If you’re looking for the best STEM activities for kids that will provide the ultimate fun, filled with plenty of motivation and curiosity, welcome aboard!
Children are, undoubtedly, one of the most curious creatures in the world!
They have millions of questions about every single thing around them and they absorb every bit of information with delight.
Their little brains are like inquisitive little trees that need to be watered in order to keep growing and flourishing.
And that’s exactly the main function of STEM!
In case you’re not familiar with the meaning of this abbreviation, STEM is a combination of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math activities.
Back in my childhood, I remember playing with LEGOs, doing exciting science experiments, DIY STEM projects like building shapes out of marshmallows, and much more.
Needless to say, those were the days of glory and utmost fun! Definitely the best part of my childhood.
So, if you’re a teacher or homeschool parent on the lookout for creative STEM challenges that will inspire your kiddos’ curiosity, today is your day!
Here is a list of some interesting STEM challenges and activities for children that will inspire their curiosity and bring them plenty of fun!
7 Engaging STEM Activities Kiddos Will Love
1. Brain Flakes
- The Original Brain Flakes! | Includes over 2500 interconnecting pieces and a durable plastic tote for easy storage! | Please note that some colors, such as red, yellow, and white discs might be fewer in quantity than other colors | Every set comes with wheels, axels, rotator pieces, and an idea booklet with instructions to build a Brain Flakes ball! | Discs easily click together for ages 5+ (some children as young as 3 have no problem)
- Develops spatial intelligence and thinking | A great solo or collaborative group activity for school classrooms, Makerspaces, Montessori, daycares, libraries, or home! | Countless design possibilities and hours of skill building play | Engineers Start Here!
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When I was a child, I would often contemplate some magic toy that could be transformed into anything I wanted.
For example, when I want to play with birds, I would want that toy to magically transform into a toy bird.
After that, I would want it to be something else like a teddy bear or whatever tickled my fancy at a given moment.
I finally understand that one of the reasons why I thought so is because I, as every other child, would lose interest so easily.
One toy was interesting to me for one hour, tops.
After that, I would get restless and start searching for new sources of fun, like creating something with craft sticks, toothpicks, play dough, or slime.
IF ONLY back then I was aware of this one truly magical thing called Brain Flakes!
They are exactly what I always wanted as a child because with them you can create just anything from a sword to a unicorn.
All you need to do is grab two disks, slide them together and Voila!
With this, a child can basically create whatever they want by mixing brain flakes of different colors and shapes.
Needless to say that this one activity is a true brain teaser. It helps kids think outside the box and constantly be on the lookout for new ways of rearranging the flakes.
And best of all, they are also perfect for group engineering challenges and engineering projects, be it at school or at home!
Note: Brain Flakes STEM activity is suitable for ages 5+.
2. LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robot Kit With Remote Control
- Builders of all ages will love building and coding their fully-functional robot to walk, talk, and even play games or complete tasks! This educational STEM robot toy makes engineering fun for everyone who builds it.
- LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is built with 601 pieces and includes the intelligent EV3 Brick, 3 servo motors, plus color, touch and IR sensors. Connect with your smart device and download the free EV3 programmer app to control the robot!
- LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 comes with instructions for 17 different robotic designs, each with its own unique features. Builders can program their STEM robots to talk, walk, grab, shoot targets and more! Kids will love this creative and educational toy!
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When I was at my friend’s place the other night, I literally almost fainted when I saw a robot in front of me walking and talking.
I couldn’t believe it with my own eyes because I never had the opportunity to play with such smart toys as a child.
As a matter of fact, I couldn’t believe that such a thing even existed!
A robot that you can build yourself, then code to walk, talk, and play games?
Well, that robot must be made of some superior intelligence because its versatility is simply insane!
If I hadn’t witnessed all this at my friend’s house, I doubt I would ever believe her if she told me the tasks this multi-functional robot is capable of managing.
The first thing that popped in my mind was: This is every child’s dream come true (well, my boy’s certainly would be!)
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 STEM robot is one of the best inventions for little engineers!
Unlike making a catapult out of popsicle sticks (which is still a good activity in its own right), a robot is far more complicated and ten times more fun and educational, which means two things: mega critical thinking and experimenting!
3. Construction Engineering Building Blocks Set
- YOUR CHILD DESERVES A MORE PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY than video games, phones and tablets. STEM supported Engineering Blocks are built to develop your child’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skills. Challenge your kids to build creative designs, trucks, transformers , helicopters, robots and much more! For boys and girls age 3 through 6+ years , designed to support your child’s creativity as they grow.
- GIFT A TOY THAT IS FUN AND EDUCATIONAL. We believe in making toys that are both fun and educational. This 101-piece gift idea set will help kids build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and enhance creativity while keeping them entertained for hours! Which means more time for mom and dad! Supports logical thinking and problem solving, unleashing your child’s imagination to endless possibilities.
- HELP YOUR CHILD BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS AT AN EARLY AGE . Social development, teamwork and collaboration are critical to success in todays world. ETI Toys Engineering blocks are designed to develop your child’s social skills from an early age. Encourages children to work together as a team to build awesome creations and comes with two dual-purpose ‘clicking’ wrenches to help support interactive play.
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I’m a firm believer in one thing: The easiest thing a parent can do is give his child a toy and watch how they slightly lose interest in it, or give them something with which they can create a desired toy and never lose interest again!
Yes, it took me some time to fully absorb and start practicing that belief and I can tell you for sure that my children have never been happier!
Similar to Brain Flakes, this construction set gives kids the ability to build trucks, helicopters, and even robots!
There are thousands of other engineering project designs that can be built with these building blocks that if I mentioned every single one of them, the whole article would be only about it.
The best thing about Lil’ Engineers Engineering Blocks is the fact that they are suitable for both boys and girls, which is a huge advantage if your child has siblings.
The accent is on teamwork, problem-solving, and boosting of imagination!
Also, another great thing for me as a parent is the fact that these building blocks are washable! Yay!
4. Sphero SPRK+ App Enabled Robot Ball
- MORE THAN JUST A ROBOT: Sphero SPRK+ is a programmable robot ball designed to inspire creativity and curiosity through coding and play. Easily learn programming, complete hands-on activities, and share your creations with the community.
- PROGRAMMABLE SENSORS & LED LIGHTS: SPRK+s programmable sensors include a gyroscope, accelerometer, motor encoders, and colorful LED lights to create countless play experiences and coding conditions for all levels.
- BUILT TO LEARN & PLAY: With an hour of play, this educational robot is scratch-resistant, waterproof, charges inductively and connects via Bluetooth SMART so you can see your commands and creations come to life.
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I swear to God, the first time I saw this robot ball, I thought it was just a programmable ball and nothing special.
And boy, was I wrong!
Sphero SPRK+ is definitely special and more than I expected from an app-enabled robot ball. It is so easy and fun to code it and then observe how your creation comes alive.
To be more precise, Bluetooth SMART enables you to see your commands and creations come to life in different shapes and forms.
This is definitely one of the best ways for both young children and adults to explore STEM in detail.
I totally dig the idea that this robot ball can be combined with other building materials like LEGOs and that it can be used in water as well because it’s waterproof!
If you have a pool in your backyard or when it’s raining, you don’t have to be anxious about the ball accidentally falling into the pool or getting wet due to wet terrain – this robot ball can resist all conditions, which is simply amazing for both kids and parents!
5. Space-Themed Science Art Craft Box
- THE BEST STEM BOX - Includes 6 activities (WATCH VIDEO TO UNDERSTAND BETTER) – 1. Starry Kaleidoscope: Ever wondered what a clear starry night looks like? Make your own kaleidoscope and see for yourself. 2. Solar System Mobile: Make a colorful mobile for your room while you learn about the planets in our solar system. 3. Lace The Constellation: Pull along your string to join the dots and make a constellation streamer for your window
- 4. Rocket Science Experiment: What does it feel like to be a space scientist? Make your own rocket, fuel it, and watch it take off! 5. Space Explorer Board Game Invite your friends to an adventurous and thrilling journey through the Milky Way! 6. Phases Of The Moon: Use Oreo cookies to lick off the cream and understand the different phases that the moon goes through during the month. (Ingredients Not Included)
- IDEAL EDUCATIONAL TOY – This craft kit encourages children to use their imagination, learn practical skills and build confidence
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I bet there isn’t a child out there who has never asked themselves about what’s really hiding in space above us.
They observe the stars with their shiny eyes while asking millions of questions that even you yourself can’t answer precisely.
After realizing how crazy children are about space topics, I thought to myself: Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was some spaced-themed box of toys and materials with which kids can create things and learn more about the magic of space?
And then I found it!
At last. This “magic box” comes with six activities and each one of them is totally entertaining and educational.
I mean, children can make their own kaleidoscope!
Also, they can make a solar system mobile and use it as a decoration in their room and as a reminder of all the planets they’ve learned so much about.
Other fun activities that this space-themed science box offers are making a constellation streamer, making a rocket, taking a fun journey through the Milky Way, and it also teaches children phases of the Moon (in a fun way, of course).
I mean, what kind of box includes all that? It has basically everything that kids are interested in!
All these are easy STEM activities that will result in plenty of fun and valuable information!
6. Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit
- Build over 300 experiments with 60+ parts
- Experiments include: photosensitive electronic organ, a Lie detector, an AM radio, and a two-finger touch lamp and much more!
- Parts included: snap wires, a slide switch, a resistor, a microphone, and capacitors
- Our AWARD-WINNING product line of Snap Circuits supports a vigorous STEM/ STEAM educational curriculum
- LEARN BY DOING- designed for young engineers and makers ages 8 and over.
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Just like space, electricity is another magic realm for every child. The whole point of STEM activities is for kids to think, create, and see the outcome of their effort.
If someone had told me that children would be able to put together a water detection alarm, for instance, I certainly wouldn’t believe them.
But, with this electronics exploration kit, they can do not only that, but so much more!
It comes with 60 pieces with which kids can create 305 amazing, unique electrical projects.
What’s really amazing about this electronics exploration kit is its adaptability!
The manual starts with some simple electronic projects and gradually switches to complex ones.
So basically, anyone can become an electronic master because it first starts with basic tasks that create a firm foundation for more intricate ones.
The progress is inevitable, which is the most important thing when it comes to nourishing persistence and critical thinking!
7. Big Bag Of Science
- Use REAL SCIENTIFIC TOOLS to perform more than 70 activities from fizzing bubbling colored water to creating instant worms.
- This kit covers the three areas of science (Physical, Earth and Life) as well as activities in Chemistry, Physics, Magnetism, Weather, Biology, Geology and Flight. The re-usable BIG zipper Bag is great for storing all components when it’s time to put your lab away.
- The Amazing Science line of products has been designed to peak kids curiosity for the world around them. These kits encourage kids to wonder, discover and explore in a way that will get the science to the dinner table.
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Science activities and science projects are always trending among STEM activities for kids!
Now, wouldn’t it be awesome if every child could have their personal science lab? I bet it would!
This Big Bag of Science brings plenty of fun science experiments and real scientific tools.
Children can experiment with different colors, they can grow fake snow (fake snow, really!?) and so much more!
The biggest advantage of Big Bag of Science is that it comes with detailed instructions, which means the kids (and you) won’t need to spend forever online in search of some science experiments.
They have everything they need in front of them, saving them tons of time and nerves.
Real scientific tools will make them feel like they are legit scientists, which is every child’s dream.
Authenticity is very important when it comes to STEM and STEAM activities (the latter adding Art to the mix) – it makes it easier for children to understand the topic and indulge in their role as they’re exploring and collecting valuable data.
Children Learn Through Play!
It’s a universal fact that kids of all ages learn through play!
It’s also one of the most creative and productive ways of keeping them engaged and entertained.
For every child, exploring and diving into a sea of STEM learning is like visiting Disneyland.
And the best of all, there is a wide array of STEM activities, from simple STEM activities suitable for preschoolers to the more complex projects suitable for elementary and middle school students.
They all have the ability to teach kids crucial life skills such as experimentation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and persistence.
Experimenting and thinking critically are two of the most important things for a child’s development.
By experimenting with different things and applying different strategies, children learn to think outside the box and find adequate solutions to certain problems.
These problem-solving techniques can be applied to real life situations as well.
Another important aspect of STEM activities is persistence.
The various activities will encourage children to keep looking for solutions and stay persistent in doing so until they succeed in it.
Needless to say that persistence is one of the key components when it comes to success in general.
STEM activities teach kids valuable lessons like “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
It will encourage them to never give up, no matter how complicated or frustrating things or tasks are.
And, more importantly, it teaches them that failure is an inevitable part of success and that it doesn’t matter how many times they fail.
What truly matters is their will to keep trying and never give up, no matter what!
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