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25 Kid-Tested STEM Projects Made With Simple Materials

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25 Kid-Tested STEM Projects Made With Simple Materials: Easy and fun collection of STEM projects and lessons for elementary and middle school. Made for teachers, science fairs, and weekend activities. Find more ideas on our website STEM Inventions! You can also find lesson plans, project sheets, and more...

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Cardboard Archives · Art Projects for Kids

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Once again I have to give credit to an amazing site called Krokotak.com. This cardboard art for kids is just too cute with its Angler fish underbite, spike teeth and pipe cleaner antennae. My students loved it! MATERIALS 16″ square of cardboard cut in half Paper cutter, old school style with arm that can chop (recommended) Utility scissors Black Sharpie ...

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Drawing projects that come with step by step instructions make it easier for students of all ages.

More Easy Drawing Ideas for Kids

As a former classroom art teacher, I saw first hand how students were often unsure as to how and where to start their drawing projects. That confusion often led to frustration, or maybe even deciding not to draw at all. It seemed to me that there must be a better way to share easy drawing ideas for kids, but it took some time to figure out how to do that.

Direct drawing instructions on the front board worked for a little while, but it had its limitations. There also was the issue of pacing. Some students always wanted to go faster, and some a bit slower. It kept the whole process feeling a bit chaotic, both for myself and for them too.

The solution? Create my own handouts that students could easily follow on their own.

The biggest benefit about getting the process down on paper was that every one could work finally work independently. Tutorials showing each step suddenly turned a noisy process into a very quiet and happy classroom! The more tutorials I made, the more I continually found them to be helpful. Students could build their confidence, learn the value in following directions, and hopefully start a lifetime love of drawing.

New drawing ideas are added often, so stop by to see the latest one. It just might be the perfect lesson for your classroom today!

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700+ Easy Drawing Ideas for Kids: Step-by-Step How to Draw Tutorials

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As a former classroom art teacher, I saw first hand how students were often unsure as to how and where to start their drawing projects. That confusion often led to frustration, or maybe even deciding not to draw at all.

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Collage Archives · Art Projects for Kids

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Collage projects for kids can start with old magazines, crayons and a little watercolor. For a little art history, you can also connect this to artist Romare Bearden. Romare Bearden, an African-American artist and writer, is renowned for his experimental collages, a technique he began to experiment with in 1950s.

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Markers Archives · Art Projects for Kids

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This popular Pop Art lesson is now available in a print friendly format. I recommend markers for a super bright work of art. Click below to access the file, and subscribe to my value-packed bonus emails as well. MATERIALS * Pop Art Landscape Tutorial (Click to download) * Drawing or Marker paper * Black Sharpie, chisel tip * Markers DIRECTIONS ...

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Here is where you’ll find every single one of our how to draw lessons! It’s a massive drawing library! You’ll find lessons for kids of all ages.

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Cutout Projects Archives - Art For Kids Hub

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Hey, art friends! For this project, you need to download our free pumpkin printable. After you download it, print it out and then follow along with us. Even if you're not a big Minecraft fan, this is a fun art project to celebrate Halloween! Art Supplies scissors glue printable printout colored pencils yellow orange brown [...]

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This months kids craft stars challenge is CDs. Our group had to come up with ways to upcycle or recycle them into a fun craft. We decided to make recycled CD spinning tops for our craft challenge. My kids have always been fascinated with these spinning toys! This recycled cd version is simple to make and works great for group activities such as playdates and parties.

Did you see the egg carton challenge? That was another fun recycled craft theme we did!
*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to the products mentioned. Please read our full disclosure policy here.
How to make the Recycled CD Spinning Tops:
Supplies Needed:

old cd or dvd

cardstock

scissors

markers

Fun Chalk Markers - optional

glue - optional

You will want to use cardstock since it is sturdier than construction paper. I thought it would be neat to be able to change the designs on our spinning tops so made several! Trace around the cd - don't forget the middles circle. Cut each out and then color them however you'd like!

I went for a psychedelic look for mine and asked the kids to make designs on theirs instead of drawing pictures.

Since the shiny part of the cd is so fun, I grabbed our Fun Chalk Markers and we drew directly on our cds.

These markers are so colorful and kid-friendly. It is a marker that can be used for a chalkboard and many other surfaces, like cds, and easily wipe off! We were sent a free set to try out and will definitely be getting more when these are used up.

I love the look of the designs made on the shiny part of the cds with the Funchalk Markers the best!

To make it into a toy top, just poke a marker through the center hole so that the colored cap is on top. It actually stopped about an inch from the bottom so I didn't even bother gluing it. You could also tie a small rubberband under to hold it in place.

While placing on our paper designs, I discovered that it stayed in the middle. So we played with double layer tops which looked really cool! Eventually the center hole got too big from using it so when that happens, you will have to go back to using them without the top layer - which is still just as fun!

All 9 of our designs looked awesome! Each one did there own neat thing when spinning. I tried to capture the movement in the photos but of course it looks better in person. In other words, grab a few cds and get to creating your very own recycled cd spinning tops!

Kids Craft Stars CD Challenge
We would love for you to check out the kids craft stars Pinterest board where we regularly add our blog posts or follow us on Instagram by clicking on the #kidscraftstars hashtag!
Here's what the rest of the group came up with. One of the girls mentioned that you can buy a 3-pack at Dollar Tree if you don't happen to have any old ones.

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How to make simple Recycled CD Spinning Tops - Artsy Momma

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This months kids craft stars challenge is CDs. Our group had to come up with ways to upcycle or recycle them into a fun craft. We decided to make recycled CD spinning tops for our craft challenge. My kids have always been fascinated with these spinning toys!

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Building droids has become a new, fun pastime around here. My son loves building droids and robots and anything mechanical. Of course he is still young yet to be able to build a working, moving droid on his own. However, there is still plenty of fun in designing and building model droids. Whether you have a Star Wars movie fan or just a robots fan, our free coloring sheets for building droids and robots is a fun way to pass an afternoon. Plus it's a great STEAM activity combining science, technology, engineering, art, and math!

Building Droids and Robots STEAM Activity

Building droids is a great way to use items from the recycling bin as well as styrofoam pieces and trays! The first step to building droids of all shapes and sizes at home is to become a saver. A saver of everything from bread bag clips and soda can tabs to plastic bottles and packaging materials. I keep a large plastic tote handy and anything cool for building droids and robots is stashed away! This ensures us that there is always something on hand for building droids at a moments notice!

What are items worth saving for Building Droids?

You certainly don't need all of the items to get started building droids and robots. You also don't need to go out and make a huge purchase. Check out what you have and see what you can build. Junk drawers are a great place to start. I bet you have items I haven't even thought of hiding in drawers!

What are items to have on hand for Building Droids?

These items are from our craft supply, tool box, and kitchen cupboards. Add a few necessary items like scissors, glue, tape, paper, markers, and pencils and you are ready for building tons of droids!

Try our fun and free Coloring Sheets for Building Droids

My son had a great time coloring these droid designs filled with gizmos, gadgets, buttons, and gears! You can use the link below to download and print them out! As is, one rectangle cutout will wrap around a mini or regular size plastic water bottle. Or you can cut out sections for building droids of different sizes and shapes!

Click photo or link below for FREE DROID DESIGNS COLORING SHEETS

Use the link below to download your FREE design sheets for building droids!

Time to have fun coloring, designing, creating, and building droids. We all had fun working together to build a few droids this week. I assisted with the hot glue gun while he showed me where items were to be glued. He had great stories for each piece. I have never seen him want to color so much! These twistable crayon/colored pencils are favorites.

You can also see, he made a teleportation pad for his droid. It's also a charging station and remote control made out of DVD protector. Building droids can be a simple or as complex as you want it to be! You can help as little or as much as your child desires.

Building droids makes a fun family activity that multiple age kids can share together. Perfect for an indoor day or school vacation.

My son's creativity and ingenuity has really begun to blossom this year. I love encouraging him anyway possible. We know have a dedicated STEAM station set up. It's a great way to spend time together and connect over new interests.

Building droids is hands-on learning with STEAM!
More fun STEAM ideas to inspire you. Click on photos.

Check us out on Pinterest, Facebook, or SUBSCRIBE to us by email on our side bar!

Some of our favorite STEM tools at home! Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I receive compensation for any items sold through this site. Our ideas are always free to enjoy and try at school or home.

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Building Droids Robots STEAM Activity Fee Coloring Sheets

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Building droids has become a new, fun pastime around here. My son loves building droids and robots and anything mechanical. Of course he is still young yet to be able to build a working, moving droid on his own. However, there is still plenty of fun in designing and building model droids.

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15 Recycled Paper Roll Crafts For Earth Day - No Time For Flash Cards

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I don't know many households that don't have a few empty paper rolls hanging around. They are great for crafts and we have 15 fun ideas to use paper rolls for. Earth Day is coming up and making one (or more) of these paper roll crafts for Earth Day is a wonderful hands-on way to teach your children about recycling.

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Last updated on

I admit it. I'm a bit of a hoarder when it comes to cardboard tubes. I just can't bring myself to part with them. Here in my daycare, we love crafting with toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, wrapping paper tubes, food-wrap rolls, poster tubes, mailing tubes... My family thinks I'm nuts, but when you think of all the things you can make with a cardboard tube, how COULD you possibly throw them away?

There are hundreds of ways to re-use your cardboard tubes. Toilet paper tubes and paper towel rolls are perfect for most preschool crafts. Wrapping paper rolls are great when you need a super-long tube, and the tubes that hold cling-wrap or aluminum foil are great when you need something a little sturdier.

Do you have a growing stash of cardboard rolls at your house?

Well, bust 'em out because I've rounded up 22 ways for you to use them in the craft room and the playroom.

22 Things to Make with Cardboard Tubes:
Click on the highlighted descriptions to see a full tutorial for each craft or activity.
Fall Decorations with Cardboard Tubes:

Use a cool paint process to make some fall napkin rings.

Make a turkey table topper for your Thanksgiving table.

Round up some fabric scraps and a few crafty odds and ends for some adorable toilet roll owls.

Crafting for Halloween:

The kids will love making a quirky monster mobile out of cardboard rolls.

A spooky crow or owl is a very fitting decoration for Halloween.

Our toilet roll mummies help little ones develop their winding and wrapping skills.

Winter Toilet Roll Crafts:

These cardboard roll snowmen are just the cutest little things, aren't they?

The hooligans LOVE playing with our toilet roll Nativity set.

Cardboard Roll Christmas Crafts:

Fleece, batting and a cardboard roll makes an adorable Santa Claus.

Make a set of cute reindeer ornaments for your Christmas tree.

This snowman ornament would be great for the tree or as a gift topper.

Spring Crafts:

Summons up some April showers with a colourful rain stick.

These Easter chicks in paper nests are just too sweet.

Peeps! Everyone loves Easter peeps, right?

And don't forget about the Easter bunnies! Check out our paint chip bunting too!

Bracelets and Cuffs:

Make some simple toilet roll cuff bracelets.

Anklets can be made using cardboard rolls and colourful duct tape.

Skill Building Activities:

Make some cool 3-D structures with tubes and a low-temp glue gun.

Toddlers love to drop things through our cardboard Drop Zone.

Arts and Crafts:

Create a unique piece of art for a kid's room, toy room or classroom.

Turn a long cardboard tube into a torch.

Cardboard Tubes for Play:

In a pinch, a sturdy kitchen roll, makes an excellent bubble wand.

Make a set of simple "stand up" paper dolls.

Well? What do you think? Did we inspire you? Now, it's your turn to inspire me! If you have a favourite cardboard roll craft or activity, I'd love to hear about it!

Before you go, be sure to check out this fab collection of tp roll Christmas crafts for kids by Red Ted Art.

If you enjoyed this post, check out:

25 Ways to Re-use Your K-cup pods.
40 Gifts Kids Can Make that Grownups Will Really Love 70 Homemade Gifts to Make for Your Kids Budget-Busting Homemade Laundry Detergent Denim Pant-leg Craft Aprons
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25+preschool activities by 25 bloggers, 10 printables, 50 links to activities not featured in the book all for $8.99!
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I admit it. I'm a bit of a hoarder when it comes to cardboard tubes. I just can't bring myself to part with them. Here in my daycare, we love crafting with toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, wrapping paper tubes, food-wrap rolls, poster tubes, mailing tubes...

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Oil Pastel Archives · Art Projects for Kids

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If you learn to add layers when sketching landscapes, your art with have much more depth to it. Follow this formula to make a simple winter drawing that creates all three layers in a very simple format. MATERIALS * Layered Landscape PDF Tutorial (link below) * Multimedia Paper * Pencil * Oil Pastels, I prefer the Portfolio brand DIRECTIONS 1.

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Engineering with Cups, Cubes, Craft Sticks

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Engineering with Cups, Cubes, Craft Sticks

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Here's a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages - Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them.

This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series! This week, we are exploring with the sense of touch.

Here are the materials we used for this project: (Amazon affiliate links)

Who knew that craft sticks, cubes, and cups could be so interesting? Extend the play and learning with these fun engineering challenges.
Challenge #1: Build a structure with one cube as the base. Yes, just one cube!
When I announced this one, the boys told me it would be impossible. So I showed them this construction which I had already built:

So then Owen came up with this:

And Gresham built this:

As long as you add pieces on both sides of your structure simultaneously, you can build some amazing designs!
Challenge #2: Using any size base, build the tallest possible structure.
Stacking craft sticks on top of plastic cups allows you to build a much more vertical structure than what you can make with cups alone.
Challenge #3: Feats of Balance. Make something stick out in an impressive way!
This structure that Aidan built seemed to defy gravity! Those cubes are really lightweight, and it was hard to believe that they could counterbalance the craft sticks and cups sticking out like that. But add enough of them...

How many cups can it hold?

One more...

And one more...

OOPS!

Dad made this one:
Challenge #4: What can you build with just one cup as the base?
More than you might think!
Bonus Challenge: Build a chain reaction!
Remove the first cup, and the sticks fall down in a chain! See how to make it here: Simple Popsicle Stick Chain Reactions
Like these engineering challenges? Here are more with simple materials: 5 Engineering Challenges with Clothespins, Binder Clips, and Craft Sticks Be sure to stop by the rest of the posts in the Summer STEAM Camp series!
Easy and Colorful Magnetic Sculpture - Pink Stripey Socks

Creative Pool Noodle STEAM Fun - One Time Through

String and Bead Puzzle - What Do We Do All Day?

Learning About Slugs - Why Do Slugs Have Slime? - Lemon Lime Adventures

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4 Engineering Challenges for Kids (Cups, Craft Sticks, and Cubes!)

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Here's a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages - Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them. This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series!

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Build A Hand Crank Winch - Little Bins for Little Hands

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Simple machines are a great way for kids to see how stuff works! Build a hand crank winch is a fun hands on STEM activity that uses recycled materials.

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Make A Marble Run From Cardboard - Little Bins for Little Hands

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This cardboard tube marble run might look like simple play, but it’s filled with learning possibilities. Come up with your own DIY marble run.