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STEM Activities
STEM Activities for at Home Learning
May 1, 2020
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Ant Super Strength
In this activity, learners compare their own strength to ants through a series of physical tests. Activity includes materials list, step-by-step instructions, notes for adults extension ideas and more. This activity requires adult supervision for safety reasons.
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Bird Feeder Challenge
In this activity, learners are challenged to build a bird feeder using recycled materials from home and are encouraged to problem solve during the extensions. Activity includes material suggestions, facilitator notes, and extension ideas. This activity requires adult supervision while using sharp objects and hot glue guns.
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Convection
In this activity, learners model atmospheric convection currents using food coloring, water, and clear cups. Activity includes step-by-step instructions, STEM connections, and more. This activity requires some adult supervision when using hot water.
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Does it Stick?
In this activity, learners will observe magnetic properties and sort objects by them. This activity uses everyday items to teach learners about magnetic forces, poles and properties of magnets. Activity includes material suggestions, step-by-step instructions, extension activities and caretaker prompts. Safety note: Make sure to keep magnets away from electronics.
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Earth Art
In this activity, young learners will model land and water on the Earth’s surface to make a unique piece of “Earth Art.” Activity includes materials list, step-by-step instructions, STEM connections and extension ideas. Adult supervision is recommended.
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Exploding Baggie
In this activity, young learners will experiment with a basic chemical reaction and observe what happens when gas gets trapped! Activity includes step-by-step instructions, safety notes and more. This activity requires adult supervision.
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Family Fort Challenge
In this activity, learners will explore engineering concepts to construct a blanket fort using materials sourced from home. Activity includes material suggestions, challenge ideas and extensions while inspiring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. This activity requires adult supervision and encourages all family members to participate.
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Hail Storm House
In this activity, learners construct hail-proof houses using recycled materials to discuss storm readiness and safety. Activity includes material suggestions, step-by-step instructions, STEM connections and more.
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Lego Mania
In this activity, learners will put together towers using building bricks, then take the tower apart and build a bridge. This activity explores structure concepts, including how structures can be made of smaller parts. Activity includes step-by-step instructions, extension ideas and STEM connections.
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Lego Man Jump
In this activity, learners are challenged to create a parachute using easily sourced materials in order to transport a Lego figure safely to the ground. Activity includes material suggestions, STEM connection, extension activities and more.
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Mini Tree House Build
In this activity, learners are challenged to design and build a miniature tree house in a potted plant. This activity uses engineering concepts to encourage creativity. Activity includes materials list, instructions, inspiration images and more. Safety note: The use of hot glue and sharp objects should always be supervised by an adult.
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Molecule Match
In this activity, learners will use their nose to sniff out hidden scents using extracts and cotton balls. Activity includes materials list, game instructions, STEM connections and more. This activity requires adult preparation time.
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Play Dough Moon Phases
In this activity, young learners will learn about moon phases using materials found at home. This activity is adapted using play dough and cups to avoid food allergens and waste. Activity includes materials list, step-by-step instructions and STEM connections.
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Property Sort
In this activity, young learners will learn to describe objects by their properties and sort by color, weight and texture. This activity uses household items and toys for materials. Activity includes material suggestions, step-by-step instructions, STEM connections and matching video.
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Puff Car
In this activity, learners are challenged to design a wind-powered car using only a handful of household materials. This engineering challenge incorporates creativity and engineering design skills while challenging learners to think outside the box. Activity includes materials list, instructions, STEM connection and more. Adult supervision is recommended while using sharp objects.
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Resource Hunt
In this activity, learners explore nonrenewable resources and learn why these resources are finite. Activity includes step-by-step instructions, suggested extension activities, STEM connections and more. This activity requires some adult supervision.
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Save a Snowman
In this activity, learners explore the concept of insulation by trying to keep Olaf the Snowman from melting. This activity encourages critical thinking and problem solving. Activity includes step-by-step instructions, STEM connections and extension ideas.
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Squash Dissection
In this activity, learners will dissect a pumpkin or other type of winter squash to learn the parts of the plant. This activity gets your learner hands on with every part of the plant and will be messy. Activity includes step-by-step instructions, vocabulary, diagrams and matching video. Safety note: Adult supervision is recommended while using sharp objects. Depending on the age of your learner, adults may want to cut the squash open for the learner.
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Tall Tower Challenge
In this activity, learners will use their chosen material to build the tallest tower possible in under three minutes. This activity uses problem solving and fine motor skills to challenge learners. Activity includes material suggestions, extension ideas and step-by-step instructions. This activity encourages adult engagement and teamwork (extension).
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Weight in Space
In this activity, learners are challenged to calculate their own weight on various planets using a scale and calculator. Older learners may be challenged to do so without using calculators. This activity links space and math concepts to discuss gravity and atmosphere on planets throughout the Milky Way. Activity includes materials list, step-by-step instructions and extension activities.
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