Tool Alternatives
This curriculum is designed to work across different devices, platforms, and budgets. While specific tools are sometimes named in lessons for clarity, alternatives almost always exist. Use whatever is available and comfortable for your learners.
This page lists options for each category of tool used in the curriculum.
Typing Practice
Used in Week 4 and reinforced throughout the curriculum.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| TypingClub | Free, web-based, structured lessons |
| Typing.com | Free, web-based, tracks progress |
| Dance Mat Typing | Free, from BBC Bitesize, great for younger learners |
| NitroType | Gamified typing races, free tier available |
| Any typing program | Anything that lets learners practice and see basic progress works |
Word Processing / Writing
Used in Week 5 and throughout the curriculum for written reflection.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Google Docs | Free, web-based, easy to share |
| Microsoft Word | Desktop or web version; included with many school licenses |
| LibreOffice Writer | Free, downloadable, works offline |
| Apple Pages | Free on Mac and iPad |
| Any text editor or word processor | Even a simple notes app works for basic writing tasks |
Digital Drawing / Art
Used in Week 6 and for creative project work.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Google Drawings | Free, web-based, simple interface |
| Canva | Free tier, web-based, lots of templates |
| Tux Paint | Free, downloadable, designed for kids |
| Microsoft Paint | Pre-installed on Windows |
| Apple Preview markup | Basic drawing tools built into macOS |
| Any drawing app | Whatever the learner enjoys using is the right tool |
Presentations / Slideshows
Used during the final project (Weeks 15–18) and optionally for sharing work.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Google Slides | Free, web-based, collaborative |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Desktop or web version |
| LibreOffice Impress | Free, downloadable |
| Apple Keynote | Free on Apple devices |
| Canva presentations | Free tier, web-based, visually polished templates |
| A series of drawings or a poster | Low-tech presentations absolutely count |
Coding / Programming
Used in Weeks 9–11.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Scratch | Free, web-based — recommended for this curriculum |
| ScratchJr | Tablet app, better for younger learners (under 8) |
| Blockly Games | Free, web-based, puzzle-style coding activities |
| Code.org | Free courses and activities for various ages |
Scratch is the recommended tool because it's free, visual, and gives learners room to create open-ended projects. But any block-based coding environment works for the concepts taught in this curriculum.
Search Engines
Used in Weeks 7–8 for research and source evaluation.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| With SafeSearch turned on | |
| Bing | With SafeSearch turned on |
| DuckDuckGo | Privacy-focused, no tracking |
| Kiddle | Kid-focused search engine with visual results |
| KidRex | Kid-safe search powered by Google SafeSearch |
| Any search engine | Make sure appropriate safety settings are enabled |
AI Tools
Used in Weeks 13–14. All AI interactions should be supervised by an adult.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free tier available; requires account |
| Google Gemini | Free, web-based |
| Microsoft Copilot | Free, web-based |
| Any conversational AI tool | Always with an adult present |
All AI interactions in this curriculum should be supervised by an adult. Learners ages 8–12 should not use AI tools independently. The lessons are designed for guided, shared exploration — not solo use.
3D Design (Optional CAD Enrichment)
Used in the optional CAD extension weeks.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| TinkerCAD | Free, web-based — recommended for beginners |
| BlocksCAD | Free, web-based, code-based 3D modeling |
| 3D Slash | Simplified interface, free tier |
3D printing access isn't required. If learners want to print their designs, options include school or library printers, local makerspaces, or online 3D printing services.
File Storage / Portfolio
Used throughout the curriculum to save learner work.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| A folder on the computer desktop | Simplest option — no account needed |
| Google Drive | Free, web-based, easy to share |
| OneDrive | Free, web-based, integrates with Microsoft tools |
| USB drive | Portable, works offline |
| Shared family or class folder | Good for group settings |
| Physical folder with printed screenshots | Works when digital storage isn't practical |
General Tips
- Free tools are always preferred in this curriculum — no paid subscriptions are required
- Web-based tools are usually easier for shared or limited devices since there's nothing to install
- If a specific tool doesn't work, substitute any tool in the same category — the learning goals stay the same
- The learning goals matter more than the specific software — if a learner can create a document, it doesn't matter whether they used Google Docs or LibreOffice
- Check your setting's policies — some schools or libraries may restrict certain tools or require specific ones; adapt accordingly