Adventure Learning: Fun STEM based activities for children

Welcome to the STEM-tastic world where learning is an exciting journey. In this blog, we will dive into some simple yet imaginative STEM based activities that make education fun for our young minds. 

STEM education is about learning in the areas of:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering and
• Mathematics.

Have you ever thought about why STEM education is so important for kids?

Just as we say that the strong foundation is crucial for building anything lasting, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is the “cornerstone” for developing skills such as curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills among the children. 

Read More: How To Develop Your Child’s Critical Thinking Skills

STEM education is like building a toolkit for life than just studying a subject.

Importance of STEM education:

1. Science helps kids to explore the things, build curiosity in their minds, and teaches them to think and solve problems. Through Science, children learn to observe and experiment and develop their critical thinking skills. Activities such as Magnet love or Rainbow in a jar introduce the concept of magnetism and density and liquid state.

2. Technology is important in STEM education for kids as it is everywhere around us. Children learn about new innovations and understand the applications of tools and prepares them for the Tech – World. Activities such as build a cardboard Robot, or paper plate maze could let the kids think of new ideas.

3. Engineering could help kids how to design, build and solve problems. When children get engaged in Engineering activities, they come up with new innovative ideas and learn the concepts in the real world. This way they prepare themselves for future challenges.

Activities such as Bridge building challenge or build a block tower, where children understand the concepts of structure and design.

4. Mathematics is not just about memorizing formulas; it’s about understanding concepts, applying them in the real – life situations, and developing a love for learning.  Activities such as measuring ingredients in a recipe or calculating distances for a paper airplane.

STEM activities are like a playtime with a purpose. 

As the young minds are naturally curious, these activities allow them to learn without even realising it. 

Adjusting STEM activities for different ages ensures kids face suitable challenges, and can follow a step-by-step growth in skills and understanding.

So parents, here I have sorted out some of the best STEM activities based on the different age groups.

Best STEM based activities for children:

Activities for Elementary school kids (ages 6 – 10):

1. Paper Airplane Challenge:

Ever wondered why airplanes can float in the sky? It’s not just magic; it’s science! Paper Airplanes are awesome because they are fun to make and joy of launching them in the air brings a sense of excitement. But here's the really cool part – making airplanes is like having a secret key to understanding STEM, like how they fly and the science behind it. 

Materials required: 

1. A sheet of paper (A4 size),

2. Marker, 

3. Ruler and

4. Tape

Learning outcome:

• Physics and Aerodynamics

playing with paper planes can help children learn about aerodynamics (terms like force, gravity, weight) , Newton’s law of motion which states, “No still object will start moving by itself; the harder the push, the faster the flight”.

• Creativity and curiosity

children get curious and start observing how birds fly, notice the wind speed and clouds movement.

2. Fun with Invisible ink:

Have you ever sent a secret code to your friends? Creating an invisible ink is a fascinating activity with lots of fun and surprises.  When you use lemon juice to write, it's like your words take a little nap and become invisible. But don't worry, you have the power to wake them up! When you gently warm up the paper, with an iron, it's like giving your words a cosy hug. Then, like magic, your secret message appears! So, with invisible ink, you don’t just write but create your own magical messages.

Materials required:

1. Lemon juice,

2. cotton swab,

3. white paper,

4. iron.

Learning outcome:

• Introduction to Chemistry

In a simple and easy way, kids are introduced to chemical concepts, creating a foundation for future learning in chemistry.

• Scientific curiosity

These hands-on activities spark curiosity and questions in the young minds as they explore why invisible ink becomes visible under certain conditions.

3. Balloon car:

Hey there, little engineers! Let’s build our very own balloon cars and have super duper fun by learning science along the way. Gather all the supplies and build a car. Every awesome car needs wheels, so just use plastic bottle caps as wheels. Here’s where the magic really kicks in! We’re going to use a balloon as the engine for our car. 

Materials required:

1. Plastic bottles

2. Straws

3. Balloons

4. Tape

5. Cardboard

6. Marker

7. Scissors

Learning outcome:

• Physics of motion

children understand the concepts of thrust, friction and drag as the balloon car moves.

• Hands on learning

building and experimenting with balloon car involves hands on learning.

• Creativity and design thinking

while decorating the balloon car, kids make decisions about colours, patterns and shapes hence improving their design thinking.

Activities for middle school kids (ages 11 – 13):

1. Robotics:

Hey friends! Would you like to have a Robot Buddy called “EcoBot” or “Captain Recycle” who will stay with you all time? Guess what? you can use everyday things that might end up in trash to build your recycled Robot buddy. How exciting is that! So just go dive in the super cool world of creativity and recycling where you can learn creativity and design and can turn trash into treasure.

Materials required:

1. Plastic bottles

2. AA batteries

3. Buttons, bottle caps

4. Glue and

5. Scissors

Learning outcome:

• Scientific concepts

This activity introduces basic principles of engineering as kids explore how to assemble and balance different parts.

• Problem solving

It involves solving design challenges, critical thinking and problem solving 

• Environmental awareness

children understand the importance of recycling, reusing and not wasting energy.

2. Solar oven challenge:

Wondering if we could turn sunlight into a yummy treat? Solar cooking is not just delicious but an eco friendly way to enjoy treats where sun rays act as chefs who help to cook without using electricity and gas. Create your own magic cooking box powered by Sun – The Solar Oven.

Materials required:

1. Cardboard box

2. Scissors

3. Aluminium foil

4. Plastic wrap

5. Tape

6. Thermometer

Learning outcome

• Understanding Solar energy and renewable energy

While performing this activity, children observe how Sun rays are transforming into heat for cooking 

• Scientific observations

Children learn about green house effect and how it is utilised in ovens.

• Patience and time management

Children have to wait for the Sun to do it’s magic and cook the food which teaches them value of waiting and time management.

Activities for high school kids (ages 14 – 18):

1. 3D printing design:

Ready to bring your ideas into third dimension?  Enjoy exploring some exciting 3D printing projects that combine creativity with technology. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, these projects offer a mix of fun and innovation. Children can design many designs such as phone stand, keychain letters, whistles, pen cases, etc.

Materials required:

1. Computer or device

2. 3D printer

3. 3D modelling software

Learning outcome

• Digital and technological literacy

Children learn different designing tools and software interfaces. They also learn operating 3D printers and become familiar with printing technologies.

• Math concepts

Children learn applying measurements when applying 3D models thus enhancing their mathematical skills.

• Creativity and design thinking

These projects encourage kids to design the 3D models creatively.

2. Build your own weather station:

Building your own weather station can be a fun and educational project that allows you to forecast and track the weather right from your own house, without relying on the Internet, television, or radio. With simple materials and some creativity, you can assemble the equipment yourself and learn about meteorology in the process. It’s an engaging way to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

Materials required:

1. Scissors

2. Marker

3. Cardboard

4. Plastic container

5. Straw

6. Tape

Learning outcome:

• Data collection and analysis

Children develop skills in data collection and analysis by recording daily weather observations. They are able to do observations, monitoring and interpretations.

• Mathematics skills

Children learn to apply mathematical skills in measuring and recording weather data, such as temperature, rainfall, and wind speed.

• Scientific observations

Children learn to recognise different cloud types, wind patterns and atmospheric conditions.

While academic success is important, STEM education goes beyond that. It’s about nurturing the lifelong love for learning, discovery and making positive impact in the world. Hope this blog helps! 

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