15+ STEM Activities for Kids using Household Items.

Sure! Here are some fun STEM activities for kids using common household items:

1. DIY Volcano

Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, food coloring, a small container (like a plastic cup).

Instructions:

1. Place the small container on a tray or in a shallow dish.
2. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the container.
3. Mix in a bit of dish soap and food coloring.
4. Pour vinegar into the container and watch the “lava” erupt!

Concepts: Chemical reactions, acids and bases.

2. Balloon Rocketbaking

Materials: Balloon, string, straw, tape.

Instructions:

1. Thread a long piece of string through a straw and tie the ends of the string to two chairs or walls, making it taut.
2. Inflate a balloon without tying it off and tape it to the straw (make sure the opening of the balloon points backward).
3. Let go of the balloon and watch it rocket along the string!

Concepts: Newton’s third law of motion, propulsion.

3. Homemade Slime

Materials: sowhite glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, food coloring (optional).

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of glue with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
3. Slowly mix in 2 tablespoons of contact lens solution until the slime forms.
4. Knead it with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency.

Concepts: Polymers, chemical reactions.

4. Egg Drop Challenge

Materials: raw egg, various household items (like cardboard, straws, tape, plastic bags).

Instructions:

1. Challenge kids to design a protective structure for a raw egg using the household items.
2. Once they have built their designs, drop the eggs from a height and see which ones survive!

Concepts: Engineering, gravity, impact forces.

5. Invisible Ink

Materials: lemon juice, cotton swab, white paper, lamp or light bulb.

Instructions:

1. Dip a cotton swab into lemon juice and write a message on the white paper.
2. Allow the paper to dry completely.
3. To reveal the message, hold the paper close to a warm light bulb (with adult supervision).

Concepts: Chemical reactions, oxidation.

6. Simple Circuit

Materials: battery (AA or AAA), LED bulb, copper wire, tape.

Instructions:

1. Strip the ends of two pieces of copper wire.
2. Connect one wire to the positive side of the battery and the other wire to the negative side.
3. Touch the other ends of the wires to the LED bulb’s terminals to make it light up.

Concepts: Electricity, circuits.

7. Water Filter Experiment

Materials: plastic bottle (cut in half), sand, gravel, activated charcoal, coffee filter, or cloth.

Instructions:

1. Turn the top half of the bottle upside down to create a funnel.
2. Layer the materials: start with coffee filters, then add activated charcoal, sand, and gravel.
3. Pour dirty water through the filter and observe how it cleans the water.

Concepts: Filtration, water purification.

8. Balloon-Powered Car

Materials: small plastic bottle or cardboard, straws, bottle caps (for wheels), tape.

Instructions:

1. Create a car body using the bottle or cardboard.
2. Attach bottle caps as wheels using straws as axles.
3. Tape a balloon to the back of the car, inflate it, and let it go to see how far it travels!

Concepts: forces, motion, engineering design.

These activities not only promote creativity and problem-solving but also introduce key STEM concepts in an engaging way! Enjoy experimenting!

1. Straws Circle Paper Planes

These are a fun, easy science project, but they’re not your typical paper plane because you do need scissors, tape, and—most importantly—a straw. The nicest thing about these aircraft, though, is that they fly really well and in good straight lines, which makes them perfect for a game of catch (similar to frisbees). This is because you can quickly turn this circle paper plane into an exploration.

2. Paper Helicopter DIY 

Making a paper helicopter is a fun and simple DIY project that demonstrates principles of aerodynamics and gravity. Here’s how you can make one using just a few materials.

Materials Needed:

• A piece of paper (printer paper works well)
• Scissors
• A paper clip (optional for weight)
• A ruler
• A pencil

Instructions:

1. Cut the smashpaper:
   • Cut a strip of paper about 1 inch wide and 10 inches long. This will be the body of the helicopter.
   • Cut a second strip about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. This will be the rotor blades.
2. Create the Rotor Blades:
   • Take the shorter strip (the rotor blades) and cut down the center for about 1.5 inches, stopping just before you reach the end (don’t cut all the way through).
   • Twist the two resulting pieces of paper outwards to create the helicopter blades. Make sure they are at an angle.
3. Attach the rotor to the body:
   • Take the longer strip (the helicopter body) and make a small fold at one end (about 1 inch). This will serve as the base for your rotor.
   • Insert the base of the rotor blades into the fold of the body and secure it with tape or glue.
4. Add Weight (Optional):
   • If the helicopter doesn’t spin well, you can add a paper clip to the bottom of the body to provide extra weight.
5. Test the helicopter:
   • Hold the helicopter by the bottom and drop it from a height (like a table or staircase). Watch how it spins as it falls!

Concepts to Explore:

• Gravity: Understand how gravity pulls the helicopter down.
• Air Resistance: Observe how the blades create drag, slowing down the descent.
• Rotation: Discuss how the shape and angle of the blades contribute to spinning.

Tips:

• Experiment with different sizes and shapes of rotor blades to see how they affect flight.
• Try adding additional weight or changing the angle of the blades to see how it impacts the performance.

Enjoy flying your paper helicopter!

3. Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment for Kids

Your kids will be amazed by this science experiment with the leak-proof bag! You may execute this water experiment with your children as well; all you need are two household items.

4. Orange Volcanoes – A Fun Science Experiment for Kids Using Simple Ingredients

Orange Volcanoes – A Fun Science Experiment for Kids

This simple and exciting experiment simulates a volcanic eruption using everyday ingredients. It’s colorful, messy, and a great way to teach kids about chemical reactions!

Materials Needed:

• An orange (or lemon)
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food coloring (optional)
• A small bowl or tray to catch the overflow
• A spoon or dropper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Orange:
   • Cut the top off the orange to create a “volcano” opening. You can scoop out some of the pulp if you want more space for the reaction.
2. Add Baking Soda:
   • Spoon a few tablespoons of baking soda into the hollowed-out orange. This will be the base for your eruption.
3. Add Food Coloring (Optional):
   • If you want your lava to be colorful, add a few drops of food coloring on top of the baking soda.
4. Prepare for Eruption:
   • Place the orange in a bowl or on a tray to catch any overflow.
5. Create the Eruption:
   • Slowly pour vinegar into the orange’s opening. You can use a spoon or a dropper for more control.
   • Watch as the mixture fizzes and erupts like a volcano!

Explanation of the Science:

• Chemical Reaction: When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) mix, they react to form carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates bubbles and pressure, leading to the “eruption.”
• Acids and Bases: This experiment illustrates how acids and bases interact in a fun and visual way.

Tips:

• Try varying the amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see how it affects the eruption.
• You can use other citrus fruits like lemons or limes for different results.

This experiment is not only entertaining but also a great way to engage kids in learning about science through hands-on activities. Enjoy your orange volcano!

5. Forces and Motion – Easy Paper Spinners

Forces and Motion – Easy Paper Spinners

Creating paper spinners is a fun and engaging way to explore concepts of forces and motion with kids. These simple spinners demonstrate how gravity and air resistance affect spinning objects.

Materials Needed:

• A piece of paper (any type, like printer or construction paper)
• Scissors
• A pencil or a straw (for spinning)
• A ruler (optional)
• Markers or crayons (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Cut the paper:
   • Cut a square piece of paper, about 6 inches by 6 inches. You can adjust the size based on your preference.
2. Draw a Design:
   • Use markers or crayons to decorate one side of the paper. Patterns can help visualize the motion when the spinner spins.
3. Create the Spinner:
   • Cut two diagonal slits from each corner toward the center (about 3 inches long). Stop cutting about an inch from the center.
   • Fold every other flap towards the center. This creates the blades of the spinner.
4. Insert the Spinning Mechanism:
   • Use a pencil or straw to poke through the center of the spinner where the flaps overlap. If using a straw, you may need to trim it down so it’s not too long.
5. Test Your Spinner:
   • Hold the spinner by the pencil or straw and give it a spin. Observe how it rotates and how the decorated side becomes a blur.

Exploring Forces and Motion:

• Gravity: The spinner will fall to the ground due to gravity. Discuss how gravity pulls objects down.
• Air Resistance: Talk about how the air pushes against the blades of the spinner, which slows down its fall and allows it to spin.
• Angular Momentum: As the spinner spins, it demonstrates angular momentum, which helps keep it upright.

Tips:

• Experiment with different sizes and shapes of paper spinners to see how they affect the spinning motion.
• Try using different weights of paper or adding small paperclips to the edges to see how it changes the spin.

This hands-on activity not only provides a visual and tactile way to learn about forces and motion but also encourages creativity and experimentation! Enjoy making your paper spinners!

6. Fireworks in Oil & Water | Density science project for kids

Fireworks in Oil & Water: A Density Science Project for Kids

This colorful and visually stunning experiment demonstrates the principles of density and immiscibility using common kitchen ingredients. It’s a fun way to explore how different liquids interact!

Materials Needed:

• A clear glass or jar
• Water
• Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• Food coloring (various colors)
• A small bowl or cup
• A spoon

Instructions:

1. Fill the Glass:
   • Pour water into the glass or jar until it’s about halfway full.
2. Add Oil:
   • Slowly pour cooking oil into the glass on top of the water. You’ll notice that the oil floats on top of the water because it is less dense.
3. Prepare the Food Coloring:
   • In a small bowl or cup, add a few drops of food coloring. You can mix different colors to create more variety.
4. Create the “Fireworks”:
   • Using a spoon, carefully drop small amounts of the food coloring into the oil. Watch as the food coloring sinks through the oil and creates colorful bursts as it hits the water below.
5. Observe the Reaction:
   • Keep adding food coloring until you’ve created a beautiful display of colors. Notice how the colors spread and form bubbles as they move through the water.

Scientific Explanation:

• Density: Water is denser than oil, which is why the oil floats. The food coloring is denser than the oil but less dense than water, so it sinks through the oil until it reaches the water.
• Immiscibility: Oil and water do not mix. This experiment shows how different liquids can have distinct layers based on their densities.
• Diffusion: When the food coloring reaches the water, it spreads out and creates the “fireworks” effect.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of food coloring to see how they behave.
• You can try using different oils or colored liquids to compare the effects.
• To enhance the effect, you could add a little salt to the water to see how it affects the density and diffusion.

This experiment is not only a fantastic visual treat but also a great way to introduce kids to fundamental scientific concepts in a hands-on manner. Enjoy your colorful fireworks display!

7. Easy Rock Candy Tutorial

Use our simple rock candy recipe and tutorial to make rock candy at home! A tasty STEM project that blends science and dessert for children! Children adore this delicious experiment!

8. Popsicle Stick Catapult: STEM Activity

Popsicle Stick Catapult: A Fun STEM Activity

Building a popsicle stick catapult is a hands-on way to explore concepts of physics, such as force, motion, and energy. It’s simple to make and offers plenty of opportunities for experimentation!

Materials Needed:

• 7-10 popsicle sticks (craft sticks)
• Rubber bands
• A small spoon (optional, for launching)
• A small projectile (like a marshmallow, pom-pom, or a small ball)
• A flat surface for launching

Instructions:

1. Create the Base:
   • Take 5 popsicle sticks and stack them together. Use a rubber band to secure both ends tightly. This will be the base of your catapult.
2. Make the Launch Arm:
   • Take one popsicle stick and attach one end to the middle of the base using another rubber band. The stick should be able to pivot, acting as the launching arm.
3. Add the Spoon (Optional):
   • If you’re using a small spoon, attach it to the free end of the launch arm with a rubber band. This will hold your projectile.
4. Secure the Catapult:
   • To make the catapult more stable, you can use a couple of additional popsicle sticks to create a support system. Attach them vertically on either side of the base with rubber bands.
5. Load and Launch:
   • Place your small projectile (like a marshmallow) in the spoon or on the end of the launch arm.
   • Pull down on the spoon or launch arm and release it to launch your projectile!

Exploring Concepts:

• Force and Motion: Discuss how pulling the arm back stores potential energy, which is converted to kinetic energy when released.
• Angle of Launch: Experiment with different angles to see how far the projectile travels. Ask questions like, “How does changing the angle affect the distance?”
• Measurements: Measure how far different projectiles travel, and compare the results.

Tips:

• Try using different projectiles to see how weight affects the launch distance.
• Experiment with the number of popsicle sticks used for the base and launch arm to see how it impacts performance.
• Decorate your catapult with markers or stickers for a fun personal touch!

This activity is not only enjoyable but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a playful way. Enjoy launching your projects!

9. Mystery Bag STEM Design Challenge with Free Printable Challenge Cards

Participate in this mystery bag STEM building challenge with free printable STEM challenge cards and have a great time utilising recyclables and other basic items! Children will be given a bag of unknown objects, which they will then use to finish a design project.

10. Fruit DNA Extraction Lab Science Experiment

Fruit DNA Extraction Lab: A Fun Science Experiment

Extracting DNA from fruit is a hands-on way to explore genetics and cell biology. This simple experiment uses common kitchen materials to make the invisible visible!

Materials Needed:

• Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, bananas, or kiwi)
• Dish soap
• Salt
• Water
• Coffee filter or cheesecloth
• A clear glass or jar
• A spoon
• Rubbing alcohol (chilled)
• Small test tube or clear container (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit:
   • Take about 1/2 cup of your chosen fruit and mash it in a bowl. You can use a fork or potato masher to break down the cells.
2. Make the extraction solution:
   • In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of dish soap and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The dish soap helps break down cell membranes, while the salt helps to release the DNA.
3. Combine the fruit and solution:
   • Add the extraction solution to the mashed fruit and mix gently for about 5 minutes. This helps to break down the cells and release the DNA into the solution.
4. Filter the mixture:
   • Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth over a clear glass or jar and pour the fruit mixture into it. This will separate the liquid (which contains the DNA) from the solid fruit pulp. Let it drain for a few minutes.
5. Add Rubbing Alcohol:
   • Once you have the filtered liquid, slowly pour chilled rubbing alcohol into the jar. Pour it down the side to create a layer on top of the fruit liquid. You should see a cloudy layer forming between the alcohol and the fruit mixture.
6. Observe the DNA:
   • After a minute or so, you should see white, stringy strands forming in the alcohol layer. This is the extracted DNA! You can use a spoon to gently lift it out.

Scientific Explanation:

• Cell Structure: The soap breaks down the cell membranes, releasing the contents of the cells, including DNA.
• Precipitation: The DNA is not soluble in alcohol, so it precipitates out, making it visible.
• Genetics: Discuss the importance of DNA as the genetic material that carries the instructions for life.

Tips:

• Different fruits may yield different amounts and visibility of DNA. Experiment with various fruits!
• Ensure the rubbing alcohol is cold, as this helps the DNA precipitate better.

This experiment not only provides a fascinating visual representation of DNA but also offers an excellent opportunity to learn about genetics, cell structure, and scientific processes. Enjoy your exploration of the building blocks of life!

11. How to Make a Barometer: DIY Science Project

How to Make a Barometer: DIY Science Project

Creating a simple barometer at home is a fun way to explore atmospheric pressure and weather changes. This project uses everyday materials and helps kids understand how barometers work.

Materials Needed:

• A glass jar (or a wide-mouth bottle)
• A balloon
• A straw
• Tape
• Scissors
• A ruler
• A piece of paper or cardboard (to make a scale)
• A marker

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jar:
   • Make sure the jar is clean and dry. This will be the main body of your barometer.
2. Cut the balloon:
   • Cut the neck off a balloon, leaving a large piece of the balloon intact. This will create a flexible membrane.
3. Attach the balloon:
   • Stretch the cut balloon over the top of the jar, ensuring it is tight and secure. Use tape if necessary to hold it in place. This balloon will act as the sensing membrane for changes in air pressure.
4. Create the Straw Indicator:
   • Cut a straw to about 4-6 inches long. Tape one end of the straw to the center of the balloon’s surface, ensuring it’s secure and straight. This straw will move up and down as the balloon membrane flexes.
5. Make a Scale:
   • Take a piece of paper or cardboard and attach it vertically to the jar. Mark measurements along the side (like inches or centimeters) to create a scale. You can also label it with weather indicators (e.g., “Sunny,” “Rainy,” “Stormy”) based on expected changes.
6. Calibrate Your Barometer:
   • Allow the barometer to sit for a few hours. As the air pressure changes, observe how the straw moves up and down. Mark the position of the straw on the scale. This will help you track changes over time.
7. Observe Changes:
   • Monitor the straw’s position daily and correlate it with local weather conditions. You might notice the straw rises with high pressure (clear skies) and falls with low pressure (stormy weather).

Scientific Explanation:

• Atmospheric Pressure: A barometer measures air pressure. When air pressure increases, it pushes down on the balloon, causing the straw to rise. Conversely, when air pressure decreases, the balloon expands, and the straw drops.
• Weather prediction: Changes in atmospheric pressure can indicate upcoming weather patterns.

Tips:

• Decorate your barometer with fun colors or drawings to make it visually appealing.
• Discuss how meteorologists use barometers to predict weather and why atmospheric pressure is important.

This DIY barometer project is an excellent way to combine science and creativity while learning about weather and atmospheric pressure. Enjoy tracking the weather!

12. DIY Straw Rockets with Free Printable

For children of all ages, the STEM project DIY Straw Rockets is entertaining. In addition to being instructive, it’s a simple project that’s extremely doable for novice crafters and even younger children who aren’t in school yet.

13. Simple Way to Teach Kids About Handwashing

Teaching kids about handwashing can be fun and engaging! Here’s a simple approach:

1. Storytime

• Read a Book: Choose a story that highlights the importance of hygiene. Books like “Wash Your Hands” can make it relatable.

2. Visuals

• Posters: Create colorful posters that show the steps of handwashing. Use pictures and simple words.

3. Demonstration

• Show How It’s Done: Use a sink or a bowl of water to demonstrate proper handwashing. Highlight each step:
  1. Wet hands with water.
  2. Apply soap.
  3. Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds (sing a song to keep time).
  4. Rinse and dry.

4. Interactive Activity

• Science Experiment: Use glitter or a non-toxic powder to represent germs. Spread it on hands and show how washing removes it.

5. Games

• Handwashing Song: Create a fun song or chant to sing while washing hands.
• Handwashing Relay: Make it a game by timing them on how fast they can wash their hands properly.

6. Reminders

• Visual Cues: Place reminders near sinks, like fun stickers or a chart that kids can check off after washing.

7. Practice

• Routine: Incorporate handwashing into their daily routine—before meals, after playing, and after using the bathroom.

8. Positive Reinforcement

• Praise: Celebrate their handwashing habits with stickers or small rewards to encourage consistency.

By making handwashing a fun and engaging activity, kids are more likely to remember its importance!

14. Exploring Ocean Layers Science Activity for Kids

Do you need a kid-friendly scientific project that is ideal for learning indoors? Then have a look at this science project for kids that explores ocean strata!

15. Easy Heart Pump Model: Cardiovascular STEM for Kids

Creating an easy heart pump model is a fun way to teach kids about the cardiovascular system! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making one using common materials.

Materials Needed

• Balloon (red or pink)
• Plastic bottle (empty, like a water bottle)
• Straws (2-3, flexible ones work best)
• Scissors
• Tape
• Markers (for labeling)
• Water (for demonstration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bottle
   • Remove the label from the plastic bottle. This will represent the heart.
2. Create the Pump
   • Cut the end off one straw to make it shorter. This will represent the aorta.
   • Insert the shorter straw into the neck of the bottle (the heart) and secure it with tape to ensure no air escapes.
3. Add the Balloon
   • Stretch a balloon and fit it over the opening of the bottle. This represents the heart muscle. Make sure it’s tight but not so tight that it can’t move.
4. Add the Vessels
   • Take another straw and cut it to the desired length. This will represent the pulmonary artery. Insert it into the side of the bottle and secure it with tape.
   • If using additional straws, you can create veins and arteries branching off to simulate blood flow.
5. Label Parts
   • Use markers to label the different parts: “Heart,” “Aorta,” and “Pulmonary Artery.”
6. Demonstrate the Pumping Action
   • To demonstrate, gently squeeze the bottle (heart). The air pushes through the straw (aorta), mimicking how blood is pumped out of the heart. Release to show how the heart fills again.

Discussion Points

• Explain Blood Flow: Discuss how the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body and receives oxygen-poor blood back.
• Importance of the Heart: Talk about the heart’s role in the cardiovascular system and how it keeps us alive.

Cleanup

• After the activity, you can dispose of the materials or recycle them.

This hands-on model will help kids visualize how the heart functions and make learning about the cardiovascular system engaging!