Spring STEM Challenge Cards

Get ready for hands-on fun with these free printable Spring STEM challenge cards! Kids will design, build, and problem-solve while following the engineering design process.

Spring STEM Activities

Spring is here and the perfect time to get creative with hands-on STEM challenges! Whether in the classroom or at home, these Spring STEM Challenge Cards provide fun, engaging activities encouraging kids to design, build, and problem-solve. Plus, you’ll be guiding them through the Engineering Design Process every step of the way!

🔎 Also, find our entire Spring Science Collection here.

What is the Engineering Design Process?

The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a series of steps engineers use to solve problems. It helps students think critically and approach challenges like real-world engineers! The steps include:

1. Ask – What is the problem? What are the requirements and constraints?
2. Imagine – Brainstorm solutions and ideas.
3. Plan – Choose a solution and make a materials list and design sketch.
4. Create – Build and test the design.
5. Improve – Review results and make improvements.
6. Share – Reflect and share what you learned.

🔎 Learn more about the Engineering Design Process here and grab a free printable.

Spring STEM Challenges

These cards feature seasonal, spring-themed challenges that are perfect for sparking creativity and exploration! Print them out, grab your supplies, and guide your students through the engineering design process as they complete each challenge.

Design & Build Something Wind-Powered

• Ask: Can you create a structure or device that moves when powered by wind?
• Imagine: Think of pinwheels, windmills, or sailboats!
• Plan: Sketch a wind-powered structure using toothpicks, skewers, and gears.
• Create: Build it with your supplies and test it in front of a fan.
• Improve: Does it spin or move efficiently? How can you make it better?
• Share: Present your final design to others and explain your thinking.

🔎 Try our wind-powered car, wind tunnel, wind turbine, wind vane, or windmill!

Design & Build a Nest

• Ask: Can you create a nest that can safely hold eggs?
• Imagine: How do birds build nests? What natural materials do they use?
• Plan: Decide which materials to use, like raffia, twigs, and cotton.
• Create: Build the nest and test its strength with plastic eggs or marbles.
• Improve: Does it hold the eggs securely? Could you adjust the design?
• Share: Compare designs with others and talk about what worked best.

🔎 Grab our Build an Animal Shelter Challenge printable here.

Design & Build a Structure to Keep Out the Rain

• Ask: How can you build a shelter that keeps water out?
• Imagine: Think of tents, roofs, and raincoats—what makes them waterproof?
• Plan: Sketch a design using plastic wrap, foil, and tape.
• Create: Build your shelter and test it by pouring water on top.
• Improve: Did water leak through? How can you make it more water-resistant?
• Share: Compare designs with others and explain how you solved the problem.

🔎 Explore material properties here.

Design & Build a Birdhouse

• Ask: Can you build a birdhouse that could protect a bird from the weather?
• Imagine: What size and shape does the birdhouse need to be?
• Plan: Draw your birdhouse and decide how to use wood slats, skewers, and glue.
• Create: Build the birdhouse and make sure it has an entrance for birds.
• Improve: Is it strong enough? Could it stand up to wind or rain?
• Share: Display your birdhouse and explain how it provides shelter.

🔎 Make these birdseed ornaments to attract birds and grab a free printable bird life cycle pack.

Design & Build a Wheelbarrow

• Ask: Can you build a tool that will help you carry materials easily?
• Imagine: How do wheelbarrows work? What helps them roll?
• Plan: Sketch your design using cardboard, craft sticks, and rubber bands.
• Create: Build your wheelbarrow and try moving small objects.
• Improve: Does it roll smoothly? Can it carry heavier loads?
• Share: Demonstrate your wheelbarrow and share what worked well.

🔎 Learn more about simple machines here with free worksheets.

Design & Build a Shovel for Scooping Dirt into Your Wheelbarrow

• Ask: How can you design a tool to scoop and move dirt?
• Imagine: What shape works best for scooping? How will you make the handle?
• Plan: Sketch a shovel using straws, foil, and duct tape.
• Create: Build it and try scooping small objects like beans or sand.
• Improve: Does it hold the dirt well? Could you make it sturdier or easier to use?
• Share: Show how your shovel works and discuss improvements.

🔎 Take a look at our winter snow shovel STEM challenge for ideas!

Why Spring STEM Challenges?

Spring is full of inspiration from nature! These activities promote:

• Creative problem-solving
• Teamwork and communication
• Engineering and design thinking
• Hands-on learning with real-world applications

STEM Supplies You Might Need

Your printable includes a complete Spring STEM Challenge Supply List featuring easy-to-find items like:

• Cardboard
• Craft sticks
• Rubber bands
• Glue
• String
• Toothpicks
• And much more!

📝 Pro Tip: Set up a “STEM Bin” with these supplies to make challenge days easy and fun!

Click here to get your printable spring STEM cards!

More Seasonal STEM Challenges

Start with these spring STEM ideas below and build from there. We have new challenges for each new season and holiday!

• Fall STEM Challenge Cards
• Apple STEM Challenge Cards
• Pumpkin STEM Challenge Cards
• Halloween STEM Challenge Cards
• Snowflake STEM Challenge Cards
• Groundhog Day STEM Cards
• Winter STEM Challenge Cards
• Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge Cards
• St Patrick’s Day STEM Challenge Cards
• Easter STEM Challenge Cards
• Earth Day STEM Challenge Cards