20+ Engineering STEM Challenges With Simple Materials
20+ Engineering STEM Challenges With Simple Materials
These 20 Engineering STEM Challenges are great because they use simple materials you probably have at home already.. and they are fun!
I don’t know about you, but the supplies in my home right now are a little scarce. Now that we have to homeschool our kids for the first time, I realize how important it is to do engineering activities with my kids.
STEM is an excellent opportunity for your kids to get interested in things like architecture and building without having to open up a textbook! These STEM challenges are great excellent motor practice, and give your kids a chance to build something awesome! Here are some engineering STEM challenges that use simple materials you probably already have at home.
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1. Build A Hand Crank Winch
Put those paper roll tubes to good use!
2. Cork Raft
Can you make this raft float?
3. Stick Tracks Transportation Investigation Station
Great for train lovers! And an easy STEM challenge for younger kids.
4. DIY Magnetic Marble Run
Your kids have probably played with a version of this at the science center. Why not create one at home?
5. How Strong is an Eggshell?
The answer might actually surprise you.
6. Cheerio Towers
Kids can use play dough and spaghetti… and of course every kid’s favorite cereal. A low prep and high fun activity.
7. Easter Egg Stacking Challenge
This would be an excellent addition to the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
8. Shape Build-Up
A fantastic way for Kindergartners to learn shapes.
9. Engineer Launchers
These launchers are super cool. Spend the afternoon making these and have fun launching them!
10. Summer Engineering Project
Can you make your watermelon float?
11. How to Build the Eiffel Tower
See if your kids can build a replica of the Eiffel Tower (or any other structure) with rolls of paper.
12. Solo Cup Engineering Challenge
This is a great activity for preschoolers, but could also be a fun challenge for grade-schoolers as well.
13. Easy Upcycled Catapult
This is the simplest catapult you can imagine but would be so much fun for younger kids.
14. One Minute Marshmallow Engineering Challenge
Marshmallows and wooden sticks. See if your kid’s can build a tall tower!
15. Peeps Parachute STEM Challenge
Can you make a PEEPS Parachute that actually works? Challenge on!
16. Castle STEAM Challenge
Build a castle with a working draw bridge! This is a really fun idea and it could literally take almost the entire day.
17. Water Clock Easy STEM Activity
This clock really works! Such a neat STEM experiment.
18. C is for Catapult
Another great catapult idea that uses craft sticks. Challenge your kids to see whose catapult launches farther.
19. Funicular Trains Pulleys
It’s really cool to see how string and cups can be turned into a train pulley.
20. Create a Rock Maze
Create a maze and use it as a highway for toy cars and other vehicles.
21. Rosie Revere Hovercraft
Learn about this famous character from WWII history and build a hovercraft!
22. How to Make a Conveyor Belt
This would be awesome to make for a LEGO toy.
23. Mystery Tinker Bag
This is a cool and surprisingly simple idea that combines engineering with creativity.
24. How to Make a Simple Bridge for Toy Cars
Structural engineering challenge for the win!
25. Easy Spinning Top Marker Art
This is a fantastic STEM activity for preschoolers and toddlers. A great introduction to engineering.
26. Stone Age Tools Engineering Challenge
Build a tool you could have used during the Stone Age!
27. DIY Pulley
Use your stairs and see what you can transport from one level to another!
28. Strong Shapes
Help your kids build shapes with simple paper.
29. Build Magnetic Metal Robots
Yes, you can actually build a simple robot with magnets. How awesome is that?!
