Hey Home Educators! Looking for fun and exciting homeschool STEM activities on a tight budget? You’re in luck because we’ve got a treasure trove of ideas that won’t break the bank while keeping those curious minds engaged and excited.
Let’s dive right in!
HOMESCHOOL STEM WITH SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Bring the magic of science right to your kitchen or backyard! Simple experiments using everyday items can spark a love for science. From shooting off a rocket to making ice cream, making a volcano erupt using baking soda and vinegar, or creating rainbow reflections with a glass of water and a flashlight, the possibilities are endless.
There are endless resources out there. Let’s simplify it!
1. Find Quality Sources
DIY Experiments Book: “101 Great Science Experiments” by Neil Ardley.
(DK books are a personal favorite for quality!)
Short on time? These experiments can be conducted in about 10 minutes each. Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments
Learn about famous scientists while doing related experiments with the series: The Kitchen Pantry Scientist (4 book series) Paperback Edition (amazon.com) This set covers Chemistry, Biology Physics, and Math. What is awesome about these books is that they not only have doable and memorable experiments, but also highlight a variety of notable and inspiring scientists in that field.
2. Use the Scientific Method (Free Download!)
Did you know the Scientific Method is cyclical?
By following the Scientific Method, we show how to ask a question, research it, formulate a hypothesis, follow a procedure, analyze results and come to a conclusion.
The conclusion may lead to more questions, and the cycle continues!
The Scientific Method is often presented in a linear format, when in fact, it should be cyclical and ongoing. When we get our results and conclusion, it should launch us into the next question! A scientist’s work is never finished.
3. Keep a Science Experiment Notebook
Depending on their age level, your student may enjoy keeping a science experiment notebook. In their notebook they can track each experiment, draw pictures, come up with their own hypothesis, list out the materials and procedure, and note individual results and observations.
4. Enter a Science Fair (or start one!)
Older students may enjoy focusing on one experiment and really digging into the Scientific Method through entering a science fair. This is a great way to really get to know the level of detail required by scientists! Plus, sharing our hard work with others can be a great learning experience and source of encouragement or accountability.
Check out your local Co-ops, homeschool groups, local networks, and library programs to see when on may be offered in your area. If you don’t see one, start one! You could even do a virtual science fair.
STEM WITH NATURE
Mother Nature is the best teacher! And you don’t need to be a Charlotte Mason follower to take your kids on outdoor adventures to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Make it hands-on! Collect leaves, rocks, and insects, and then embark on a journey of discovery. Identify plants, learn about insects, and study geology—all without spending a dime.
Rhythms and traditions for your homeschool:
Take a Quarterly Nature Walk to usher in the new season.
Not ready to join a Wild + Free Group? Make it a quarterly family tradition to get outside and observe the changes in nature with each season. It doesn’t have to be complicated or over planned.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable
If you are interested in the structure of a curriculum, check out Project Learning Tree
Build your home library (or checkout from the public library) Field Guidebooks such as National Audubon Society Field Guides
Starting a nature journal can be a simple way to document what you observe.
Types of Nature Journals
- Written Journal-document with words. Build vocabulary, practice spelling, learn basic grammar terms. This can be the child writing or giving an oral recitation to a parent to copy down.
- Art Journal-a great way to dive into art using colored pencils, drawing simple sketches, or even watercolors.
- Photography Journal– not interested in taking along art materials? Practice photography skills and put together a collage of your findings.
- Collection-technically not a journal, but collect various leaves, seeds, flowers, and rocks for examining more extensively at home.
Practice the 5 Senses and focus on one sense for the walk: Listen to the various sounds and calls; Observe from far away with a telescope or binoculars, and up-close with a magnifying glass or microscope; Feel all of the various textures in nature, take a rubbing of leaves and bark and notice the patterns and varying “fingerprints” in nature; Notice the various Smells in nature and see if you can describe and identify the source of each scent; Taste may be the most difficult and only do this one if you are experience and knowledgeable in foraging etc., perhaps checkout a book on foraging and talk about the various foods that may be growing wild in your area.
ELEMENTARY STEM CODING ACTIVITIES
Introduce your kids to the world of coding with interactive platforms like Scratch. This free tool lets kids create their own stories, games, and animations while learning the fundamentals of programming in a playful way.
- Scratch (scratch.mit.edu)
- Code.org (code.org)
- Get off the computer and learn to code with an Ozobot! Ozobot | Robots Award winning robots that you can use with or without a screen.
3D PRINTING FOR KIDS
If you don’t have a 3D printer at home, there are online services like Shapeways and Sculpteo that allow you to design and order 3D prints.
Don’t forget to check out your local library or makerspace for access to a 3D printer!
$ saving tip
3D Design Sites for Kids
Tinkercad for 3D Design (www.tinkercad.com) is a free and user-friendly online tool for 3D design that’s perfect for beginners. Your young learners can create their own 3D models without needing any prior experience. They have tutorials to get your started as well as projects and lesson plans.
Thingiverse (www.thingiverse.com) is a fantastic resource for 3D printing enthusiasts. It’s a platform where users share their 3D designs for others to download and print. You can find educational models, puzzles, toys, and much more.
DIY 3D Printing Kits
DIY 3D Printing Kits are a great way to build your own 3D printer and save some money. Check out this post on 9 Best DIY 3D Printer Kits (2023 Update) (printingatoms.com)
3D Pens
A 3D pen is a more affordable way to introduce 3D printing-like creativity without a full printer. Brands like 3Doodler offer these pens. 12 Best 3D Printing Pen For Kids for 2023 | Robots.net
3D Printing Tutorials on YouTube
Not our first choice, but if your student is struggling with how to design and what to create, this may help get them thinking and creating more quickly.
YouTube is filled with tutorials on 3D printing and designing. Channels like 3D Printing Nerd and The 3D Printing Guy offer insightful content for beginners.
Design Challenge
Once they are familiar with Tinkercad etc, give your student a design challenge. This could be to print or just design. Ideas could include a bridge that can hold weight, a box with lid, a boat (bonus if it floats!) etc.
This can be a digital design through a 3D program, using blocks or Kinex, or drafting a design drawing.
All of these encourage students to think creatively and problem-solve through their designs!
Math and Geometry in 3D
Let’s not forget about Math!
Use 3D printing to bring math and geometry concepts to life. Explore topics like shapes, volume, scale, and spatial relationships by designing and printing objects that showcase these principles. With 3D printing and designing, you’ll open up a world of creativity and innovation for your young learners. From creating custom toys to exploring architectural concepts, the possibilities are as endless as their imagination!
Share Your Experience
What are some awesome homeschool STEM projects you have done with your student?
What are you looking to do next?
Drop us a comment and let us know what you would like to see in future posts!
