If you’re looking for ways to get your upper elementary students excited about learning, STEM activities are the way to go! These hands-on projects encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, all while reinforcing important science, technology, engineering, and math skills. The best part? You don’t need fancy materials or complicated setups to make STEM activities engaging and effective. Keep reading to learn about STEM activities elementary students will love.
Keeping students engaged in science lessons can sometimes be a challenge. However, introducing hands-on projects, like a simple bridge-building challenge using straws and tape, can transform the classroom into a hub of excitement. Students become deeply engaged in the learning process when allowed to collaborate, brainstorm designs, test structures, and refine their ideas. These types of STEM activities not only foster creativity but also strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills, making learning more interactive and meaningful.
Fun and Easy STEM Activities for Upper Elementary
Adding STEM activities to the classroom can take a little planning, but the activities are always so much fun! Here are some simple STEM activities elementary students can complete throughout the year. They work on creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and more!
Build a Paper Roller Coaster: Students can design and build roller coasters using paper, tape, and a few marbles. This activity fosters engineering skills and problem-solving as students adjust their designs to ensure the marble completes the track.
Create a Catapult: Have students construct mini catapults using craft sticks, rubber bands, and a bottle cap. They can test different designs to see which launches objects the farthest, incorporating lessons on force, motion, and angles.
Bridge Building Challenge: Give students limited supplies (like straws, index cards, or popsicle sticks) and challenge them to build a bridge that can support weight. This activity strengthens teamwork and structural engineering skills.
Balloon-Powered Cars: Students can design cars that move using air propulsion using balloons, straws, and cardboard wheels. This activity interactively demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
Water Filtration Experiment: Provide students with sand, gravel, coffee filters, and other materials to create water filtration systems. They can test how well their designs remove dirt and debris, reinforcing lessons on environmental science.
Books That Pair Well with STEM Activities
Pairing STEM activities with engaging books can help students connect hands-on learning to real-world applications. Here are some great options:
“Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty: This engaging, rhyming picture book follows Rosie, a young girl passionate about inventing. She secretly builds contraptions at night but becomes discouraged when one of her inventions doesn’t work as planned. With the encouragement of her great-great-aunt Rose (inspired by Rosie the Riveter), she learns that failure is just a step toward success. This book is fantastic for teaching perseverance, a growth mindset, and the importance of trial and error in engineering.
“The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires: A relatable story about a young girl who has a brilliant idea and sets out to build “the most magnificent thing.” However, frustration sets in when her creation doesn’t turn out as expected. Through determination and a fresh perspective, she eventually succeeds. This book is perfect for sparking discussions on creativity, problem-solving, and resilience when things are unplanned.
“Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty: Iggy Peck has loved building since he was a toddler, constructing towers from diapers and bridges from chalk. However, his teacher dislikes his architectural passion—until a classroom emergency requires Iggy’s skills to save the day! This book pairs well with STEM challenges like bridge-building activities and helps students appreciate the role of architecture in the world around them.
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba: Based on a true story, this inspiring book follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi who, after reading about windmills in a book, invents his own to generate electricity for his village. His resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity make this a powerful read for encouraging innovation, problem-solving, and perseverance. Both picture book and chapter book versions are available.
“What Do You Do with an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a child who has an idea but isn’t sure what to do with it. As the concept grows and takes shape, the child learns to nurture and believe in it, despite doubts and fears. This book is a great conversation starter about creativity, confidence, and the courage to pursue new ideas.
Keep Encouraging STEM Exploration
Incorporating STEM activities in your upper elementary classroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple, engaging projects help students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills while making learning fun. Whether you’re engineering roller coasters, building bridges, or launching balloon-powered cars, these hands-on experiences will keep students engaged and eager to explore.
Remember, you’re making a difference every day by fostering curiosity and problem-solving in your students. Keep up the great work—you’re shaping the next generation of innovators!
