5 Easy STEM Activities You Can Do With Everyday Household Items
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities are a great way to engage your kids in hands-on learning experiences. These activities can be done using everyday items that you already have around your house, making them easy and accessible for parents and children alike. Here are five STEM activities that you can try with your kids.
Make a homemade lava lamp
This activity combines science and technology as you and your kids create a colorful, bubbly lava lamp using a few simple materials. You will need a clear plastic bottle, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. First, fill the bottle about 2/3 full with oil. Next, add water to the bottle until it is about 3/4 full. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. Finally, drop in an Alka-Seltzer tablet and watch as the bubbles rise and fall, creating a mesmerizing lava lamp effect.
Build a bridge
This activity is a great way to introduce your kids to engineering. Using popsicle sticks, you and your kids can build a bridge that can support a small toy car. Start by laying out the popsicle sticks in a rectangular shape, then use more sticks to create a truss pattern on top. Once the bridge is complete, test it out by placing a toy car on top and seeing if it can support the weight.
Create a water cycle in a bag
This science project is a great way to teach your kids about the water cycle. You will need a plastic sandwich bag, water, and a few drops of food coloring. First, fill the bag about 2/3 full with water. Next, add a few drops of food coloring to the bag. Seal the bag and place it in a sunny spot. As the sun warms the water, it will evaporate and condense on the inside of the bag, simulating the water cycle.
Make a paper helicopter
This activity is a great way to introduce your kids to the principles of flight. Using a piece of paper and a pencil, you and your kids can make a simple paper helicopter that can fly when thrown. Start by folding a piece of paper in half lengthwise, then make two cuts along the folded edge about 1/3 of the way from the top. Unfold the paper and use the pencil to make a small hole in the center. Finally, hold the paper by the hole and give it a spin to watch it fly.
Conduct a kitchen science experiment
This science activity is a great way to combine science and cooking. You can conduct a simple kitchen science experiment by making homemade ice cream. You will need a plastic bag, ice, salt, and a few cups of heavy cream and sugar. First, place the cream and sugar in the plastic bag and seal it tight. Next, place the bag in a larger plastic bag filled with ice and salt. Shake the bags for about 10-15 minutes, and you will have homemade ice cream!
These are just a few of the many fun STEM activities that you can do with your kids using everyday items around your house. These activities are easy, fun, and educational, and they are a great way to engage your kids in hands-on learning experiences. So, gather your kids and some household items and start exploring the world of STEM together!
