If you’re looking fun, easy, and creative ways to get your kids or students excited about STEM learning, these engineering activities for kids are a great place to start! Whether you’re looking for an excuse to learn outside in the spring or summer, need indoor activities for the classroom for the fall and winter months, or simply want some educational projects you can enjoy at home during the holidays and on weekends, these ideas are an awesome way to get kids excited about the world of engineering.
What is STEM Learning?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, however STEM education goes above and beyond simply teaching these 4 subjects to kids. STEM is a multifaceted approach to learning that develops a child’s problem-solving and critical thinking skills while simultaneously encouraging creativity, communication, and teamwork. STEM activities are designed to combine lessons from all 4 subjects.
What Are the Benefits of STEM Learning?
By exposing children to the foundations of STEM education when they are young, and continuing to build upon these principals and interests throughout their schooling years, educators hope to see an increase in new graduates who are qualified and passionate about STEM-related jobs. STEM learning has been shown to:
- Encourage higher level thinking
- Instil creativity
- Prepare kids for advancements in technology
- Encourage innovative and creative thinking
- Provide opportunities for failure in a safe environment
- Expose children to career paths they may otherwise not consider
21 Engineering Activities for Kids of All Ages
Build a Skyscraper | No Time for Flashcards
Rubber Band Helicopter | Mama Smiles
Slingshot Straw Rockets | Instructables Living
Gumdrop Structures | Little Bins for Little Hands
Paper Airplane Challenge | Kids Activities Blog
Egg Drop Engineering Activity | STEAMsational
Straw Roller Coaster | Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Windmill STEM Challenge | Teachers Pay Teachers
Roller Coasters STEM Project | Teachers Are Terrific
Make a Bubble Blower Machine | Teach Beside Me
Catapults STEM Challenge | Vivify STEM Education
Ferris Wheel STEM Challenge | Teachers Are Terrific
Quadratic Catapult STEM Activity | Teachers Pay Teachers
Clothespin Airplane STEM Engineering Challenge | STEAMsational
STEM Balloon Cars | Teachers Are Terrific
Make Your Own Wind Anemometer | There’s Just One Mommy
Paper Plate Maze | Raising Lifelong Learners
Balloon Straw Rockets | 10 Minutes of Quality Time
Elevators STEM Challenge | Teachers Are Terrific
Snowball Launcher | Little Bins for Little Hands
Foosball STEM | Teachers Pay Teachers
I hope you and your children and/or students enjoy this collection of STEM-based engineering activities for kids!
