Don’t know what to purchase when collecting STEAM supplies for the classroom? This list of STEM supplies shows you the must-have supplies for science experiments for the classroom or home lab.
We’re big fans of STEM activities for kids here. But STEM activities do require a list of STEM supplies (some more so than others).
With a toddler in tow (or several small ones if you have a bigger family!), frequent trips to the store range in difficulty to moderately annoying to full-blown nightmare.
So, rather than make a trip to the store every time we want to try a new STEM activity, we keep a variety of STEM supplies for science experiments and STEM activities on hand at all times.
The following list of supplies is what you will find in our STEM supply list.
What is a STEM Activity?
A STEM activity is just a bit differnet from a standard science experiment. In a STEM activity, you work in elements of technology, engineering, design/art, and math in addition to just the science experiment.
In a STEAM activity, the students work to solve problems or learn about concepts through interdisciplinary learning, where they apply knowledge gained from multiple “subjects” into science class.
How is a STEM Activity Different from a Science Experiment?
A traditional science experiment focuses just on completing the steps to learn one science concept or lesson.
But in STEM, multiple areas of learning are applied to creating a scientific solution to a real-world problem or idea.
Rather than just learning about insulation, kids will build models that test the effectiveness of different insulating materials.
In this regard, STEM activities are a lot more hands-on than just science experiments.
Do I NEED Special STEM Supplies for STEM Activities?
If you already work in a science classroom, you probably already have all the STEAM supplies you need.
But, if you’re new to teaching science or want to build a science lab at home, then you will need to start building a STEM supply library.
Must-Have STEM Supplies for Science Experiments
Your everyday STEM project supply list.
If you can, these supplies are nice to have on hand so you can complete any of the classic science fair projects and STEM activities for kids.
But, if you want to start a little easier than this, go ahead and check out our list of science experiments in jars!
And if you need ideas for what sort of STEAM projects to try first, check out the list of ideas in my book, The Mason Jar Scientist.
These experiments are all easy enough to try out at home but also detailed enough for the elementary classroom.
If you buy using one of my links, I will earn a small comission.
The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsBall Glass Mason Jar with Lid and Band, Regular Mouth, 12 JarsSparco Plastic Protractor, 6-Inch Long, Clear (SPR01490)Artistic Wire 20-Gauge Bare Copper Wire, 6-Yards – AWD-20-BC-06YD200PCS 3ml Disposable Plastic Transfer Pipettes, Moveland Calibrated Dropper Suitable for Essential Oils & Science LaboratoryLearning Advantage 7632 Student Thermometers, Grade: 1 to 6 (Pack of 10)AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit with Metal Body Microscope, Plastic Slides, LED Light and Carrying Box (M30-ABS-KT2-W)Squishy Circuits Deluxe KitPh. 1-14 Test Paper Extensive Test Paper Litmus Test Paper Sonkir pH Test Strips，Test pH for Saliva Urine Water Soil Testing(2-Pack pH Test Strips)Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 6% 20 Vols
- Toothpicks
- Mason jars
- Magnifying glass
- Microscope
- Leaves
- Rocks
- Cardboard boxes
- Compass
- Measuring cups
- Cardboard tubes
- Small containers
- Bubble wrap
- Protractor
- Child-sized tools
- Cotton swabs
- Screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc
- Scrap wood
- LEGOs
- Small items for counting
- Play or real money
- Math Flash Cards
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Copper wire
- Steel wire
- Corks
- Ping pong balls
- Cotton balls
- Pipettes
- Squishy circuits
- Play dough
- Clay
- Seeds
- String
- Electrical tape
- Masking tape
- Batteries
- Clothespins
- Thermometer
- Pipe cleaners
- Eye dropper
- Paper clips
- Magnets
- Mirror
- Pushpins
- Wooden dowels
- Spool
- Yardstick
- Tape measure
- Ruler
- Paper cups/plates/bowls
- Food coloring
- Salt
- Flour
- Straight pins
- Aluminum foil
- Sand
- Corn starch
- Alum
- Rubber bands
- Wax paper
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic bags
- Iodine
- Lemons
- Limes
- Glycerine
- Coffee filters
- Microscope slides
- Candles
- Notebook/cards for writing results
- Litmus paper
- Petri dishes
- Balloons
- Steel wool (the no-soap kind is best)
- Bendy straws and non-bendy straws
- Egg crates
- Eggs
- Food coloring
- Sugar cubes
- Baby powder
- Yeast
- Charcoal
- Sticks
- Carbon paper
- Sponges
- Small pots
- Tracing paper
- Computer
- Toothbrush
- Sandpaper
- Graph paper
- Mason jars
- Plastic bottles
- Latex gloves
- Kid-safe glue
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Small saw
- Double-sided tape
- Small motors
- Shaving cream
- Sugar
- Ivory soap
- Dish soap
- 6% Hydrogen peroxide (easiest to find online)
- Funnel
- Vegetable oil
- Baby oil
- Borax
- Stopwatch
- Popsicle sticks
- Gelatin powder
- Cloth scraps
You can make many classic science fair projects using this stem project supply list.
I know there are thousands of other supplies you can use in a science kit, but these will get you started if you’re scratching your head about what STEM supplies for science experiments and STEM activities to buy.
You don’t have to purchase these all at once either- just pick up one or two items every time you are at the store or place an Amazon order.
