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There are many ways to integrate STEM into literacy!

For Inspiration

Who doesn't like to read a book about a person that achieved something great? For the last two years, the National Science Teachers Association has put together a list of "Best STEM Books." NSTA had criteria for choosing the books on this list. The books must "connect to authentic experiences, embrace real-world design, invention, and innovation, and invite divergent thinking and doing."

I have read several books from the list. Each book that I read happened to be a true story about a woman who accomplished great things despite having to overcome challenges. Shark Lady is a story about Eugenie Clark. She loved visiting the aquarium when she was a child. She didn't want others to be afraid of sharks, so she did lots of research and shared what she learned with others. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is the story of Temple Grandin. Temple had a difficult time in school because she had autism. She thought differently. She related better to animals than people. Temple invented a chute system for cattle that is used on many farms today! Another book I read was The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes. This is the story of Patricia Bath. Patricia is an African-American who grew up in a time of discrimination. Even so, she became a doctor and helped invent a laser that helps people who otherwise might be blind.

For a complete list of books click on the NSTA link below.

To Develop Comprehension Skills

The books that I have looked at are easy to incorporate higher level thinking skills into. Students can analyze characters' motives, think of different ways to apply what they have learned, and even evaluate the solutions to the problems!

To Engineer Solutions to Problems

Books don't have to be on a list to incorporate STEM. Many people use everyday trade books and then pose a STEM challenge based on the reading. The books can be nonfiction. Perhaps you have read a story about snow and want your students to create a snowflake out of pattern blocks that is symmetrical. You might read about insects, and then have students build a bug out of clay with a list of criteria like incorporating all of the body parts in the correct places and having size constraints.

Maybe you have read a fictional story such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You can ask students to build a chair or a bed that would be perfect for "baby bear." Again, you would have constraints such as the materials students can use and/or the amount of time they can have to complete the task!

Students are bound to have a lot of fun and learn at the same time when STEM is integrated into the day!

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How to Incorporate STEM into Literacy - STEM Activities for Kids

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There are many ways to integrate STEM into literacy! For Inspiration Who doesn't like to read a book about a person that achieved something great? For the last two years, the National Science Teachers Association has put together a list of "Best STEM Books." NSTA had criteria for choosing the books on this ...

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10 Minute Science Experiments - Go Science Girls

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Have 10 minutes to spare? Want to try out short science experiment that your kid love? Here are some exciting science activities that you can try out in less than 10 minutes. Most of the activities can be done just with your household items. 10 Minute Science Ideas Do you [...]

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Activities for Adults - STEM Clearinghouse

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These activities are suitable for all age groups, including adults!

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What if I told you I had the secret to getting your kids to love learning and I could boost their creativity? Sounds pretty crazy right? How could I possibly get your kids begging you do to more learning activities and asking questions about the world around them on a daily basis? You might be even more surprised to learn most of the materials to make this happen are right in your own home.

* This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure.

When I was growing up, I had one class I couldn't wait to go to every day. I know it sounds crazy to hear someone say they couldn't wait to go to school, but there was something that always caught my eye and sparked my natural curiosity that couldn't keep me away.

In fact, I wasn't the only one in my school that felt the same way. I can still remember, making rockets in the football field, and actually being excited for our next concoction in chemistry. Anytime I run into one of my old friends from school, we always find our way back to chats about our awesome science teachers and we seem to all agree one one important thing!

I am pretty sure if it wasn't for science class, I wouldn't have become the person I have become today.

When I was in school, we didn't focus on something called "STEM" education, and yet, that is exactly what it was. No, I take that back. It was STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math all wrapped into one). When I started to learn more and more about what this is, I realized exactly why my Science teachers had me wrapped around their fingers. They had figured out how to make learning fun, engaging, and meaningful to my life.

It is now my mission to do the same for my kids. I thrive on seeing their eyes light up at a new discovery.

Inspiring young minds doesn't have to be such a struggle.

What you need is a plan. You need a resource at you fingertips that will keep your kids engaged and learning without all the guesswork on your end.

Today I want to share 50+ STEAM projects to boost creativity and get your kids thinking out of the box and begging for more hands on fun.

50+ Awesome STEAM Projects

For the last year, I have been collaborating on a project that is near and dear to my heart. We have gathered over 50 ways to encourage creativity and out of the box thinking with STEAM and want to share these with you. We have put together an awesome resource that is sure to boost creativity, especially if you have an engineer or tinkerer you are trying to entertain.

Before I get to that, I want to share some of our favorite STEAM projects.

STEAM Engineering Projects for Kids

STEAM Science Experiments for Kids

STEAM Starter Guides

8 Science and Engineering Practices Every Kid Should Learn
Top 10 Summer Engineering Projects for Kids
The Science of Sensory Dough
Best Science Experiments for Little Engineers
Top 10 Gifts for Kids Who Love Science Experiments
3 Genius Tips for Raising Out of the Box Thinkers
The Best Planning Books for Teaching Inquiry Based Science

These ideas are a great starting point to squash boredom and get your kids begging for more learning ideas. However, I think I have a resource that is even better.

STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids

I am excited to announce our new book, STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids , is full of amazing STEAM ideas that have been tested and tried by kids all over the world. With creativity and inquiry in mind, each of these learning ideas will encourage your child to not only find a cure to boredom, but also learn something awesome in the process.

STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids is packed with the over fifty hands-on learning activities that will wow "I'm bored" right out of your kiddo's vocabulary.
STEAM Kids is a book that will inspire children to:
question like a scientist
design like a technologist
build like an engineer
create like an artist
deduce like a mathematician

- and, most importantly -
play like a kid.
The book is laid out in an easy to read format with full color pictures that make it easy enough for you child to read. The best part is that for a very limited time, we are offering a FREE Ebook of Even MORE STEAM Projects when you purchase the digital e-book.
Click here to get your copy today.
Inside you'll find activities like... a PVC Pipe Slingshot, Rainbow Reactions, Simple Machine Challenge, Plant Science and more! Not only have we included over 50 STEAM activities, we have created a simple to use weekly activity planner, STEAM journal pages, a full and exciting field trip guide and even a shopping list to get you started with simple STEAM building ideas.

STEAM Kids Launch Special

Pick up a copy of the book this week (9/14/16) and you'll get a special launch price AND an extra 50+ page STEAM Kids Halloween activity e-book. All for 50% off. Launch price is $9.99 (a $19.98 value!).

I love hearing and learning about more ways to boost creativity with STEAM activities! Please, don't hesitate to comment, email, or share pictures on social media so we can celebrate awesome learning taking place and boredom being squashed. If you post on social media, you can use the hashtag steamkidsbook so we can easily spot your awesomeness!

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50+ Totally Awesome STEAM Projects to Boost Creativity

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What if I told you I had the secret to getting your kids to love learning and I could boost their creativity? Sounds pretty crazy right? How could I possibly get your kids begging you do to more learning activities and asking questions about the world around them on a daily basis?

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April! Spring! Earth day! We all know that Earth day should be everyday, however, it is highly recognized on a specific day during the month of April. We are doing another awesome STEM countdown with these simple and engaging Earth Day STEM activities. Explore the world around you with these neat Earth Day science experiments and projects, as you conserve water and energy, recycle and reuse, and tread lightly on our planet everyday.

EARTH DAY STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS!

EARTH DAY SCIENCE

What makes for great Earth Day STEM activities? I love science experiments and projects that reuse, re-purpose, and recycle what's already in your house. Not only is this great for the environment, but it makes for very frugal science learning!

Earth Day is also a time to think about planting seeds, growing flowers, and caring for the land. Learn about the life cycle of plants and trees. Learn about water pollution, energy conservation, and your footprint on the world.

If everybody did only one small, helpful thing for Earth Day {and everyday}, it will make a huge impact on our world. The same goes for picking up even one piece of litter left on the ground. It might seem so small and insignificant, but if everyone left one less tiny piece of trash lying around, it would make a big impact.

Every person can make a difference!
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges? We have you covered... Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
EARTH DAY IDEAS

This year, we are going to be trying out some new kinds of Earth Day STEM activities for preschoolers than we had previously done for. We also have great hands-on Earth Day activities including simple science experiments with a blue and green theme.

Any Earth Day art activity or recycling project, whether a conservation project, science experiment, or neighborhood clean up is also an excellent gateway to conversations with your kids. Enjoying a fun activity together always presents a great opportunity to chat about what's important!

This Spring, you can countdown to Earth Day with us as we explore these Earth Day STEM activities. Make sure to check out our Spring STEM activities too.

EARTH DAY STEM ACTIVITIES

To kick off Earth Day, you can even make the birds some treats while you are at it with this kid-friendly birdseed feeder ornaments!

Use what you have in your recycling bin for this fun Earth Day STEM craft. We also try to save styrofoam and packaging materials for crafts and activities. Read all about our STEM On A Budget for more ideas.

MORE EARTH DAY RECYCLING PROJECTS

Check out these 7 STEM activities you can do with a few simple household items. Fill a paper bag or two with these fun STEM challenges.

Turn all your leftover cardboard tubes into something fun and useful with this marble run STEM activity.

This is a great Earth Day STEM activity to make use of your collection of recyclables. Make a simple machine for kids with this hand crank winch project.

MAKE A RECYCLED STEM KIT

Keep a container just for cool stuff to turn into STEM projects. Check out more awesome recycled STEM activities.

OR WHAT ABOUT A RECYCLED ROBOT FAMILY

Collect all your bits and pieces, bottles, and cans. Get out the glue gun and make a robot family.

OR A NEWSPAPER STEM CHALLENGE

Have you ever rolled newspapers to make building materials?

MORE EARTH DAY IDEAS...

Every day we can do out part to keep the world clean and beautiful. We can learn how to conserve resources and protect the planet!

MEASURE YOUR FOOTPRINT ON THE WORLD

Trace around your foot and use it to measure your room! Your footprint on this world is how much space you use. You can also measure each room of the house.

HOW MANY LIGHTS ARE ON GRAPHING ACTIVITY

At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, check out how many lights are on and write down the numbers. You can also check more frequently during the day. You can then graph it! Add the total for the day and keep track over the course of the week. You can have a daily graph and then a graph of the daily totals for the whole week.

BRUSHING TEETH WATER CONSERVATION ACTIVITY

Place a bowl under the faucet and brush your teeth for the full two minutes with the water running. Measure the amount of water in the bowl. Now compare that to brushing your teeth for the full two minutes with the water only running when necessary. Measure that amount of water and compare the two.

THE IMPACT OF TRASH

Last year we took a walk around the neighborhood and collected any trash we could find. You can do this just about anywhere trash is thrown on the side of the road. Put all your trash in a bin of clean water. Talk about what happens to the water over the next 24 hours.

GO-SCREEN FREE FOR THE DAY

Use less energy and unplug! Read a book, ride your bike, play a board game, make art, or anything else you enjoy that doesn't require energy. Using less energy keeps the planet and everyone on it healthier for the future!

When you connect with nature you naturally want to protect its beauty! Get outside and explore. It's a great opportunity to go screen-free and conserve energy too. Find a new hiking or walking trail, go to the beach, or just play games in the backyard. Share the enjoyment of the outdoors with your kiddos and it will help them understand why the environment is so important.

FUN WAYS TO LEARN WITH EARTH DAY STEM ACTIVITIES!

Click on the image below or on the link for more easy hands-on Earth Day activities.
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges? We have you covered... Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.

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Earth Day STEM Activities For Kids | Little Bins for Little Hands

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April! Spring! Earth day! We all know that Earth day should be everyday, however, it is highly recognized on a specific day during the month of April. We are doing another awesome STEM countdown with these simple and engaging Earth Day STEM activities.

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Videos are an amazing tool for STEM education. Kids can learn from a biomedical engineer designing a drug-delivery method, tour a candy manufacturing facility using autonomous robots, or explore how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station. In my after school engineering program, I use videos as a "hook" for introducing a STEM challenge. For example, when completing a catapult challenge, I played a video on the science behind the famous Pumpkin' Chunkin' challenge. Or when introducing the Space Lander Challenge, I showed a video of NASA's dramatic landing of the Mars Curiosity rover. When paired with an activity, a video can really bring STEM learning to life.

Below are our top 10 awesome STEM video resources for your kids, classroom, or STEM program. Most include videos with short duration of 1 - 3 minutes to fit easily into a classroom lesson.

1. Curiosity Machine - From biomimicry to civil engineering, kids are introduced to a STEM challenge with a short inspirational video that connects to real-world science and engineering.

2. Exploratorium Science In the City - Urban environments are full of mysterious natural and human-made phenomena. Why are there so many one-footed pigeons? Where does the sewage go? The Exploratorium is "taking it outside" to explore these and other questions in engineering, ecology, optics, waves, geology, architecture, weather, and more.

3. Engineer Your Life - From video game design to saving lives, this is a great series of videos detailing why a group of women became engineers.

4. PBS Design Squad - Exciting examples of engineering in the real-world plus videos of kids completing various engineering projects from a cardboard playhouse to a massaging shoe.

5. PBS Video Game Challenge - Behind the scenes of making video games.

I hope these videos increase your student's love of STEM!

-Natasha

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10 Top STEM Video Resources - STEM Activities for Kids

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Videos are an amazing tool for STEM education. Kids can learn from a biomedical engineer designing a drug-delivery method, tour a candy manufacturing facility using autonomous robots, or explore how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station. In my after school engineering program, I use videos as a "hook" for introducing a STEM challenge.

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Bring excitement to your play with these fun preschool STEM activities. Sure to have your have your little one saying, "WOW!" about learning. Read on to find our 20 (!) favorite experiments and preschool projects!

I feel so lucky that my oldest is very science-minded. When he was little we did allllll the preschool STEM activities. As he got older, he loved showing his little brother and sister all kinds of amazing science "tricks."

Now I have three kids who love science and STEM! Whoop!

Why are STEM activities important for Preschoolers?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and M athematics. Using STEM activities is a great hook to get young kids interested in these subjects early on. Preschool STEM projects, especially, have a WOW factor built right in.

The STEM activities you'll find around the internet and below, are largely process-based. That means kids can dig into an experiment or play with a project without having to worry about the end result being perfect.

Preschool STEM activities encourage learning through play, experimenting, trying something new, and trying again.

And, with the focus on the process, your tiny people will learn to be more willing to fail - and then to persevere. Tenacity is an important skill at any age and especially important for preschoolers who are acquiring all new knowledge about the world!

Top 20 Preschool STEM Activities

Our favorite STEM activities are low-prep and hands-on. You won't be setting up for hours or gathering all kinds of wacky materials. Most of these projects can be done with materials you probably already have in your home.

1. Self Inflating Balloon

I'm sure you've seen tons of baking soda + vinegar experiments out there, but Teach Beside Me's amazing self inflating balloon experiment goes beyond making bubbles.

2. Balloon Rockets

Sci Show Kids (our most favorite science channel!) will show your kids the science behind Balloon Rockets and get them interested in making their own!

3. Salt Dough Dinosaur Bones

This is such a fun activity from start to finish. 65 Million Years Ago's Salt Dough Dinosaur Bones project starts with an easy dough recipe and ends with a dinosaur dig! Great hands-on ideas and sensory exploration!

The dinosaur phase lasted a long time in our house. How about yours? Find more fun dinosaur activities and ideas here.

4. Bouncing Egg Experiment

No preschooler should miss this one! Check out Parenting Chaos' directions for the Bouncy Egg Experiment. This preschool STEM activity teaches observational skills and patience. Yesssss.

Oh and if you're feeling brave, poke it with a toothpick at the end to see if it's jelly all the way through! A big WOW payoff at the end!

5. Walking on Eggs

If you loved bouncing an egg, try walking on them! Nat Geo Kids shares a fun video about the science behind this amazing trick.

6. Cleaning Pennies with Ketchup

If your kids are like mine, they are obsessed with learning about money! That's probably why they absolutely LOVED Team Cartwright's STEM activity, Cleaning Pennies with Ketchup!

7. Math & Money Games with Shopkins!

If you've got a kid obsessed with these weird little toys, you're not alone. Put them to good use withSustain My Craft Habit's fun money and math games.
If you don't have a zillion of these little guys around the house, be glad! You can do these fun shopping games without any Shopkins at all!
8. Dissect a Flower

We had so much fun learning about plants, but the best activity we did was dissecting a flower. STEM on stems, if you will. Check out our process over on The Learning Hypothesis' post, How to Dissect a Flower and Create Powerful Observations.

9. Color Changing Flowers

Another flower experiment! This one will encourage your children to make observations over time. Easy directions for Color Changing Flowers from Fun Learning for Kids.

10. Coding with Legos

So, I didn't used to get what this whole coding this was about, but my oldest got really into coding and is now making his own levels on some weird game with a jumping bunny. Okay, so maybe I still don't totally get it.

On the preschool level, though, learning about coding is all about learning to copy, grow, and build your own patterns. Check out the Simple and Fun Lego Coding Activities from Team Cartwright.

11. Rainbow in a Jar

Learn about layering and liquid density by creating a rainbow in a jar. Find simple instructions for the fun Rainbow in a Jar Experiment on Playdough to Plato.

12. Make it Move!

Steam Powered Family's Make it Move challenge will keep your kids busy long after they've set it up! This preschool STEM activity is great for to play with siblings, cousins, and friends!

13. Shaving Cream Clouds

A fun experiment with weather and color mixing. Check out directions for this simple preschool STEM activity, Shaving Cream Rain Clouds by One Little Project.

14. Levitating Magnets

This activity brings together two things kids love: Dr. Seuss and magnets! Read the book then create this super amazing Levitating Magnet Stack by Teach Beside Me.

15. Float or Sink?

A great preschool STEM activity that is best done with a big bucket of water on a hot day! Not warm where you live? This is also a good one for bath time. Check out these easy directions for a Float or Sink Experiment from Hands On as We Grow.

16. Rising Water Experiment

Steam Powered Family's Why Does Water Rise experiment has a real WOW factor for kids and will intrigue both your preschoolers and older kids.

17. Giant Homemade Bubbles

Take your bubbles to the next level with this Giant Homemade Bubble recipe from Happy Hooligans. First, measure ingredients and see how they combine in the kitchen. Then take it outside and experiment with the wind and making shapes!

18. Phases of the Moon

It's so exciting when they start noticing the moon! Build on those important first observations with Team Cartwright's Phases of the Moon Activity. (It's also delicious.)

19. Galaxy Jar

If you're little one is noticing the moon, he's probably curious about the stars, too! Create a fun and crafty Galaxy Jar from The Inspiration Edit.

20. Edible Play Dirt

Part of digging into these STEM activities is learning to follow step-by-step directions. This was a tough one for my little guy. What helped? Bringing fun math activities into the kitchen with simple recipes like Sister What's Chocolate Dirt (which we used in a dinosaur world, of course).

Where to go next?

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Bring excitement to your play with these fun preschool STEM activities. Sure to have your have your little one saying, "WOW!" about learning. Read on to find our 20 (!) favorite experiments and preschool projects! I feel so lucky that my oldest is very science-minded.

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49 STEM Activities to Engage Your Students on National STEM Day - Waterford.org

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Teaching children about science, technology, engineering, and math isn't something that needs to be done out of a book.

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Explore at Home!

Do you know that you can use common things found in your house or classroom to explore science? You don't need fancy or expensive lab equipment to do fun science experiments. You can demonstrate cool scientific principles and test out your ideas with everyday objects found all around you. Try one of these activities at home or school today!

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Do It Yourself Science - Carnegie STEM Girls

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Explore at Home! Do you know that you can use common things found in your house or classroom to explore science? You don't need fancy or expensive lab equipment to do fun science experiments. You can demonstrate cool scientific principles and test out your ideas with everyday objects found all around you.

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Looking for STEM projects and challenges for kids? Building and engineering projects are valuable for developing thinking skills and encouraging the ability to design and create.
The tough part, though, is that teachers often have to purchase the materials at their own expense. At home, we don't need to supply enough materials for a class, but with five kids to feed, house, and educate we can't constantly be buying special materials either. Here's a collection of STEM engineering challenges that are fun and engaging, and that also make use of recycled or inexpensive materials.
ENGINEERING WITH PAPER
Let's start with projects that rely on a simple and readily available material - paper!

Which paper column can support the most weight? from Creekside Learning. The result was not what I expected!

Build a Newspaper Fort - This is amazing! And all you need is newspapers and tape. Granted, newspapers are harder to come by than they used to be, but maybe you can find a friend or a dentist office that will save some for you!

Build a Conveyor Belt from Pink Stripey Socks. Use a milk carton and paper, and a few other simple materials!

Make some Paper Building Blocks from Babble Dabble Do. So simple and colorful.

Paper Airplane Challenge from Kids Activities Blog. Which plane can carry the most cargo?
BUILDING WITH SIMPLE MATERIALS
This one is our most popular STEM post: 4 Engineering Challenges with Craft Sticks, Cups, and Cubes. I enjoyed this as much as the kids, and it works for all ages. It's amazing what kids can construct with these simple materials, and they'll be learning a ton about balance and center of gravity.

If you like that one, also try 5 Engineering Challenges with Clothespins, Craft Sticks, and Binder Clips. These materials make an awesome building kit! We have ours stored in a plastic shoebox.

Turn a Large Cardboard Box into an EPIC Marble Run - This is seriously awesome.

Make a marble run on a smaller scale - Shoebox Marble Run. Shoe boxes, craft stick, and hot glue - that's it! Again, you'll be amazed what you can create. The post has lots of inspiration.

Build a Bridge out of Straws and Straight Pins. Great classroom challenge. The straight pins work well for holding the straws together.

How strong is spaghetti? Test how much weight this material will hold! This is an impressive STEM challenge!

Build a Marble Run with Play Dough - YES, play dough! Grab a cookie sheet and try this fun challenge!

Collect some sticks and try building a raft that floats! From Kids Craft Room.

Build a Straw Roller Coaster for a ping pong ball to roll down! Drinking straws and hot glue, and that's it. Use a low temp gun and kids can make this themselves.

Build a Labyrinth Game with a cardboard box and craft sticks. The finished game is seriously addicting!

Create a Hexbug Maze with Straws from Buggy and Buddy. This is a great cooperative project for groups of kids.

It's also fun to build a Hexbug Maze with Cardboard and Craft Sticks.
EXPLORE FORCE AND MOTION - CATAPULTS AND MORE!
Make Working Gears with Popsicle Sticks - such a fun mechanical project.

Build a Popsicle Stick Catapult. You probably have all the supplies on hand to make this fun catapult!

Balloon Pinwheel - This is a great way to demonstrate Newton's third law of motion!

Make a Ping Pong Ball Launcher with a plastic bottle. Fun toy.

Create an Epic Bottle Rocket out of a 2 liter soda bottle. It flew higher than our house!

Build a Tissue Box Catapult and then launch small Lego bricks or ping pong balls or marshmallows.

Use marbles and a ruler to explore the transfer of energy. A favorite science experiment.
MAGNETISM
I think my kids would tinker with these Magnetic Sculptures all day long! What a great idea from Babble Dabble Do.

Use magnets to create a Magic Spinning Pen.

Make a Magnet Powered Car from Science Kiddo. This is a fun idea!

Defy Gravity with Magnetsfrom Buggy and Buddy! You can probably set this up with things you have on hand.

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30+ Awesome STEM Challenges for Kids (with Inexpensive or Recycled Materials!) - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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Looking for STEM projects and challenges for kids? Building and engineering projects are valuable for developing thinking skills and encouraging the ability to design and create. The tough part, though, is that teachers often have to purchase the materials at their own expense.

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Claude Monet's Ultraviolet Eye | Video | Grades 6-12
Claude Monet had a very unique eye and it can teach us a bit about the science of vision. Join Joe Hanson, host of It's Okay To Be Smart, as he explores Claude Monet's ultraviolet eye.

Invisible Forces: Ned Kahn | Video | Grades 4-12
In this video segment from Spark, meet a scientist and artist who uses wind, water and gravity to create art showing forces of nature.
Arts in Math

Peg + Cat Collection | Video | Grades Pre-K-3
The Peg + Cat Collection features math-based video series and online resources to introduce and reinforce early math concepts to students with video clips, lesson plans, and interactive games. Each 11 minute video of the animated series adds entertainment to the word problems to make them exciting. Additionally, the online games and resources add a creative twist to the word problems at hand.

Jack and the Giants and the Math Challenge | Lesson Plan | Grades 1-3, 13 +
Combining elements of art with mathematics, this lesson plan involves students in creating and solving a word problem related to counting money, developing a script for a short scene, and then performing it with elements of performance. There are three options, depending on class level, for this lesson: a reflection, a short activity to present findings and a longer project to perform their findings.

Doc Squad Collection | Video | Grades 5 & 8
Each video in this collection introduces a real-world math problem and gives the necessary information to solve the problem. Use videos to reinforce math learning skills through problem solving surrounding: formula for volume, dividing fractions by whole numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the distance formula. The Doc Squad video series introduces key Common Core concepts in 5th and 8th grade math and middle school English Arts. Student handouts accompany each video with step-by-step instructions on how to solve the problems along with teacher handouts to provide explanations of the solved problems.
Arts in Technology
Natural Selection | Video | Grades 6-13 +
The video Natural Selection, produced by KQED, explores Swarm Gallery as they open the two-person exhibition, Natural Selection, featuring artists Vaughn Bell and Josh Keyes. Bell's work involving both living and fabricated natural objects, conveys a natural outdoor environment in an artificial gallery setting. His artwork reflects the Seattle-based interests in public spaces and innovation.

Off Book | Video | Grades 6-12
Off Book, is a PBS web series that explores new artwork, the internet culture and the people that create it. In The Art of Data Visualization, Off Book looks at the way the practice of data visualization has gained significance in today's digital age. From pop info graphics to scientific visualization, Off Book shows the way designers now incorporate data into all aspects of media, particularly the realm of art.

Zeega | Video | Grades 6-13+
In an episode of Art School, Zeega's creators discuss the tool, where Zeega got its name, why it is a unique tool for storytelling and then demonstrate how to create your own Zeega using GIFs from the Internet. Zeega is a new platform for organizing media on the Internet to create interactive videos. This tool allows users to remix, create and practice the art of storytelling in a new digital way.

SF Jazz | Video | Grades 7-10
The SFJAZZ Jazz in the Middle Program links jazz with academic subjects in order to provide an arts education. The program exposes students to the teachings of professional jazz artists and San Francisco poet laureate by bringing music into the language arts classroom. Spark goes into the classrooms to help students participate in this program so they can perform their own poems with jazz musicians.
PBS LearningMedia, a digital media library of over 100,000 video clips, lesson plans and interactive games including STEAM-powered lessons. Use public media resources to integrating the arts into all aspects of teaching.

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Back to School Series: 10 Videos for Putting the "A" in STEM | KQED

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Claude Monet's Ultraviolet Eye | Video | Grades 6-12 Claude Monet had a very unique eye and it can teach us a bit about the science of vision. Join Joe Hanson, host of It's Okay To Be Smart, as he explores Claude Monet's ultraviolet eye.

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Resources . DESIGN SQUAD GLOBAL | PBS KIDS

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Engineering activities, animations, engineer profiles, and episodes organized by themes like electricity and simple machines.

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Are you looking for fun STEM activities to do with your daughter at home but not sure how to get started? Our STEM Challenge of the Month is the perfect starting place! Each month, we will introduce different STEM-based experiments and activities that any family can do at home using common household items. Join your daughter while she explores, creates, and learns about STEM activities while having fun and building confidence. Read on to learn more about the February Challenge and get ready to STEM Like a Girl!

Marker Chromatography Experiment

Have you ever thought about what makes markers different colors when you draw? These various colors come from different molecules, or chemicals, that make up the ink. Each color has its own unique combination of ink molecules. Molecules have different sizes and some are heavier than others so they behave differently. Scientists can separate different molecules using a method called paper chromatography. The molecules (in this experiment the ink from the markers) are placed on a piece of filter paper and exposed to a solvent, a liquid that the molecules dissolve in. As the solvent (for example water or isopropyl alcohol) absorbs up the filter paper, it takes the soluble part of the ink molecules with it. The soluble molecules move up the paper at different rates. When this happens, the different colors in the ink become visible. How far up the paper the molecules travel is related to their size so that smaller particles move farther than heavier ones.

How will your markers behave when you put them to the Marker Chromatography Test?

Water color markers (we found the cheap ones from the Dollar Store work best)

White coffee filter

Binder clip

Permanent marker

Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol, optional)

Marker Chromatography Experiment Test Sheet

1. Download and print the Marker Chromatography Experiment Test Sheet to record your predictions and observations.

2. Cut your coffee filter into a rectangle approximately 2 inches wide.

3. Draw small circles with your pencil just above the bottom of the filter (picture 1).

4. Color in each circle with a different color water color marker (picture 2, note: chose both primary and secondary colors and be sure to include either black or brown).

5. Using the binder clip and pencil to hold the filter in place, lower it into your glass so that it hovers just above the bottom of the glass (picture 3).

6. Carefully pour water (your solvent) into the glass so that it just covers the bottom of the filter. Be sure not to pour above the circles or along the length of the filter (picture 4).

7. Start your observations (picture 5).

8. After several minutes, remove the coffee filter and allow it to dry (picture 6).

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above but color one circle with a water color marker and the other with a permanent marker (picture 1).

2. Place each strip in a separate glass and secure in place.

3. Pour water (solvent #1) into the bottom of one glass (pictre 2). Optional: Pour isopropyl alcohol (solvent #2) into the bottom of the other glass (picture 3).

4. Start your observations.

5. After several minutes, remove the coffee filters and allow to dry (picture 4).

Observations:

1. What happens to the colors as the water wets the paper?

2. How do the different colors react differently? Which starting colors are made up of one ink color and which separate into different colors?

3. Do the water color markers react differently than the permanent markers when placed in water?

4. Optional test: How do the markers behave when placed in different solvents (water vs. isopropyl alcohol)?

5. Did your results agree with your predictions or were you surprised?

6. What additional experiments can you try using paper chromatography?

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February STEM Challenge of the Month: Marker Chromatography

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Are you looking for fun STEM activities to do with your daughter at home but not sure how to get started? Our STEM Challenge of the Month is the perfect starting place!

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"[Science] is more than a school subject, or the periodic table, or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world." - Barack Obama, Former U.S. President

Many of the missions in my new book, Hacking Digital Learning with Missions, are aimed at inspiring students to think critically, focus on questions versus answers, conduct hands-on research, and make a difference in the world with their innovations. The field of Science, Technology, Engineering, ART and Math (STEM/STEAM) is at the heart of innovation, discovery and curiosity. Sadly, many learners, especially minorities and females, aren't pursuing careers in STEM fields, because they don't see themselves as problem-solvers or innovators. One reason is too many curriculums encourage learners to produce answers. The main assessments for schools are multiple choice tests, which punish learners if they don't choose the right answer provided from a list of narrow options. Providing answers kills the drive to intimately investigate a problem and fall in love with the journey and process of discovering solutions. In the real world, those who transform the world spend a lifetime investigating solutions for problems they are passionate about. Often, they leave records about their research and ideas so that others continue the journey to finding solutions. Below, find STEAM based activities that inspire learners of all ages to explore their outdoor surroundings in creative ways. Find tons of my STEAM inspired lessons and resources collected here.
STEAM/STEM Resources and Activities

These are 6 characteristics of a great STEAM lesson I've adapted from EdWeek:

Connect & integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math

Real world learning

Hands-on inquiry

Cooperative learning

Multiple right answers

Engineering Design Process (EDP)

Send them on field research!

For young learners, they can go on nature walks, observe, and take photos of the nature, ecosystems, animals, and bugs in their environment. Observation logs are just one of the 32 resources in Hacking Learning with Edtech Missions.

I've had students collect water samples with SAWS engineers, bird watch with park rangers, analyze clouds with meteorologists, and fossil hunt with local paleontologists.

Students can document their observations using the iNaturalist iOS/Android app.

They can include their observations, photos, and research in interactive field guides or digital scrapbooks using iBooks, EduBuncee, or Book Creator. There is one mission dedicated to this in my book.

Go on a scavenger hunt! Try these apps and web tools- KlikaKlu app, Goose Chase app, QRWild.com, and the Qr Treasure Hunt Generator.

Geocaching is where you search for little treasures people hide using GPS coordinates. Many are at local parks or landmarks.

One of the most important parts of STEAM is guiding students through various processes of inquiry, observation, design, collaboration, and problem-solving. For the following activities below get students to employ the scientific method and the Engineering Design Process. This article by ASCD has a nice visual and information about combining these processes.

Playground STEAM:

Students work in pairs to study the math and physics of the slides, swings, or other playground equipment. They create questions, make predictions, test these out, collect data, and come to conclusions.

Students can measure their shadows at different times of the day. Get them to bring in other objects and draw what they predict the shadows will be depending on the time and location.

Get them to test different distances and angles with their bodies playing different sports to improve their game.

Group students to experiment with designing and testing out their designs for creating kites, paper airplanes, rockets, or ships.

Another mission in my book is about citizen science. Researchers and scientists have created tons of free projects students can join and contribute important research they conduct outdoors and indoors.

To inspire learning in the summer add them to a digital calendar that students click on to see the activity and receive a digital badge for completing the activity. In a later post I'll include an example of a Summer STEAM Challenge Digital Calendar for students.

Challenge: Try one of these STEAM inspired activities to motivate students to investigate the science and math in their surroundings.

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STEAM Up Learning Outdoors! 15+ Ideas to Try Now or this Summer! - Teacher Reboot Camp

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"[Science] is more than a school subject, or the periodic table, or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world." - Barack Obama, Former U.S.

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globe theatre model popsicle sticks - Google Search | Globe theater, Stem projects, School projects

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Mar 8, 2015 - globe theatre model popsicle sticks - Google Search

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STEM activities (Science Technology Engineering and Math) are all the buzz in education. Kids love finding out how things work through fun, hands-on projects and teachers love knowing that they're preparing students for their techy future.

These 40 kid-approved STEM activities are the perfect complement to the 150+ print-and-play STEM centers that are all available a VIP Plato Pack member!

Science Projects

We love science so it's hard to pick a favorite in this first category of STEM activities.

Make exploding pop rockets.

Pull together an easy water drop race. // What We Do All Day

Create fireworks in a jar. // I Can Teach My Child

Blow up a batch of magic balloons.

Create a water cycle in a bag.

Make ordinary flowers glow in the dark. // Fun at Home with Kids

Whip up some magic dancing raisins. // Coffee Cups and Crayons

And speaking of dancing, make gummy worms boogy.

Test out a simple recipe for Oobleck. // STEM Mom

Turn your name into crystals. Pour a rainbow in a jar.

Whip up a batch of Magic Aqua Sand. // Paging Fun Mums

Make pipe cleaners mysteriously float.

Use just a couple common household ingredients to pour hot ice. Build a giant sand volcano. // Growing a Jeweled Rose

Grow plants from seeds.

Make clouds in the kitchen. // Modern Parents Messy Kids

Create some magnetic slime. // Frugal Fun 4 Boys

Technology

Using STEM activities to prepare kids for the future requires that they experience technology too.
Teach kids about computer coding.
Study the stars with the Star Walk app.

Build globby structures in World of Goo.

Practice strategy by playing Blokus.

Explore pictures and data from NASA missions.

Design treehouses to ferris wheels with Simple Physics.

Practice math facts with Operation Math - a fast paced drill game.

Engineering

Engineering projects are also an important piece of STEM activities for kids!

Solve LEGO challenge cards. // The STEM Laboratory
Build famous landmarks.
Make junk boats.

Design straw bridges.

Race K'nex cars.

Create straw roller coasters. // Frugal Fun for Boys

Cut out this free balancing robot. // Buggy and Buddy

Build simple {and FAST!} spinning tops. // I Can Teach My Child

Print free activity cards and throw together a portable LEGO kit. // Fun at Home with Kids

Make a bottle water fountain. // Learn with Play at Home

Math

To help kids build a solid foundation of math skills, STEM activities also incorporate math.

Go on a shape hunt.

Play math fact dominoes.

Play a fun subtraction game. // Buggy and Buddy

Print and play Place Value Concentration.

Practice math facts with a flower game. // Nurturestore

Build shapes out of marshmallows and pretzels.

Play a fun round of Loose Tooth Subtraction. // Heidi Songs

Make a batch of Number Trail Mix.

Find different ways to make the numbers 3-10.

Teach kids doubles {3+3, 4+4, 5+5...} with a helpful flip chart. // Mrs. T's First Grade Class

Cut apart some hundred chart puzzles.

Practice addition with some free write and wipe cards. // The STEM Laboratory

Play a round of Catapult Addition. // Relentlessly Fun Deceptively Educational

Grab a ball for Add It Up! // Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

And finally, work on addition AND shapes at the same time with these playful roll and cover pattern block mats.

Endless STEM Challenges

Excited to get your hands on these 150+ print-and-play STEM centers!? Hop over to become a Plato Pack member and join THE most valuable membership for pre-K, kindergarten and first grade teachers!

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STEM activities (Science Technology Engineering and Math) are all the buzz in education. Kids love finding out how things work through fun, hands-on projects and teachers love knowing that they're preparing students for their techy future. These 40 kid-approved STEM activities are the perfect complement to the 150+ print-and-play STEM centers that are all available a VIP Plato Pack member!

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The number one question I get about STEM projects is "Where can I find the supplies cheaper?" Teachers' budgets are tight, almost non-existent. Household money in many families is tight too. But this shouldn't be a deterrent to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. So I gathered up some of my friends and we brainstormed ways to learn without spending a lot. Their creative ideas include cool stuff like backyard STEM, make your own plastic and learning in the kitchen. All great stuff, all really cheap.

STEM On a Budget Hands-On Activities for Kids

These activities show that you don't have to have a lot of money to have great learning activities. You can make your owns toys, do some edible science or create by tinkering.

Technology Learning Activities on a Budget

First up are some screen-free coding ideas. No expensive tech to buy!!

If-Then Backyard Coding Game for Kids || Left Brain Craft Brain

Color by Coding || Left Brain Craft Brain

Kick up your next coloring session with some coding in these fun color by number coloring pages that incorporate ASCII binary code into the mix. Kids will love both the astronaut and unicorn versions!
Download the Astronaut Color by Coding printable HERE.

Download your Unicorn Color by Coding printable HERE.

Recycled STEM Activites for Kids

One of the best ways to do STEM on a budget is to use recyled materials. Here are a few of our favorites on Left Brain Craft Brain.

DIY Recycled Suspension Bridge || Left Brain Craft Brain

Recycled Balloon Car || Left Brain Craft Brain

8 Ways to Play with an Old Keyboard || Left Brain Craft Brain

More Inexpensive STEM Activities for Kids

This list just keeps going! Check out some budget STEM ideas from some of my favorite bloggers.

28 Days of Hands-On STEM Activities for Kids

These STEM On a Budget activities are part of an amazing series of hands-on STEM activities for kids. I've joined up with 28 other bloggers and we're creating 60+ fun science, technology, engineering & math activities. Click here for the full list of activities or check out our other topics: STEM Goes Green, STEM Challenges and Coding for Kids.

Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math Fun for Kids

Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that use can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Kids: 50+ Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math Hands-On Projects for Kids ebook! It's packed full of a year's worth fun learning activities that will wow the boredom right out of your kids.

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STEM On A Budget: Cheap and Fun Ways to Learn

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The number one question I get about STEM projects is "Where can I find the supplies cheaper?" Teachers' budgets are tight, almost non-existent. Household money in many families is tight too. But this shouldn't be a deterrent to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

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How far can you make a puff ball fly through the air? For this STEM Like a Girl challenge, you will be designing and testing a launcher device using a few common household items while also learning about energy. Are you up for the challenge?

Diving boards, sling shots, automatic baseball pitchers, and even pop-up toasters are all examples of "launcher" devices. These machines store energy in them which can then be used to propel an object in the air. Think about a rubber band. When you stretch it between your fingers and hold it still, it has stored energy in it. This stored energy is call potential energy. You can control how much potential energy is stored in the rubber band based on how much you stretch it. When you let the rubber band go, this potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy, or energy of motion. This is an example of a simple launcher. Think about the examples given above and how they each store and release energy.

Mechanical engineers design machines to perform a specific task. They need to think about the task, plan and design the machine, test it, evaluate its success, and make adjustments to their design. Most of the time, the first couple test designs don't work too well but with each unsuccessful test, the engineers learn how to improve the machine. For this challenge you will be a mechanical engineer, work through these steps, and design a launcher!
How far do you think you can make your ball fly through the air?

Small, light object to launch (examples are puff balls, marshmallows, ping-pong balls)

Craft sticks

Rubber bands

Small plastic or paper cup

Plastic spoon

Measuring tape

Launch It Experiment Test Sheet

Methods:

1. Download and print the Launch It Experiment Test Sheet.

2. After examining your materials, take some time to think about your design and draw it out.

3. Using the materials given, start designing your launcher. (You don't have to use all the materials).

4. When you think you have a design, lay out your test site with your measuring tape and get testing!

5. Once you've tried your device, think about how well it worked (or didn't work!). Then think about ways you could improve your launcher and retest.

This is a fun activity for the whole family to try! Challenge each other to see who can launch the ball farthest. We purposely didn't include any pictures of the launchers we made because we want YOU to come up with ideas on your own! Let your daughter use her imagination and you might be amazed at the different designs kids come up with.

We'd love to see pictures of the launchers you create and hear how far they flew! Email your pictures to info@stemlikeagirl.org to be featured on our website or social media. Or you can tag us on instagram @stemlikeagirl_pdx or use the hashtag #stemlikeagirlchallengeofthemonth

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How far can you make a puff ball fly through the air? For this STEM Like a Girl challenge, you will be designing and testing a launcher device using a few common household items while also learning about energy. Are you up for the challenge?

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When you think about computer coding, do you also think about jewelry? Probably not, but the April STEM Challenge of the Month will change your thinking as you use binary code to make secret coded jewelry. This is a great activity to show girls how to combine STEM and fashion!

Creative Coding
Background:
Binary code is a method of representing letters and words using only two symbols. Typically for computer programming, these symbols are 0 and 1. Braille is another type of binary code that uses raised or not raised dots as its two symbols. Binary code is used for writing computer processor instructions, encoding data, and encrypting sound onto CDs and DVDs. It can also be used to write secret messages for yourself or your friends to decode!

In ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) binary code, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a string of eight 0s and 1s as seen in the chart below. You can write any word or computer command by "spelling" out the letters with 0s and 1s. For example, if we wanted to spell STEM we would write it like this:

1010011 1010100 1000101 1001101

However, you don't have to use 0s and 1s to write your binary code. For this activity, we will use two different color beads to represent either 0 or 1 and string them together to make a secret coded bracelet or necklace of your choice!

Are you ready to do some creative coding and make a binary bracelet or necklace?
Materials:

Three different color beads of your choice - one color for 0, a second color for 1, and a third color as a spacer between the letters. Get creative with your beads depending on the style, size, and type of jewelry you are looking for. Pony beads are great for little hands or longer necklaces. I made mine with smaller glass beads.

Elastic thread (make sure it fits through the hole in whatever bead you chose!)

Crayons or markers in the same color as your beads

Creative Coding Experiment Test Sheet

Methods:

1. Download and print the Creative Coding Experiment Test Sheet.

2. Decide what word you want to code. Examples include your name, nickname, or a fun word like "LOVE" or "STEM". Fill in these letters down the first column of your Test Sheet. I chose my first name and last initial which made my bracelet the right length (see example below).

3. Determine which color bead will represent the black spaces and which will represent the white spaces on the chart. For my bracelet, pink represents the dark colors, white represents the light colors, and black represents the spaces between letters.

4. Using the chart on the Test Sheet, decode each letter of your word and color in the boxes to the right with the crayon colors you chose.

5. Follow your chart to string the beads in the correct order onto your string. Use the third color bead as a space between each letter.

6. Depending on the length of your word, size of your beads, and what type of jewelry your want, you may need to add extra spacer beads to the end of your word to make your jewery longer.

7. Once its done, tie the ends together and see if anyone can decode your secret jewelry!

We'd love to see pictures of the binary code jewelry you create! Email your pictures to info@stemlikeagirl.org to be featured on our website or social media. Or you can tag us on instagram @stemlikeagirl_pdx or use the hashtag #stemlikeagirlchallengeofthemonth

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April STEM Challenge of the Month: Creative Coding

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When you think about computer coding, do you also think about jewelry? Probably not, but the April STEM Challenge of the Month will change your thinking as you use binary code to make secret coded jewelry. This is a great activity to show girls how to combine STEM and fashion!

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Ready to have some fun with STEM (science, technology, engineering & math)? Complete at least one activity in each category (plus A for Art) to make STEAM. Challenge kids to "spell" STEAM differently every day (or week) by choosing different activities in each category. Click the bingo card to download the free printable pdf. OK, full STEAM ahead!

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Ready to have some fun with STEM (science, technology, engineering & math)? Complete at least one activity in each category (plus A for Art) to make STEAM. Challenge kids to "spell" STEAM differently every day (or week) by choosing different activities in each category. Click the bingo card to download the free printable pdf.

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Need a way to get students more excited about building math skills? A deck of playing cards might just be the answer. These math card games work for little ones and older kids alike, and they're all free to learn and play. Draw a few to add to your winning math class hand today!

1. Match to make 11

Lay out three rows of three cards each, face up. Then check to see if you can find any two cards that add up to 11. If so, remove those cards and set them aside. Replace them with new cards from the deck. Continue until you run out of cards or can't make any more matches.

Learn more: Game Rules

2. Race to 100

Flip a card and add its value to your running total. First person to reach 100 without going over wins! (Remove face cards for younger players; use these values for older kids: Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13, Ace = 0.)

Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

3. Play a game of 21

In Vegas, they call this one Blackjack, but it makes a great learning game for kids too (no need to place bets!). Not only do they practice their addition skills, but they'll also get a little practice at thinking logically and calculating the odds.

Learn more: Planning With Kids

4. Try pyramid solitaire alone or in teams

Some versions of solitaire are really just sneaky math card games, and pyramid is one of them. Try to find cards that add up to 10 as you clear your pyramid row by row. Learn how to play at the link below.

Learn more: Multiplication.com

5. Flip and add 1 or subtract 1

There are a few versions of this basic addition and subtraction game. We like this one: Remove the face cards from the deck. Flip a card. If it's red, add 1 and say the amount out loud. If it's black, subtract 1. If you get it right, you get to keep the card.

Learn more: Plus 1 Minus 1/Creative Family Fun

6. Go fish for pairs that make 10

Your students probably already know how to play Go Fish, but in this version, they're fishing for pairs that add up to 10. Have them ask: "I have a 2. Do you have an 8 to make 10?" Change aces to 1 for this game and leave face cards out entirely.

Learn more: Go Fish/The First Grade Roundup

7. Calculate the gain or loss

Each player starts with 15 points. Player one flips a card (remove face cards or assign them point values first). If the card is black, they add it to their total. If it's red, they subtract it. Highest point total when all the cards are gone wins! Get a free printable worksheet to use with this game at the link.

Learn more: Teacherspayteachers.com

8. Practice counting on with cards

Remove the face cards for this one, and grab a die. Players flip a card and roll the die. Starting with the number on the card, they "count on" using the number on the die. For instance, if the player flips a 7 and rolls a 4, they would say, "7 ... 8, 9, 10, 11." If they get it correct, they keep the card.

Learn more: Creative Family Fun

9. Card turnover and multiply (or add)

This one is so simple! Have students pair up. One person flips two cards from the deck. The first student to multiply (or add, depending on what you want to practice) them correctly and call out the answer wins and takes both cards. Play continues until all the cards are gone, and the winner is the one with the most cards.

Learn more: Turnover/Top Notch Teaching

10. Try for a total of 10

Play this math card game alone or as a team. Lay out 20 cards on the table (leave out face cards or change them to equal 0, while aces equal 1). Kids remove sets of cards that add up to 10, ultimately trying to remove all the cards from the table. It's harder than you think!

Learn more: Total of 10/The First Grade Roundup

11. Practice number sequencing with Builder's Paradise

Simple math card games can help kids learn how to put numbers in order. To play Builder's Paradise, discard the face cards and lay out the four sevens in a deck side by side. In each round, players work to add the next higher or lower number in each suit, trying to be the first to get rid of all their cards. Get the full how-to at the link below.

Learn more: Builder's Paradise/Math Geek Mama

12. Add decimals to "make a buck"

Draw, swap, and discard to make a hand that equals $1. Learn what face cards equal and get all the rules at the link.

Learn more: Make a Buck/Math Geek Mama

13. Declare a fraction war

War is one of the original math card games, but this version adds a fraction aspect. Students deal two cards-a numerator and denominator-then determine whose fraction is the largest. The winner keeps all four cards, and play continues until the cards are gone. ( Click here for more fun and free fraction games.)

Learn more: Math File Folder Games

14. Learn numbers with card bingo

Remove the face cards and have each student lay out a 4 x 4 playing "board" of cards. The remaining cards (or another deck) are placed face down, and a caller flips over a card. Any player who has that number on their board turns the card face down. Play continues until one player has a row flipped over horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and calls "Bingo!"

Learn more: Card Bingo/Top Notch Teaching

15. Play a game of "I Spy"

Lay out cards on the table, then take turns giving clues. "I spy two cards that add up to 12." Differentiate for younger kids with options like, "I spy a card that's less than 4," or for older ones: "I spy two cards that are factors of 12."

Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching

16. Use order of operations to get to 24

Math card games aren't just for little kids-even adults will find this one a bit tricky. Each player is dealt four cards, then uses the order-of-operations rules to try to make a number as close to 24 as possible. Simple but challenging!

Learn more: Learn With Math Games

17. Take a gamble with triple-digit dare

Each player gets three cards and privately determines the highest three-digit number they can make (you can use decimals or not, depending on age). Then, each player has a turn to stick with the cards they have, swap with one from the deck, or steal one of the other player's. All players then lay down their best number to see who wins. See more at the link below.

Learn more: Math Coach's Corner

18. Deal and round to tens to win

Each player deals two cards and lays them on the board. Then, round to the nearest 10 to find the winner of that hand.

Learn more: Adventures in Third Grade

19. Find a way to make 10

One of the terrific things about math card games is that many of them can be customized for various concepts and skill levels. The original goal of this game was to look at the cards you're dealt to find ones that add up to 10, but it can be changed to 15, 20, or any number you choose. You can also add to the difficulty by allowing addition and subtraction (for example, you could use 8 + 4 = 12 and 12 - 2 = 10). Get the rules and free printable mats at the link below.

Learn more: Mama.Papa.Bubba

20. Use Close Call to practice two-digit addition or subtraction

The best math card games are simple at heart. To play Close Call, each player deals themselves four cards, then determines how to arrange them so they make two two-digit numbers that add up as close as possible to 100 without going over. For a subtraction version, work to get as close to zero as possible. Learn how to play at the link.

Learn more: Close Call/Math Geek Mama

21. Let card color indicate negative or positive

In this game, red cards are negative integers, while black cards are positive. Students attempt to play pairs of cards that total 6 or -6. You can change the goal number as needed.

Learn more: Filling the Frame With Learning

22. Take a trip around the card spiral to practice math facts

You'll need a pair of dice for this math card game. Lay out cards randomly in a spiral formation as shown, and set a marker for each player on the center card. Player one rolls the dice then moves their piece that number of spaces shown. They then must multiply (or add or subtract, depending on preferences) the card number by the number on the dice. If they get the answer correct, they stay where they are. If not, they return to their original card. Play continues until one player reaches the end.

Learn more: My Baba

23. Flip to make a prime number

Flip two cards. If you can add, subtract, or multiply them to make a prime number (use one or all of these operations), you get to keep them.

Learn more: Flip for Prime/Games4Learning

24. Be the fastest in the race to pi

In this game, kids work to lay out the digits of pi in order. It's a simple draw-and-play game that will help familiarize students with this important number. You can write out the digits first or see who knows them from memory. Find out how to play at the link below.

Learn more: Race to Pi/Math Geek Mama

25. Pick three to make number sentences

Flip any three cards. If you can use them to form a valid equation (8 - 3 = 5), you keep the cards!

Learn more: Number Sentences/Games 4 Learning

26. Do some basic fast facts practice

Give your flash cards a rest and practice facts with math card games instead. Simply lay down two cards from the deck (remove the face cards first) and add, subtract, or multiply them. Kids can work on this alone, or you can make it a contest to see who can call out the correct answer first.

Learn more: Fast Facts/Top Notch Teaching

27. Challenge them to beat the teacher

Practice place value by drawing cards and trying to build the largest number possible. Kids play against the teacher to see who wins! Get the rules at the link below. ( Find more fun place value activities here.)

Learn more: The Teaching Love Fest/TpT

28. Read minds to figure out the correct numbers

Two students draw a card from the deck without looking and hold it up to their forehead facing out. A third student mentally multiplies the numbers and gives them the product. The students then must figure out what number each is holding. You can do this with addition and subtraction too. You'll find this game along with dozens of other math card games in the free printable book at the link below.

Learn more: Acing Math (PDF)

Plus, sign up for our free newsletters and get all the latest teaching ideas, straight to your inbox!

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All you need is a deck of cards to play these clever math card games. Kids will learn all sorts of important math skills and have fun too!

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STEM Education: Developing 21st century problem solvers

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STEM Education Week with Design Thinking

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STEM vs. STEAM vs. STREAM: What is the difference???

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STEM in Early Learning: Engineering with the Three Little Pigs

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STEM and the Arts | Dr. Makola Abdullah | TEDxRVA

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Integrating STEM into the Elementary Classroom

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Tapping into preschoolers' natural curiosity helps teachers foster an early interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Fun, easy STEM activities are a great way to entertain kids and help them make unique discoveries at home. With a few simple, low-cost supplies and minimal directions, young scientists will be engaged and challenged with these fun ideas.
Science Float or Sink Game
Gather several small items from around the house or outside, such as balls, toothpicks, small toys, pinecones, rocks and leaves. Make predictions about which items will float and which will sink. Fill a large bowl with water so kids can compare two items at a time and record their findings.
Leaf Rubbing and Creature Making
Have young scientists gather crayons, markers, paper and leaves in various sizes (that are already on the ground). Place leaves under paper and lightly color in the same direction over the surface. Kids will be surprised to see leaf skeletons appear. Make vegetation creatures by drawing facial features and body parts.
Technology Photos and Videos
Take photos and record a short video (try slow-motion and time-relapse) and have fun editing them in different ways. Consider taking photos of any of the activities listed here and adding them to a science journal.
Engineering Paper Towel Tunnels
Collect paper clips, marbles and small toy cars and compete to see which items roll fastest through paper towel tubes. Set tubes at different angles to observe varying speeds. As an added challenge, connect tubes to make the tunnels longer.
Gumdrop or Marshmallow Toothpick Engineering
Add a toothpick to the center of gumdrop candies (or mini marshmallows) and connect them to each other to create three-dimensional edible structures that span in all directions.
Paper Airplane Flying
Kids of all ages become young engineers when they make and fly paper airplanes. Alter nose shape, design and add paperclip weights, then compete to see which ones fly the farthest.
Cup Stacking
Using cups to build pyramids, single towers and walls is a fun way to teach kids balance and symmetry. Kids will often be entertained by this activity for more than 15 minutes!
Art Paper Jewelry
Create wearable art using scissors, string, yarn, glue, and colored recycled papers such as old greeting cards and magazine pages. Make beads by cutting paper into long narrow strips, rolling them tightly and securing with glue. String beads into a unique bracelet or necklace.
Math
Card games are a great way for kids to learn addition, subtraction and multiplication. War is a popular game, but there are many other fun, challenging games that can be played with a regular deck of cards. Find great ideas at www.weareteachers.com/math-card-games.

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Tracy Real is a credentialed school counselor who teaches daily STEAM activities to local elementary students.

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Full STEAM Ahead: 15-Minute STEM Activities