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Fun with technology can mean making something, testing an idea, and seeing what happens—not just using a screen. Start with a small project that fits your interests, age, tools, and available space, then experiment and share the result with someone else.
What does fun with technology look like?
Technology play can be hands-on and creative: build or adapt something, try a simple experiment, or use everyday objects to explore how things work. Make: founder Dale Dougherty describes making and tinkering as playful ways to engage with technology. The approach is flexible: there is no single project that suits every age, experience level, or set of resources.
In his 2025 Trenton Computer Festival keynote, Dougherty put the social side succinctly: “Just do something. Do something with others. Do something with others present. Do something with others present who are doing something.” That is his advice, rather than a measured claim about outcomes. The keynote transcript is published by Make:.
What can I make or try at home?
Choose a small making project
Pick something with a visible result: make a simple object, alter an existing one, or follow a beginner project. Make: points readers toward young-maker projects, books, and kits. You do not need to begin with a complex build; choose a task that can be attempted with tools and materials you can access.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Try a bubble-plane experiment
Make Things describes a paper-airplane project with a bubble tip: dip the tip in bubble solution, then toss the plane to leave a puff of bubbles. The described tip is cut from an SVG file with a laser cutter, so this particular version depends on access to a laser cutter. If you do not have one, treat the project as inspiration and choose a safe, suitable alternative construction method rather than assuming the original design will work unchanged. The project appears in the March 28, 2025 Make Things newsletter.
Explore simple STEM activities
United Women Singapore’s April 2020 STEM@Home post points families to activities on cryptology, fraud detection, and data science from Mastercard’s Girls4Tech curriculum. It is a dated activity pointer, not confirmation that the linked program or materials remain available today. See United Women Singapore’s STEM@Home: Fun with Technology.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How can young children explore technology?
For children from birth to five, ZERO TO THREE emphasizes everyday exploration and cause and effect. Keep the activity appropriate for the child and supervise closely, especially around small objects, electronics, tools, or anything that could be unsafe to mouth or handle.
- Notice how a child solves an everyday problem, and invite them to describe or show what they tried.
- Let them combine safe household objects and observe what changes.
- Use a simple button or switch to test what happens when it is pressed, with an adult choosing an appropriate device.
- Change the height of a ramp, ask what might happen, and then test the prediction.
- Use what you observe to adjust a creation and try again.
These are examples from ZERO TO THREE’s early-learning resource, Everyday Fun With Technology and Engineering: Let’s Talk About STEM Video, published August 28, 2016.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do you make a technology activity social?
Invite another person to build, test, or observe alongside you. Give each person a role—such as maker, tester, or note-taker—then compare what you expected with what happened. Share a photo, a sketch, or the finished object if you want others to try their own version. The point is to make and explore together, not to compete over whose result is best.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you choose a project?
Match the project to the participant and the setting rather than chasing the most advanced tool or impressive result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Age and experience: Choose a task the participant can engage with, with adult help where needed.
- Materials and access: Check what the activity actually requires; some builds depend on specialized equipment.
- Setup: Consider the time, space, and preparation available.
- Interest: A project connected to something the participant already likes is a natural place to start.
- Room to experiment: Favor activities where you can observe a result, make a change, and try again.
- Company: Decide whether you want a solo activity or one that friends or family can do together.
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