STEM Activities: Engineering and Math

Engineering:

1. Engineer a Gumdrop 

Give your child a bowl of gumdrops and a box of toothpicks and give them challenges, such as “build a structure with 10 gumdrops and 20 toothpicks.” Alternatively, you could use mini marshmallows. The good thing about this STEM activity is that it cleans up easily. Just eat the gumdrops!

##ad##

2. LEGO Bridge Building

LEGO bricks are great for little engineers. In this challenge, build several bridges and test their strength and stability.

3. Construct a Cardboard Town

Cardboard Town Courtesy of Moomah the Magazine

This is a playful introduction to civil engineering. We once built a box town, and it was great fun for weeks. I used several boxes of different sizes and covered them with construction paper. The kids drew doors and windows and decorated them each uniquely. We made paper roads and used trees and tracks from their train table.

Math:

1. Explore Geometric Shapes

Geometry STEM Activity Courtesy of Little Bins for Little Hands

What you’ll need: Printed geometric shapes, popsicle sticks, foam sheets, scissors, and magnetic numbers.

Trace the shapes onto the foam sheets and cut them out. Use the popsicle sticks to frame the shapes and count how many it takes. Put the corresponding magnetic number inside.

2. Play a Math App

Try Mathmateer, Ghostblasters, or the Math Climber app. Each game makes math dynamic and interactive with fun visuals that kids will love.

##adbig##

3. Make Patterns

Using beads, LEGO bricks, or anything that you have in multiple colors, work on creating patterns. We are particularly fond of Qixels beads here, and they are perfect for creating patterns. When you spray them, the beads stick together and your kid can keep his creation!

We've had a ton of fun with these STEM activities and hope you do, too. Experiment for the next upcoming science fair or just for some weekend fun!

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.