The fourth and sixth graders at my daughter’s school recently joined forces once a week for four weeks to undertake a STEM bridge building challenge. It was such fun to see them try STEM activities for elementary.
The children worked in pairs to research, design, build and test the strength of their bridge and it was easily the highlight of my daughter’s school week each time.
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) philosophy of integrating learning across the four disciplines is fabulous for elementary school-aged children as not only is are they learning about the individual topic but they are also developing questioning, problem-solving and divergent and creative thinking skills.
Best of all, STEM activities are hands-on – making learning of what are often abstract concepts and ideas so much easier for children to understand through STEM challenges for elementary.
Today I’ve collected together 21 of my favorite easy STEM activities for elementary kids – that I know will challenge and engage your elementary school-aged kids and help them fall in love with the STEM subjects. You may even spark the love for a future career in STEM!
THE BEST STEM PROJECTS FOR ELEMENTARY
Kids will love trying these fun STEM activities during elementary school! Try them in class, or at home. Also try engineering activities for kids, science experiments for kids, technology activities for kids, and hands-on math activities for kids!
What are STEM activities for elementary students?
STEM is not so much a topical study as it is an approach to teaching and learning the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM activities use all of these subjects together to solve real-world problems.
A STEM activity uses elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to solve problems. All STEM activities are inquiry-based, which means they are designed to answer a question (often a question the child creates herself).
STEM activities encourage children to see subjects like math and science in a new light, and how to use those subjects to solve their day to day problems and the problems that they might face as adults. All STEM activities should contain elements of at least two disciplines in STEM, and all of them when possible!
As critical thinking and creative thinking become more and more important, STEM activities provide a safe and fun way for children to explore the concepts of science, math, engineering, and technology in a kid-friendly and fun way.
Even if a child never goes into a STEM field as an adult, engaging in STEM activities will encourage problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity in any industry.
At the elementary level, STEM is about exploring STEM subjects in a fun and hands-on way.
We’re passionate about STEM activities and have tried hundreds of projects over the years. Use this resource as a simple way to get started with your own STEM studies.
What are the benefits of elementary STEM projects?
Many schools require some form of STEM education in the classroom. But you don’t have to be a teacher to do STEM activities with kids. You can also try some at home, during school holidays or over the summer.
Not only do STEM activities help children learn how to solve problems on their own, but it also allows hands-on kiddos to learn in a way that makes sense to them. Children who need to touch and feel to learn effectively will thrive in a STEM-focused classroom or home.
Elementary Science Kits for Kids
Here are some of our favorite science kits to do in the classroom as a group in elementary!
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
STEM Kits for 1st Grade
EASY ELEMENTARY STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Try these fun STEM activities for elementary with your elementary class or elementary kids at home! These STEM ideas for elementary will help kids learn in a fun and hands-on way.
Science Activities for Elementary Students
These science activities for elementary will be a hit in any classroom.
How to Do the Classic Baking Soda Volcano Science Experiment
Amazing Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment
Chemical Reactions! How to Turn a Penny Green Experiment
Rock Candy Experiment for Kids- The Fastest Way to Make Rock Candy!
Technology STEM Activities for Elementary Students
Elementary aged kids will love working on these technology projects.
Make a Stop Motion Video with Jellybeans
Energy Efficient Window Experiment
Make a 3D Carbon Atom Model for Science!
How to Make a Unicorn Rainbow Scribble Bot
How to Make Binary Coding Bracelets with Secret Messages
Engineering Activities for Primary School
Engineering activities are a hit in any elementary classroom!
Marshmallow Constellations Engineering Activity for Kids
20+ Simple Lego Engineering Challenges Kids Can Do Alone!
How to Build an Easy LEGO Car- Step-by-Step Directions
Rainbow Salt Circuit Engineering Activity
STEM Math Activities for Elementary
Elementary kids won’t hate math any more after they try these hands-on projects!
Hands-On Geometry: Boosting STEM Thinking Through Math
20+ Fun Unicorn Math Games for Early Learners
STEAM Math Activities for Curious and Bright Kids