National STEM & STEAM Day is observed on November 8th every year! This day is dedicated to the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics and encourages students to expand their knowledge and consider careers in these fields. You may think that STEM education starts when your child is older; however, the foundational concepts of STEM can be taught at any age. In this blog, we’ll give you a few activity ideas for you to consider in preparing for National STEM Day!
1. Color Mixing with Water (Science + Art)
This activity introduces children to the science of color and encourages creativity through art.
What you need:
Clear cups or bowls
Water
Primary color food coloring (red, blue, yellow)
Droppers or spoons
Instructions: Fill each cup with water and add a few drops of food coloring to create different primary colors. Provide droppers or spoons and let children mix colors in empty bowls to discover new ones. They’ll love seeing red and blue become purple or yellow and blue become green!
2. Building Towers with Blocks (Engineering + Math)
Engineering is all about designing and building. This simple activity helps preschoolers practice motor skills and understand balance and structure.
What you need:
Wooden or foam blocks
Measuring tape or ruler
Instructions: Challenge your child to build the tallest tower they can! Measure how tall the tower is and see if they can beat their own height. Discuss the idea of balance and which blocks work best as a foundation.
3. Magnetic Fishing Game (Science + Technology)
This game introduces children to the concept of magnetism and how magnets attract certain metals.
What you need:
Paper clips
Magnets
String
Construction paper (to make fish)
A stick (to make a fishing pole)
Instructions: Create fish shapes out of paper and attach a paper clip to each one. Tie a magnet to a string and attach it to a stick to make a fishing pole. Let the kids go “fishing” for paper fish, explaining how magnets attract metal.
4. Nature Scavenger Hunt (Science)
A nature scavenger hunt is an excellent way to get children outside, exploring the natural world around them.
What you need:
Scavenger hunt list (e.g., leaf, rock, twig, flower)
A basket or bag for collecting items
Instructions: Give each child a list of simple items to find outside. As they collect their items, talk about the different textures, colors, and sizes. You can also discuss how each item fits into the environment, such as the role of leaves and twigs in nature.
5. Sink or Float Experiment (Science)
Introduce the basic concepts of density and buoyancy with this easy water experiment.
What you need:
A large container filled with water
Various objects (e.g., small toys, coins, leaves, plastic spoons)
Instructions: Let the children guess which objects will sink and which will float. Then, drop each item into the water and see if their predictions were correct. Talk about why some objects sink while others float.
6. Pattern Play with Beads (Math)
This activity develops mathematical thinking by focusing on patterns and sequencing.
What you need:
Beads of different colors and shapes
String or pipe cleaners
Instructions: Help children create patterns by threading beads onto a string or pipe cleaner. You can make simple patterns like red-blue-red-blue or more complex ones like red-red-blue-yellow-red. This teaches children about sequences and basic math concepts like repetition and symmetry.
7. Marble Painting (Art + Science)
STEAM activities that combine science and art foster creativity while introducing scientific principles.
What you need:
PainT
Marbles
Paper
A shallow box or tray
Instructions: Place a piece of paper in the tray and drop a few marbles dipped in paint. Let the children tilt the tray to roll the marbles around, creating colorful patterns. This activity helps develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills while allowing for creative expression.