Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are all in high demand. It’s so important that kids are exposed to these subjects in age-appropriate practical applications as they grow up. Things like problem-solving and group work, using the engineering process, can make even simple STEM Challenges extremely beneficial. Awesome STEM Activities for kids don’t have to use fancy materials and take hours of set-up time. Low-prep activities can be some of the most memorable for your students and simple and inexpensive materials can spark creativity without breaking the bank. Here’s a top 10 list of inexpensive and easy-to-find materials for your classroom this year.
1. Popsicle Sticks
There are so many uses for popsicle sticks! Bridges, catapults, towers, structures, shapes … the possibilities are endless.
> Activity that uses popsicle sticks: Popsicle Stick Bridge (Click Here)
2. Foil
Foil is very versatile. It can be used for making boats, waterslides, pools, or interesting inventions.
> Activity that uses aluminum foil: Aluminum Foil Boats (click here)
3. Toilet Paper Tubes and Paper Towels
Not only are tubes super-fun to build things with, but they are also FREE. One of my students’ favorite activities is the marble run challenge where they make marble runs from toilet paper and paper towel tubes, paper plates, and tape.
> Activity that uses toilet paper tubes: Marble Run (click here)
4. A Selection of Tape Varieties
Duct tape, packaging tape, painter’s tape, scotch tape, circle stickers, electrical tape, washi tape, medical tape, floral tape …. let them experiment to see what works best for their current design. Note, do NOT get the off-brand duct tape. The off-brand duct tape often doesn’t stick well to cardboard and can cause unnecessary frustration for your students!!
> Activity that uses Tape: Straw Bridge (click here)
5. Straws
Cheap and easy to find, straws can be used in a variety of fun ways. It’s always great to have a selection of different types and sizes.
> Activity that uses straws: St. Patrick’s Day Task Cards (click here)
6. Pipe Cleaners
These work well as building elements but also as connectors when used in creative ways.
> Activity that uses pipe cleaners: Valentine’s Day STEM Task Cards (click here)
7. Note Cards
Note cards come in a variety of sizes and colors. They work well for building bridges, towers, and as a material in other projects as well.
> Activity that uses notecards: Index Card Tower (click here)
8. Variety of Items for Testing Designs
Different sized balls such as marbles, ping-pong balls, & bouncy balls work well for testing rollercoasters, marble runs, and other such gravity-fed creations. Pennies work well for testing weight capabilities and marshmallows for low-impact projectiles. Sometimes a small action figure comes in handy as well.
> Activity that uses marbles: Marble Roller Coaster (click here)
9. Paper Cups
Birthday party-style paper cups are my favorite and the most versatile. Plus they come in fun colors and are one of the best super-cheap STEM supplies at Dollar Tree.
> Activity that uses Paper Cups: Marshmallow Shooter (click here)
10. Rubberbands
These work well as connectors and projectile launchers. Having a variety of sizes and thicknesses adds a level of trial and error to the problem-solving process.
> Activity that uses Rubberbands: Marshmallow Catapult (click here)
