Calling all junior scientists, engineers, explorers, inventors, and the like to dive into our INCREDIBLE list of best ever STEM projects for kids. These are STEM ideas you can really do and they really work! Whether you are tackling STEM in the classroom, with small groups, or in your own home, these STEM activities are the perfect way to introduce how fun STEM can be. STEM projects that are truly doable for young kids!
100+ BEST EVER STEM PROJECTS FOR KIDS
STEM IDEAS
You can explore STEM with confidence when you dig into our list of the best ever STEM projects for kids. All of these STEM ideas will fit nicely into your K to 2 programs and lesson plans, whether you are engaging kids in learning in the classroom or at home.
If you have been looking to see how STEM and NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) work together, check out our new series here.
Our STEM activities are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind. Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home.
WHAT IS A STEM PROJECT?
Let’s first start with STEM! STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. So a good STEM project will intertwine two or more of these learning areas to complete the project. STEM projects often focus on solving a problem and can be based on real-world applications.
Almost every good science or engineering project is really a STEM activity because you have to pull from different resources to complete it. Results happen when many different factors fall into place.
Technology and math are also important to work into the framework of STEM whether it’s through research or measurements.
It’s important that kids can navigate the technology and engineering portions of STEM needed for a successful future. It’s good to remember there’s so much more to STEM than building expensive robots or being on screens for hours…
STEM TOPIC IDEAS
Looking for fun STEM projects to fit in with a theme or holiday? Cool STEM ideas can be easily changed up through materials and colors to fit a season or holiday.
Check out our STEM projects for all the major holidays/ seasons below.
- Valentines Day STEM Projects
- St Patricks Day STEM
- Earth Day Activities
- Spring STEM Activities
- Easter STEM Activities
- Summer STEM
- Fall STEM Projects
- Halloween STEM Activities
- Thanksgiving STEM Projects
- Christmas STEM Activities
- Winter STEM Activities
SCIENCE STEM PROJECTS
Simple science activities and experiments are some of our very first explorations! We have so many favorites to share.
BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR
Oh the things you can do with this simple chemistry experiment. Explore chemical reactions and discover what new substance is made when you combine two common household supplies.
Show the kids another fun way to blow up a balloon using classic chemistry.
Or what about making your own exploding volcano with simple chemistry? These cool STEM projects use simple everyday items to explore science.
You’ve gotta try…
Also check out our Fizzing Science Experiments!
GROWING CRYSTALS
Kids are fascinated by crystals and you can grow them easily with either the classic borax powder, salt or sugar. Awesome for learning about solutes and solutions.
Our favorite are these Crystal Geodes!
Check out these fun STEM ideas…
SLIME
Making slime must be included because it is simply fascinating science and it’s easy to experiment with recipes. You can even create your own slime science project.
Some of our most popular slime recipes to try…
Check out more awesome homemade slime recipes.
MORE SCIENCE STEM IDEAS
Check out our list of simple physics activities all in one spot with easy to set up instructions and simple science information. Explore Newton’s laws of motion and more.
An erupting lemon volcano is always a big hit with kids for cool chemistry. Buy extra lemons and try our fizzy lemonade science too!
Explore the DNA of a Strawberry
Set up a Lava Lamp to explore the density of liquids and add a fun chemical reaction.
How do polar bears stay warm? Learn about and explore blubber with a hands on the experiment!
Blowing bubbles may seem like play, but there’s fascinating science involved too? Can you make bubble shapes?
Sink or float with common items from the kitchen. Or take the penny boat challenge!
Easy to do an exothermic reaction with yeast for a fun potions STEM project and activity!
TECHNOLOGY STEM PROJECTS
You will find a mixture of inexpensive technology-based STEM activities as well as some that use some of our favorite kits. I will link to the specific kits we have used below that you might find helpful for building your STEM projects workspace, tinker space, or maker space.
Code with LEGO for a neat introduction to coding and of course exploring tech with LEGO!
Explore the binary code and make bracelets or ornaments.
Learn all about algorithms and create your own even without a screen!
Explore space with Nasa. Feel like you are part of the Mission.
Get up close with the world with Nat Geo on Youtube for kids.
My son is fascinated with Mystery Doug and the quirky questions he answered on a range of STEM inspired topics.
Try out our favorite robot Dash. He’s perfect for kids as young as kindergarten right up to middle school. (see Amazon link below)
Build simple robots that really move with a toothbrush.
Check out how vegetables and fruits can generate electricity to power a clock.
Play with squishy circuits and play dough.
Learn all about stop motion animation and create your own movie.
Take some cool apps outside with outdoor tech and search the stars or go geocaching.
ENGINEERING STEM PROJECTS
The design process is a huge part of engineering projects for kids. It’s a great way to get them thinking about all the steps that are included in a successful STEM project, activity, or challenge.
Make sure to note the science, tech, and math that go into these projects!
A DIY catapult is always a hit with the kiddos and we have several ways to make one!
Print out our LEGO Challenge Calendar to have on hand for quick engineering ideas.
Design a LEGO Water Dam basic LEGO bricks for an another easy STEM project.
Structures, structures, and more structures! We have a variety of structure creating materials and ideas to check out. Like gumdrop bridges.
Be an architect for the day with this unique STEM project for kids.
Design a marble run. We have used paper plates, cardboard tubes and pool noodles. But what about a box top with straws?
Classic engineering activity is, of course, the Egg Drop STEM Challenge. See our latest winner here or check out a younger kids version here.
Build a DIY kite like we did here, or have fun making s’mores with your own homemade solar oven.
Build a landmark such as the Eiffel Tower and build it out of materials you have around. Have you ever read Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty?
Or build a bridge! Research whether you want to build a truss-style bridge or a cable stay bridge. Draw a design, gather materials, and get to work. You can even try a simple paper bridge challenge outlined here.
A favorite STEM project for kids is to build something that goes such as a rubber band car, balloon car, wind-powered car, etc… You can find a fun list of our favorite self propelled car projects here..
Explore the different types of simple machines! How many are there? Can you build one like we did here out of recycled items?
Try a STEM challenge that tests your design skills… Like our Spaghetti Tower Challenge, Paper Airplane Launcher, or Strong Paper Challenge.
MATH STEM PROJECTS
Use our LEGO math challenge cards to get even more hands-on learning involved!
Explore 3D shapes by building paper shapes (adds in some engineering too!)
Or build 3D or 2D structures and shapes with items like toothpicks and marshmallows!
Make your own geoboard to explore shapes and patterns
How about fractions with fruit including apples and oranges! Turn it into a fruit salad.
Pull out a recipe and get baking to explore more forms of measurement. Check out our favorite food activities for kids here.
Try out non-standard measurement around the classroom or house. Grab a container of paper clips as the non-standard unit of measure and challenge the kids to measure the room. It could take them awhile. But you could also do a piece of paper, their shoe, or even the height of a chair by making a chain.
Take the 100 cup tower challenge for a fun combo of math and engineering! Or use a 100 of anything!
STEM PROJECTS FOR KIDS ANY DAY OF THE YEAR!
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
We have you covered…
—>>> FREE Printable STEM Activities
Best Building Activities for Kids
littlebins
Yes definitely! You can see it here: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/how-to-make-slime-with-glue/