Technology and Coding Tools
The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is proud to offer Summer Scholarships to support gifted students in pursuing enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. These scholarships provide financial assistance for students to attend summer programs, camps, and other specialized learning opportunities that align with their unique talents and interests. Whether exploring STEM, the arts, leadership, or other advanced studies, our scholarships help ensure that all gifted students have access to meaningful growth experiences. WATG is committed to fostering the potential of Wisconsin's gifted youth by expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities.
As part of the application, students must submit either an essay or a video/multimedia presentation, along with one reference letter from a teacher or a non-family member. The essay or presentation should address the following:
- Personal background and advanced enrichment needs.
- A description of the summer program or class you wish to attend and the reasons for your interest in it.
- An explanation of why you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship.
Student Summer Scholarships
Logo Contest
Calling all creative K-12 students across Wisconsin! Each year, Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted invites students to design a logo for our Annual Conference, and we're excited to see your creativity shine.
Deadline Extended: April 15, 2025 at midnight
Theme for the 2025 Conference: Take a Chance on Gifted Education!
Conference Dates: October 5–7, 2025
Location: Wisconsin Dells
Size: No larger than 4" x 4"
Color: Black and white only
Adaptability: Must be scalable (use bold lettering and simple, non-intricate designs)
Submit your original logo design to help us represent this year's theme! Winning artwork will be featured in conference materials and recognized statewide.
How to Submit: Email your logo to watg@watg.org
Audible
Description: Audible is a digital audiobook platform hosting thousands of fiction, nonfiction, and educational titles.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It enhances comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking while accommodating auditory learning preferences. With audiobooks, students can engage with challenging content anytime, anywhere.
Ideal for: All ages, especially students with high reading levels, long commutes, or 2e learners with reading/writing challenges
Bloxels
Description: Bloxels lets kids design, build, and play their own video games using a physical board and a digital app.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages creativity, storytelling, and logical thinking while providing hands-on experience with coding and game design.
Ideal for: Ages 8 to 14
Link: https://amzn.to/4pHOzMO
Botley the Coding Robot
Description: Botley is a screen-free coding robot that teaches programming fundamentals through interactive, hands-on challenges.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It introduces computational thinking in a tangible, playful way, allowing gifted learners to explore sequencing, logic, and problem-solving.
Ideal for: Ages 5 to 10
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pbTOVb
Coding Critters
Description: Coding Critters is an early childhood coding toys that introduces sequencing and cause-and-effect through playful storytelling. Students guide the pet robot through obstacles and tasks.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It offers an early entry point for young gifted children with advanced reasoning skills.
Ideal for: PreK to Grade 2
Links:
Coding for Kids Books
Description: These step-by-step guides and activity books teach programming concepts, from block-based coding to Python or JavaScript.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It introduces logical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills in an age-appropriate way. The activities encourage creativity through coding projects.
Ideal for: Ages 7+
Links:
LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor
Description: This advanced robotics system lets students design, construct, and program complex, multifunctional robots.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports high-level engineering, coding, and creative problem-solving.
Ideal for: Upper elementary through high school
Link: https://amzn.to/48IaltZ
micro:bit Starter Kit
Description: This small programmable microcontroller kit allows students to create electronics projects, games, and experiments.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports STEM learning, coding, and engineering; encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving with tangible results.
Ideal for: Ages 8+
Link:
https://amzn.to/4ibnTRP
Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit
Description: A complete beginner’s kit with Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB), microSD card preloaded with OS, case, power supply, heat sinks, and HDMI cables.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages hands-on learning through programming, electronics, and computing.
Ideal for: Students, makers, and STEM clubs
Link: https://amzn.to/4piqADw
Sphero Bolt
Description: This is a programmable robotic ball with sensors and LED matrix that students can code and control via apps.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It combines robotics, coding, and hands-on play while fostering computational thinking, creativity, and experimentation.
Ideal for: Ages 8+
Link:
https://amzn.to/44jMP3V
Sphero Mini
Description: Sphero Mini is a tiny, programmable robot ball that introduces coding through games, challenges, and creative play. It is a great entry point for exploring robotics and computational thinking.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It provides immediate feedback and encourages experimentation.
Ideal for: Elementary and middle school learners exploring coding
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pb46oz
Switcheroo Coding Crew
Description: This transformable vehicle robot teaches coding through mission-based problem-solving. Players code routes using direction tiles.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages logical sequencing and autonomous challenge creation.
Ideal for: Grades K to 2
Link:
https://amzn.to/3M8kfwo
Teach Tech Mech 5: Coding Robot
Description: This mechanical robot teaches coding concepts without screens. Students assemble the robot and program it using switches and gears.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It deepens engineering understanding through hands-on, mechanical logic.
Ideal for: Grades 4 to 9
Link:
https://amzn.to/49JMTO5
Toybox 3D Printers
Description: This student-friendly 3D printer allows learners to design and fabricate real objects from digital models.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It promotes engineering design, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving.
Ideal for: Middle school through high school makerspaces or home projects
Link: https://amzn.to/4iqD1eg
