If you have been hearing the acronym STEM or STEAM being thrown around like the word of the day, and you don’t know as much about them as you would like, this is the resource for you! It’s time to have an all-in-one, awesome STEM resources guide that helps to explain STEM and its importance for kids!
What is STEM or STEAM?
So you might ask, what does STEM or STEAM stand for? STEM is science, technology, engineering, and math. STEAM is STEM, plus the addition of art. You can read more about why STEAM is so awesome below.
The most important thing you can take away from this is that STEM or STEAM is for everyone! Yes, kids of all ages can work on STEM projects and enjoy STEM lessons. STEM projects are great for group work, too!
STEM is everywhere! Just look around. The simple fact that STEM surrounds us is why it’s so important for kids to be a part of, to use and to understand STEM. From the buildings you see in town, the bridges that connect places, the computers we use, the software programs that go with them, and to the air we breathe, STEM is what makes it all possible.
We need kids to know STEM, to feel comfortable with STEM, and to practice STEM every day.
STEM Resources to Get You Started
The awesome STEM resources below have been put together by bloggers, parents, and teachers. We had a little fun and turned it into an A-Z guide.
Here you will find awesome STEM resources for preschoolers to elementary. Think… Ideas for STEM lessons, STEM curriculum, STEM activities. Even free STEM kits for teachers and parents.
Makes sure to use this page as your STEM guide. Bookmark this page, pin it, share it, and use it! We want you to feel comfortable with STEM and show your kids how fun STEM can be!
Try This: Applying what you learn about to STEM to real life is key! This handy guide will help you get set up with a real-life STEM challenge at home or in the classroom.
What Is STEM?
Read more about what makes a project a STEM project! Explore the four pillars of STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math. How do all of these pillars work together? What is a STEM challenge?
DIY STEM Kits
STEM sounds expensive, but it isn’t. Check out how you can set up STEM activities with a small budget at home or in the classroom. STEM should be accessible to everyone. Also, check out our must-have STEM supplies!
Dollar Store Engineering Kit For Kids
Did you know the dollar store can provide many resources to fill a STEM, engineering, or tinker kit? You will find some great selections for a simple kit that will provide loads of STEM challenges anytime!
Easy Set-Up STEM Activities
This is a huge resource of science experiments and STEM activities that we have done over the last few years. You will find various science experiments and STEM challenges for junior scientists or engineers.
Valuable Lessons STEM Provides
We know STEM is important, but do we really know what some of the best benefits that STEM projects provide? STEM activities can teach valuable life lessons your kids will carry with them for years to come. Read our top 10 life lessons that STEM projects provide.
Printable STEM Pack
Add a printable STEM challenge worksheet to your next project. If you have a child who feels comfortable writing and you want to extend your STEM activities to fit your lesson plans, these sheets should do the trick. Also great for an older kid who needs to record the data and results of their experiments.
NOTE: You’ll find that most of our engineering and STEM or science projects on this website have a free printable worksheet to go along with them. You will find more than 150!
What is STEAM?
STEAM is STEM but with the addition of art! Read more about what makes STEAM so special. We have many fantastic STEAM projects, from animal cell collages to solubility flower bouquets!
STEM Books to Inspire Kids
These are some of my son’s favorite books to read repeatedly. They provide so many ideas for little minds. I have chosen not activity books but story books about young kids that add STEM elements throughout.
More Engineering Resources
Below you’ll find various engineering resources to supplement the many engineering projects on the website. From the design process to fun books to key vocabulary terms…you can feel confident providing these valuable skills. Each one of the resources below has a free printable!
ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
Engineers often follow a design process. There are many different design processes that all engineers use, but each one includes the same basic steps to identify and solve problems.
An example of the process is “ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve.” This process is flexible and may be completed in any order. Learn more about the Engineering Design Process.
WHAT IS AN ENGINEER?
Is a scientist an engineer? Is an engineer a scientist? It might not be very clear! Often scientists and engineers work together to solve a problem. You may find it hard to understand how they are similar yet different. Learn more about what an engineer is.
ENGINEERING BOOKS FOR KIDS
Sometimes the best way to introduce STEM is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of teacher-approved engineering books, and get ready to spark curiosity and exploration!
ENGINEERING VOCAB
Think like an engineer! Talk like an engineer! Act like an engineer! Get kids started with a vocabulary list that introduces some awesome engineering terms. Make sure to include them in your next engineering challenge or project.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Use these reflection questions below with your kids after they have completed a STEM challenge. These questions will encourage discussion of the results and increase critical thinking skills. These questions or prompts will help to promote meaningful discussions individually and in groups. Read the questions for reflection here.
STEM Lessons By Age Group
The links below create an amazing resource for STEM activities and understanding STEM and STEAM for different age groups. You will also find STEM planning ideas for teachers and homeschool curriculums. Whether you are a parent or a teacher, find excellent information on encouraging STEM with kids!
A TO Z OF THE BEST STEM RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES!
Below you’ll find a fun list of possible STEM projects that cover a variety of topics, and most of them come with free printables. It’s a cinch to get started with STEM no matter where you are!
A: Algorithms, Architecture, Animals, & Atoms
Animal Habitats Color By Number
B: Building Structures & Binary Code
Binary Code with Margaret Hamilton
C: Coding & Colors
D: Design Process
E: Engineering
F: Fractions
G: Geometry
Geometry Art Project | Babble Dabble Do
H: Hearts & Lungs
I: Inquiry and Inventors
Inventors Matching Game (Black History)
J: Journal Pages
Free Science and STEM Journal Pages
K: Kits
L: Life Cycles
M: Measurement
Preschool Measurement Activities
N: Nature
O: Osmosis
P: Physics, Physical Changes, and PH Scale
Q: Questioning
R: Ramps
S: Scientific Method, Simple Machines, STEAM
T: Technology
Technology & STEM in Preschool | Preschool Powol Packets
U: Universe
Universe Exploring Constellations
V: Volume
W: Water and Women in STEM
Z: Zoetropes
Printable STEM Scavenger Hunt
Grab this free STEM scavenger hunt (Instant Download), and see how many items you can find!
Would You Rather Questions
Kids love would you rather questions, and these Would You Rather Science Questions are perfect for icebreakers, free time, and parties! We also have a Would You Rather Art Edition.
Printable Famous Scientists Pack
Inside The Pack: Find 22+ famous scientists/inventors to explore.
Each scientist includes:
- Project Sheet with instructions and step-by-step photos (additional printable included if applicable).
- Biography Sheet that is kid-friendly. Get to know each scientist!
- Animated Videos that cover a simple project idea to try for each scientist!
- My Favorite Scientist Mini Pack to explore a favorite scientist further if desired.
- Games! Secret Codes and Word Search Games
- Supply List to help you fill your science kit for anytime projects!
- Helpful Tips to make each project successful for Everyone!
- Bonus Women In STEM pullout pack (note there are a few different activities, but some are the same, simply a convenient smaller pack to use when prepping)
- NEW! Fibonacci, Picotte, Herrington, and Edison Packs
BONUS BUNDLE PACK: What is A Scientist Pack (Lapbook included)
I would like to have some resources in all those mentioned.
If you click on the red links, you will be taken to each of the specific articles.