TFE Tech Check

This week on TechCheck for grades 6–8: the Supreme Court lets Texas police the app store, how a phone-ban bill becomes law in Pennsylvania, the open-source Godot game engine, 15,000+ young creators at Coolest Projects, the Canvas hack as a cybersecurity lesson, and designing games that do good. • Godot 4.8 Ships Its First Preview • Supreme Court Lets Texas Police the App Store • How a Phone Ban Be...

This week on TechCheck for grades 3–5: 15,000 young creators shared projects worldwide, the free ‘open-source’ Godot game engine leveled up, a new Texas law lets parents approve app downloads, Pennsylvania debates phones-away-all-day, and kids build AI projects — with a reminder to always fact-check AI. • 15,000 Young Creators Share Their Projects • The Free Game Engine Just Got Better • A New Law...

This week on TechCheck for grades K–2: kids around the world built 4,500 projects, a FREE tool called Godot lets anyone make video games, some schools try phone-free days so kids can focus and play, and we make art with AI (and learn to always check it!). Kid-friendly, classroom-safe, and ready for circle time. • Kids Made 4,500 Projects to Share! • A FREE Tool to Make Video Games • Phones Take a...

Did you know that schools are one of the biggest targets for hackers right now? You are actually the first line of defense, acting as a human firewall to protect your school from cyber-attacks! In this episode, we dive into how to survive overwhelming group chats by using the mute button, why you should always remember that a screenshot lasts forever, and how to make your screen time matter. We al...

Should kids use AI chatbots to help with homework, and what exactly is a "digital diet"? In this action-packed episode, we explore the big AI homework debate, learn how to train algorithms to feed our brains healthy digital snacks, and discover how teamwork is powering 135-pound championship robots! We also dive into how positive play in games like Minecraft and building accessible websi...

Are you ready to plug in and learn about computers, tablets, and robots? Today, we explore how to be a "builder" instead of just a "watcher" to keep our brains from getting sleepy! We will also learn how to practice good digital manners, keep our secrets safe from AI, and even start coding with colorful blocks. Welcome to TFE TechCheck, your bi-weekly roundup of the biggest tec...

Are you prepared to navigate the 2026 tech frontier? In this episode, we analyze the impact of the "attention economy" as 75% of U.S. schools implement phone-free policies, and we examine the severe federal consequences facing "Gen Z hackers" who target school data. We also explore the professional realities of web and app development—from patching Chrome Zero-Day vulnerabiliti...

Dive into the latest tech news for kids! 🚀 This week, we explore how to spot fake AI images, build your own apps using "vibe coding," and master the 3S Rules of digital citizenship. Welcome to TFE TechCheck, your bi-weekly roundup of the biggest tech news, broken down for Grades 3-5! 📚 TFE Ecosystem Connections: Core Domain: Digital Citizenship, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence,...

Did you know hackers are demanding millions in cyber attacks, and companies collect over 72 million data points on you by the time you're 13? 🤯 In this episode, we break down why you need a "Zero-Trust" mindset to protect your privacy, how to spot algorithm bias, and why you should treat Artificial Intelligence as a brainstorming partner instead of a cheat sheet! Welcome to TFE Tech...

Do you have what it takes to be a Tech Superhero? 🦸‍♂️ In this episode, we learn all about using digital manners, setting healthy screen time rules, how to make your own video games, and understanding A.I.! Welcome to TFE TechCheck, your bi-weekly roundup of the biggest tech news, broken down for Grades K-2! 📚 TFE Ecosystem Connections: Core Domain: Digital Citizenship, Intro to Coding, & Ar...

Are we ready for the Agentic Age? From Yale students building complete apps in just 20 minutes using generative tools to the UK's proposed social media curfews for teens, this week's update covers the bleeding edge of the tech landscape. We dive into NVIDIA's new Nemotron 3 Super , the rising cyber threats targeting public high schools , and why 72% of Gen Z is showing cautious "A...

Did you know you can be a creator and a tech superhero? Today, we aren't just playing games; we are learning how to build them, stay safe online, and leave a trail of digital kindness! Welcome to TFE TechCheck, your bi-weekly roundup of the biggest tech news, broken down for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade! 📚 TFE Ecosystem Connections: - Core Domain: Digital Citizenship, Cyber Security, and Coding. - TF...

TechCheck: Upper Elementary Episode 1

Can an 11-year-old named Max really code a completely functional video game in just four hours to set a Guinness World Record? Plus, we dive into how the UK government is demanding real age-checking technology on apps like Roblox and TikTok to keep your data perfectly safe! Welcome to TFE TechCheck, your bi-weekly roundup of the biggest tech news, broken down for 5th graders!💡 Teacher Tip: Use th...