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.
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
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.
Finally, look at these STEM ideas.
13 Fantastic Popsicle Stick STEM Activities
- Medieval Catapult. Try this Medieval catapult using the oversized jumbo craft sticks, catapults are a great lesson in force, mass, and acceleration.
- 100 Brilliant STEM Activities Using Everyday Items.
- STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft Stick Crossbow. Not only is this tiny crossbow fun but it teaches physics lessons in force, energy, motion, trajectory and projectiles.
- Rubber Band Powered Boat. Launch this lesson on potential energy on the water. Popsicle sticks and rubber bands are all you need.
- STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
- 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
- LED Flashlight. Explore circuits, positive and negative charges,
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
