Here’s a collection of over 25 STEM challenges for kids focusing on building, engineering, and design. What I especially like about these specific STEM and STEAM activities are how open-ended they are and how they allow children to really take part with minimal adult assistance.
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Not only are taking part in STEM challenges super fun, but they offer so many benefits to kids of all ages! While completing a STEM challenge, kids explore problem solving and design using creativity and scientific skills. These challenges help children develop skills and the self-confidence needed not only in a classroom setting, but in the real world as well.
Although there are many amazing STEM challenges out there, I really wanted to put together a collection of challenges that focused on open-ended and mostly child-centered activities. In this list you’ll find all kinds of fun ways to get your children or students involved in science, technology, engineering, and math!
25+ STEM Challenges for Kids
Mystery Bag STEM Design Challenge from Buggy and Buddy
Design a Paper Plate Marble Maze from Buggy and Buddy
Design a Sun Shelter for a UV-Sensitive Bead Animal from Buggy and Buddy
Egg Drop Challenge from Buggy and Buddy
STEM Challenge: Build Something that Floats from Fireflies and Mud Pies
Build a Stick Raft from Kids Craft Room
Build a Hexbug Maze Using Straws from Buggy and Buddy
Craft Stick STEAM Challenge from Fantastic Fun and Learning
Red Cup STEM Challenges for Kids from Kids Activities Blog
Wind Powered STEM Challenge from STEAM Powered Family
STEM Paper Airplane Challenge from Kids Activities Blog
Button and Playdough STEM Challenge for Kids from The Educators’ Spin on It
Fidget Spinner STEM Challenge Cards from Preschool Powol Packets
Newspaper Engineering Challenge from The Educators’ Spin on It
Straw Engineering Challenge from Lemon Lime Adventures
Cups, Craft Sticks, and Blocks Engineering Challenges from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Lego Boat and Penny Engineering Challenge from Handmade Kids Art
Design a Seed Engineering Challenge from Share It! Science News
Clothespin Airplane Engineering Challenge from Schooling a Monkey
Spaghetti Tower Marshmallow Challenge from Tinkerlab
Build a Homemade Marble Run from Buggy and Buddy
Build an Igloo with Toothpicks and Marshmallows from Lemon Lime Adventures
Star Wars STEAM Challenge Cards from Left Brain Craft Brain
Make It Move! from STEAM Powered Family
Mondrian-Inspired STEAM Playdough Challenge from The Preschool Toolbox
Balance a Rock Sculpture from Handmade Kids Art
Log Pile House Building Challenge from Inspiration Laboratories
Be sure to check out STEAM Kids book and ebook for even more creative STEM and STEAM ideas!
