Preparing our kids for the challenges they will face once they enter school will make the transition much smoother. Fortunately, this doesn’t require expensive equipment or tedious lessons.
Instead, introduce your kids to the basics of science, technology, engineering, and math (collectively known as STEM) through fun projects that pique their interest in these crucial fields.
Here are 12 STEM projects for kids of various ages that will help them understand how the world works and teach them that science is fun. In addition, this can help set them up for success later in life.
The Benefits of STEM Projects
As soon as our little ones begin to speak, they flood us with questions 24 hours a day. Instead of brushing them aside, nurturing their natural curiosity is paramount. If your child frequently asks “Why?” introduce them to STEM projects that answer their questions about the world around us.
Challenging children with hands-on STEM projects does much more than just expand their knowledge of the topics in question.
Playing with STEM toys and completing interesting projects also develops many essential skills that will be invaluable in a STEM career and life. Their ability to focus, plan and execute tasks, as well as their attention span and motor and problem-solving skills, will all improve.
12 STEM Projects for Kids
From science to computer coding, there are fun projects in every field. Check out the ideas we collected below.
1. Classic Volcanic Eruption
Who doesn’t remember their first time making a baking soda-vinegar volcano fondly? Kids love making a mess, so this project will engage the rowdiest bunches. However, you don’t need a lot of supplies to make it work.
Besides the baking soda and vinegar we already mentioned, some food coloring and clay or sand for the volcano are all that’s really necessary. Let your kid sculpt the volcano with your guidance, and once it’s ready, it’s time for the lava to spill.
2. Colorful Domino Chain
If you’ve got a little engineer in the making, a domino chain will be a fun, engaging activity that allows for creativity. You can make a simple domino chain or add other mechanisms.
Besides the dominos, some building blocks and ping-pong balls will make the layout more interesting. If the chain doesn’t succeed the first time, it will provide an excellent opportunity for the child to figure out where the problem lies and how to fix it.
3. Balancing the Scales
Why is one object heavier than another, larger one? Introduce young kids to the concept of weight with the help of a fun project that will involve balancing various items. For example, build a balance scale from a hanger and let your preschooler explore which of their toys is the heaviest.
You can also challenge them to balance the two sides or determine how many building blocks a toy weighs.
4. Build a Yummy Structure
Projects requiring building structures are some of the best for practicing STEM skills. Letting kids build with their two hands allows them to use their creativity and develop their own designs. The precision these projects require enhances their fine motor skills, too.
You don’t necessarily need building blocks for this project. In fact, using various other items can make the activity even more creatively challenging. So lay out some gummy drops, marshmallows, toothpicks, and dry spaghetti, and watch your kids develop imaginative 3D structures.
5. Learn About Physics With a Catapult
Catapults are simple machines that will teach kids about basic physics concepts. For example, little kids can make a very simplistic popsicle catapult, while older, more advanced little engineers can put together a pencil catapult. Building the catapult will be quick and easy, but it will yield plenty of play time afterward.
Come up with questions and challenges to keep the gears of their budding brains working. Which object will fly farther and why? Few things are as fun as launching an object and seeing where it lands, so this project is sure to keep kids engaged.
6. Practice Math With LEGO Blocks
Isn’t it boring to write numbers on paper? There’s a more fun way to practice basic math, and all you’ll need for it are some LEGO pieces and a pair of dice. This activity is sure to make addition feel like a game. It’s also suitable to be played in groups.
Each participant should take a LEGO base plate, and the goal is to fill it up. First, throw the dice and add the numbers together. Next, find a LEGO piece with the same number of bumps, and add it to your base plate. Continue until the plate is full. Simple but fun!
7. Send a Secret Message
The next project idea will teach kids a little about chemistry in a compelling way. The topic is oxidization. Let them write or draw a message with “invisible ink” to reveal the message later with the help of heat.
All you need to do is dilute some lemon juice and let them use it as ink, while cotton swabs will serve as pens. Once the liquid dries, it will hardly be visible, so kids can exchange secret messages. Heating up the paper will turn the juice brown, revealing the writing.
8. Create a Marble Run
A marble run is another simple but fun project that doesn’t require a lot of tools. It can be made from supplies at your disposal. A kitchen tray, play dough, a cardboard box, some glue, and straws work just as well.
A simple marble run can become a multi-level adventure with various mechanisms if your child has an impressive LEGO collection.
9. DIY Lava Lamp
Why don’t oil and water mix? You can teach your child about density with a fun lava lamp project.
All you need is some water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets for a wow effect. Pour some water into a bottle, let your child pick and add their favorite food coloring, and finish it up with some oil. The antacid tablet will cause a spectacular bubble show kids will love.
10. Defy Gravity
If your kid already knows about the law of gravity, they might find it thrilling to conquer. Our next project utilizes a couple of magnets and paper clips to do exactly that.
Secure a strong magnet on a ruler – if you have a metal ruler, your job will be easy. First, build two columns to support the ruler and ensure the magnet is facing down.
Next, tie a string to a paper clip and secure it to the table at an appropriate distance from the magnets so the paper clip is floating in the air. Your child will be fascinated.
11. First Coding Lesson
It’s never too early to introduce children to coding. You can start from the very basics: sorting and patterns. Then, your child will already be equipped to give meaning to these patterns. LEGO blocks are the perfect tool for practicing this.
Let your child write out coded messages using different-colored blocks on a base plate. Then, if you’ve got an aspiring programmer at hand, you can take coding a step further. Lego now offers advanced kits that tackle the topic of coding and provide kids with hours of fun learning.
12. Homemade Smartphone Projector
Are you looking for another simple DIY project to intrigue your child about STEM topics? For example, a homemade smartphone projector is easy to make but will require your child to apply their problem-solving skills every step.
All you need for this project is a cardboard box, a magnifying glass, and a smartphone. Scissors and tape will also help with the construction.
First, let your little one trace the magnifying glass on the cardboard box. Next, cut out the opening and secure the magnifying glass. Then, let your child figure out how to place the smartphone in the cardboard box so the screen is reflected through the magnifying glass.
Finally, turn off the lights and let them face the next challenge: the image being upside down.
13. Organize a Car Race
The last project on this list combines science, imagination, and blood-pumping excitement into one balloon car race. Kids in middle school will find this project particularly engaging. In addition, it’s an excellent activity for groups.
Supply the children with cardboard, paper plates, straws, tape, and similar materials, and challenge them to build their own vehicles. Of course, they will need to use quite a bit of creativity to develop a functional design, but that’s still not the end of the story.
Once all the kids are ready, it’s time for the balloon car race and a lesson in Newton’s laws of motion!
Learning Is Fun
Playtime and learning time don’t have to be separate. In fact, the most effective way for children to learn is through fun games and activities.
These STEM projects for kids bring together complex scientific concepts and the thrill of making something with their own hands. They will not only help kids explore how the world around them works, but they also develop their skills along the way.
So pick an age-appropriate activity for your little ones, and prepare for many questions.
