of Technology

Engineering and technology programs across many disciplines with strong innovation and research connections.

Learn more → Singapore

National University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering

Engineering, design, architecture, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, and materials programs.

Learn more → Singapore

Nanyang Technological University College of Engineering

A large Singapore engineering college with programs in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical, civil, aerospace, and more.

Learn more → Japan

University of Tokyo School of Engineering

Japanese engineering education and research across broad disciplines, technology, design, and industrial innovation.

Learn more → Japan

Tokyo Institute of Science — Engineering

Japanese science and engineering programs at a major technical university formed from Tokyo Tech and Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

Learn more → South Korea

KAIST College of Engineering

Korean science and engineering programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, bio, aerospace, materials, and industrial systems.

Learn more → South Korea

Seoul National University College of Engineering

Korean engineering programs and research across many disciplines.

Learn more → China

Tsinghua University School of Engineering

Chinese engineering education and research at a major global science and technology university.

Learn more → China

Peking University College of Engineering

Engineering and applied science programs at Peking University, including mechanics, energy, biomedical, materials, and more.

Learn more → Hong Kong

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology School of Engineering

Engineering programs across computer science, electronics, mechanical, civil, chemical, systems, and more.

Learn more → India

IIT Bombay

Indian engineering and technology education across broad disciplines, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Learn more → India

IIT Madras

Indian engineering institute with broad programs, research, design, manufacturing, energy, and innovation.

Learn more → India

Indian Institute of Science

A leading Indian science and engineering institute with research programs across engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and more.

Learn more → Australia

UNSW Engineering

Australian engineering education and research across many disciplines including solar, aerospace, civil, computer, and biomedical engineering.

Learn more → Australia

University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and IT

Australian engineering and IT programs, research, design, infrastructure, energy, biomedical, and digital technology.

Learn more → Australia

Monash Engineering

Australian engineering programs across chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, materials, resources, aerospace, and biomedical engineering.

Learn more → Australia

University of Sydney Engineering

Australian engineering programs and research in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, software, and aeronautical fields.

Learn more → South Africa

University of Cape Town Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

South African engineering programs and research in civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and built environment fields.

Learn more → South Africa

Stellenbosch Engineering

South African engineering programs in civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mechatronic, and process engineering.

Learn more → Brazil

University of São Paulo Polytechnic School

Brazilian engineering school with broad engineering education and research programs.

Learn more → Mexico

Tecnológico de Monterrey School of Engineering and Sciences

Mexican engineering, science, technology, and innovation programs with broad student pathways.

Learn more →

Student Guide

What every student maker should know

Engineering and making are not just about machines. They are about curiosity, responsibility, persistence, empathy, teamwork, and the courage to turn an idea into something real.

Student Guidance

Start with a real need

Great engineering begins with a person, community, habitat, classroom, business, or planet-sized problem that truly matters.

Good maker habit →

Student Guidance

Build small first

A rough cardboard model, sketch, spreadsheet, circuit simulation, or 3D-printed test part can teach you more than a perfect idea that never leaves your head.

Good maker habit →

Student Guidance

Keep a maker notebook

Write down goals, sketches, materials, test results, mistakes, versions, and lessons learned. Your notes become part of the invention.

Good maker habit →

Student Guidance

Test, fail, improve

In engineering, failure is not the opposite of progress. It is information. The best designs usually come from many careful improvements.

Good maker habit →

Student Guidance

Learn safety before tools

Power tools, electricity, chemicals, heat, lasers, batteries, and machines can be wonderful, but only when students respect training, supervision, and safety rules.

Good maker habit →

Student Guidance

Share what you build

Engineering becomes more powerful when students explain their projects, publish instructions, help others, and invite feedback from the people they hope to serve.

Good maker habit →

Explore other science areas

Each subject page is designed as its own focused resource hub, while also connecting back to the wider Cape Cod Science Network.