5 Easy STEM Projects to Spark Curiosity at Home
As parents, we all want our kids to explore, learn, and develop skills that will help them thrive. One of the best ways to do that is through hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—all hallmarks of a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.
If you’re looking for fun and educational ways to engage your child at home, you’re in the right place! Here are 5 easy STEM projects that you can do with your kids using materials you likely already have around the house. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and build a love for learning—all while having fun!
1. Build a Baking Soda Volcano
Materials:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Food coloring
- A small bottle or cup
- A tray to catch the mess
How it works:
This classic science experiment is a favorite for a reason! Kids love watching the “volcano” erupt when baking soda reacts with vinegar. Add some dish soap for extra bubbly eruptions and food coloring for a fun twist.
STEM concept: This project teaches children about chemical reactions and basic chemistry. When baking soda (a base) meets vinegar (an acid), it creates carbon dioxide, which causes the bubbling reaction.
2. DIY Balloon-Powered Car
Materials:
- A balloon
- A small car body (use recycled materials like a plastic bottle)
- Straws
- Tape
- Bottle caps for wheels
- A skewer or chopsticks for the axles
How it works:
Your child will love building a car powered by the air from a balloon. Blow up the balloon, tape it to the car, and let go! Watch it zoom across the floor as the air propels it forward.
STEM concept: This project introduces children to the principles of physics, particularly Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. As the air rushes out of the balloon, it pushes the car forward.
3. Homemade Slime Experiment
Materials:
- White school glue
- Baking soda
- Contact lens solution
- Food coloring (optional)
How it works:
Making slime is a tactile, fun project that keeps kids engaged. Mix glue, a bit of baking soda, and contact lens solution until you get the perfect slime consistency. Add some food coloring for extra fun.
STEM concept: Slime-making teaches kids about polymers—long chains of molecules that give the slime its stretchy, gooey texture. By experimenting with the amounts of ingredients, children learn about the scientific method and trial and error.
4. Egg Drop Challenge
Materials:
- Raw eggs
- Recycled materials (paper, straws, cardboard, plastic bags)
- Tape
How it works:
The goal is simple: build a structure to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a height. Use recycled materials like cardboard, straws, and plastic bags to cushion the egg’s fall, then put it to the test!
STEM concept: This fun engineering project teaches kids about gravity, force, and design thinking. They’ll need to use creative problem-solving to design and build a structure that absorbs the impact of the fall.
5. Paper Circuit Greeting Card
Materials:
- Copper tape
- LED light
- Coin cell battery
- Cardstock or thick paper
- Markers, stickers, or crayons for decoration
How it works:
Create a greeting card that lights up! Lay copper tape on the paper to form a circuit, attach the battery and LED, and watch it glow. Decorate your card with fun designs to make it a personalized masterpiece.
STEM concept: This project introduces children to basic electrical circuits and teaches them about conductivity. It’s a simple and safe way to learn how circuits work while combining creativity with science.
Why STEM Projects at Home Matter
Incorporating STEM activities at home gives your child an early introduction to important concepts that will benefit them throughout their education. These projects promote hands-on learning, allowing children to explore and understand real-world applications of STEM subjects. Plus, they can turn ordinary playtime into opportunities for discovery and innovation.
Whether you’re looking to supplement schoolwork or simply keep your child engaged in meaningful activities, these projects are a great starting point. Want even more hands-on STEM activities delivered right to your door? Check out our STEMKids Subscription Boxes, specially curated with exciting projects that inspire learning through fun! Each box comes packed with all the materials and instructions you need to complete amazing STEM experiments at home. We also have STEM Club at Home Boxes if you would prefer not to subscribe.
