If you’ve been searching for a STEM materials or STEM supplies list for your classroom, homeschool, group, or club, you’ll find it right here. Below are my favorite materials to help you build a STEM kit, maker space, or tinker kit anywhere! Let’s make STEM fun for kids and do it on a budget!

STEM SUPPLIES LIST FOR AWESOME STEM PROJECTS

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INEXPENSIVE STEM SUPPLIES

There is a wide range of STEM supplies on the market and a wide range of price points, too! I aim to share as many “doable” and “affordable” STEM challenges and engineering projects as possible. I firmly believe that every kiddo or student should have access to STEM, and you can do it on a small budget!

In fact, check out what one reader shared with me…

I wanted to say thank you for offering these pages! I run a small after-school program at an elementary school in rural northern California and the Jr engineer guides are the perfect thing for our program.

Our kids range from K-5th grade and these projects are perfect for that age group. We do them once a week on Wednesdays (a 5hour long day) and it helps engage the kiddos, teach them something new, all the while being fun and exciting.

We’ve also been able to secure a grant to help with funding in large part because of the stem activities we’ve gotten from you so thank you!

Amber

WHAT ARE STEM MATERIALS?

What do you need for a STEM classroom, STEM lab, library club, after-school program, homeschool space, and so on…

You often think you need expensive, store-bought STEM kits and many high-priced electronics such as Mindstorms, Osmo, etc. When digging around in the recycling bin, opening junk drawers, and examining random items in a new way is all you need to get started.

It is everyday materials and supplies that can open up the discussion of the engineering design process. Learn more about the engineering design process.

HOW DO YOU MAKE STEM FUN FOR KIDS?

The best answer to this question is to keep it simple and open-ended. Additionally, the less complicated and user-friendly the materials, the better.

Plus, you may find that only putting out a small selection of materials for a particular STEM challenge or project helps with time management and decision fatigue. Do what you can with what you have!

The classic marshmallow spaghetti tower challenge is an excellent introduction to STEM with limited materials. All you need is a packet of spaghetti and a pack of marshmallows.

Also, check out our free printable STEM projects below with a STEM supply list!

STEM SUPPLIES LIST FOR ELEMENTARY TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

The best STEM supplies you will want for your STEM lab look something like this:

  • LEGO bricks
  • Wooden tinker toys
  • Dominos
  • Cups (Paper, plastic, styrofoam)
  • Paper plates
  • Paper tubes and rolls
  • Paper (computer and construction)
  • Markers and colored pencils
  • Dry-erase board and markers (great for designing prototypes)
  • Scissors
  • Tape and glue
  • Paperclips and other types of clips, such as binder clips
  • Pool noodles
  • Craft sticks (jumbo and regular)
  • Cupcake liners
  • Coffee Filters
  • Straws
  • Rubber bands
  • Marbles
  • Magnetic materials (magnets and wands)
  • Toothpicks
  • Egg cartons
  • Aluminum cans (no sharp edges)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Clothespins
  • Pulley and clothesline rope (inexpensive at hardware stores, make a zip line)
  • Rain gutters (also fairly inexpensive at hardware stores, make fun ramps)
  • PVS pipes and connectors
  • Random materials found in packaging (foam, packing peanuts, plastic inserts)
  • Recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, containers
  • Seasonal/thematic items from craft stores and dollar stores (perfect for our seasonal/holiday STEM challenge cards)
  • Plastic totes of various sizes to hold it all!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of resources as you are sure to find many different STEM materials around your area. Additionally, this list does not include the more expensive STEM kits such as LEGO Mindstorms, Osmo, Sphero, Snap Circuits, etc.

Of course, you can also build up your STEM library as well! Sometimes, a good book is all you need to spark new creativity and interest. Check out our teacher-approved book lists below as well.

Grab this free printable STEM project & STEM supplies list to get started today!

Click here or on the image below.

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More Helpful STEM Resources

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Printable STEM Pack for Kids

80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!

  • Full instructions with sample images
  • Activity-specific instruction sheets
  • Data Collection Sheets
  • Questions for Reflection
  • Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
  • Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
  • Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
  • 3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
  • Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
  • Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
  • What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
  • Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
  • Engineering vocabulary cards
  • Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!
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