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 Kids STEM 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.