Here are some STEM activities using paper that you can easily do at home, which can provide simple and enjoyable educational play.
Students choose different ways to create the longest paper chain out of one sheet of construction paper in this easy to prep and complete STEM Challenge.
What could possibly be a better combination than FREE and STEM?! Ok, maybe there are a few, but It’s a pretty amazing paring. I’d love to send you 2 low-prep STEM Activities for kids! E…
How high can you build? Your kids will love this STEM challenge and it requires little to no prep from parents/teachers. Start building today!
A whole month of daily low-prep STEAM activities for kids. You are going to love all of the low-prep STEAM activities that we have in store!
BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! The best variety of low prep STEM activities you'll find! These 20 STEM and STEAM activities can be completed with readily available materials and minimal prep - you can even use these for sub plans! Students will get hands-on exploring different STEM careers with these activities. Each activity is designed to take about one class period however the activity can span across two class periods to give ample time for redesigns and re-testing, or for a repeat challenge using different materials. These are not quite no prep but they are close! "It has helped me start the STEAM lab at our school with very little effort on my part. The lessons are easy to use and fun for all ages." These STEM activities can be used with elementary students OR middle school students - you will just need to alter the design criteria depending on the group. Suggestions for differentiation are included in the resource. What You'll Get (20 Challenges in All): 10 STEM Challenges 10 More STEM Challenges ✅ 10 STEM Challenges (see more below) ✅ Each STEM activity includes a description, photographs of examples, a display page stating the challenge, as well as 5 "Talk Like an Engineer" word cards with relevant vocabulary. ⬇️ STEM Activities Included ⬇️ Design a Bridge Design a Paper Airplane Design a Shelter Tallest Tower Challenge Challenging Maze Design Pompom Launcher Float a Boat STEM Challenge Fast & Slow Sled What a Drag: Parachute STEM Challenge Cantilever Challenge: Explore cross sections with this challenge! BONUS: All Aboard the Gear Train Also Included Graphic organizers (includes Google Slides options) Engineering report (includes Google Slides or Docs option) Rubric option plus self-eval option. Choose either to document each challenge, or use the provided interactive pages (2) in your science notebooks. Engineering vocabulary + Quizlet activity Follow-up extension activity for each challenge Please note: These activities are meant to be done with materials you have on hand, such as paper, office supplies, and recyclables. For this reason, they lend themselves very well to distance or hybrid learning models, homeschooling co-ops, libraries, and makerspaces, as well as traditional classroom settings. See detailed list below for more information regarding material requirements. ✅ 10 More STEM Challenges Contents ✅ Each challenge includes a description, photographs of examples, a display page stating the challenge, as well as 5 "Talk Like an Engineer" word cards with relevant vocabulary. The challenges cover a wide range of engineering disciplines: materials engineering (bubble challenge), industrial engineering (fidget fix), acoustical engineering (musical instrument), mechanical engineering (elevator, windshield wipers), code creator (software engineering), aeronautical engineering (windmill). ⬇️ STEM Challenges ⬇️ Design a Zip Line Design a Windmill Fidget Fix: Design a fidget toy Code Creator Unplugged Coding Intro (create simple code with conditional statement IF ELSE, no computer necessary!) Design a Musical Instrument Bubble Wand STEM Challenge Elevator Challenge Design a Hammock Printing Press Design Challenge Windshield Wipers Mechanism STEM Design (synthesize a 4-bar linkage) Also Included Graphic organizers Engineering report Rubric option. Choose either to document each challenge, or use the provided interactive pages (2) in your science notebooks. Engineering vocabulary + Quizlet activity While these challenges are designed to be completed with readily available classroom and household materials, your students will have an easier time completing the challenges if you have the following materials available: foam paper sheets (for the printing press challenge), metal fasteners (for the windshield wiper challenge), thin cardboard (such as from cereal and other food boxes), and string (for the zip line and elevator challenges). You will also need to either have bubble solution or make your own with water, dish detergent, and either corn syrup or glycerin. ❤️ What Teachers are Saying About this Resource ❤️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I love everything about this bundle. It is well worth the investment. The format for each of the activities is easy to follow, and the materials are thorough. I love the activities and will be able to use many of them for my Summer STEM program. This file saved me HOURS of planning time! Thank you!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great resource. It has helped me start the STEAM lab at our school with very little effort on my part. The lessons are easy to use and fun for all ages." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I'm piloting the STEAM program at our school this year, and this resource has been amazingly helpful! So many great ideas to build around, thanks!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My fourth graders did one of the activities and it kept the engaged the entire time. This is a great resource." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I bought this for my 2 gifted students to work on, thinking the rest of the class might enjoy it too. It is AMAZING! What a terrific resource bundle! Each of the challenges are cute, fun, but not too little-kid-ish, which is just perfect for my group! There are a few different choices for some of the planning worksheets, which is always nice. What perfectly crafted STEM projects! Love them all! Thanks SOOO much for your hard work in making this! My students will love it!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I used this resource as the backbone of my middle school STEM course (primarily 6th graders). The activities are engaging, yet simple enough to prep and can open up conversations about STEM careers. Both my students and I like the consistent organization of the handouts as it helps them know what to expect each challenge as far as where to write certain pieces of information. I also love that there is a set of vocabulary included for each challenge!" FAQs about STEM Why use STEM activities in your classroom or homeschool? These STEM activities are project-based and cross-curricular. Your students will gain experience in soft skill areas and foster a growth mindset while: ✅ Learning to work as part of a team. ✅ Communicating effectively and clearly to persuade others. ✅ Gaining confidence in presenting and speaking to groups. ✅ Persevering through a challenge when the initial design fails. ✅ Accepting constructive criticism from peers. FAQs Will I need to spend a lot of money on supplies? You don't need a lot of expensive materials to get started! You probably have most of the supplies in your classroom already, or in your recycle bin. I have developed most of my STEM challenges to be easily modified based on the materials you have on hand. For most of the challenges, you will need basic office or craft supplies and household recyclables such as: tape paper, index cards, or card stock recyclables like plastic cups, paper towel rolls, and cereal boxes craft sticks or straws I've never done STEM challenges before. What can I expect? I've got you covered! There are notes and photos in the downloads, as well as tips. All of my STEM challenge resources guide students through the engineering design process step by step. If you are looking for a full guide to the Engineering Design Process, you can find that here. Want to go paperless? Digital resources are also included in this download (digital graphic organizer and journal). You may also wish to download this STEM Journal for use with ANY STEM Challenge where you can record the engineering design process without wasting paper. Disclaimer: I have done my best to keep these as safe as possible. However, please make sure that you do your own due diligence when performing any STEM challenge. Adult supervision is necessary. Please use care, caution, and your best judgement when performing any STEM challenge, engineering challenge, or science experiment. The seller disclaims all liability for any damage or injury which might arise from the use of any of these projects. © Meredith Anderson - Momgineer
Blog post about fun, low-prep STEM playdough activities with a fun freebie!
These Thanksgiving themed STEM and STEAM activities are perfect to engage your elementary engineers in November! Three STEM challenges and one Bonus Brainbuilder are provided and can be completed as stations or in isolation. Includes the following LOW PREP STEM Challenges: Mayflower Ship Dinner Table Turkey Hideout Bonus Brainbuilder: Mini Magnetic Parade Includes the following components for EACH CHALLENGE: Detailed Lesson Plan with Standards, Supply Checklists, and Suggested Read Alouds Digital Google Slides Notebook for Paperless Recording Key Visual Vocabulary Chart Photos of Possible Products Digital Anchor Chart Student Instructions QR Code Research Videos and Website Differentiated Student Recording Sheets (K-1st and 2nd-5th) Reflection Discussion Chart Grading Rubric Supply Request Letter for Parents
The best kind of kindergarten STEM challenge is one that has children working together to find a solution to a fun, engaging problem using simple supplies that don't take lots of prep time. Enter The Floor is Lava STEM activity for kindergarteners. It's so simple, you can do it with preschoolers too! Don't forget to
Blog post about fun, low-prep STEM playdough activities with a fun freebie!
Use STEM engineering activities in elementary school as a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to tackle the Next Generation Science Standards.
The best kind of kindergarten STEM challenge is one that has children working together to find a solution to a fun, engaging problem using simple supplies that don't take lots of prep time. Enter The Floor is Lava STEM activity for kindergarteners. It's so simple, you can do it with preschoolers too! Don't forget to
You can do some simple STEM activities with plastic cups to help explain some fundamental concepts in science, math, and engineering.
The Pipe Cleaner (aka "Fuzzy Sticks") Challenge is one of my favorite STEM activities to introduce students to STEM learning. This is a fun, inexpensive, and engaging challenge that can be tailored to different ages, settings, and time-frames. This challenge is also an excellent
FREE CRAYON BOX SIMPLE STEM CHALLENGE Challenge your students to design their own crayon box! This matches perfectly with The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow. This hands-on activity is a great way to include STEM into your classroom. In this activity students will incorporate creativity, problem solving, designing. This freebie includes task cards, a design ... Read more
Blog post about fun, low-prep STEM playdough activities with a fun freebie!
Bucket Towers is an original STEM Challenge for upper elementary classes and it is a student favorite. You will love the easy prep! This is hard to believe, but some of our best STEM Challenges have been created accidentally. The STEM Bucket Tower challenge is one of those! Building boats was another total spur-of-the-moment challenge.
Analyze This vs. That STEM activity warm-ups / STEM centers give your students practice with critical thinking - one of the 4 C's of Engineering! This short STEM activity takes about 5 minutes and prepares students to get their brains in STEM mode while you buy yourself a few minutes to prepare materials and collect your thoughts at the start of class! Students will view two designs that solve a similar problem. Students will identify the problem solved, identify strengths & weaknesses of both designs and list potential research questions. ** NOTE: THIS IS A DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE. NO PHYSICAL ITEMS WILL BE SENT. *** Analyze This vs. That: ✅ is low prep / no prep ✅ requires no materials beyond paper & pencil (not even that is needed if you have 1:1 technology) ✅ focuses on critical thinking ✅ helps students shift their minds into thinking like scientists to prepare them for your lessons ___________________________________________________________ ⭐️ What's included in this STEM bell ringer activity?⭐️ ✅ 24 images with two designs that solve a similar problem ✅ Student analysis page / slide ✅ Print and paperless options - print the task cards or use the Google Slides™. ✅ Teacher guide with teaching tips, extensions & troubleshooting ___________________________________________________________ How to use STEM Bell Ringers - Warm-up activity - Centers - Short classes - Independent work for early finishers - Must do / May do lists Other grade levels? The activities could easily be done with older or younger students. For students who are not yet writing, they can give answers verbally.
Need a quick activity or two for the week before Thanksgiving break? Here's some easy & fun thanksgiving STEM activities students will love!
Explore STEM with this car ramp experiment for kids. Get the free printable recording sheet and try these 3 different car activities.
The best kind of kindergarten STEM challenge is one that has children working together to find a solution to a fun, engaging problem using simple supplies that don't take lots of prep time. Enter The Floor is Lava STEM activity for kindergarteners. It's so simple, you can do it with preschoolers too! Don't forget to
Use STEM engineering activities in elementary school as a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to tackle the Next Generation Science Standards.
10 genius Science and STEM Activities that use craft sticks to inspire learning in elementary with budget friendly Popsicle Sticks.
STEM Bins for Elementary Students “I’m finished! What do I do now?” How many times during our teaching day do we hear these words from our students? Oftentimes, it is much too often, and students are provided a handful of the same options to keep them busy until our next transition. Sometimes students are instructed...
I often am asked, what do you do to honor or celebrate this holiday or this event in history? Over the last couple of years my answer has been changing from bingo games and crafts to STEM or STEAM activities. This last year I committed to making 9 months worth of STEM activities, crack the code puzzles, graphing, and writing craftivities in monthly bundles called: STEM Activities and MORE! Stem Activities: Each monthly Pack includes 3 LOW PREP stem activities to choose from. They include recording sheets kids can brainstorm, plan, and reflect with. Writing Craftivitiy: This is a writing prompt with a craft to go with that you can hang on a bulletin board or locker for the month. Crack the Code: Their are three forms (K-1, 2-3, and 4-5) because they require math computation to solve the code. Answer keys are included Graphing: Objects that are related to the month students can graph. Months included are: January (added soon) February March April May September October November December
5 Simple STEM activities with paper plates. Frugal, easy, fun, and best of all highly engaging on STEM Activities for Kids.
Interested in learning how to start, schedule, and manage an elementary Makerspace?! Check out these supply suggestions, organization tips, and more.
Use STEM engineering activities in elementary school as a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to tackle the Next Generation Science Standards.
You can do some simple STEM activities with plastic cups to help explain some fundamental concepts in science, math, and engineering.
8 ideas to keep students engaged and having fun with a simple worksheet
Winter in an elementary classroom can either be full of fun and chaos or feel like it’s never going to end, so it’s important to plan activities that will hold your student’s attention from December to February. STEM activities are a great way to get your students excited about learning and incorporate some fun, hands-on […]
SAVE OVER 70% FOR A LIMITED TIME! 60 low prep STEM challenges PLUS everything you need to teach the Engineering Design Process! These activities are the perfect way to explore science concepts like sound, force and motion, aerodynamics, and more! Students will also find connections to STEM careers and hands-on math applications when they tackle the popular packaging design engineer challenge. These challenges can be done any time (though you might want to do the seasonal ones in season). There are no holiday-specific challenges included in this download, which makes them suitable for any classroom! Use for STEM family night, weekly challenges, sub plans, or makerspace! ✅ What You'll Get ✅ (See full details below) ⚙️ Engineering Design Process ⚙️: Includes 22 page teacher e-book, student activities and assessments, research an engineering profession, scientific method overview and EDP comparison, plus rubrics ⚙️ 23 Quick STEM Challenges ⚙️: Includes 5 relevant vocabulary terms, differentiation ideas to use with a wide range of grades, plus optional extension activities ⚙️ 12 Seasonal STEM Challenges ⚙️: 3 challenges for each season including the popular leaf glider STEM challenge and paper snowflake challenges! Bonus task cards are also included! ⚙️ 25 Simple STEM Challenges ⚙️: These challenges use simple materials (craft sticks, plastic cups, string, cardboard tubes, and paper plates). Bonus task cards are also included! Detailed Contents: Engineering Design Process This resource is the culmination of years of my work as an engineer and STEM educator! In it, you will find: ✅ A 20+ page teacher guide: A brief overview of STEM and why it's important An in-depth look at each step of the EDP The 4 Cs and STEM The Scientific Method and comparison to the EDP A simplified and fun acronym option for teaching the EDP to younger students How to tell if it's STEM (Is it Impostor STEM or ✨ Authentic ✨ STEM?) Video links to introduce the EDP STEM challenge tips Walk-through for Index Card STEM challenge Completed samples Follow-up questions to ask students to assess STEM learning and encourage out-of-the-box thinking✅ Student Printables 3-page introduction to the EDP EDP warm up activity (2 levels provided) Research an engineering profession EDP printable (students label and define steps) Scientific method overview and EDP comparison (3 pages) EDP and Scientific Method sorting activity EDP knowledge check/assessment (2 options) Growth mindset and failure color and doodle page (2 options) ✅ Bonuses Checklists and Rubrics: 6 pre-made checklists and rubrics plus 3 editable options (in Google Slides) EDP Posters: Choose from "Ask Imagine Plan Create Improve" or DIP ME "Define Imagine Plan Make Enhance" (If you attended Elementary STEM Con, you may remember Dip Me!) Graphic Organizers and STEM Challenge Recording Sheet: Several options to choose from for students to record their ideas, data, and progress. Spot Impostor STEM! Can you tell the difference between a high-quality, authentic STEM challenge and an impostor? Use the graphic and checklist to vet STEM challenges you want to try in your classroom. Detailed Contents: Quick STEM Challenges The best variety of low prep STEM activities you'll find! These 23 STEM and STEAM activities can be completed with readily available materials and minimal prep - you can even use these for sub plans! Students will get hands-on exploring different STEM careers with these activities. Each activity is designed to take about one class period however the activity can span across two class periods to give ample time for redesigns and re-testing, or for a repeat challenge using different materials. These are not quite no prep but they are close! "It has helped me start the STEAM lab at our school with very little effort on my part. The lessons are easy to use and fun for all ages." These STEM activities can be used with elementary students OR middle school students - you will just need to alter the design criteria depending on the group. Suggestions for differentiation are included in the resource. What You'll Get (23 Challenges in All): 10 STEM Challenges 10 More STEM Challenges Paper Clip STEM Egg Drop STEM Packaging Engineer STEM ✅ 10 STEM Challenges (see more below) ✅ Each STEM activity includes a description, photographs of examples, a display page stating the challenge, as well as 5 "Talk Like an Engineer" word cards with relevant vocabulary. ⬇️ STEM Activities Included ⬇️ Design a Bridge Design a Paper Airplane Design a Shelter Tallest Tower Challenge Challenging Maze Design Pompom Launcher Float a Boat STEM Challenge Fast & Slow Sled What a Drag: Parachute STEM Challenge Cantilever Challenge: Explore cross sections with this challenge! BONUS: All Aboard the Gear Train Also Included Graphic organizers (includes Google Slides options) Engineering report (includes Google Slides or Docs option) Rubric option plus self-eval option. Choose either to document each challenge, or use the provided interactive pages (2) in your science notebooks. Engineering vocabulary + Quizlet activity Follow-up extension activity for each challenge Please note: These activities are meant to be done with materials you have on hand, such as paper, office supplies, and recyclables. For this reason, they lend themselves very well to distance or hybrid learning models, homeschooling co-ops, libraries, and makerspaces, as well as traditional classroom settings. See detailed list below for more information regarding material requirements. ✅ 10 More STEM Challenges Contents ✅ Each challenge includes a description, photographs of examples, a display page stating the challenge, as well as 5 "Talk Like an Engineer" word cards with relevant vocabulary. The challenges cover a wide range of engineering disciplines: materials engineering (bubble challenge), industrial engineering (fidget fix), acoustical engineering (musical instrument), mechanical engineering (elevator, windshield wipers), code creator (software engineering), aeronautical engineering (windmill). ⬇️ STEM Challenges ⬇️ Design a Zip Line Design a Windmill Fidget Fix: Design a fidget toy Code Creator Unplugged Coding Intro (create simple code with conditional statement IF ELSE, no computer necessary!) Design a Musical Instrument Bubble Wand STEM Challenge Elevator Challenge Design a Hammock Printing Press Design Challenge Windshield Wipers Mechanism STEM Design (synthesize a 4-bar linkage) Also Included Graphic organizers Engineering report Rubric option. Choose either to document each challenge, or use the provided interactive pages (2) in your science notebooks. Engineering vocabulary + Quizlet activity Detailed Contents: Seasonal STEM Challenges You will receive 12 main STEM challenges (3 for each season) plus over 20 additional task card challenges! These activities are highly engaging and appropriate for a wide range of grades. Please see each individual file linked above for a more thorough preview. Fall STEM Fall STEM activities includes 3 different STEM challenges that are great for hands-on learning. Use the printable pages provided to follow the Engineering Design Process, or set this activity up as a STEM station with the challenge cards provided. Though these are autumn themed STEM challenges, they can be done at any time of the year. The three challenges are: Acorn Chute: design a chute for acorns to go from point A to point B. Leaf Glider: design a paper leaf glider that can fly the farthest. Sports Dome: design a sports dome for your favorite sports team! All of these challenges can be used to complement your study of force and motion (kinetic and potential energy, drag, tension and compression, etc.). Follow the engineering design process to complete each challenge. These challenges can be as simple or as complex as you choose to make them – for this reason they are appropriate for a wide age range. CONTENTS Getting Started Suggested Material List for each challenge. STEM Challenge Tips General tips for any STEM challenge. Each Challenge Includes: Teacher Notes Sample Pictures Printable Challenge Poster: Hang at your STEM center or near where the STEM creations are, especially if they will be on display for the class or a STEM fair, parent night, etc. Printable pages to use with the challenge and guide the students through the engineering design process. STEM Challenge Cards These cards are like task cards, but they include the 3 main STEM challenges in this resource (with variations), as well as some other challenges. You can use these if you would rather set this up at a STEM station as a self-guided STEM activity. Choose from cards with images or without. STEM Graphic Organizers Fall themed – use with the three challenges or the challenge cards, provided to allow the students to work through the engineering design process. You may also use this sheet for any of the other challenges if you prefer a more generic one. Winter STEM Winter STEM / Snowflake STEM activities. Create a variety of snowflakes with these 3 STEM engaging challenges. Instructions and sample images Warm up activities: Which folded up snowflake profile fits the unfolded snowflake? Photograph examples and printable pages (2 included, versions A and B. B designs are more complicated). Challenges ❄ Geometry Challenge: Create a variety of snowflakes as specified. ❄ Fast/Slow Challenge: Design and create snowflakes that will fall the fastest or slowest from a given height. ❄ Reverse Engineer Challenge: Take a snowflake someone else has created (from the first two challenges) and try to create an exact copy. STEM Challenge Cards - 12 Snowflake STEM task cards that include the challenges above (cards 1-8), as well as 4 bonus challenges. Recording sheet included that follows the engineering design process. Spring STEM Spring STEM activities includes 3 different STEM challenges that are great for hands-on learning. Use the printable pages provided to follow the Engineering Design Proc
Use this Conversation Heart STEM Activity for Kids to celebrate Valentine's Day in the classroom, at kids' school parties, or even as a fun learning project at home.
One of the biggest concerns I get from teachers and media specialists is the lack of space (and time) for a full-blown Makerspace. I completely get it, y’all! I’d be lying if I didn’t say it takes a lot of time, space, patience, and commitment to ensure that our Makerspace runs properly, which is why...
Engage and hook your students with these properties of water activities for studying adhesion, cohesion, surface tension, and specific heat.
Set up these quick STEM activities with only a few materials. Perfect for older toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners. The kids will play for hours!
These Halloween themed STEM and STEAM activities are perfect to engage your elementary engineers in October! Three STEM challenges and one Bonus Brainbuilder are provided and can be completed as stations or in isolation. Includes the following LOW PREP Halloween STEM Activities and Challenges: Pumpkin Catapult and 6 Pumpkin Catapult Games (Stations) Candy Tower Spider Web Bridge Bonus Brainbuilder: Spooky Illusions Includes the following components for EACH CHALLENGE: Detailed Lesson Plan with Standards, Supply Checklists, and Suggested Read Alouds Digital Google Slides Notebook for Paperless Recording Key Visual Vocabulary Chart Photos of Possible Products Digital Anchor Chart Student Instructions QR Code Research Videos and Website Differentiated Student Recording Sheets (K-1st and 2nd-5th) Reflection Discussion Chart Grading Rubric Supply Request Letter for Parents
These Would You Rather STEM activity card questions are the perfect warm-up to shift your students minds into STEM mode and buy yourself a few minutes to prepare materials and collect your thoughts at the start of any STEM activity! This short STEM activity takes about 5 minutes and gives your students practice with critical thinking - one of the 4 C's of Engineering! ** NOTE: THIS IS A DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE. NO PHYSICAL ITEMS WILL BE SENT. *** Would You Rather STEM: ✅ is low prep / no prep ✅ requires no materials beyond paper & pencil (not even that is needed if you have 1:1 technology) ✅ focuses on critical thinking ✅ helps students shift their minds into thinking like scientists to prepare them for your lessons There are three types of questions included. 1. Make” questions focus on being the designer/engineer of as design 2. “Use” questions focus on the end-user experience for design ideas 3. “Give Up Forever” questions focus on the usefulness of various technologies and everyday objects. ___________________________________________________________ ⭐️ What's included in this Would You Rather STEM activity?⭐️ ✅ 30 cards / slides (10 of each type of question) ✅ 3 question types (maker/engineer, end-user, and give-up forever) ✅ Students response page / slide ✅ Print and paperless options - print the task cards or use the Google Slides™. ✅ Teacher guide with teaching tips & extensions ___________________________________________________________ How to use STEM Bell Ringers - Warm-up activity - Centers - Short classes - Independent work for early finishers - Must do / May do lists Other grade levels? The activities could easily be done with older or younger students. For students who are not yet writing, they can give answers verbally.
Mystery Tinker Bags for Creative STEM Fun. Create opened imaginative play that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. These bags are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and older. Encourage creative thinking and science skills!
