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National STEM Day – Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for DIY stem projects, you’ll love these ideas for National Stem Day.

What is so great about STEM?

A STEM activity is one that incorporates one or more of its components.

  • Science,
  • technology,
  • engineering, and math in a learning activity.

Stem is hands-on which is always a great method for learning.

National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

It teaches children about science and technology, problem solving, critical thinking, curiosity, accepting failure, initiative, flexibility, creativity, innovation, and so much more.

It has its place in your homeschool whether you are an unschooler, Charlotte Mason, classical, or eclectic family.

Careers in STEM

There are many fascinating careers in STEM that your child might be interested in-

  • Computer Sciences
  • Software Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Statistician
  • Mathematician
  • Actuary
  • Accountant
  • Cartographer
  • Aeronautics-aviation, aerospace, and astronautics
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science
National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

This isn’t even an exhaustive list just some that jumped out at me.

Popsicle sticks are an amazing homeschool tool.

And you have probably used them for art projects but have you ever considered their many uses as a STEM tool?

They open an amazing world of possibilities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In addition, they are inexpensive, very versatile and easy to get your hands on.

It’s a great idea to keep a bunch on hand in different sizes for all sorts of projects. 

Jumbo ones are fun and oversized.

    And Rainbow popsicle sticks add a little flair and color to your projects.

    Too, standard popsicle sticks the backbone of most diy stem projects.

    More STEM Resources

    If you want to put together a STEM kit for your young scientists, mathematicians, or  engineers to tinker with these are a few more great items you might want  to add to your supplies.

    First, look at these LED lights.

    Next, add copper tape.

    Too, rubber bands are important.

    Binder clips, rulers, pipe cleaners and lithium batteries.

    National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

    Finally, look at these STEM ideas.

    13 Fantastic Popsicle Stick STEM Activities

    1. Medieval Catapult. Try this Medieval catapult using the oversized jumbo craft sticks, catapults are a great lesson in force, mass, and acceleration.
    2. 100 Brilliant STEM Activities Using Everyday Items.
    3. STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity
    4. Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction. Teach your child about potential energy turning into kinetic energy and chain reactions by giving them the tools they need to create an exploding chain reaction.
    5. Popsicle Stick Gears. These are a great way to learn about mechanical concepts, simple machines, motion and force. This is a great basic project to use as a springboard for more advanced activities.
    6. Craft Stick Crossbow. Not only is this tiny crossbow fun but it teaches physics lessons in force, energy, motion, trajectory and projectiles.
    7. Rubber Band Powered Boat. Launch this lesson on potential energy on the water. Popsicle sticks and rubber bands are all you need.
    8. STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
    9. Rubber Band Powered Car. Same concept but on firm ground rather than the water. Use the stored potential energy in the tightly round rubber band to launch a car
    10. LED Flashlight. Explore circuits, positive and negative charges,
    11. Newton’s Cradle. What a fun way to learn about kinetic energy with Newton’s Third Law of Motion. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Kids love that clickety clack perpetual motion
    12. Truss Bridge With Craft Sticks, The STEM activity of building bridges gives your child a hands-on opportunity to learn about engineering through weight distribution, gravity, changing loads, and tension.
    13. STEM Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a turn on a popsicle stick ferris wheel that introduces axles, problem solving, creating symmetrical sides, and engineering with a fun activity.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    The Geronimo Stilton The Journey Through Time #2: Back In Time has your kids going back in time to Ancient Rome. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this craft which is making a fun mosaic.

    Traveling with this wandering mouse we will be introduced to Romulus and Remus, the birth of Rome, the official language of Ancient Rome, fashions of the time, thermal baths, and chariot races.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    There are even some puny Roman jokes.

    I always learn so much myself from just a small section of Geronimo Stilton’s adventures and The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition) is no different.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    The series of books really weave so much about that time into an entertaining story with colorful inviting words, images, and a storyline that draws in the most reluctant readers.

    About Ancient Mosaics

    Today, we are going to be creating a Roman mosaic in honor of Geronimo’s visit to Ancient Rome.

    We did a profile of a Roman soldier but you can choose anyone or anything you like to make.

    This hands-on activity is great for learning about history through an ancient art form, working fine motor skills, and you can create a special piece to display.

    A mosaic is just a picture or pattern that is made with small pieces of ceramic tile.

    The Romans used to create very large and elaborate mosaic pieces, covering walls and sometimes the entire floor in their art.

    Be sure you grab the SuperToob Ancient Rome to go along with your study.

    What can you use these cute little figures for?

    There are lots of ways to use them to compliment a unit and they come in so many themes.

    • Introduce a new unit with a fun set up.
    • Sensory Bins
    • Dioramas
    • Model for art projects
    • Shadow boxes
    • Cake/cupcake toppers
    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Then, add in more fun Ancient Rome activities.

    Ancient Rome Activities

    Here are a few more fun activities to include.

    Here are some ideas for additional mosaic tile art subjects you could choose from which keep with the Ancient Rome theme.

    • Colosseum
    • Columns
    • Soldier
    • Gladiator
    • Triumphal Arch
    • Pottery
    • Parthenon
    • Laurel Wreath
    • Roman gods and goddesses

    Too, I recommend that you stick with a simple image for your first project, two to three colors max.

    It is a lot of gluing and arranging.

    Once your children get the hang of it, the sky is the limit.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Hands-on History Ancient Rome Mosaic

    You could also try making a mosaic of your dog, a cup of coffee, a video game controller, or whatever interests you.

    I used cardstock.

    But you could also upcycle colorful magazine pages and sort the colors for your project, use construction paper, or paint sample cards would be great.

    You will need:

    • Cardstock
    • Scissors or paper cutter
    • Glue stick

    Choose what image you want to create.

    Then lightly draw the most important outlines and features with a pencil.

    You don’t need to be detailed just get the general shape down.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Grab cardstock in the colors you will need and cut them in about ½” strips with scissors or paper cutter.

    Next, cut the strips down into ½” pieces.

    I cut some slightly larger and smaller to help fill in different areas.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Add any details you want to put in your picture first, then work around them like the eyes and mouth.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Apply glue in small sections and work on one color at a time to fill in completely.

    I found that it was easiest to do the outline of the particular section first and then fill in.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Continue gluing and pressing down squares until your piece is completely filled in.

    Once the glue is completely dry, lay it under a heavy book for a few hours to flatten if you like.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

    What do you think? Ready to try another fun Geronimo Stilton activity?

    How to Easily Match the Homeschool Classical Approach With Learning Style

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today, I’m showing you how to easily match the homeschool classical approach with Homeschool Learning Styles.

    And knowing  that a classical approach is where families put emphasis on learning from ancient minds of the past allows you make the right choice for your family.

    How to Easily Match the Homeschool Classical Approach With Learning Style

    Further, here are some characteristics of the classical approach.

    Look at four characteristic of the classical approach are

    1. There is a heavy emphasis on learning ancient languages like Greek and Latin.
    2. Language arts is a main subject.
    3. History is learned chronologically.
    4. Too, education focused on history of the Western Civilization.

    What is a Classical Approach

    I’ve read and used many definitions of what is a classical education through the years.

    However, simple definitions are best.

    And one simple definition of classical education is that it’s not image focused but language focused.

    Much time is spent on communication of words, both oral and written.

    How to Easily Match the Homeschool Classical Approach With Learning Style

    In addition learning is patterned after the way a child’s mind matures and is divided into 3 stages.

    The first stage is the elementary stage which is called the grammar stage. Kids this age love learning rules and lists.

    And the second stage which is middle school is called the logic stage. At this age, children start to think more analytically.

    Last, the third stage which is high school is called the rhetoric stage where children learn to write with originality.

    Additionally, one of the best books I’ve read about classical education is The Well-Trained Mind.

    How to Match Learning Style with the Classical Approach

    As you can see, if you want your kids to have intensive language arts focus then you want to follow the classical approach.

    However, matching learning styles to classical approach is not as easy.

    As the parents we may have goals, but the way our child learns may be different.

    For example, if you child learn better by images, then you may only be able to incorporate certain parts of the classical approach.

    In addition, children who have a learning style of learning through hands-on may not do well with classical education.

    The classical education approach does not tout a hands-on learning style approach.

    For example, a child who is very book-ish will flourish with classical education.

    Children who love words and language arts focus on writing and reading as subjects without being prompted.

    However, it’s important to know what is your child’s learning style.

    Why Your Child’s Learning Personality is Important

    Because teaching styles are only part of choosing curriculum easily, I’ve included a link to my online course Identifying Your Homeschooled Child’s Learning Personality.

    How to Determine the Best Learning Style Approach for Your Child? Determining the best learning style approach is much easier when you know about homeschool learning styles. A learning style is not something I thought about when I started homeschooling or even when my kids were struggling. However, had I taken time to learn what is the best learning style for each of my children, I would have saved myself unnecessary stress.

    YOU WILL LEARN:

    • How to understand the way your child prefers to learn so that you can teach him in a way that he enjoys learning;
    • How to pinpoint your child’s learning personality;
    • A starting point in understanding (barring any special learning challenges or disabilities) and accepting your child’s preferred way of taking in information;
    • Understanding when the learning personality emerges; and
    • Teaching tips for each learning personality to stop the head-butting.
    How to Easily Match the Homeschool Classical Approach With Learning Style

    Other Homeschool Learning Style Resources

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today is National Bison Day and to celebrate we made some Oregon Trail bison jerky. If you’re looking for a unit study on Westward expansion or Westward Ho Unit Study grab my ideas.

    If you are studying pioneers and westward expansion you’ll have fun with your kids making my Oregon Trail bison jerky.

    Cooking is a great way to learn about the times and work some practical life skills into your lessons.

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    Westward expansion, wagon trains, pioneer life, wide open prairies, hopes of new and exciting lands full of game and promise- what a time it must have been.

    It was also hard work, using what you could find, sicknesses on the trail, and eating whatever you could scare up.

    I am still pretty sure I would happily don my bonnet and apron to load up in a wagon for that great adventure.

    Oregon Trail Bison Jerky

    One thing that was a staple for many on the Oregon Trail was bison.

    A great way to preserve it was to turn it into jerky so it could be eaten longer.

    Pioneers used the sun, wind, and smoke from carefully controlled fires to turn fresh meat into jerky.

    The cooking method is very different today as well as the method of obtaining the bison.

    However, it’s still fun to get as close as you can to what the pioneers on the Oregon Trail might have eaten.

    What’s the Difference Between Buffalo and Bison

    Aren’t they the same thing? They are not in fact.

    Bison have large humps at the shoulders and bigger heads than buffalo do.

    They also have beards and thick coats that they shed in warmer weather.

    Cape and water buffalo are native to Africa and Asia. Bison can be found in North America and Europe.

    Oregon Trail Hands-on Activities

    Grab these fun Westward Ho Coloring Pages to add to your fun Westward Expansion activities.

    Next, look at these books.

    Westward Expansion Books and Resources

    Add in a few books and one gameboard to your study.

    10 Westward Expansion Resources

    Add in a few books and resources to bring the study of the Oregon Trail to life during the United States expansion of the west.

    Additionally, here are a few tips about cooking with bison.

    3 Tips on Cooking With Bison

    Then a few final tips about bison before we begin.

    1. I found ground bison at both Walmart and Target. But if you can’t find it or would just don’t care for it you can follow the same recipe with ground beef, choose the lowest fat beef you can find like 90/10.
    2. If you think you will get more use out of it these jerky guns, it comes in handy for making your own out of all sorts of ground meat.
    3. Ground beef jerky is much more brittle than that made from muscle. So you will need to take more care when storing or your pieces will end up as crumbs.

    Finally, let’s make Oregon Trail jerky.

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    How to Make Oregon Trail Jerky

    Here is what you need:

    • 1 pound ground bison
    • ½ teaspoon table salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
    • 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon onion flakes
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground red pepper flakes
    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    First, preheat your oven to 200℉.

    Spray a large baking sheet well with nonstick cooking spray.

    Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    Mix well with your hands to completely combine.

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    If you have a jerky gun load the ingredients.

    Follow the directions for making flat or tubular jerky, otherwise follow along with the rest of my steps/

    Place the mixture between two large sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper and roll out to about ⅛” thickness.

    Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut into 1”x 4” to 5” strips.

    Transfer carefully to a large pan using a knife or spatula to lift each piece from the parchment paper.

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    Leave a little space between each so that the air circulates and they are able to dry evenly.

    National Bison Day: Make Fun Oregon Trail Bison Jerky With Kids

    Bake for 2 hours, then flip each piece carefully and bake for another 2 hours or until completely dry.

    Store in an airtight jar for up to a month.

    I served ours up to try in little pockets I made from waxed paper.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    If you’re looking for homeschool science experiments, you’ll love this easy instant ice activity. Add it to your winter season unit study.

    If your kids are like mine, they prefer to get hands-on with their learning rather than just being read to from a book.

    Although we love reading, we also love doing.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    Whenever you start a new unit, a new week, or a new concept consider adding something that requires a lot more of their involvement like this instant ice homeschool science experiment.

    This homeschool science experiment is easy to set up, perform, and requires very little prep.

    Other than a watch and wait for the bottles to almost freeze, it’s simple and fun.

    Freeze extra bottles so that it can be repeated.

    But don’t stop with this hands-on winter experiment, keep the learning going.

    Look at how to turn simple ideas into a fun little unit for you and your curious learners.

    Fun Winter Ice Facts

    Check out Why Does Water Turn Into Ice and Where do Icicles Come From to learn more about incredible ice.

    Read a few interesting ice facts to see what you both can learn and reinforce what they already knew.

    Interesting Ice Facts:

    • Fresh water will freeze at 0 ℃.
    • Ocean water will freeze but at a colder temperature of -2 ℃.
    • The Inupiaq of Alaska have 100 names for ice.
    • There are two types of ice on the earth. Land ice consists of fresh water and sea ice is made of salt water.
    • More than ⅔ of the earths fresh water is in the form of glaciers.
    • Ice is not only on earth but it can also be found on some of Saturn’s rings, in comets, the Moon, and on Jupiter.
    • The thickest ice ever recorded was 2.97 miles thick by an Antarctica research aircraft
    • Scientists believe there to have been 5 different ice ages which are the Huronian, Cryogenian, Andean-Saharan, Karoo Ice Age and the Quaternary glaciation.
    • Glaciers do not melt in very cold areas like the arctic but continue to build up and create massive ice sheets.
    • Ice is a mineral and meets all four of the requirements to make it a mineral.

    The four requirements are it’s naturally occurring, a solid, has organized crystal structure and is inorganic.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    So, technically, ice is a rock.

    Ice Vocabulary Words

    Next, add a few science words about ice.

    • Supercool- a liquid that is below its freezing point without solidification or crystallization.
    • Ice- Frozen water, a brittle transparent crystalline solid.
    • Freezing- When the temperature of the air falls below the freezing point of water- 0 ℃.

    Then move into learning about the science behind instant ice.

    Instant Ice Science

    First, purified water can be chilled below its freezing point and remain in a liquid state. This is a supercooled water.

    There are not enough impurities in the water for ice crystals to grow on. Hitting it on the counter or pouring it over the ice gives it a kick start.

    When a new material phase begins to form that is the water changing to solid ice.

    It is called nucleation. 

    Nucleation is when there is an imperfection in the substance.

    For instant, dust in the water that the state it is changing to (ice) can anchor to and thus create a nucleus.

    Just one molecule forms an ice crystal at the nucleus.

    And the molecules next to it and on top of it begin to change state due to the icy surface.

    This creates a chain reaction of ice until your supercooled water forms a little tower of ice.

    We used the ice cubes to help us get that process started.

    Take this experiment further and use different types of water in the water bottles.

    Try these different waters.

    • tap,
    • salt water,
    • filtered,
    • add coloring, or
    • sugar.

    Do you get the same results?

    Have your child record it in a science journal and tell them the why of the bottled water working after they have tried their different ones.

    Instant Ice Homeschool Science Experiment

    This experiment will amaze your kids.

    You will need:

    • Ice
    • 5 or 6 water bottles
    • Sheet pan or tray
    • Small bowl or cup
    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    Open and reclose the caps.

    This will help keep it at the supercooled state later without disturbing it too much when you open.

    Place bottles in the freezer for an hour (set a timer so you don’t forget) how long it takes to freeze will depend somewhat on your freezer, how full it is and etc.

    Check them after one hour, then after 30 minutes, and then every 15 minutes.

    You want them to be close but not yet frozen.

    A good way to test this is to remove one and hit it on the counter.

    If you see a bit of slush form at the bottom of the bottle it’s perfect.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    Here is a quick video of me tapping it on a chair to demonstrate that kick start effect of your supercooled water.

    Fill your bowl or cup with ice when you are ready.

    Learn from our mistake. Put a tray or baking sheet under it to catch overflow.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    Carefully remove your bottles from the freezer and set them down gently.

    Quickly remove the cap from your water and slowly pour the water over the ice from just slightly above it.

    You should see an ice tower begin to grow.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    You should be able to get at least 2” to 3” before it begins to melt.

    You need to be sure to work quickly because the ice will begin to melt within 30 second.

    Therefore it’s a good idea to freeze a lot of bottles so you can try it over and over.

    Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments

    Want to see it in action?

    More Winter Homeschool Science Experiments

    Also, you’ll love these other winter homeschool science experiments.

    What do you think? Ready to give it a try?