Hands-On STEM at home
Below are activities we normally run in our after-school Maker Club programs, adapted so you can do them at home with your children! We've also included a few other great resources.
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Here's how to use these guides:
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Download the PDF for an activity you like.
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Gather the materials listed, read through the activity, and do it with your kid!
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Don't be afraid to stray from the activity guide! Often, better learning happens that way.
A Week of STEM
A 7-page packet of STEM activities. From Make-It Monday to Soaring Sunday, get in to STEM all week long!
Time: 15-30 minutes
Ages: 7-14
Make paper airplanes!
Learn how to fold a classic paper airplane, and experiment to make it fly in different ways!
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Time: 20-50 minutes
Ages: 6+
Build a Boat!
Learn about Archimedes' Principle, and use the concept of buoyancy to build a boat!
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Time: 30-60 minutes
Ages: 6+
Bridge Challenge!
Learn about what makes bridges strong, build a bridge under requirements just like a real engineering project!
Time: 20-60 minutes
Ages: 6+
Tower challenge!
Learn how skyscrapers withstand earthquakes through building your own miniature skyscraper!
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Time: 30-60 minutes
Ages: 7+
STEM Cards
52 cards, STEM activities to do with materials at home. Hands-on, Qs & tips included. Thanks to Cincinnati STEM Collaborative for sharing!
Time: 15-30 minutes
Ages: 3-14
Balloon-powered car!
Learn about wheels, axles, and make a balloon-powered car!
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Time: 20-60 minutes
Ages: 6+
Launcher challenge!
Learn about potential and kinetic energy, and create a launcher for paper crumples!
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Time: 30-60 minutes
Ages: 7+
Musical instruments!
Learn about the science of sound and make your own musical instruments!
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Time: 20-60 minutes
Ages: 6+
Build a cardboard arcade!
Use recycled materials and the engineering process to build a cardboard arcade game!
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Time: 2+ hours
Ages: 7+
Pasta tower challenge!
Learn about why it's OK to fail, especially for engineers, while building towers with spaghetti and marshmallows!
Time: 15-30 minutes
Ages: 5+
Learn to Blueprint!
Learn about blueprinting, the process engineers use to create plans, and use it to show how objects around your house are built!
Time: 20-45 minutes
Ages: 6+
Make a Parachute!
Learn about drag, and harness the power of air resistance to create a parachute!
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Time: 20-60 minutes
Ages: 6+
Make a marble/ball run!
Image credit: Robert Hunt via Flickr
Use recycled materials to create a fun marble run, while using elements of the engineering process!
Time: 20-60 minutes
Ages: 6+