STEM

Paper Plate Roller Coaster STEM Challenge

Build a working marble roller coaster using paper plates and plastic cups. This hands-on STEM activity is perfect for elementary students (grades 3–5) and teaches the basics of physics — potential energy, kinetic energy, and friction — in about 60 minutes.

scratch.mit.edu

# Why Scratch Is One of the Best Ways to Learn Programming and STEM If you've ever searched for the best way to introduce a kid to coding, you've probably seen Scratch at the top of nearly every list. It's been there for almost two decades, and it's not just marketing. The design choices behind Scratch line up almost perfectly with what we know about how people — especially kids — actually learn.

Create a Water Filter Experiment

The water filter experiment introduces children to environmental science and engineering by demonstrating how clean water is produced. Kids build a filtration system using natural materials such as sand, gravel, and charcoal. As dirty water passes through layers, impurities are removed step by step. This activity teaches the importance of clean water, environmental protection, and how real-world filtration systems work in cities and water treatment plants around the world.

Design a Paper Bridge Challenge

The paper bridge challenge introduces children to engineering and structural design using simple household materials. Children experiment with folding, rolling, and layering paper to create bridges strong enough to support weight. Through testing and redesigning, they discover how engineers improve structures for strength and stability. This activity encourages creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking while helping children understand how real bridges distribute weight and resist pressure in everyday construction projects.

Build a Baking Soda Volcano

The baking soda volcano is one of the most exciting STEM activities for children because it combines creativity, chemistry, and hands-on experimentation. Children design and build a volcano model, then create a chemical reaction using baking soda and vinegar. The bubbling eruption captures attention immediately while teaching important scientific concepts. This activity encourages observation, prediction, and experimentation, helping children understand how gases form during chemical reactions in a safe and memorable way.