Skills: Engineering, problem-solving

Materials: Marshmallows or gumdrops; dry spaghetti or toothpicks; ruler or tape measure

Ages: 4–12

Time: 15–25 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Set a challenge (tallest tower, longest span, etc.)

• Step 2: Demonstrate a stable base (triangle or square) with 3–4 sticks.

• Step 3: Let kids prototype for 5 minutes, then test stability by gentle taps.

• Step 4: Iterate: add cross-bracing or widen the base; measure final height.

• STEM tie-in: Structures, stability, and load distribution.

• Extension: Limit materials or add a weight test (coins on top).

Skills: Chemistry, observation

Materials: Clear bottle or jar; water; vegetable oil; food coloring; Alka-Seltzer (or baking soda + vinegar, separate)

Ages: 5–12

Time: 10–15 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Fill the container 1/3 with water, then add oil to near the top.

• Step 2: Add 5–10 drops of food coloring (it mixes with water below the oil).

• Step 3: Drop in 1/2 tablet of Alka-Seltzer and watch the blobs rise and fall.

• Step 4: Repeat with more small pieces for extended bubbling.

• STEM tie-in: Density, immiscible liquids, gas production.

• Safety: Supervise tablets; do not seal tightly during fizzing.

• Extension: Compare different oils or tablet amounts.

Skills: Physics, aerodynamics

Materials: Paper; tape; measuring tape; notebook

Ages: 5–14

Time: 20–30 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Fold 2–3 plane designs (glider, dart, stunt).

• Step 2: Mark a throwing line; keep throws consistent (same person, same force).

• Step 3: Fly each design 3 times; measure and record distances.

• Step 4: Graph results; tweak wing size or nose weight and retest.

• STEM tie-in: Lift, drag, stability, fair testing.

• Extension: Add paperclips to adjust center of mass.

Skills: Scientific method, prediction

Materials: Tub of water; 10–15 household items; towel

Ages: 3–10

Time: 15–20 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Predict each item’s outcome and sort into “sink” or “float.”

• Step 2: Test one at a time; observe surprising results (e.g., crumpled vs. flat foil).

• Step 3: Discuss shape vs. material (boats float, solid metal sinks).

• Step 4: Design a foil boat to hold maximum coins before sinking.

• STEM tie-in: Buoyancy, density, displacement.

• Extension: Track coin capacity by boat shape.

Skills: Technology, logic

Materials: Computer or tablet with internet access; free Scratch account (scratch.mit.edu)

Ages: 6-14

Time: 30–45 minutes

Instructions

• Open Scratch: Go to scratch.mit.edu and click “Create.” You’ll see a cat character (called a “sprite”) in the middle of the screen.

• Choose Your Character: You can keep the cat or click the blue “Choose a Sprite” button to pick another character.

• Pick a Background: Click the “Choose a Backdrop” button at the bottom right to set the scene.

• Make It Move: On the left, drag a “when green flag clicked” block from the yellow “Events” section into the coding area. Then, from the blue “Motion” section, drag a “move 10 steps” block and snap it underneath.

• Test It: Click the green flag above the stage — your character should move!

• Add Fun Actions: Try adding a “say Hello for 2 seconds” block from the purple “Looks” section or a “play sound” block from the pink “Sound” section.

• Experiment: Change the number of steps, add more blocks, or make the character turn, jump, or dance.

• STEM tie-in: Teaches kids how to give clear instructions to a computer (basic programming logic) and see instant results. Extension: Challenge them to make the character move across the screen, say something, and then return to the start.

Skills: Engineering, physics

Materials: Raw eggs; tape; straws, paper, cardboard, cotton balls, plastic bags; drop zone

Ages: 6-14

Time: 30–45 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Define success (no cracks from a 6–8 ft drop).

• Step 2: Brainstorm cushioning and slowing ideas (parachute + padding).

• Step 3: Build; ensure egg is snug and protected from direct impact.

• Step 4: Drop, inspect, and iterate with one change at a time.

• STEM tie-in: Impact forces, momentum, energy absorption.

• Safety: Supervise drops; contain mess with bags or tarp.

Skills: Chemistry, measurement

Materials: 4 oz school glue; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1–2 tbsp saline solution; bowl; spoon; optional glitter/color

Ages: 5-12

Time: 10–15 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Mix glue, color, and baking soda until smooth.

• Step 2: Add saline a little at a time, stirring, until it pulls from the bowl.

• Step 3: Knead 1–2 minutes until stretchy, not sticky.

• Step 4: Store in an airtight container.

• STEM tie-in: Polymers and cross-linking.

• Safety: Wash hands; avoid carpets; supervise younger kids.

Skills: Earth science, observation

Materials: Paper; tape/chalk; toy/object; sunny spot; marker

Ages: 3-9

Time: 10 minutes, repeated through the day

Instructions

• Step 1: Tape paper and place the object; trace its shadow in the morning.

• Step 2: Label time; return at midday and afternoon to retrace.

• Step 3: Compare size and direction changes.

• Step 4: Connect to sun’s position in the sky.

• STEM tie-in: Earth rotation, light angles.

• Extension: Build a simple sundial and track hourly.

Skills: Earth science, observation

Materials: Balloon; straw; tape; lightweight car base (bottle, cardboard); wheels (caps, CDs); skewers/axles

Ages: 6-12

Time: 25–35 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Build a base with two axles and spinning wheels.

• Step 2: Tape a straw to the balloon; secure airtight connection.

• Step 3: Mount straw so it points backward; inflate balloon via straw and pinch.

• Step 4: Release and measure distance; adjust wheel friction and alignment.

• STEM tie-in: Newton’s third law, friction, design iteration.

• Extension: Race on different surfaces; measure speed over a set distance.

Skills: Physics, classification

Materials: Bar magnet; tray of mixed objects (paperclips, coins, plastic, wood, aluminum foil)

Ages: 3-8

Time: 10–15 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Predict which items will be magnetic.

• Step 2: Test and sort into “magnetic” vs. “not magnetic.”

• Step 3: Note exceptions (steel vs. aluminum foil).

• Step 4: Try shielding with cardboard or cloth.

• STEM tie-in: Magnetism, materials science.

• Extension: Build a paperclip chain; map magnetic field with iron filings (supervise).

Skills: Biology, data recording

Materials: Seeds (beans/peas); clear cups; soil or paper towels; ruler; journal

Ages: 4-12

Time: 10 minutes setup; 2–3 weeks observation

Instructions

• Step 1: Plant seeds near the cup edge for visibility.

• Step 2: Water lightly; place in sunny spot.

• Step 3: Measure height every 2–3 days; sketch roots/shoots.

• Step 4: Compare variables (light vs. shade; soil vs. paper towel).

• STEM tie-in: Germination, photosynthesis, variables.

• Extension: Create a simple bar chart of growth over time.

Skills: Engineering, design thinking

Materials: Craft sticks; white glue or hot glue; coins or small weights; two supports

Ages: 7-14

Time: 30-60 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Choose a design (beam, truss) and sketch it.

• Step 2: Build in layers; add triangles for strength.

• Step 3: Let glue set fully before testing.

• Step 4: Load-test gradually; record maximum weight held.

• STEM tie-in: Force distribution, tension/compression.

• Safety: Supervise hot glue use.

• Extension: Compare weight-to-material ratio between designs.

Skills: Environmental science, problem-solving

Materials: 2-liter bottle cut in half; coffee filter; sand; gravel; activated charcoal; muddy water; cup

Ages: 7-14

Time: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Invert top half as a funnel; place filter paper in the neck.

• Step 2: Layer charcoal, sand, then gravel (fine to coarse).

• Step 3: Pour muddy water slowly; collect the outflow.

• Step 4: Observe clarity; do not drink; discuss improvements.

• STEM tie-in: Filtration, particle size, water treatment.

• Extension: Time the flow rate; test different layer orders.

Skills: Math, observation

Materials: Index cards; marker; small prizes (optional)

Ages: 5-11

Time: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

• Step 1: Write problems that reveal the next clue (e.g., “Find 12 ÷ 3 socks”).

• Step 2: Hide cards in sequence around home or yard.

• Step 3: Start timer; kids solve to find each next location.

• Step 4: End with a riddle or mini-prize.

• STEM tie-in: Mental math, problem-solving under light pressure.

• Extension: Mix in geometry (find a right angle), measurement, or fractions.

Skills: Meteorology, data collection

Materials: Rain gauge (marked jar); homemade wind vane (straw, pin, card, pencil); outdoor thermometer; notebook

Ages: 6-12

Time: 20 minutes setup; 1+ week tracking

Instructions

• Step 1: Place rain gauge in an open area; mark centimeters/inches.

• Step 2: Build wind vane: card arrow on a straw, pin through straw into pencil eraser so it spins; label N/E/S/W.

• Step 3: Read thermometer at the same time daily.

• Step 4: Record precipitation, wind direction, and temperature; plot a simple chart.

• STEM tie-in: Data collection, patterns, basic meteorology.

• Extension: Compare predictions to local forecasts and analyze errors.