Can you really do STEM cheap? Someone always asked me if it’s really possible because STEM is often associated with expensive items like software, robots, and computers! We know how to put together inexpensive STEM ideas everyone will love and benefit from. Whether you want to make tinker trays, put together STEM challenges, or try out cool science experiments, we have lots of ideas.
HOW TO PUT TOGETHER INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS
Learning how to put together inexpensive STEM ideas is a wonderful way to encourage learning opportunities that include science, technology, engineering, and math. All kids should have a chance to try STEM challenges, Science Experiments, and Tinker Trays.
Sounds pretty expensive, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be. We have been collecting materials for some time on different trips to dollar stores, hardware stores, and even our recycling bin. Inexpensive STEM ideas are awesome and right at your fingertips.
FINDING INEXPENSIVE STEM SUPPLIES
We love to build structures and try out different simple STEM challenges. There are so many places to find supplies like the dollar stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, and even your junk drawers and tool boxes. In fact, if you open up your own cupboards and drawers, you would be surprised at what you already have collected.
The recycling bin is a great option too. To start, get a large container and start saving neat things. Check out the handy list below or click here to see our dollar store engineering kit!
Keep adding to your new bin and soon you will have an AMAZING go-to STEM materials collection to choose from for your next challenge or project.
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
We have you covered…
Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
HOW TO MAKE INEXPENSIVE TINKER TRAYS
I have enjoyed making some themed tinker trays this year. You can make them for each season and holiday. Each of our trays also features a set of FREE printable STEM challenge cards that you can print and even laminate to save from year to year.
I also like to keep a small tinker kit/tray/box on hand for everyday use. Our scissors, paper, markers, fasteners, and recycling bin collection are always available as a compliment to our trays.
Let creativity and curiosity spark at a moments notice when you keep supplies at the ready for your little inventor. Take a look at the theme tinker trays and baskets below. See the latest FREE printable cards just below and click on the picture.
IDEAS FOR INEXPENSIVE STEM ACTIVITIES
Simple and cheap STEM ideas make learning fun and easy for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Learning how to put together inexpensive STEM ideas means thinking outside the box!
Fancy supplies aren’t always necessary when introducing young kids to STEM. Keep it simple! Some of the best STEM challenges and science experiments use what you already have.
If you click on the link above or the picture below, you will have the opportunity to download a FREE pack featuring several of our most popular STEM challenges complete with materials and journal pages. FREE means frugal all the way!
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
We have you covered…
Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
CHEAP STEM CHALLENGES AND EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS
Click on photos or use the blue links for details. Here are a bunch of awesome and cheap STEM activities you can try right away!
PAPR BAG STEM CHALLENGES
Create a set of paper bag STEM challenges to have ready for any time learning.
STEM ARCHITECTURE
Print out our free house design activities and build your own creation.
STEM THAT GOES
Design and engineer a rubber band car to go with your favorite book!
SCREEN-FREE STEM
Take a part an old computer {with adult supervision}
Craft your own screen free coding game to learn about algorithms.
Or print out this free algorithm coding game board.
ENGINEERING WITH STEM
Build a winch to explore simple machines.
Candy and toothpicks make a perfectly easy and fun STEM activity for kids with building structures!
NATURE AND STEM
Set up a one square foot STEM project for any season.
SUPPLY LISTS FOR INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS
I have made a simple supply list below. They are by no means comprehensive but rather a sampling of supplies we currently have on hand. I like to check out the dollar stores with the change of the seasons and holidays to find new items or replenish highly used items.
Store your items in clear plastic totes. You can put seasonal items back into zip-top bags to reuse next year.
- pipe cleaners
- straws
- toothpicks
- play dough
- craft sticks
- craft tape
- painters tape
- LEGO
- wooden blocks
- marshmallows or other soft candy
- rubberbands
- paper clips
- nuts, bolts, washers
- pulley and rope (laundry version from the hardware store is perfect and frugal)
- plastic cups in different sizes
- cans and plastic bottles
- cardboard boxes of all sizes
- foam trays
- toilet paper and paper towel rolls
- k cups
- packaging materials
- CDs
- egg cartons
- milk cartons
- baster
- measuring cups and spoons
- trays
- squeeze bottles
- glue and tape
- drawing utensils
- paper
- hole punch
- level
- simple tools
- protective eyewear
COLORFUL INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS FOR KIDS
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
We have you covered…
Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
Kerry
March 26, 2016 at 4:41 amFantastic ideas and reminders thank you
Konveyor
March 12, 2017 at 12:56 pmBut they can be really fun!! You can build like an architect, play a brain-boosting game or color your way to strong math skills.
Konveyor
March 12, 2017 at 12:57 pmand math projects from 30+ education writers. All ready to get your kids excited to learn.
Mrs. Nixon
March 29, 2019 at 1:44 pmI place an empty bin in each teachers lounge, labeled STEM trash to treasure. The teachers save their empty tissue boxes, clorox wipe containers, lids from water bottles etc. and place them in the bins so that we can recycle them for STEM projects. We use the lids for catapults, the boxes for making coolers or fooseball games, lots of great trash to treasure projects.