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Tools & Platforms

Hèlen Grives aka edited this page Mar 18, 2026 · 1 revision

🧰 Tools & Platforms

The Tabu Youth Hackathon gives you a head start with tools you can use. The most important thing is that your creation is publicly accessible. All tools listed here are beginner‑friendly, accessible, and perfect for creative exploration.

You don’t need to master any tool.
Just pick one that feels fun and start experimenting.

💻 Coding & Game Design Tools

Scratch

A visual coding platform where you can create games, animations, and interactive stories.
Perfect for beginners and storytellers.

MakeCode

Microsoft’s block‑based coding environment.
Great for:

  • Micro:bit
  • MakeCode Arcade (retro‑style games)
  • LEGO Spike
  • Minecraft Education Edition

Tynker

A playful coding platform with guided lessons and creative challenges.

Code.org

Beginner‑friendly coding puzzles, activities, and mini‑projects.

Micro:bit

A tiny programmable computer for physical computing projects — lights, sensors, buttons, and more.

🤖 Robotics & Engineering Tools

LEGO Spike / Mindstorms

Build robots, machines, and interactive prototypes using LEGO bricks and sensors.

Robotics Kits

Any simple robotics kit works — from line‑following robots to programmable arms.

Micro:bit + Sensors

Combine Micro:bit with motors, LEDs, or environmental sensors to build creative prototypes.

🎨 Art & Design Tools

Canva

Create posters, character sheets, mood boards, and visual stories.

Figma for Education

A collaborative design tool for UI mockups, digital art, and visual layouts.

Procreate / Krita

For digital drawing, painting, and illustration.

Traditional Art Tools

Paper, markers, pencils, paint — everything counts.

✍️ Writing & Storytelling Tools

Google Docs / Word Online

For writing stories, scripts, poems, and world‑building notes.

Notion / OneNote

Organize ideas, characters, and creative planning.

Storyboarding Templates

For planning comics, animations, or performances.

🎵 Music & Sound Tools

Chrome Music Lab

A playful way to explore rhythm, melody, and sound.

BandLab

Create music tracks, beats, and audio stories online.

GarageBand

Record, mix, and produce soundtracks or voice‑overs.

📸 Photography & Media Tools

Smartphone Cameras

Perfect for capturing photos, videos, and creative documentation.

CapCut / iMovie

Simple video editing tools for short clips or project presentations.

Canva Video

Create animated slideshows or visual stories.

🧩 Mixed‑Media Tools

Minecraft Education Edition

Build worlds, tell stories, or prototype ideas inside Minecraft.

AI‑Assisted Creativity Tools

Age‑appropriate tools that help with:

  • idea generation
  • sketching
  • music
  • storytelling

(Used responsibly and guided by the values of Ma’at.)

🌿 Guided by the Principles of Ma’at

No matter which tools you choose, your creations are shaped by values such as:

  • truth
  • balance
  • harmony
  • creativity
  • respect
  • responsibility
  • kindness
  • curiosity

These principles help guide how you design, collaborate, and share your work.

🌈 Choose What You Like best

There is no “right” tool.
There is only the tool that helps you express your idea.

Whether you’re coding a game, drawing a character, building a robot, writing a poem, or composing music
your creativity is the heart of the hackathon.