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Pushes and Pulls (K-2)
Students build a fascinating tumbling toy while exploring the concepts of Pushes, Pulls, Strong vs. Gentle Forces…
Hands-On Workshops, Online and In-Person
Captivate your classes with a presentation by acclaimed educational toymaker Rick Hartman. He'll guide your group towards new learning and fun with humor, storytelling, and expertly crafted instruction.
Watch creativity flourish as students handcraft toys that flip, float, buzz, bop... and perfectly complement your curriculum! We provide the tools and toy parts, kids provide the brilliance!
Get ready for wide smiles and exclamations of "I did it!" Young innovators in our workshops build MORE THAN TOYS — they build confidence, enthusiasm, love of learning, and memories that last a lifetime!
KIDS’ HERO
Renowned toymaker and educator Rick Hartman has spent over three decades enriching children’s lives through inventive toy-building workshops loaded with learning.
His programs are beyond educational – they’re journeys into creativity and innovation that stimulate young minds, turning ordinary classrooms into hubs of active exploration.
Every School of Toy project is designed to instill a sense of wonder, encouraging children to discover and embrace their creativity and make connections.
Hands-On Learning Irresistible projects that enhance and extend classroom studies.
Simple to Manage Designed by a teacher for teachers, with minimum prep and maximum impact.
Curriculum Integration Aligned with national standards and widely adopted STEAM curricula.
Flexible Formats Delivered In-Person or Online to meet the varied needs of schools.
Exciting and Creative
Taps into the "inner inventor" in every child, unleashing natural curiosity and enthusiasm.
No Buses Required
A cost-effective In-School special event.
Our workshops are designed to engage and accommodate all students! Children with wide-ranging learning styles and abilities – from highly capable self-starters to those needing extra support – LOVE our programs!
Students build a fascinating tumbling toy while exploring the concepts of Pushes, Pulls, Strong vs. Gentle Forces…
Have your light detectors (eyes) and sound detectors (ears) ready! We’re building a “Mini Movie Machine” and…
A rubber-band-powered boat propels learning about the States of Matter, Properties of Materials, and…
Your students will form “strong attractions” to these kinetic projects that are all about Balanced…
A motorized top “revs up” learning about Energy Transfer and Transformations, Circuits…
Students have an out-of-this-world experience building magnetic models of the…
Life was tough for Colonial kids—rules were strict, supplies were scarce, and there wasn’t much…
No cars? No computers? No video games? What’s a Pioneer kid to do?!?! In this workshop…
Welcome to the Family Night Build-a-Toy Workshop, where kids ages 5-105 explore the art, science…
The Building Blocks of Our Workshops
Brimming with connections to science, math, history and the arts, School of Toy workshops are grounded in national learning standards and fueled by students’ natural curiosity and love of play.
Want a unique way to demonstrate Forces? Early American life? Engineering Design? Metric Measurement? We’ve got a workshop for that!
Align with Next-Generation Standards, emphasizing Crosscutting Concepts and Core Ideas!
Highlight the practical importance of skills like Measuring, Estimating, Calculating and Problem-Solving!
Re-create toys from the past to better understand where we came from and where we're going!
Nurture creative expression, inviting students to explore their world through Reading, Writing and Visual Design!
K-8 schools throughout the Seattle/Puget Sound region can experience the magic of Rick's workshops In-Person. He brings everything - just add kids!
Schools throughout the U.S. can now "build along with Rick" via video-conference or Pre-Recorded Instruction. Available everywhere with Internet access!
Discover the joy and educational value of our programs. Try our free projects and see how students respond!
TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
Our workshops challenge students to observe, predict, experiment, problem-solve, and imagine.
The takeaway? Cherished handmade toys students get to keep and proudly show off - tangible reminders of their hard work and limitless potential!
Teachers use our workshops to enhance curriculum, as unit kick-offs and reviews, classroom incentives, and "in-school field trips."
Easy to manage and free from the hassle of arranging for buses, we bring the excitement directly to you!
An annual tradition at many schools, our events foster a sense of community and collaboration among students, staff and families.
Bridging the gap between education and entertainment, learning becomes an event everyone can get excited about!
Give students the opportunity to set aside electronic devices and build toys they won’t want to put down… free from clicks, swipes and special effects!
“Mister Toymaker” Rick Hartman has inspired and delighted kids with his inventive toys and hands-on workshops for over 30 years. His work is legendary at schools across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Rick’s patented toys and programs have been nationally recognized, showcased on The Tonight Show and at the Smithsonian Institution.
His special ability to spark laughter and learning through toys has been described as “educational alchemy.”
With varied workshops and whimsical inventions like Pro Thumb Wrestling and The Motorized Ice Cream Cone, Rick seeks to help every school become a School of Toy!
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Add a splash of creativity and learning to your next event!
Turn your classroom or cafeteria into a beehive of hands-on fun and discovery... No buses required!
A centerpiece attraction at Science Fairs, STEM Celebrations, Multicultural Nights... or JUST FOR FUN!
Elevate your gathering with a workshop designed to attract SWARMS of young "makers" and their families!
Enjoy the magic of our workshops at no cost – a great way for students to sample the "WOW" of toymaking!
Discover how Rick weaves fun, education, and creativity into his workshops…
Rick himself comes to your venue in the greater Seattle area.* He brings everything—toy parts, art supplies, tools, safety glasses and sound system. Your workshop can take place in the classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium… anyplace with tables and open floor space!
* Contact us for info on out-of-town bookings.
Rick joins your Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting and engages with students remotely in real time. Toymaker Supply Kits shipped ahead of time. Available anywhere in U.S. with internet access.
Toymaker Supply Kits are shipped to your site ahead of time, along with a Video Access Code—a unique password that gives you online access to Rick’s interactive lesson. Conduct Video-Guided workshops any time once your kits arrive—no advance scheduling required. Available anywhere in the U.S. with Internet access.
K-6 Classroom videos are available for 30 days from the first day you access them. Videos in other categories have varying access periods—check individual workshop pages for details. Videos can be played an unlimited number of times during access period.
Book as early as possible! In-Person and Live Online dates fill up, so the sooner your group gets on the calendar the better. Video-Guided (Pre-Recorded) workshops should be ordered at least 3 weeks prior to your intended workshop dates.
Definitely. It’s always best for toy-builders to have adult “assistants” available to help out where needed. One adult for every 10 children is usually fine; having even more adult support is better! Parents and support staff really enjoy engaging alongside students in our workshops—come one, come all!
Look for our Video-Guided Birthday Workshop coming later this year! Check out link here.
Join us for an educational adventure that celebrates learning, inspires imaginations, and brings joy to the builders and thinkers of tomorrow!
We promise to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences that promote learning, celebrate creativity, and bring delight to children, educators, and families alike.
Enter your first name and email address below to receive instant access to FIVE free projects you can try out with your students now.