27 Fun and Simple STEM Activities for Elementary School
Welcome to the world of STEM! If you’re a parent or educator looking for fun, hands-on ways to inspire young minds, you’ve come to the right place. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, isn’t just about equations or lab coats. It’s about sparking curiosity and teaching children how the world works through exciting, interactive projects.
These activities are perfect for elementary school students and use simple, everyday household items you likely already have. They’re designed to be engaging, educational, and, most importantly, fun. Through these easy STEM activities, kids can explore core scientific concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and see the magic of learning firsthand. Get ready to turn your home or classroom into a hub of innovation!
What is STEM?
STEM is an approach to learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Instead of teaching these subjects in isolation, STEM education focuses on how they connect and apply to real-world problems. It’s a method that helps kids develop a deeper understanding of the world around them by encouraging them to question, experiment, and innovate. The goal isn’t just to teach facts but to teach a way of thinking.
Key Components of STEM
Understanding the individual components of STEM is the first step to appreciating their combined power. Each letter represents a vital area of study that plays a crucial role in daily life and future careers.
- Science: Science is the study of the natural and physical world. It involves observing, asking questions, and conducting experiments to find answers. In simple terms, it’s about exploring why things happen. A classic experiment, like the foaming reaction of baking soda and vinegar, helps children understand chemical reactions and the release of gas.
- Technology: Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It isn’t just about computers and smartphones; it includes tools and machines, from a simple lever to a complex robot. For young learners, technology can be as basic as using a pulley to lift an object or a simple circuit to light a bulb.
- Engineering: Engineering is the process of designing and building things to solve problems. It involves applying math and science principles to create structures, machines, or systems. When students use building blocks or recycled materials to design a paper bridge, they’re engaging in the engineering design process. They learn about design, construction, and testing.
- Math: Math is the language of numbers and patterns. It’s essential for measuring, analyzing data, and solving problems in every field of STEM. From simple addition and subtraction when counting materials to calculating the length of a paper chain, math is woven into every activity. It helps kids think logically and systematically.
Why STEM is Important in Elementary School
Introducing STEM activities in elementary school is far more than a passing trend. It offers significant benefits that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and success.
- Fosters Curiosity and Critical Thinking: STEM projects encourage kids to ask “why?” and “how?” By allowing them to explore and experiment, these activities nurture a natural sense of curiosity. They learn to analyze problems, think creatively, and find solutions, which are essential critical thinking skills.
- Encourages Creativity and Innovation: STEM isn’t just about following instructions. It’s about designing something new, trying different approaches, and learning from mistakes. Whether they’re building a rocket or designing a solar oven, kids are encouraged to be creative and innovative.
- Builds Teamwork and Communication: Many STEM activities, especially STEM challenges, are best done in groups. This encourages collaboration, communication, and the ability to share ideas and work together toward a common goal.
How to Set Up STEM Activities
You don’t need a fancy lab or expensive equipment to get started with STEM. The best projects often use materials you can find right at home or in the classroom.
Materials You Need at Home or in Class
One of the best things about hands-on STEM is that it relies on using household items. You probably have most of what you need already!
| Category | Example Materials | What You Can Do with Them |
| Paper & Cardboard | Construction paper, straws, cardboard tubes, paper plates, craft sticks | Build a paper helicopter, paper bridge building, create a simple catapult, design a cardboard tube marble run. |
| Kitchen Items | Baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, oil, plastic bottles, salt, sugar, milk | Make a giant foaming reaction, grow crystals, create a homemade lava lamp, or an ice cream in a bag. |
| Recycled Materials | Plastic bottles, tin cans, cardboard boxes, old newspapers, bottle caps | Build a simple machine, a robot from recycled materials, or a balloon-powered car. |
| Basic Supplies | Tape, glue, scissors, string, rubber bands, ruler, markers | Essential for almost every project, from building a paper rocket to creating a light-up circuit. |
Safety Tips for Young Learners
Safety is the top priority when doing any science activity. While these projects are designed to be safe, adult supervision is always necessary.
- Supervise: Always have an adult present, especially with young children.
- Handle with Care: Teach kids to use scissors, hot glue guns (if used), and other tools properly.
- Use Non-Toxic Materials: Stick to simple ingredients and non-toxic supplies. Ensure things like baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring are used safely.
- Clean Up: Make sure to clean up spills and put away materials after each activity to prevent accidents.
Recording Results and Observations
Encourage kids to be real scientists by recording what they see. This helps them analyze their results and understand the scientific method.
- Science Journal: Use a notebook or binder as a “science journal” where kids can draw their observations, write down their predictions, and describe their findings.
- Worksheets: Use a free printable guide or a simple chart to track variables. For example, for a paper rocket, they can track how different amounts of air pressure affect the distance the rocket travels.
Top Simple STEM Activities for Elementary School
Ready to get started? Here are some of the most popular and fun STEM activities that kids will love.
Egg Drop Challenge
The egg drop challenge is a classic science activity that tests engineering and problem-solving skills. The goal is simple: design a contraption that protects an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. Students use a variety of materials like straws, cotton balls, newspaper, and tape to create a protective shell. This activity teaches about force, gravity, and the engineering design process. It’s a hands-on way for students to learn about impact and energy transfer.
Paper Chain Strength Test
This seemingly simple project is a great way to introduce engineering principles. Kids will love the challenge of building the strongest possible chain. Give them strips of paper and tape and have them design a chain. They can test different shapes and folds to see which holds the most weight. This is a great math activity and helps them understand structural integrity.
Popsicle Stick Catapult
Building a catapult is a fantastic way to learn about force and motion. Using craft sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon, students can create a simple machine to launch small objects like marshmallows or pom-poms. This project is a great way to demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion. They can experiment with different angles and forces to see how far their projectile will fly.
Walking Water Experiment
This colorful science experiment teaches children about capillary action, the process that allows plants to draw water up from their roots. Set up several glasses, some with colored water and others empty. Place paper towels connecting the glasses. Over time, the water will “walk” from one glass to the next, mixing the colors. It’s a visually stunning demonstration of science in action.
Balloon Rocket
Kids will love this balloon rocket activity that uses air pressure to demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion. All you need is a balloon, a string, a straw, and some tape. Thread the string through the straw, tape the straw to an inflated balloon, and let it go. The air rushing out of the balloon will make the rocket launch forward, a perfect example of action and reaction. This is one of the easiest hands-on activities you can do at home.
Cloud in a Jar
Bring the weather indoors with this simple cloud in a jar experiment. Using a jar, hot water, and a match (or aerosol spray), you can create a miniature cloud. This experiment helps kids understand how clouds form through condensation, a key part of the water cycle. It’s a quick and simple way to explore science concepts.
Build a Spaghetti or Straw Tower
This STEM challenge is about balance and structure. Students are given a set amount of spaghetti or straws and tape or marshmallows and must build the tallest free-standing tower. This activity tests engineering skills and teaches kids about geometry and stability. It’s a fun activity that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Simple LEGO Maze
This is a great STEM project for problem-solving. Kids use LEGO bricks on a large base plate to build a maze. The challenge is to create a path for a marble to travel from start to finish. This helps kids with spatial reasoning and planning. It’s a fun way to use building blocks for hands-on learning.
Magnetic Slime
This fun STEM project combines chemistry and physics in one activity. While many slime recipes are out there, magnetic slime is particularly exciting. By adding iron oxide powder, you can make a polymer that responds to a magnet. This hands-on way to explore magnetic fields and properties is sure to be a hit.
Crystal Sun Catchers
This beautiful activity combines art with chemistry. Kids can learn about crystallization by creating a supersaturated salt or borax solution and watching crystals form on pipe cleaners. Once dry, the sparkly crystals catch the light, making stunning crystal sun catchers. It’s a great science activity for exploring states of matter and solution chemistry.
Seasonal STEM Activities for Kids
STEM can be a part of every season. These themed activities make learning relevant and timely.
Winter STEM Ideas
- Ice Experiments: Explore the properties of water by freezing objects in ice and then having kids use salt or warm water to “excavate” them.
- Snowflake Symmetry: Cut paper snowflakes and discuss how each one has unique, six-sided symmetry. This is a great math activity.
Spring STEM Ideas
- Plant Growth: Plant a seed in a clear cup to observe how it grows. Discuss what a plant needs to thrive.
- Rainwater Cycle in a Bag: Create a mini water cycle by taping a sealed plastic bag with water to a window. Watch as the water evaporates and condenses. This is a great way to learn about the water cycle.
Summer STEM Ideas
- Solar Oven with a Pizza Box: Build a simple solar oven to harness the power of the sun. You can use a pizza box and aluminum foil to make a tasty frozen treat or s’mores! This teaches about solar energy and heat transfer.
- Giant Bubble Experiments: Experiment with different bubble wand shapes and soap solutions to make the biggest bubbles possible. This explores surface tension and geometry.
Fall STEM Ideas
- Leaf Chromatography: Discover the hidden colors in leaves by separating their pigments with rubbing alcohol and a coffee filter. This simple science experiment is perfect for autumn.
- Apple Oxidation Test: See how different liquids like lemon juice, water, or vinegar affect how fast apples turn brown. This teaches about apple oxidation and chemical reactions.
STEM Activities with Paper
Paper is a versatile and inexpensive material perfect for many hands-on activities.
Paper Helicopter Challenge
Paper helicopter challenge is a simple yet engaging activity that demonstrates how air pressure and aerodynamics work. Kids cut and fold a paper template, then drop it to watch it spin. They can then change the design and see how it affects the flight. This is an easy STEM activity that introduces key engineering concepts.
Möbius Strip Twist
This cool math activity is fun and mind-bending. Take a strip of paper, give it a half-twist, and tape the ends together. Have kids draw a line down the middle of the strip without lifting their pencil. They’ll be surprised to find they draw on both sides without crossing an edge! This project teaches about topology and non-orientable surfaces.
Paper Bridge Building
Challenge kids to build a bridge out of paper that can hold the most weight. This tests their engineering skills and teaches them about structural support. They can experiment with different paper folds like arches and cylinders to see which design is the strongest.
Longest Paper Chain
This activity is a great way to combine math and engineering. Kids can compete to see who can create the longest paper chain using a limited amount of paper. This encourages them to think about how to use materials efficiently and accurately measure their progress.
STEM Experiments Using Household Materials
You don’t need a lab to be a scientist. Some of the most exciting experiments use common household items.
Homemade Lava Lamp
Create a fun lava lamp using a bottle, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and an effervescent tablet. The chemical reaction of the tablet with the water creates gas bubbles that carry the colored water to the top of the oil, giving a bubbly, lamp-like effect. It’s a great way to demonstrate density and chemical reactions.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon
This is a classic science experiment that never gets old. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a balloon and some vinegar to a bottle. Attach the balloon to the bottle’s neck, and the giant foaming reaction will inflate the balloon with carbon dioxide gas. It’s a simple, dramatic demonstration of a chemical reaction.
Ice Cream in a Bag
Kids can learn about the states of matter while making a tasty frozen treat. In a small bag, mix milk, sugar, and vanilla. Place this bag inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt. By shaking the bag, the students make the ice melt, which absorbs energy from the milk mixture, turning it into ice cream. It’s a delicious way to learn about the phase change.
Milk Plastic (Casein Plastic)
This fun project transforms milk into a solid plastic-like material. When you add vinegar to warm milk, the acid causes the protein in the milk (polymer) to separate and clump together. You can then mold and shape it, creating a new material. This activity demonstrates a simple chemical change and teaches children about polymers.
Light-Up Postcard
This project introduces kids to basic circuitry in a very hands-on way. Using a sheet of paper, an LED light, and a coin-cell battery, students can create a simple circuit that lights up. This is a great introduction to conductivity and engineering skills. It’s a fun and practical way to see how technology works.
Teaching STEM to Elementary Students
Being a great STEM education teacher or parent isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions.
Encourage Curiosity and Questions
One of the most important things you can do is let children explore. Don’t just provide instructions; ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen if…?” or “Why do you think that happened?” This fosters curiosity and encourages them to be active participants in their learning.
Integrate STEM into Everyday Lessons
STEM doesn’t have to be a separate subject. You can integrate fun stem projects into regular lessons. For example, when reading a book about space, you can do a rocket launch activity. When you’re cooking, you can talk about math, measurements, and chemical changes.
Team Projects and Collaboration
Many of the best STEM activities are done in teams. Encourage children to work together to solve a STEM challenge. This teaches them how to communicate, share ideas, and work through problems as a group.
STEM Boxes and Classroom Kits
For teachers or parents who want a little more guidance, STEM boxes and classroom kits provide all the materials and instructions needed for a variety of projects. These resources are a great way for parents and educators new to STEM to get started.
Benefits of STEM for Elementary Kids
STEM education provides kids with skills they will use for a lifetime.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
STEM projects teach kids how to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. By experimenting, they learn to analyze what works and what doesn’t, developing their critical thinking skills. These are the skills students will use to overcome challenges in all aspects of their lives.
Creativity and Innovation
STEM activities aren’t just about following rules. They encourage students to think outside the box and come up with new and creative solutions. Whether it’s designing a new type of paper helicopter or discovering how to slow apple browning, kids learn to be innovative.
Preparation for Future Learning
By starting with simple STEM concepts at a young age, you’re preparing them for more advanced learning in middle school, high school, and beyond. This early exposure helps them feel confident and competent, setting them on a path toward future success in science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s a great way to inspire a lifelong love of STEM.
STEM Resources for Parents and Teachers
There are countless resources available to help you bring STEM to life.
Free Printable Guides
Many websites offer free printable guides and recording sheets for various experiments. These are great for keeping kids organized and helping them practice the scientific method. You can find guides for everything from a simple circuit to a solar oven.
Recommended Books and Websites
Curated lists of books and websites can be invaluable. Look for resources that offer hands-on project ideas, science explanations, and links to fun activities. Some excellent resources include those from NASA Missions and other scientific organizations.
Online Coding Games and Apps
Technology is a key component of STEM. Many websites and apps offer beginner-friendly platforms for kids to learn coding and logic in a fun, game-like format.
STEM Clubs and After-School Programs
Check your local community for STEM clubs and after-school programs. These are a great way for children to connect with others who share their interests and explore STEM in a structured environment.
Key Takeaways on Simple STEM Activities for Young Learners
Getting kids excited about STEM learning doesn’t require a lab or a large budget. The most impactful projects often use the most basic materials and a healthy dose of curiosity. By making STEM a regular part of your child’s life, whether at home or in the classroom, you’re giving them the tools they need to become innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.
Don’t be afraid to make a mess, let the kids lead the way, and, most importantly, have fun! The science behind these projects is fascinating, but the true goal is to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of STEM. Share the results with family or classmates to celebrate the learning and foster a collaborative spirit. What’s the first fun activity you’ll try today? 🌟