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

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS FOR KIDS

Learning how to put together inexpensive STEM ideas is a wonderful way to encourage learning oppotunities that include science, technology, engineering, and math. All kids should have a chance to try STEM challenges, Science Experiments, and Tinker Trays.

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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.

FINDING INEXPENSIVE STEM SUPPLIES

We love to build structures and try out different 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.

The recycling bin is a great option too. To start, get a large container and start saving neat things. Check out the handy lists below or click here to see our dollar store engineering kit!

HOW TO MAKE INEXPENSIVE TINKER TRAYS

I have enjoyed making some themed tinker trays this year starting with this past Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patricks Day. An Easter tray is in the works.

I also like to keep a small tinker kit/tray/box on hand for every day use as seen far right. Scissors, paper, markers, and our recycling bin collection are always available as a compliment to our trays. In addition many of our holiday theme STEM challenges use much of the materials on these trays. Click on the blue links below.

CHRISTMAS TINKER KIT

VALENTINES DAY TINKER TRAY

LEPRECHAUN TRAP TINKER KIT

EASTER TINKER BASKET

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 just aren’t necessary when introducing young kids to STEM. Keep it simple! Some of the best STEM challenges and science experiments use what you already have.

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FRUGAL, FUN, 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!

Create a set of paper bag STEM challenges to have ready for anytime learning.

Print out our free house design activities and build your own creation.

Design and engineer a rubber band car to go with your favorite book!

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.

Build a winch to explore simple machines.

Set up a one square foot STEM project for any season.

SUPPLY LISTS FOR INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS

I have made some simple supply lists 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 seasons and holidays to find new items or replenish highly used items. They even sell simple tools.

COLORFUL INEXPENSIVE STEM IDEAS FOR KIDS

We are participating in the 28 Days of Hands-On STEM activities for kids!

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