Toy-Building Adventures

For Young Scientists, Engineers, Artists and Inventors

Online and In-Person

Where We’ve Been Featured:

How School of Toy Works

Enjoy the Lesson...

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.

Build the Toys...

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!

Experience the Magic...

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

Making Connections, One Toy at a Time

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.

Why Kids and Schools LOVE Our Programs

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!

Featured Workshops

Available Online and In-Person

Grades K-2

Pushes and Pulls (K-2)

Students build a fascinating tumbling toy while exploring the concepts of Pushes, Pulls, Strong vs. Gentle Forces…

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Grades K-3

Light and Sound (K-3)

Have your light detectors (eyes) and sound detectors (ears) ready! We’re building a “Mini Movie Machine” and…

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Grades K-2

Solids, Liquids and Gases (K-2)

A rubber-band-powered boat propels learning about the States of Matter, Properties of Materials, and…

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Grades 3-5

Magnets and Motion (3-5)

Your students will form “strong attractions” to these kinetic projects that are all about Balanced…

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Grades 3-5

Energy Transformations (3-5)

A motorized top “revs up” learning about Energy Transfer and Transformations, Circuits…

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Grades 1-5

Earth and Sun (1-5)

Students have an out-of-this-world experience building magnetic models of the…

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Grades 1-6

Colonial Toys (1-6)

Life was tough for Colonial kids—rules were strict, supplies were scarce, and there wasn’t much…

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Grades 1-6

Pioneer Toys (1-6)

No cars? No computers? No video games? What’s a Pioneer kid to do?!?! In this workshop…

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Grades K-6

Family Night Build-a-Toy Workshop

Welcome to the Family Night Build-a-Toy Workshop, where kids ages 5-105 explore the art, science…

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The Building Blocks of Our Workshops

Where Education Meets Imagination

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!

Science Workshops...

Align with Next-Generation Standards, emphasizing Crosscutting Concepts and Core Ideas!

Math
Workshops...

Highlight the practical importance of skills like Measuring, Estimating, Calculating and Problem-Solving!

History Workshops...

Re-create toys from the past to better understand where we came from and where we're going!

Arts
Workshops...

Nurture creative expression, inviting students to explore their world through Reading, Writing and Visual Design!

Where We Build

Pacific Northwest Schools...

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!

... And Across the Nation

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

For Students, Teachers and Families

Real-World Fun, Real-World Learning

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!

Meet Our Toymaker

“Teaching 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

Workshops for Every Occasion

Add a splash of creativity and learning to your next event!

In-School
Field Trips

Turn your classroom or cafeteria into a beehive of hands-on fun and discovery... No buses required!

Family
Fun Nights

A centerpiece attraction at Science Fairs, STEM Celebrations, Multicultural Nights... or JUST FOR FUN!

Festivals &
Corporate Events

Elevate your gathering with a workshop designed to attract SWARMS of young "makers" and their families!

Free
Projects

Enjoy the magic of our workshops at no cost – a great way for students to sample the "WOW" of toymaking!

See the Magic in Action

Discover how Rick weaves fun, education, and creativity into his workshops…

What Teachers, Parents and Students say...

“The workshop was INCREDIBLE! We absolutely loved it. The students were completely engaged, the tasks were designed at a perfect level for them and I loved how much information and history you incorporated. We are definitely planning to do this again next year! It is already on our must-do list!”

~ Hilary Marshall, 1st grade Teacher

“Phenomenal! We have done the Toymaker experience for many years in a row now, and every time the students are engaged, excited, and already looking forward to next year! Really unique and exciting activities that connect to our classroom learning…a joy to work with!”

~ Medeleine Prock, 1st Grade Teacher

“Everything was explained so well and having the step-by-step instructions up on the screen really helped students stay on track… Sorting the kits was also super easy, me and my husband completed it in just a few hours.”

~ Amanda Howell, Parent

“The video was engaging for the kids and the way it was broken up and picture directions helped a lot with the pacing of the activity. I also appreciated the early finisher activity to make pictures of food for the students that worked really fast.”

~ Charlene Harrington, Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher

"Truly awesome and a wonderful experience for students of all ages! A highly engaging, memorable and (the best part) educational virtual workshop that had our kids building, laughing, and learning important STEM skills.”

~ Kirsten Paust, Parent Organizer

“Fantastic and Full of Fun! The student were very motivated and excited to learn about Space and your project is still making them think about how it works, and how much they love it. It’s ‘watercooler’ talk! Thank you!”

~ Alicia Herron, 5th Grade Teacher

“Thank you for such a wonderful workshop! The kids thoroughly enjoyed all of it! It was so well organized and the videos were perfect! We look forward to doing something with you again next year!”

~ Karen Nickel, 5th Grade Teacher

"For the second year in a row, you mesmerized an entire roomful of children and parents! We've heard nothing but rave reviews about your program. It was a pleasure working with you, and I sincerely hope we get to do it again."

~ Shannon Wallingford, Event Coordinator, Washington Athletic Club

“I honestly can’t recall the last time I’ve seen so many happy faces...Your programs inspire kids and adults alike to explore and enjoy the enormous potential lurking inside the realm of the imagination.”

~ Pat T., Children’s Librarian

“Excellent connection with our Spinning Earth curriculum. It’s amazing how much the activities apply to our content. And the kids have the best time. Thank you so much!”

~ Deana James, 1st Grade Teacher

“It is always such a joy to watch you inspire students with your engaging and creative toy design workshops.”

~ Megan Schenone, 3rd Grade Teacher

"I have to say this was one of our most successful and well-attended online events in two years!"

~ Kim S. PTSA President

“Amazing science and art and MAGIC all wrapped up into one! Everybody came up to me afterwards and told me how much fun they had.”

~ Brandi Doyle, Principal

"The whole first grade team had such a blast. That was incredibly cool and applicable to our student learning. We'll plan for it again next year for sure.”

~ Kayla Stoll, First Grade Teacher

“The kids were so engaged and absolutely loved every minute of it. Everyone was set up for success.”

~ Angela Wulbert, 2nd Grade Teacher

“You captivate the students with scientific vocabulary, fun hands-on toying, and your friendly humorous presence.”

~ Jason Friesen, 2nd Grade Teacher

“You make it easy to deliver fun, engaging, and Common Core-aligned curriculum. Thanks for making science fun and accessible. You impress with your knowledge, showmanship and energetic and organized instructional skills.”

~ Kate Lepp, 3rd Grade Teacher

“Thank you for such a fun and engaging workshop! The kids loved it!... This was a perfect tie in to our 3rd grade science unit.”

~ Nikki Cowling, 3rd Grade Teacher

“5th grade LOVES the Toymaker! Thanks for such a fun and enriching experience. Always a HUGE hit!”

~ Claire, 5th Grade Teacher

“It was another amazing workshop. It connected beautifully to our current science unit too!”

~ Stacy Sikora, 1st Grade Teacher

“Awesome workshop! The students were so engaged and excited. Would love to have you come back next year. Thank you!”

~ Garrick B, 5th Grade Teacher

“I love how active and engaged the students were with the activity, and how well the learning complemented our curriculum.”

~ 4th Grade Teacher

“Thank you for an amazing experience. The kids had so much fun!”

~ Sarah Rahlfs, 1st Grade Teacher

“The students are still talking about the fun they had and parents reached out and shared how much they liked the toys as well.”

~ Amanda Gratton, Kindergarten Teacher

“The students are still talking about the fun they had and parents reached out and shared how much they liked the toys as well.”

~ Amanda Gratton, Kindergarten Teacher

“The day after the event, I was in the cafeteria during breakfast and all of the kids were telling me about their cars. The night was a huge hit! Thanks for an amazing night!”

~ Jane Kopf Stover, Principal

“It was wonderful! Thank you so much! The classes had such a great time and the parent volunteers were so impressed! Thank you!”

~ Amie Ptak, Kindergarten Teacher

“My class LOVED the workshop so much and enjoyed working with you!”

~ Aimy Tan, 3rd Grade Teacher

“Third graders had a blast. Students were so excited to experiment with their toys.”

~ J.J. Droke, Third Grade Teacher

“It was wonderful, as expected! The kids loved the motorized tops and were thrilled that they were able to take them home. We look forward to this every year!”

~ Ashley Peretti, 4th Grade Teacher

"You have a gift for educating while entertaining all ages at the same time. Your creative energy is definitely contagious and inspiring."

~ Maureen Zimdars, Children's Librarian, Granite Falls Library

“We loved the event! My kids asked if we could do Toymaker every day! They were so proud to take home their cool and funny toys. Thanks again for an amazing experience!”

~ Michal Friesen. 3rd Grade Teacher

"His demeanor was quiet and calm and he had the children on the edge of their seats for an hour and a half. His presentation was one of the main highlights of the year in my classroom!"

~ Anne Boyer, 2nd grade teacher

"The students were totally attentive & entranced."

~ Shirley Timson, 4th Grade Teacher

"Hands down one of the best presentations the kids in my classes have had! After the workshop my students looked at toys with new eyes. They now see themselves as people who can also come up with a great idea!"

~ Susan Brown, 4th/5th Grade Teacher

"The students were mesmerized!“

~ Joy A. Lansdone, Principal

"Your message is more than simply making a toy. It is one of positive thinking, inventive creativity, and feeling good about one self..."

~ Dr. Carolyn Haugen, Principal

"You have received rave reviews from teachers and students in every grade level! The librarian said that after you were here, every class that came to the library checked out only science related books. It was a complete success!"

~ Katie Marvin, PTA Science Fair Organizer

"I highly recommend that you take the time and bring Mr. Hartman into the lives of your children. It's an adventure you won't regret taking."

~ Lisa Graham, PTA President

"Rick Hartman tells stories with a twist, a toy twist! - moving, spinning, silly, grinning toys jump with life! Rick's imaginative knowledge of toys and toy-making and his joy in sharing the technique, inventiveness and pure fun of it all make kids clamor for more."

~ Yung-Chin Wu, Children's Librarian, Bothell Regional Library

"I was amazed at the number of kids that participated and the positive comments I received. I was so pleased with the results that I hope to make the Toymaker's Workshop a regular venue at our event."

~ Holly Kaiser, Windemere River of Fire Festival, Kennewick, WA

~ Shannon Wallingford, Event Coordinator, Washington Athletic Club

"You have inspired me and everyone else too! When I grow up I want to be an inventor just like you.”

~ Danielle

"You taught me the thing every artist should know. Use your imagination and have fun."

~ Marshall, 3rd grader

"When I grow up I will be a toymaker."

~ Sam, 3rd grader

“It was amazing! All of our students were actively engaged and loved every minute. They enjoyed creating the toy, helping others, experimenting, and just the opportunity to use their hands to build something. The prerecorded format was very easy to follow. My team was able to make the decision of when to do it with their class and not locked into a specific day and time, so we appreciated the flexibility that the pre-recorded format offered. One of my students said, "This is the highlight of my year." SO CUTE! We loved it”

~ Susan Moffett, 4th Grade Teacher

“We loved the format, especially with the step-by-step instructions on a single frame for the kids to refer to while they were building their toys. The students were engaged with the workshop and very excited about their toys. It was well suited for all five grade levels. We also appreciated how there were explicit tasks for students that completed a step early. The kids were asking when we would get to do another toymaker workshop, so I'd call it a success!”

~ Christine McLaughlin, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher

“As teachers, we loved the ease of the activities and the flexibility with pacing and fitting it into our day. It was a wonderful review and authentic practice of our work in this science unit! The kids were totally engaged and excited about completing the activities and loved that they could take them home to share with their families. It was definitely a highlight during our week.”

~ Nancy Pastrana, 1st Grade Teacher

“I have been swamped in report cards and haven’t sat down to officially thank you until now: Our team of teachers loved your program. The kids have continued to talk about their toys - and that lesson has been the most effective learning they have done all year!!!!!! When it’s fun, the learning really sticks. THANK YOU!”

~ Courtney Cline, 2nd Grade Teacher

"Rick Hartman - storyteller extraordinaire - mesmerizes and stimulates his audience simultaneously. How? Rick comes powered with energy and enthusiasm. He enjoys the self-assigned task of informing while performing. He brings science and history together as he guides his audience through history astride a magic carpet full of toys!"

~ Sandy Zell, Programmer, Bellingham Public Library

“WIN,WIN,WIN! That's what we got when we contracted with the Toy Workshop. Rick was very professional, organized and creative which made it a dream to work with him. The sponsors and their employees loved presenting the activity, the families attending loved the activity — What more could you ask for??”

~ Robin H. Kelley, Director of Festivals Issaquah Salmon Days Festival

~ Nancy Pastrana, 1st Grade Teacher

“I began teaching in 1962 and have witnessed hundreds of school presentations. Rick Hartman’s School of Toy was the best I have ever seen. Working with three classrooms at a time over three days was magical. Total student participation, enthusiastic response. Each student made two toys, different for each grade, with essential parent support. Rick’s presentation to each group, giving directions and connecting to curriculum, was skillful and engaging. Everyone—students, parents and teachers—left with a big satisfying smile.”

~ Paul Highsmith, EdD, Administrator

“On behalf of all 2nd grade students, teacher, and parents, I would like to extend our utmost gratitude for the fantastic workshop you put on last Monday at Bennett Elementary. By now, I sincerely hope you are aware of the positive impact your work has on each of those students and the lifelong learning of science. You have a gift for inspiring and nurturing those young minds in ways which they can relate to at their age. We truly feel fortunate to have access to your wonderful and educational workshops to help children foster (or discover) a love for science!”

~ Jenn Munson, Parent

"Rick is a uniquely inspiring and creative educator. His workshops foster an appreciation of the infinite variety of cultures and technologies of our world and encourage children and their families to explore together their own creative capabilities. His enthusiasm and ingenuity are infectious and we have enjoyed working with him immensely...Rick will be an asset to any program with which he is associated and he has my unqualified recommendation."

~ Michael Judd, Chief of Education, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation

"The program Rick Hartman presented at the State Capital Museum featured an accurate and entertaining look at historic toys of the pioneer era. Not only was our audience of children and their families intrigued with the construction of the "old fashioned" toys he brought along, but they sat in rapt attention as Hartman translated for them, in contemporary terms, the play-life of children of pioneer times. An excellent and fun program for children of all ages. Hartman is an enthusiastic and engaging performer and educator."

~ Susan Rohrer, Education Curator, Washington State Capital Museum

~ Robin H. Kelley, Director of Festivals Issaquah Salmon Days Festival

"Rick's toy making activities are hugely popular with both kids and their parents... His area is the first one the children target coming through the gates and the last one for them to be pulled away from at the day's end. If you are serious about providing a fun-filled, educational and interactive experience for young people - you can't do better than Rick Hartman."

~ Chris Clarke Vice President Customer & Corporate Communications, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi

"Oh my gosh, it couldn't have gone any better! The students were highly engaged throughout the entire workshop, and I believe you taught them our lesson on transparent, translucent and opaque objects! 🤗😊 As we teach our upcoming STEMScopes unit, we will be able to revisit many things that you taught our students. Your workshop was well aligned with our curriculum! Wow, thank you! 😊"

~ Catherine Heinz, 1st Grade Teacher

"I liked being half-engineer, half-scientist. It was really fun!"

~ Momoka, 1st Grade Student

"Thank your for the awesome (and totally hilarious) workshop. My favorite part was when you showed the magnetic field can be stronger than gravity! I wonder about how that is even possible!"

~ Deven, 3rd Grade Student

Frequently Asked Questions

How do In-Person workshops work?

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.

How do Live Online workshops work?

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.

How do Video-Guided workshops work?

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.

How long is my Video-Guided workshop available and how many times can I play it?

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.

How far in advance should we book our workshop?

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.

Is adult supervision recommended?

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!

Do you offer birthday party workshops?

Look for our Video-Guided Birthday Workshop coming later this year! Check out link here.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Join us for an educational adventure that celebrates learning, inspires imaginations, and brings joy to the builders and thinkers of tomorrow!

Toy-Building Adventures

For Young Scientists, Engineers, Artists and Inventors

How School of Toy Works

Enjoy the Lesson...

Build the Toys...

Experience the Magic...

Making Connections, One Toy at a Time

Why Kids and Schools LOVE Our Programs

Featured Workshops

Available Online and In-Person