Build A Growth Mindset Through STEAM Activities

Encouraging curiosity in children can help them develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Here are some tips on sparking curiosity or a growth mindset in kids, along with some fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities.

Tips For Building A Growth Mindset Through STEAM

By sparking curiosity through hands-on STEAM activities, you’re helping kids develop an intrinsic motivation to learn, ask questions, and seek out new experiences. All of which are key components of a growth mindset. The activities and strategies mentioned below are designed to help kids see learning as a journey rather than a destination, which is central to nurturing a growth mindset.

💡 Learn more about What is STEAM?

1. Encourage Problem-Solving

Provide opportunities for kids to tackle real-world challenges that stimulate their problem-solving skills and encourage them to think critically and creatively.

💡 Here is our big list of the best STEM challenges for kids [here].

Build a Bridge Challenge

Have kids design and build a bridge using the materials provided. Encourage them to experiment with different designs and test the strength of their bridges by placing weights on them. Kids will learn about engineering principles and discover how persistence and creativity can lead to improved designs.

2. Use Hands-On Experiments

Encourage kids to conduct simple science experiments at home, like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, fermenting yeast or growing crystals.

💡 Find our big list of science experiments [here] or search by grade in the menu bar above.

Baking Soda Volcano

Use clay or dough to form a volcano around a small container. Inside the container, add baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. Pour in vinegar mixed with food coloring, and watch the volcano erupt!

3. Visit Museums and Science Centers

Take kids to museums, science centers, or planetariums to explore exhibits and engage in interactive activities that pique their interest in various subjects.

Build a Mini Planetarium

Create your own mini planetarium or star projector from a Pringle can and black paper. You can use to explore constellations that are found in the Milky Way Galaxy.

4. Construct DIY Projects

Engage in simple DIY projects that involve building or creating something from scratch, such as building a water wheel, constructing a model rocket, or designing a cardboard roller coaster. This fosters curiosity about engineering, design, and problem-solving.

💡 Find our big list of engineering projects [here].

Marble Roller Coaster

Give kids some cardboard tube rolls and masking tape, to design and create their own roller coaster.

Click here to get your free printable Curiosity Guide!

5. Nature Exploration

Take kids on nature walks or hikes to observe different plants, insects, and animals. Bring along a magnifying glass and a notebook to jot down observations.

💡 Find our big list of nature activities [here].

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items for the kids to find on a nature walk, such as a specific type of leaf, a smooth rock, or signs of animal life. Have them collect or document their finds and discuss what they learned afterward.

6. Art and Creativity

Provide art supplies and encourage them to express themselves through drawing, painting, or crafting. This can lead to questions about color theory, texture, and artistic techniques.

💡 Find our big list of STEAM activities [here].

Color Mixing Experiment

Encourage kids to mix primary colors to create secondary colors. Discuss how different combinations produce new colors and let them create a masterpiece using their new color palette.

7. Encourage Exploration

Provide resources and opportunities for them to explore their interests and passions, allowing them to delve deeper into topics that intrigue them.

Research Project

Let the child choose a topic of interest (e.g., space, dinosaurs, famous inventors) and research it. They can then create a poster displaying what they’ve learned, including illustrations and key facts.

8. Encourage Reading

Introduce them to books on various topics, including science, history, technology, and fiction. Reading opens up new worlds and ideas, fostering curiosity about them.

Book Based Science Experiment

Choose a science-themed book (e.g., “The Magic School Bus” series) and after reading a book, conduct a related science experiment. For example, after reading about the water cycle, create a mini water cycle in a bag using a plastic zip-top bag, water, and food coloring.

9. Role-Playing and Pretend Play

Encourage kids to engage in role-playing activities where they can imagine themselves as scientists, explorers, astronauts, or inventors, fueling their curiosity about different professions and fields.

Science Potions For Kids

Gather empty containers, goggles, lab coat (can use an oversized shirt), colored water in beakers or jars. Set up a pretend laboratory where kids can mix “chemicals” (colored water) and conduct “experiments.” Discuss the role of scientists and what they do. See our what is a scientist

10. Questioning Games

Play games like “I Wonder” where you take turns asking open-ended questions about anything from the stars to the deep sea, sparking curiosity and critical thinking.

Science Would You Rather

Kids love would you rather questions and here we have a fun printable science edition for you!

11. Music and Sound Exploration

Provide musical instruments or household items to experiment with creating different sounds. Encourage them to explore how sounds are made and how they can be manipulated.

Water Xylophone

Create simple homemade xylophone with glass jars and different amounts of water. Explore how the sound changes with the volume of water.

12. Storytelling

Share stories about historical events, mythical creatures, or imaginative worlds to ignite their imagination and curiosity about the world around them.

Create A Storybook

Have the kids create their storybooks. They can write and illustrate their own tale, perhaps involving a scientific adventure, discovery or a journey through space.

Helpful 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.

Printable STEM Pack For Kids

80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!

Full instructions with sample images
Activity-specific instruction sheets
Data Collection Sheets
Questions for Reflection
Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
Engineering vocabulary cards
Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!