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STEAM Activities

Marshmallow STEM Activities

April 19, 2022 By Terri Thompson

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a stale bag of marshmallows in your cupboard.

It’s wasteful to just throw them away, but nobody wants to eat them. So, what can you do?

Try some STEM projects, of course! Here are 12 fun marshmallow STEM activities that will use up all of those stale marshmallows.

Build, learn, and explore with these fun marshmallow 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.

STEM Activities with Marshmallows

Grab that bag of stale marshmallows and a few addition supplies. Pick out one of these fun marshmallow STEM activities, and get started learning with your kids. These activities are all fun and easy to do. And, you probably already have all the supplies you need.

Marshmallow STEM Activities

Build, create, and learn with these fun STEM activities with marshmallows.

Marshmallow Engineering STEAM Building Challenge

Use toothpicks and marshmallows to create some fun STEM building challenges.

Giant Marshmallows and Glow Stick Structures

Photo Credit: www.3princessesand1dude.co.uk

Take your marshmallow building up a notch by using glow sticks and giant marshmallows!

Easter Bunny Launcher: A Peeps STEM Experiment

Photo Credit: team-cartwright.com

Build a fun launcher for you Peeps! And, don't worry, you don't have to wait until Easter to build this. You can find Peeps for any holiday, or just use large marshmallows in your launcher.

Easy Marshmallow Catapult Activity

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Build a catapult with your marshmallows to launch even more marshmallows. So much fun!

How To Make Edible Marshmallow Slime Recipe (Strawberry)

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Use your marshmallows as the main ingredient in this edible slime recipe.

Building Shapes with Marshmallows and Toothpicks

Photo Credit: homeschoolpreschool.net

Combine math and engineering to build 2-D and 3-D shapes with toothpicks and marshmallows.

Marshmallow Shooter Kids Activity

Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Build a shooter for your mini marshmallows.

Marshmallow Science Experiment-Color Change

Photo Credit: www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

What happens when marshmallows dissolve? Find out with this fun marshmallow science experiment.

Marshmallow Science Experiment

Photo Credit: www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

Use different liquids to see if it makes a difference in how marshmallows dissolve.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Science

Photo Credit: www.adabofgluewilldo.com

Does the temperature of hot chocolate affect that rate at which a marshmallow dissolves. Find out with this fun experiment.

PEEPS Parachute STEM Challenge

Photo Credit: thepreschooltoolboxblog.com

Create parachutes for your Peeps (or jumbo marshmallows) and experiment with gravity.

Marshmallow Star Constellations for Kids

Photo Credit: www.kcedventures.com

Use your marshmallows and toothpicks to build and learn about star constellations.

Fun Marshmallow STEM Activities for Kids

More STEM Activities for Kids

Hot Chocolate Science Experiment

Balloon STEM Activities for Kids

Spinning Tops Color Mixing STEM Activity

Winter STEM Projects for Kids

Get STEM Projects Through the Mail

Every month, we get a fun STEM box through the mail. Our Green Kid Crafts boxes that we get every month have been so much fun. We’ve explored bubbles, the human body, slime, and more fun stuff.

Each box comes with 3-4 fun STEM activities based around a certain theme. You can do like we do and subscribe to a monthly box. You can also buy single boxes based on specific themes.

Check out all the Green Kid Crafts boxes here.

Subscribe to get Family STEM 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

November 2, 2021 By Terri Thompson

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.

Balloon STEM Activities for Kids

May 17, 2021 By Terri Thompson

STEM activities don’t have to be complicated. In fact, all of these fun ideas use simple supplies and have one thing in common – balloons!

So, swing by the party supplies and pick of up a pack of balloons so you can get started on these fun balloon STEM activities.

Have fun learning with the simple Balloon STEM Activities. Your kids will learn so much and have a lot of fun while they're at it.

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.

Fun Balloon STEM Activities

The ideas below are great for learning after school and on the weekend. And, any of them would make a fun family activity.

Are you ready to have some fun?

Check out all these awesome activities, choose your favorite, gather some supplies, and get started learning.

Balloon STEM Activities

Fun STEM activities that you can do with balloons!

Grow the Grinch's Heart Science Experiment

Use a chemical reaction to blow up your balloon! Hint: You can do this any time of the year, just change the design on your balloon.

Balloons over Broadway: Book and Craft

Make your own parade balloon with this fun STEM project.

Cool Balloon Experiments

Photo Credit: www.teach-me-mommy.com

Try one (or all) of these 3 fun experiments.

Cupidโ€™s Arrow Balloon Physics Challenge โ€“ STEM Activity

Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Get out the balloons for a fun physics challenge that's not just for Valentine's Day!

Confetti Cannon STEM Challenge โ€“ 2 Design Challenges For Young Engineers

Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Use balloons to make a fun confetti cannon!

H is for Hovercraft

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

Use a balloon to power a hovercraft.

LEGO Balloon Car DIY Lego Building Kit

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Use balloons to power a LEGO car with this fun idea.

Balloon Air Pressure Experiments for Kids

Photo Credit: www.darcyandbrian.com

Learn about air pressure with this simple balloon experiment.

Magic Light Bulb Balloon Science Experiment

Photo Credit: happybrownhouse.com

Try the magic light bulb experiment.

Balloon Rocket STEM Activity

Photo Credit: happybrownhouse.com

Make a simple balloon rocket.

Make a balloon powered sponge boat

Photo Credit: www.thecrafttrain.com

Use a balloon to power a simple sponge boat.

How To Make a Solar System Model

Photo Credit: creeksidelearning.com

Use balloons to make a model of the solar system.

Which one of these fun balloon STEM activities are you going to try first?

If you’ve got a whole pack of balloons, I bet you’d have enough for all these projects!

Have fun learning with the simple Balloon STEM Activities. Your kids will learn so much and have a lot of fun while they're at it.

More Simple STEM Activities You’ll Love

Color STEM Activities

Hockey Science Experiment

Phases of the Moon Mobile

Melting Crayons Science Activity

My Must-Have STEM Resource

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!

Try the Kitchen Science Box
The Green Energy Box
Or try a monthly subscription.

Paper Plate STEM Projects

March 18, 2021 By Terri Thompson

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

Melting Snow Science Experiment

February 17, 2021 By Terri Thompson

We’ve had plenty of snow this year, but the sub-zero temps have been keeping us inside most days.

Luckily, with the exception of a quick trip outside to gather snow, this simple melting snow science experiment is done indoors.

We used the snow to practice both prediction and observation.

Practice making predictions and observations with this simple melting snow science experiment. It's perfect to do on a cold, snowy day!

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.

Supplies needed for your snow science experiment:

Snow (if you don’t have snow, you can use crushed ice)
4 clear jars or drinking glasses
Ruler
Notebook

Let’s start our snow science project!

Step 1:

Measure an equal amount of snow into 4 jars. We added about 2 inches of snow to each. Use the ruler to measure.

Place each jar in 4 different locations. We chose a window (on a grey, cloudy day), a dark room, the refrigerator, and outside (temp was -4 F).

Set a timer for 5 minutes.

Practice making predictions and observations with this simple melting snow science experiment. It's perfect to do on a cold, snowy day!

Step 2:

Record your predictions.

We asked the question, which jar of snow will melt first?

We then ranked them from the fastest melting to the slowest.

Each girl had a chance to make individual guesses.

Step 3:

Make your first observations.

When the timer went off, the girls ran around and checked all of the jars. I was their recorder and the person elected to check the frigid outside jar.

After five minutes, we discovered that the jar in the window and the one in the dark room had already started melting. The refrigerator jar had no melting, nor did the one outside (obviously).

After making your first observations, set the timer for an additional 5 or 10 minutes. We chose five.

Step 4:

Make your second observation.

After an additional five minutes had passed, we discovered that our window jar was melting the fastest, and the dark room was second. The refrigerator jar and outside jar still showed no melting.

Practice making predictions and observations with this simple melting snow science experiment. It's perfect to do on a cold, snowy day!

Step 5:

Make your final observations.

After our second observation we left to run a few errands. When we came back, we discovered that despite our initial observations, the jar in the dark room melted faster than the one in the window.

The refrigerator jar had started melting and the one outside was still as frozen as it started out.

What did we learn with our snow science experiment?

This led to a quick examination. Why did the jar in the window stop melting so quickly? The girls discovered a very cold window and a cloudy day.

My 1st grader also observed that the heater had come on and suspected that it helped speed up the melting in the dark room. I love it when their scientific minds start working!

This snow science experiment is perfect for both preschoolers and elementary students. It’s a simple way to introduce making predictions. Your older kids can practice their writing by recording all the observations in the notebook. Plus, it’s simple and safe so that your older kids can do the entire experiment on their own.

Note: This post was originally published on January 6, 2014. Updated and republished on December 29, 2018.

You may also like one of these science experiments:

Hockey Science

Hot Chocolate Science

Christmas Science: Grow the Grinch’s Heart

Fizzy Snow: A Sensory Science Exploration at Inspiration Laboratories

My Must-Have Resources for Science Fun

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!

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

Get a monthly subscription.

Kitchen Science 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
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