5 Fun STEM Activities to Help Elementary Students in the Classroom
Do you know the elementary stage is the best time to introduce STEM activities to children?
With these activities, the minds of our children can be open to different learning methods.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Education is the integration of four key subjects.
The best part of this form of education is that it can be taught in any class category.
As they learn different topics in STEM right in elementary school, students' problem-solving and creative skills are developed.
STEM Education is beyond the four walls of the classroom. It extends to the activities students are involved.
There are several hands-on activities that every parent and STEM instructor should know.
You must have observed that kids enjoy building things, especially preschoolers and elementary schoolers.
Getting them involved in these STEM activities will help them while they're having fun in the process.
These activities spur kids to think critically before solving any problem. If you want your kids to enjoy learning, these activities will help you achieve that.
5 Fun STEM Activities to Help Your Kids in Elementary School
Do you have any kid(s) or ward(s) in elementary school? This article is for you.
.
We have carefully researched and curated a list of five fun STEM activities to help build their intelligence and sharpen their minds.
Take a look!
1. Number Match
Number match is one of the activities that help kids solve difficult math problems.
Some elementary schoolers find math boring and difficult. Getting them involved in a number match will improve their interest in mathematics.
This STEM activity can be done by creating a number-oriented game for the students. All you need is a marker, sticky notes, and a whiteboard on the wall.
Start by drawing a group of dots like the ones displayed on a die, then scatter sticky notes with numbers throughout the classroom.
Instruct the students to find the dots that match the numbers on the sticky notes.
With this activity, the minds of the students are tasked and busy.
2. Circuit Wands
This activity helps to teach students about circuits and how to build a simple one. Circuit wands were used in the movie, "Harry Potter".
To make a circuit wand, you need three craft sticks, an LED light bulb, copper tape, scissors, electric tape and a CR2032 battery.
Process: Wrap a strip of copper tape in a ring way around the craft sticks where you want to place the on/off switch. Leave about 1cm of space, a child’s finger width.
Wrap another strip of copper tape around the craft stick.
On one side of the wrapped stick, run a strip of copper tape from the bottom ring to the end of the stick.
Repeat the same process from the top ring to the other end of the stick. Ensure you leave a finger width space between the rings with no copper tape.
Attach the LED light to the end of the outer craft stick with the tape running the entire length. Use scissors to cut about an inch off the end of your middle craft stick. You can cut off enough for the battery to fit in.
The longer part of the middle stick will be between the two outer sticks.
Add a piece of copper tape to one side of the small piece of craft stick you just cut off the middle piece. Use your electrical tape to create a hinge and attach the piece.
Add a piece of tape to the top to secure the three craft sticks together. Then, add more tape at the bottom of the on/off switch to the end securing the battery in place.
To switch on your wand, close the flap securely with your thumb.
3. Cloud in a jar
This STEM activity involves the creation of a cloud. It's a science experiment that explains how water cycles work in the environment.
Water and hairspray can be used to demonstrate the formation of a cloud. Cloud in a jar is an activity that can be performed in school or at home.
4. Creation of Salt Crystals
This is one of the most popular STEM activities for elementary school students.
For this activity, you require a clear container, table salt, distilled water, a spoon and a string.
Here’s what you need to do with these materials above.
Process: Boil some quantity of water, mix it with table salt until it dissolves, and then pour the solution into a jar.
As you pour the mixture, allow it to cool before transferring it to prevent the glass jar from breaking.
Tie a spring to the spoon at the top of the jar and suspend the string in the water. When the solution settles, you will see crystals grow on the string after a certain time.
The teacher should handle the hot water, but the students can observe the crystals as a group and individually under strict supervision.
Consider trying this activity in class or at home.
5. Building Towers
Building towers is so much fun for kids in elementary school. Students are always eager to build the highest tower.
They can use toothpicks and foams to build towers in groups. Shapes and geometry can be used by students to build structures and towers in class.
These STEM activities will impart your kids' I.Q and prepare them adequately for a higher level of STEM Education.
The secondary school students are not left out. We have a platform that offers STEM Education for secondary school students. It's affordable and our platform is easy to navigate.
All you need to do is log in to www.getbundi.com.