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STEAM Activities

Winter STEM Projects for Kids

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Snow, icicles, frost, and more! There are so many fun things to explore in the winter.

These fun Winter STEM Projects for Kids will help you and your children explore all these fun aspects (and more).

So, let’s gather some supplies and get ready to learn.

Learn and have fun with all of these winter STEM projects for kids. Explore snow, ice, cold temperatures and more winter fun.

You’ll find projects to help you explore snow and ice. Or, explore a favorite winter drink. You’ll create, you’ll explore, and you’ll learn a lot. 

Let’s go have some fun!

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Learn and have fun with all of these winter STEM projects for kids. Explore snow, ice, cold temperatures and more winter fun.

Science Winter STEM Projects

Learn about friction with our fun Hockey Science Experiment.

Practice prediction and observation while you experiment with our Melting Snow Science Experiment.

Explore a favorite winter drink with our fun Hot Chocolate Science Experiment.

Make frost and explore winter weather with this Frost Snowman Experiment from Science Sparks.

Learn and have fun with all of these winter STEM projects for kids. Explore snow, ice, cold temperatures and more winter fun.

Art Winter STEM Projects

Explore melting snow to make art with this snow process art project from Mom Explores the Smokies.

Grow salt crystals to decorate your paper snowflakes with this fun Growing Salt Crystals project from Little Bins for Little Hands.

Use science to make beautiful frosty windows with this Epsom Salt Painting idea from Babies to Bookworms.

Create beautiful colorful icicles with this Colorful Icicle Science Project from Housing a Forest.

Learn and have fun with all of these winter STEM projects for kids. Explore snow, ice, cold temperatures and more winter fun.

Winter Engineering STEM Activities

Build a snowman with this fun STEM Snowman Craft from How Wee Learn.

Explore symmetry while you build beautiful snowflakes with this fun Pipe Cleaner Snowflake craft from The Joy of Sharing.

Put together a Winter Tinkering Kit from Little Bins for Little Hands and let your kids build and explore. 

Engineer an ice lantern with this fun project from STEAM Powered Family.

Learn and have fun with all of these winter STEM projects for kids. Explore snow, ice, cold temperatures and more winter fun.

You may also like one of these fun winter activities:

10 Ways to Explore Nature in Winter

Fun Winter Nature Books for Kids

Snow Painting

The Best Winter Art Projects for Kids

Learn and have fun with all of these winter STEM projects for kids. Explore snow, ice, cold temperatures and more winter fun.

My Must-Have STEM Resources

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have time to prep fun STEM projects. That’s why I love Green Kid Crafts Discovery boxes. The boxes are packed full of projects that are fun and inviting. You can choose to get a subscription or a one-off box based off of a specific theme. Any one you choose would be a lot of fun!

Here are some of our favorites (you can purchase and find out more at each link):

Get a monthly subscription.

Intro to Electricity Box

Physics Box

Find all their fun STEM and science boxes here.

STEAM Family Activities

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.



STEAM Family Fun Email List Sign Up

5 Fun Ways to Learn With a Daily Weather Report

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I don’t know about you, but I check the weather app on my phone every single day. Sometimes, I’ll check multiple times.

But, do you ever share this habit with your kids? You should. It’s a great way to learn.

There’s more you can do than just simply checking in the weather. Check out these fun ways to learn with a daily weather report.

This simple STEM activity is fun and requires absolutely no prep time!

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Five Ways to Learn with a Daily Weather Report

Compare temperatures

Use your math skills to discover the difference in temperatures. Find the difference between a day’s high temperature and its low temperature.

For example: Today’s high is 88 degrees and the low is 59 degrees. I use subtraction to find the difference. There will be a 29 degree difference today!

You could compare temperatures over the week. Record the temperature at the same time everyday. For example: What was the temperature at 3:00 pm every day? Find the temperature difference over the week. Find the difference between the week’s highest temperature and the lowest temperature. Or, simply find the difference between Monday’s 3:00 pm temperature and Tuesday’s 3:00 pm difference.

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Learn to read a radar

Nowadays, we carry a weather report around in our pocket and can access it anytime. Because of that, I consider it a life skill to be able to click on the radar and know what it is telling you.

Do you know what all the colors mean? Do you know how to make the radar move and understand what it tells you?

Share this information with your kids and teach them how to understand what you’re seeing on the radar.

Note: You will want to pick a rainy or snowy day for this. There’s not much to see on the radar on a clear day!

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Learn about predictions

Weather forecasting is all about making predictions. But, these predictions are pulled out of thin air, they’re based on a lot of information like weather patterns, radars, climate, and more.

You can learn more with one of these informative books:

Weather Forecasting by Gail Gibbons

Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons

What Will the Weather Be? by Lynda DeWitt

Or, you can try this activity to learn more about weather prediction. Record the weather first thing in the morning. At the end of the day, go back to this prediction. Was the weather forecast correct? What changed?

Next look at the extended forecast and find the prediction for three days from now and five days from now. Was the forecast correct? What changed? Can you come up with some reasons why?

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Use the weather report to plan the week

How does the weather report help you plan for the day or for the week? It can tell you whether you need to wear a winter coat or a light jacket. Or whether or not you need to grab an umbrella.

Are you planning a trip to the pool? Sit down with your kids and the extended forecast and have them help you pick the best day to go.

Look at the weather report before picking out your clothes for the next day. How did the weather report help you plan?

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Other weather report activities

What else can you learn with a daily weather report?

You can find all sorts of information: rain totals, wind speed, air pressure, pollen count, etc.

You can look up cities around the world and see how it is different from what where you live.

Can you come up with some more ways to learn with a daily weather report?

Get ready to learn with these fun daily weather for kids activities. Learn to read a radar, use the weather forecast, and more.

You may also like one of these fun STEM activities:

Easy Sun Prints STEM Activity

Melting Crayons Science Activity

Melting Snow Science Experiment

What Causes Storms? Science Experiment at Frogs-and-Fairies

Learn More With a Book About the Weather

Combine this weather activity with a fun book to learn even more. Here are some great weather books that I’d recommend:

Do want more STEM activities?

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.



Fun STEM Building Toys for Kids

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One of the foundations of STEM education is engineering. I love this part because it is so creative.

If you want to encourage your kids to experiment with engineering, here are some fun STEM building toys you can have at home.

They’re great open-ended toys that will encourage creativity and STEM learning.

Encourage STEM learning at home with these fun open-ended STEM building toys for kids that will encourage creativity and engineering projects.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

What Does STEM Toys Mean?

What exactly is a STEM toy?

It’s one that encourages kids to learn a combination of science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on way.

There are a ton of STEM toys to choose from, but this list focuses only on engineering toys, specifically STEM building toys.

These toys are so much fun and are great investments. Your kids will have hours of fun!

Is LEGO a STEM Toy?

Absolutely!

LEGO Bricks encourage building and engineering skills both by designing and building your own structures or by learning to read instruction when you put together a fun set.

Or, use your Bricks to do one of these fun LEGO STEM Challenges!

I’ve included some great basic sets in this list as well as a fun add-on to use your LEGO Bricks to build basic machines.

STEM Building Toys for Kids

Encourage your kids to learn and have fun with this collection of open-ended STEM building toys. They're perfect for your little engineers!

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box (790 Pieces)

Photo Credit: amazon.com

LEGO is the classic STEM toy. While there are a ton of fun themed sets, a classic set like this will encourage kids to be create and come up with their own designs.

Klutz LEGO Gadgets Science & Activity Kit

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Combine your LEGO bricks with this fun LEGO Gadgets set so you can build fun and simple machines.

LEGO DUPLO All-In-One Box of Fun (65 Pieces)

Photo Credit: amazon.com

If your kids are still too little for the classic LEGO bricks, get a fun bin of Duplo blocks which are perfect for preschoolers and toddlers.

Tinkertoy 30 Model Super Building Set

Photo Credit: amazon.com

I love LEGOs as a kid, but I also loved my set of Tinkertoys. Here is a fun updated version of this classic building toy.

Jumbo Cardboard Blocks

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Build big structures with this set of cardboard blocks. They're lightweight, safe, and easy to use.

Crazy Forts Building Set

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Use this fort building set to build giant structures that you can actually play in.

Marble Run Set

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Marble runs are a great STEM engineering project and you can make them over and over again with this fun marble run set.

Brain Flakes Interlocking Plastic Disc Set (500 Pieces)

Photo Credit: amazon.com

You can build anything you can imagine with this fun interlocking discs building set.

Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Magnetic tiles are an extremely popular STEM building toy. These are so many fun options, but this 100-piece set is a great starting point.

Magnetic Rods and Balls Building Blocks

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Or, you can try a different sort of magnet building set with this fun magnetic rods and balls building set.

Learning Resources Gears! Gizmos Building Set

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Strengthen your problem-solving and engineering skills by building with this fun Gears and Gizmos building set.

Roller Coaster Challenge STEM Toy

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Design and build roller coasters with this fun Roller Coaster Challenge set.

Which of these STEM building toys to you think would be fun to have at home?

Encourage STEM learning at home with these fun open-ended STEM building toys for kids that will encourage creativity and engineering projects.

You may also like one of these fun STEM activities:

Paper Plate STEM Projects

Easy Sun Prints STEM Activity

Marshmallow Engineering STEAM Building Challenge

Egg Carton Building Blogs at The Pinterested Parent

Subscribe to get STEAM Family Challenges delivered to your inbox

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.



Thanksgiving STEM Projects for Kids

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Are you looking for some fun Thanksgiving STEM activities?

Well, I’ve got your back.

I’ve got STEM projects inspired by pumpkin pie and some that use cranberries. So, get ready to learn and have fun with these great activities.

Learn and have fun with pumpkins, pie, cranberries, and more with this fun collection of Thanksgiving STEM activities for kids.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

What is STEM?

STEM activities are made up of a combination of different subjects. STEM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Most STEM activities combine at least two of these subjects. Many combine three or even all four.

They’re fun and hands-on activities that promote learning by doing.

The STEM projects in this list and all inspired by Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving STEM Projects for Kids

Try some fun Thanksgiving STEM activities inspired by turkeys, pumpkins, pie and more!

Pumpkin Pie Fractions Activity

Practice your fractions with this fun activity inspired by your favorite Thanksgiving pie.

Balloons over Broadway: Book and Craft

Can you design your own parade balloon inspired by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Making Butter

Make butter for your Thanksgiving table with this fun STEM experiment.

3D Printable Turkey Cone Craft

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Explore cones with this fun 3-D printable turkey.

Magical Dancing Corn

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Can you make corn dance? This fun science-based project makes it happen.

Thanksgiving Science Experiments with Cranberries

Photo Credit: jdaniel4smom.com

Grab some cranberries for some fun sink or float experiments.

10 Ways to Use Indian Corn for Autumn Learning

Photo Credit: www.homeschoolingmykinetickids.com

Learn with Indian corn with several fun STEM activities

How to Make a Turkey Drawbot

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

Turn a turkey craft into a robot with this fun Drawbot project.

Thanksgiving STEM Building Cranberry Structures

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Build with a Thanksgiving favorite when you make cranberry structures.

Turkey Bookmark Corner DIY

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Learn symmetry while doing origami when you make this cute turkey bookmark.

Build the Pilgrims a Tin Foil Boat STEM Challenge

Photo Credit: jdaniel4smom.com

Build a boat for the pilgrims with this fun STEM challenge.

No-Stress Thanksgiving STEM Challenge

Photo Credit: preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com

Experiment with feathers and floating when you try this fun STEM challenge.

Thanksgiving Papercraft in 3D

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Create a cool 3-D paper craft with this cool STEAM craft.

One to One Correspondence Preschool Counting Thanksgiving Activity

Photo Credit: www.fromengineertosahm.com

Practice one to one correspondence with this fun preschool STEM activity.

Exploring A Pumpkin Activity

Photo Credit: www.adabofgluewilldo.com

Explore the insides of a pumpkin with this fun STEM craft and activity.

Indian Corn Science Experiment

Photo Credit: preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com

Explore nature with this fun science activity when you try to grow Indian corn.

Painting Pumpkins with Paintballs: A Quick STEAM Activity

Photo Credit: www.fromengineertosahm.com

Make pumpkin prints with paintball when you try this fun (and messy) STEAM activity.

Which of these fun Thanksgiving STEM activities are you going to try with your kids?

Fun Thanksgiving STEM Projects for Kids

My Favorite Resource for STEM at Home

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have time to prep a fun science project. That’s why I love Green Kid Crafts Discovery boxes. The boxes are packed full of projects that are fun and inviting. You can choose to get a subscription or a one-off box based off of a specific theme. Any one you choose would be a lot of fun!

Get a subscription here.

Do More Fun Activities With Your Family

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Paper Plate STEM Projects

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Paper plates aren’t just for food!

In fact, we hardly ever eat on them. More than likely, we’re using them for a fun activity or craft.

Like all of these great Paper Plate STEM Projects. They all start with some plain paper plates.

Grab a pack of paper plates to try all of these fun Paper Plate STEM projects for kid. You'll find math, science, engineering, and more.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

What Are the Best Paper Plates to Use for Activities?

Luckily, the best paper plates for activities are the least expensive. So, put down the fancy birthday party plates. You’ll want to avoid anything decorative or coated.

The best plates you can get are the plain, white, uncoated paper plates. The uncoated is the important part. The slick coating on coated plates makes it impossible to paint.

Once you’ve got your uncoated paper plates in hand, you’ll want to do some fun activities!

Fun Paper Plate STEM Projects

Here’s a great line-up of STEM (which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math) projects you can do with paper plates.

Some of these great ideas even include an element of art!

Paper Plate STEM Projects

Fun STEM projects for kids that use paper plates. Fun math, science, engineering projects and more!

Paper Plate Layers of the Earth Project

Learn about the layers of the earth and create a paper plate model with this fun activity.

Phases of the Moon Mobile

Use paper plates to create a fun phases of the moon mobile.

Pumpkin Pie Fractions Activity

Learn about fractions with this fun paper plate pie fractions activity

Magnetic Squirrel and Acorn Fall Craft

Photo Credit: www.thejoysharing.com

Create a fun magnetic craft when you make this fall squirrel picture (templates included!)

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin Paper Plate Craft

Photo Credit: carrotsareorange.com

Explore the life cycle of a pumpkin with this fun paper plate craft.

Simple Paper Plate Learning Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Photo Credit: team-cartwright.com

Use paper plates to make a fun set of learning & STEM activities for your little ones.

Pi Day Inspired String Art Activity

Photo Credit: www.pinkstripeysocks.com

Learn all about the number Pi when you create this colorful sting art using a paper plate.

How to Make a Pumpkin Puzzle with a Paper Plate

Photo Credit: preschooltoolkit.com

Use your math skills to create a fun paper plate puzzle.

Autumn Tree Paper Plate Whirligig

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Create a fun whirligig STEM craft for autumn.

Rocking Paper Plate Boat - Red Ted Art

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Use your paper plates to make a boat that actually rocks.

Octopus Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Photo Credit: preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com

Use a paper plate to help learn about octopus and how they move.

STEAM / STEM Challenge to go with Giraffes Can't Dance

Photo Credit: preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com

Use paper plates to help create your own musical instrument with this STEM challenge inspired by Giraffes Can't Dance.

Which of these fun projects do you want to do with your kids?

Fun Paper Plate STEM activities for kids

Where to Find Paper Plates for Activities

You can typically find plain, white, uncoated paper plates in any grocery or big box stores. They typically come in big (but inexpensive) packages, so you’ll definitely be on the lookout for plenty of fun paper plate activities.

If you like to shop on Amazon, here are a few sets of paper plates that will work.

More STEM Activities to Try

Edible STEM Projects for Kids

Fun STEM Building Toys for Kids

Marshmallow STEM Activities for Kids

Balloon STEM Activities for Kids

Do you want to do more activities with your family?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.