Grab a pack of copy paper and give these simple STEM activities a try right NOW! If you think STEM is too complicated, time-consuming, and costs too much… think again! Here I share 15 fantastic ways you can explore easy STEM activities with paper. Plus, free printable templates and instructions. Set up easy STEM projects in the classroom, with groups, or at home in no time!
Try These Easy STEM Activities Using Paper
You can do so many fun and easy STEM activities on paper. These range from paper STEM challenges that require little prep to paper engineering projects, paper science experiments, coding STEM activities, and more.
Click on each STEM activity below for supplies and instructions. Paper STEM challenges and science experiments include free printable worksheets and project templates.
Air Foils
Make simple paper air foils and explore air resistance.
Balancing Mobile
Mobiles are free-hanging sculptures that can move in the air. Make a balanced mobile from paper using our free shapes printable.
Bridge Building
Get the step-by-step guide to setting up a bridge building STEM challenge with paper and other everyday supplies.
Binary Code
A screen free coding activity that is easy to do with our printable binary coding worksheets.
Color Wheel Spinner
Can you make white light from all the different colors? Make a color wheel spinner from paper and find out.
Invisible Ink
Write a secret message on paper that no one else can see until the ink is revealed. It is simple chemistry!
Mobius Strip
A Mobius strip is a 2-dimensional shape made by taking a long strip of paper and giving it a half twist, then sticking the ends together to form a loop.
Paper Airplane Launcher
Be inspired by famous aviator Amelia Earhart and design your own paper plane launcher.
Paper Airplane Challenge
Explore 3 different ways you can make a paper plane (with free printable instructions). Plus, ideas for a paper plane STEM challenge!
Paper Bridge Challenge
Challenge your kiddos to build the strongest bridge possible from just paper! Plus, you can extend the activity by exploring other types of common materials!
Paper Chain Challenge
One of the easiest STEM challenges with paper ever!
Paper Chromatography
Separate the colors in a black marker using paper and water with this simple science experiment.
Paper Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most well-known structures in the world. You can make your own paper Eiffel Tower with only tape, paper, and a pencil.
Paper Grabber
In this Paper Grabber STEM Challenge, you’ll use your creativity and engineering skills to build a grabbing tool made from paper!
Paper Helicopter
Make a paper helicopter that actually flies! This is an easy engineering challenge for young kids and older ones too. Learn about what helps helicopters rise into the air, with a few simple supplies.
Paper Sculptures
Try something a little different by creating your own 3D paper sculptures from simple shapes cut out of paper.
Paper Rocket
Kids will love making this simple paper rocket using our free rocket template and a straw. Explore simple physics with gravity, propulsion, energy, and aerodynamics while having a blast!
Paper Tower Challenge
Build the tallest free-standing tower possible using a limited amount of paper. A great way to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
Penny Spinner
Make these fun paper spinner toys for a simple STEM activity the kids will love.
Pinwheel
This printable DIY pinwheel project is the perfect hands-on STEM activity to explore wind energy, motion, and design
Secret Decoder Ring
Can you crack the code? With our free coding printable, you can put together your own secret decoder ring from paper.
Strong Paper
Experiment with folding paper in different ways to test its strength, and learn what shapes make the strongest structures.
Thaumatropes
Make your thaumatrope from paper with our printable template, or check out the fun thaumatrope ideas to explore the persistence of vision with a simple toy.
Walk Through Paper Challenge
How can you fit your body through a single piece of paper? Learn about perimeter while testing out your paper-cutting skills.
Wind Powered Car
Make this simple wind-powered car and explore how wind can transform motion.
STEM Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Engineering Design Process Explained
- What Is An Engineer?
- Engineering Words
- Real World STEM
- Questions for Reflection (get them talking about it!)
- BEST STEM Books for Kids
- 14 Engineering Books for Kids
- Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar (Free)
- Must Have STEM Supplies List
- Join us in the Club
Printable Paper Project Pack
The main ingredient is paper! Our 20+ Fantastic boredom buster activities pack is a resource that doesn’t require a huge time commitment or expensive supplies to complete. That means you can start today. Scissors, tape or glue, markers, pencils… that’s about all you need for most of the projects.
- Do kids need a break from screen time?
- Need a quick STEM challenge?
- Looking for something a little different to do today?
- Want to send a quick (budget-friendly) activity home with your students?
Paper is generally a supply that is common in most classrooms and households. You can even grab the junk mail for some of the projects. Don’t have a printer? Make your own versions instead!
This pack is an awesome way to get creative with what you have!
Each activity includes:
- Templates (if needed)
- Step by step instructions
- Picture grids
- Supplies List
