A lot of schools follow NGSS middle school science standards, which means that STEM is a big part of the science classroom.
While my daughter’s middle school follows the Texas science curriculum, I like to supplement her science education with NGSS projects, because she is interested in science and I want to ensure that she gets all of the hands-on learning she can, especially during summer break.
I’ve had several parents and teachers ask me if we are going to have more middle school STEM activities on STEAMsational, and that is something we’re going to be focusing on now as part of our goal in offering STEM activities for kids to every child of any age!
But for now, enjoy this first list of middle school STEM projects!
What does STEM Look Like in Middle School?
Before middle school, STEM is all about introducing scientific concepts and learning how to think like a scientist.
But in middle school, it is the first time that most kids are exposed to the application of STEM. In middle school, kids focus on how to use STEM topics to solve real-world problems.
- Questions or problems at the middle school level must meet these criteria:
- A real-world problem or issue
- An issue must be relatable to the students
- The problem has multiple solutions
- Middle schoolers can work to approximate a solution that could work in the real world
Always start STEM projects with a question. For example, if children ask, is there a better way to protect packages during delivery (for example, if more robots are in charge of delivery), then you can do the egg drop challenge as a solution.
If you don’t know what sort of questions your middle schooler could answer, you can check out the Next Generation Science Standards.
What does a middle school STEM activity look like?
The secret to a good STEM activity in middle school is keeping things open-ended. Just like in the real scientific world, in middle school STEM, there are no “right” answers in science.
During the lesson, a middle schooler should apply scientific knowledge and other STEM skills to creating potential solutions for problems, then testing them out and recording the results.
If a child does their best, then they are doing STEM correctly, even if their experiment or hypothesis “fails.”
Our Favorite STEM Books for Middle School
STEM by DesignSTEM Education Teacher Lesson Plans, Strategies and Activities Guide – for Grades 5 Though 9 – by School Datebooks
STEM to Story: Enthralling and Effective Lesson Plans for Grades 5-8
Arguing From Evidence in Middle School Science: 24 Activities for Productive Talk and Deeper Learning
Mark Twain – STEM Labs for Middle Grades, Grades 5 – 8
An Educator’s Guide to STEAM: Engaging Students Using Real-World Problems
Creative STEM Projects for Kids in Middle School
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite STEM projects for kids in middle school!
LEGO STEM Activities for Middle School
If your middle schoolers want to try STEM activities with LEGO bricks, check out these LEGO STEM activities for middle school!
Winter STEM Activities for Middle School
These winter STEM activities for middle school take STEM activities to a whole new level!
Valentine STEM Activities for Middle School
Explore the science of hearts and love with these Valentine STEM Activities for Middle School.
Easter Science Projects for Middle School
When spring is around the corner, learn with these Exciting Easter Science Projects for Middle School!
Summer Camp Themes for Middle Schoolers
Here are some fun summer camp themes for middle schoolers that won’t make them roll their eyes and have a fun STEM twist!
Summer STEM Activities for Middle School
Check out these amazingly fun and refreshing Summer STEM Activities for Middle School!
Fall STEM Activities for Middle School
When it starts to get cold, break out these fall STEM activities for middle school!
Halloween STEM Activities for Middle School
Middle schoolers shouldn’t have to miss out on Halloween fun! These Halloween STEM activities for middle school are a fun way to bring the holiday into the classroom.
Halloween STEM Challenges for Middle School
Here are even more Halloween STEM challenges for middle school!
Thanksgiving STEM Activities for Middle School
In November, try these Thanksgiving STEM activities for middle school with your class!
Thanksgiving Crafts for Middle School
Take a break from challenging STEM activities and try these Thanksgiving crafts for middle school!
Christmas STEM Activities for Middle School
Middle schoolers will have a lot of fun with these Christmas STEM activities for middle school.
What are your favorite middle school STEM challenges?
More Middle School Activities for Kids
25+ Technology Activities for Kids that Don’t Use Screens!
20+ Science Fair Projects with LEGOs that are Educational and Fun