Simple, easy-set-up at home activities for STEM week

STEM Week is the perfect time to dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, and who says you have to go to a classroom to do it?

You can set up engaging STEM activities right in the comfort of your own home! Whether you're looking to inspire young minds or just want to have some fun exploring these exciting fields, I've put together a few simple, yet fantastic ideas that are easy to set up and will spark curiosity in your little ones.

1. DIY volcano eruption (science)
A classic, but always a crowd-pleaser! All you need is some baking soda, vinegar, food colouring, and a container (like a plastic bottle or a small cup). Set up your ‘volcano’ by placing the bottle on a tray or dish to catch the mess, then fill it with baking soda. Add a few drops of food colouring to make the eruption more dramatic. When you’re ready, pour vinegar into the bottle and watch the fizzing eruption happen. This experiment is not only fun to watch, but it’s a great way to talk about chemical reactions and the science behind volcanos.

2. Balloon-powered car (engineering)
Got a balloon and a few craft supplies? Then you're ready to build a balloon-powered car! All you need is a plastic bottle, some straws, a balloon, tape, and a pair of scissors. Cut the bottle’s opening to fit a straw, attach wheels (you can use bottle caps or plastic lids), and inflate the balloon before attaching it to the straw. When you release the air, the balloon will propel the car forward! This activity teaches the principles of air pressure, movement, and engineering design – plus, it’s a race to see whose car goes the furthest!

3. Home-made lava lamp (science and technology)
Ever wondered how those groovy lava lamps work? Now’s your chance to make one yourself! For this simple project, you’ll need a glass jar, water, vegetable oil, food colouring, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Start by filling the jar mostly with oil and adding a small amount of water on top (they don’t mix, but that’s okay!). Drop in a few drops of food colouring, then break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into pieces and drop one into the jar. Watch as the bubbles rise and fall like a magical lava lamp! It’s a great way to discuss density, immiscible liquids, and the science behind fizzy reactions.

4. Build your own bridge (engineering)
Test out your engineering skills by designing and building a bridge using simple materials like straws, paper, or even spaghetti. Challenge your kids to create a bridge that can hold a certain weight, like a small toy or a pile of coins. You can talk about the importance of shapes like triangles and how they provide strength. This activity is perfect for introducing concepts of structural integrity and forces.

5. Marshmallow structures (engineering and maths)
For this one, all you need is some marshmallows and toothpicks. Challenge your kids to build the tallest or most creative structure they can. You can turn it into a competition to see whose structure holds the most weight (books or toys) or ask them to design bridges or towers. This activity encourages kids to think about geometry, balance, and the importance of a solid foundation.

6. Water Bbottle rocket (science and technology)
This fun activity uses simple supplies like a plastic bottle, water, and a cork. Fill the bottle a third of the way with water, seal it with the cork (make sure it's tight!), then turn it upside down and place it on a launchpad made from a wooden plank or platform. Using a bike pump, start pumping air into the bottle, and watch it shoot into the air! This is an excellent way to talk about air pressure and Newton’s Third Law of Motion (“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”).

7. Plant growth investigation (science)
Grab a few pots, some soil, and seeds (such as beans or sunflowers), and turn your kitchen or windowsill into a mini science lab. Have your children plant the seeds, then track their growth over the week. You can talk about how plants grow, what they need to thrive (water, sunlight, and soil), and what happens at different stages of growth. This is a fantastic way to discuss biology, nature, and observation skills.

8. Circuit building (technology and engineering)
Introduce your child to the basics of electrical circuits by making a simple circuit with a battery, a small light bulb, and some copper wire. You can even get creative by lighting up a piece of cardboard with a drawn-on circuit or using a buzzer. You don’t need a lot of fancy supplies for this, and it's a brilliant way to learn about the flow of electricity and how circuits work.

9. Paper plane aerodynamics (science and maths)
Make and fly paper planes with a twist: test out different designs and measure which one flies the furthest or stays in the air the longest. You can experiment with folds, materials, and angles to see how each factor affects the flight. This fun activity brings in maths concepts like measurement and angles, while also exploring aerodynamics and physics!

10. Sensory bottles (science and art)
Create calming sensory bottles using water, glitter, food colouring, and various small objects like beads, buttons, or buttons. Seal them tightly with glue, and let your children explore the effect of shaking the bottles. This activity is fantastic for discussing fluid dynamics and sensory experiences, and it’s also very therapeutic!

These activities are simple to set up but pack a big punch in terms of learning and fun. Not only do they give children the chance to play and experiment, but they also provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in some hands-on learning with their little ones. Whether you're building, experimenting, or exploring, there’s always something new to discover in the world of STEM. So, get ready to kick off STEM Week with these easy-to-do activities, and watch your child's curiosity and excitement grow!

Happy STEM Week!

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