The fourth and sixth graders at my daughter’s school recently joined forces once a week for four week to undertake a STEM bridge building challenges. It was such fun to see them try STEM activities for elementary school kids.
The children worked in pairs to research, design, build and test the strength of their bridge and it was easily the highlight of my daughter’s school week each time.
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) philosophy of integrating learning across the four disciplines is fabulous for elementary school aged children as not only is are they learning about the individual topic but they are also developing questioning, problem solving and divergent and creative thinking skills.
Best of all, STEM activities are hands-on – making learning of what are often abstract concepts and ideas so much easier for children to understand.
Today I’ve collected together 21 of my favorite STEM activities for elementary aged kids – that I know will challenge and engage your elementary school aged kids and help them fall in love with the STEM subjects. You may even spark the love for a future career in STEM!
21 OF THE BEST STEM ACTIVITIES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS
Kids will love trying these fun STEM activities during elementary school! Try them in class, or at home. Also try engineering activities for kids, science experiments for kids, technology activities for kids, and hands-on math activities for kids!
WHAT ARE ELEMENTARY STEM ACTIVITIES?
STEM is not so much a topical study as it is an approach to teaching and learning the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM activities use all of these subjects together to solve real-world problems.
Download the FREE STEM Supply List!
A STEM activity uses elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to solve problems. All STEM activities are inquiry-based, which means they are designed to answer a question (often a question the child creates herself). STEM activities encourage children to see subjects like math and science in a new light, and how to use those subjects to solve their day to day problems and the problems that they might face as adults. All STEM activities should contain elements of at least two disciplines in STEM, and all of them when possible!
As critical thinking and creative thinking become more and more important, STEM activities provide a safe and fun way for children to explore the concepts of science, math, engineering, and technology in a kid-friendly and fun way. Even if a child never goes into a STEM field as an adult, engaging in STEM activities will encourage problem solving, logical thinking, and creativity in any industry.
At the pre-elementary and elementary level, STEM is about exploring STEM subjects in a fun and hands-on way.
We’re passionate about STEM activities and have tried hundreds of projects over the years. Use this resource as a simple way to get started with your own STEM studies.
WHY SHOULD I DO STEM ACTIVITIES WITH KIDS?
Many schools require some form of STEM education in the classroom. But you don’t have to be a teacher to do STEM activities with kids. You can also try some at home, during school holidays or over the summer. Not only do STEM activities help children learn how to solve problems on their own, but it also allows hands-on kiddos to learn in a way that makes sense to them. Children who need to touch and feel to learn effectively will thrive in a STEM-focused classroom or home.
STEM ACTIVITY BOOKS FOR KIDS
STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for KidsSTEM by Design: Strategies and Activities for Grades 4-8
Year Round Project-Based Activities for STEM Grd 2-3
STEM Starters for Kids Engineering Activity Book: Packed with Activities and Engineering Facts
50 Stem Labs – Science Experiments for Kids (Volume 1)
instant STEM activities Grade 1 (Chalkboard Publishing Workbooks)
THE FULL LIST OF ELEMENTARY STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Try these fun STEM activities with your elementary class or elementary kids at home! These STEM ideas for elementary will help kids learn in a fun and hands on way.
Science Activities for Kids
These science activities for elementary will be a hit in any classroom.
Hand Washing Science from Schooling a Monkey
Build a Soda Rocket from Lemon Lime Adventures
What Can You Use to Make Bubbles from Childhood 101
Defy Gravity with Magnets from Buggy & Buddy
Make Your Own Plastic Toys From Milk from Steam Powered Family
Technology Activities for Kids
Elementary aged kids will love working on these technology projects.
Make a Stop Motion Video with Jellybeans from Schooling a Monkey
Energy Efficient Window Experiment from Schooling a Monkey
Make a Hexabug Drawbot with Picklebums
DIY Smart Phone Projector from The STEM Laboratory
Build a Potato Battery from STEAM Powered Family
Engineering Activities for Kids
Engineering activities are a hit in any elementary classroom!
Egg Drop Engineering from Schooling a Monkey
Craft Sticks, Cups and Cubes Challenges from Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls
Build a Paddle Boat from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Engineering Mystery Bag Challenge from Childhood 101
Stick Raft Building from Kids Craft Room
Straw Roller Coaster Challenge from Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls
Math Activities for Kids
Elementary kids won’t hate math any more after they try these hands-on projects!
Hands On Geometry from Schooling a Monkey
Measuring Tree Height from From ABCs to ACTs
Geoboard Snowflakes from Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls
Candy Survey & Hands On Graphing from Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls
Sandwich Fractions from Coffee Cups and Crayons
So many cool ideas!
This will keep my kids happy over the Easter break!