Get Ready to Build: 17 Super Cool STEM Projects for Any Classroom
You're a teacher. You care about your students, and you want to help them succeed. In this article, we're going to show you how to use STEM education to help your students reach their full potential.
We'll start by introducing you to the concept of STEM education, and then we'll show you 17 STEM projects that you can do with your students. These projects are appropriate for any classroom, and they're a great way to help students learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
We hope you enjoy these projects. And most importantly, we hope they help your students learn and grow.
Introduction to STEM
You might be wondering what STEM is all about. Simply put, it stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and it's an interdisciplinary field that encourages problem-solving and creativity.
In the classroom, STEM projects can be a great way to engage students in hands-on learning. They allow students to apply what they're learning in a real-world context, and they encourage teamwork and collaboration.
If you're looking for some fun STEM project ideas, you've come to the right place. In this article, we've collected 17 super cool DIY projects that any classroom can try.
Engineering: Design a Marshmallow Tower
STEM projects are always a hit with students, and this Engineering project is no exception. Challenge your students to build the tallest and strongest tower they can using only marshmallows and toothpicks!
This is a great project for teaching teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as basic engineering principles like strength, stability, and balance. And of course, it's also a whole lot of fun!
Technology: Create a Water Filter
Now it's time to get creative with your water filter!
This is a great opportunity to teach your students about the power of technology. Tell them that they'll be creating a water filter using simple materials like plastic bottles and activated carbon.
Once they've built their filters, have them test the water quality before and after filtering. This will give them a better understanding of how their filters work and the impact they can have on their local community.
Mathematics: Construct an Origami Butterfly
Ready to dive into an exciting mathematics project? Here's a super cool STEM activity for you and your students: constructing an origami butterfly. This project allows your students to explore the concepts of geometry, symmetry, and tessellation—all while making something beautiful!
To create the butterfly, your students will need to draw two circles of equal size on paper and then cut them out. They can then decorate the circles, fold them into mini butterflies, and join them together to create a larger butterfly. The end result is an intricate masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of mathematics in action!
Science: Build a Volcano
If you're looking for a science-based STEM project that your students will love, building a volcano is certainly one to consider. Not only is it a fun and creative way to explore the world of science, but it's also easy to assemble with supplies you can find around your home or classroom.
To get started, you'll want to gather supplies such as play dough, baking soda, vinegar, and food dye. Once you have all the materials, your students can create the shape of a volcano using the play dough. Then they'll use baking soda, vinegar, and food dye to make their volcano erupt!
Building a volcano is an excellent way to bring science concepts to life in an engaging and meaningful way that allows your students to explore concepts like cause and effect firsthand.
Robotics: Program a Toy Robot
If you're looking for a fun and interactive STEM project, why not try programming a toy robot? This activity will help kids explore the basics of robotics and coding while taking their creativity to the next level. Plus, they'll have the satisfaction of creating something they can show off to their classmates.
To get started, you'll need a remote control robot kit and some supplies like motors and batteries. With a little guidance from you, your students can construct their robots and then program them to move how they want. They can even add extra features like lights or sound sensors which will make their robots even cooler. Finally, they can test out their creations and watch as they come alive!
Aeronautics: Make Paper Planes
One of the most classic STEM projects is making paper planes. Not only is this project really fun and engaging, but it’s also a great way to introduce students to the principles of aeronautics. To do this project right, make sure you’re using heavier-weight paper for sturdier planes and heavier materials for a better flight. Have your students test their designs to see which one flies the farthest or stays in the air the longest, and ask them to analyze their results and make new designs based on what they learned. This project will help your students learn about engineering design, as well as teach them an appreciation for aerodynamics!
Computer Science: Code a Game
Up next on our list of STEM projects in computer science! This project is great for teaching students how to code and create their own games. With some coding knowledge and a little creativity, students can build a game and customize it however they like. You'll need to provide the right tools, such as software like Scratch or AppLab, or a Raspberry Pi board.
Once they have their coding tool of choice, students can start creating their own games from scratch. Make sure to provide plenty of guidance and support as they work on their game, as coding can seem intimidating at first. Plus, be there to help them troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the project. Once it's complete, you and your students will be able to play the game they've created!
Medicine & Biology: Build a Microscope
Get ready to explore the microscopic world with this next project! With just a few simple materials, you can build your own microscope and use it to investigate the cell structure and behavior of living things. To create this STEM project, you will need cardboard, lenses, a phone camera, and LED light. With these materials, your students can construct their own microscopes at home and use them to delve into the world of medicine and biology.
They can explore different specimens from their own backyard or from nature preserves nearby. They can then observe the intricate details of pond water organisms or observe the veins in leaves. This is an excellent way for your students to gain hands-on experience in exploring the natural world!
DIY Electronics Projects
One of the most exciting ways to get your students engaged in STEM projects is to create DIY electronic projects. Not only are these projects fun and interactive, but they also allow kids to explore traditional electronics concepts like circuit boards, resistors, and capacitors, as well as how to solder and wire components together.
The possibilities are endless – you could create a robotic arm, a moving ball that follows a line drawn by your student, or even build a working speaker! These kinds of projects introduce kids to basic engineering concepts while they create something tangible, which can be immensely rewarding. Plus, the kids get to take their project home when they’re done!
Chemistry & Physical Science Experiments
Chemistry and physical science projects can be a great way to spice up any classroom! It's easy to find tons of cool experiments online, but you'll want to make sure they're age-appropriate and safe. Some ideas include creating a rainbow with chemistry, building a volcano, or creating an egg drop experiment.
These experiments are also great for teaching students about the fundamentals of physical science and chemistry. You can challenge them to come up with their own hypothesis, or help them understand how certain chemicals interact with each other when combined. Whatever experiment you decide to do, it's sure to be a hit with your students.
Conclusion
STEM is a hot topic and for good reason. These projects will help you get started and engage your students in the process. But it's not just about the projects. It's also about the process. As with any good learning experience, the journey is just as important as the destination.