What does STEM stand for? If you haven’t heard, STEM is science, technology, engineering, and math. These paper bag STEM challenges are perfect for a screen-free week of play and learning. Our paper bag STEM challenge ideas are perfect for the younger age group who may still need some help from adults, as well as for older kids who love to invent new things. Have fun with all of our science experiments and STEM activities.
7 FUN PAPER BAG STEM CHALLENGE IDEAS FOR KIDS!
WHAT ARE STEM CHALLENGES?
Generally, STEM activities or challenges solve a problem. They involve a bit of science, technology, engineering, and math or some combination of two or more of the concepts. A good STEM project will move kids through the design process.
7 EASY STEM CHALLENGE IDEAS
STEM might sound complicated or just too hard to set up…
Or you might assume that STEM only comes in kits…
We are here to show you just how easy and fun STEM challenges can be. Set up these STEM challenge ideas at home, use with small groups in the classroom, or offer it in a club setting.
Right now we have an awesome week of paper bag STEM challenges all planned out for you. The designs, the process and solutions your kids come up with are completely up to them!
I designed these paper bag STEM challenges based on my son’s interests and abilities. I will usually be on hand to help and guide him, but I don’t direct the activity for him. However, I do ask him open-ended questions throughout the activity whenever he seems to be stuck.
NEW! Free Printable STEM Challenge Starter Pack For Kids
Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
PAPER BAG STEM CHALLENGES
You will need paper lunch bags and a variety of materials, which are listed below each activity. (You can substitute as needed.)
Here is a whole week of pre-planned STEM ideas, challenges, and activities perfect to get kids off the screens and into creating! Write the challenge onto your paper bag and add in any supplies to get started.
I have a big collection of recyclable and non-recyclable items from around the house, from packages we receive to old toys and electronics. Designate a large storage bin for your STEM challenge supplies. Toss cool and useful items into it. You will be happy you did! Kids love to create.
STEM RESOURCES TO GET YOU STARTED
PAPER BAG #1 BUILD A CUP TOWER
Use a ruler to determine the height of the tower. 12″, 36″, or as tall as your kids!
SUPPLIES: Paper or plastic cups and rulers.
PAPER BAG #2 SINK THE BOTTLE
Can you sink a plastic bottle without filling it with water? No other rules!
What can you do to the bottle or fill the bottle with to sink it?
Kids should have access to items around the room or yard. If not, have some items already gathered they can test out.
SUPPLIES: Plastic water bottle, a bucket of water, and additional items.
PAPER BAG #3 BUILD A PULLEY OR WINCH
Build a working pulley!
SUPPLIES: Cardboard tubes, pencils, lids, spools, string, cups, etc
Check out our neat Hand Crank Winch!
PAPER BAG #4 SLOW BALL ROLL
How slow can you make a ball roll? Time your slow ball roll. Can you make it go slower? What do you need to add or take away?
SUPPLIES: Large slanted surface or wall space, cardboard tubes and other recyclables including paper and tape. Some sort of ball like a ping pong ball.
PAPER BAG #5 MARSHMALLOW TOWER
How tall can you build a tower of marshmallows without it falling over?
SUPPLIES: Marshmallows and toothpicks
PAPER BAG #6 CAR LAUNCH
How far can you get a car to travel without continuously pushing it, blowing on it, or adding another source of movement to it?
Kids will need access to items to build ramps, launches, and jumps. Try a balloon car or a rubber band car!
SUPPLIES: Small cars, tape measure, and various materials
PAPER BAG #7 MYSTERY ITEM
It’s a surprise! Fill the bag with whatever random supplies you want. That’s all the kids get to build an invention! Suggest they build something to solve a problem or meet a need.
SUPPLIES: Our bag includes pipe cleaners. straws, a balloon, plastic bottle caps, plastic bottle, small cups, a kleenex box, and random packaging items. Make sure to leave access to tape, string, scissors, and other essentials.
Make a week’s worth of paper bag STEM projects for screen-free fun.
Use our paper bag STEM activity ideas as a stepping stone for more STEM ideas. Check out what you have, and think about what your kids like to do! Put together your paper bag STEM challenges from there.
TRY THESE FUN PAPER BAG STEM CHALLENGES!
Check out all of these awesome science and STEM resources to keep you and your kids busy this season and all year round.
NEW! Free Printable STEM Challenge Starter Pack For Kids
Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
Natalie PlanetSmartyPants
February 13, 2016 at 12:52 amThis is great idea! I can see it as a DIY STEM summer camp!
littlebins
February 13, 2016 at 7:07 amThank you! Yes and easy to taylor to any group!
sonya smith
September 14, 2016 at 9:51 amGood Morning. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to STEM for youth. I am wanting to use some of your pictures to share with 4-H agents and volunteers in Mississippi. This is only for educational use. I will credit the source from which the pictures came from. If at all possible, would you please write me a short note granting me permission to use some of the pictures only for educational use.
Sonya Smith
Extension Instructor
Extension Center for Technology Outreach
Mississippi State University
sonya.smith@msstate.edu
662-325-8609
Thank you in advance.
littlebins
September 17, 2016 at 8:18 amI sent you an email, but you certainly have my permission. Thank you!
Bharti
December 1, 2017 at 8:41 amGreat idea