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Welcome to UNIS Design

Design Thinking & Skill Building

What a great combo!

At UNIS, we focus on a blended design approach that incorporates aspects of both digital and product design projects. Our main goal is to equip our learners with a design thinking mindset while teaching them a robust set of fundamental design skills in order to increase their level of impact on real-world clients! In doing so, we hope to prepare our learners to become vibrant contributors to the 4th Industrial Revolution.

enjoy the design process, develop an appreciation of its elegance and power

develop knowledge, understanding and skills from different disciplines to design and create solutions to problems using the design cycle

use and apply technology effectively as a means to access, process and communicate information, model and create solutions, and to solve problems

develop an appreciation of the impact of design innovations for life, global society and environments

appreciate past, present and emerging design within cultural, political, social, historical and environmental contexts

develop respect for others’ viewpoints and appreciate alternative solutions to problems

act with integrity and honesty, and take responsibility for their own actions developing effective working practices.

Student - Centered Leveled Pathways (SCLP)

We have created multiple levels of design projects that cater to the individual needs of each student. Whether you are new to design or a seasoned tinkerer, we are confident we can find a challenge that will suit your abilities and expose you to new tools and techniques! Here's how it works...

In Level 1 Design you will encounter challenges that will build your skills and conceptual understanding using the MYP Design Cycle.

These projects will ease you into the Design Thinking mindset through designing products for a familiar target audience.

Block Coding & Robotics

Vector Illustration & Laser Cutting

Design Lab Safety / Tools & Product Design*

Computer Aided Design & 3D Printing

In Level 2 Design you will learn more difficult skills and gain a deeper conceptual understanding of the iterative process of Design Thinking by broadening your target audience to the wider community.

Javascript Coding & Mobile App Development

Circuitry / CAD & Electronic Product Design / Laser Cutting

Choice Unit

In Level 3 Design you will be expected to use the toolbox of skills you have acquired to develop real world solutions for a target market outside of your comfort zone.

Choice Unit

Product Development & Marketing

Choice Unit

The main goal of this website is to use technology to help personalize education to you and your specific needs. Everyone has different strengths and as the illustration shows, fair is not always equal...

The important thing here is to advocate for yourself and let your teacher know if you have any questions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Nearly 70% of our students are non-native English speakers. Our goal is for all of our templates to be written so that they are as easy to follow as LEGO or IKEA instructions. Please help us by using Google Translate and let us know if there are any parts of the website where vocabulary could be improved.

We allow as much extra time as possible and have a variety of tools to help you get through the tasks assigned.

Problem finding our way through challenges…no matter the size!

Disclaimer: Content on this website is free to use and distribute for non-commercial purposes. Please ensure that you credit the creators and curators of such content: Brycen Davis, Kent Saunders, Jesse Bradley, James Jeremy Akin, Jon Gomez, Jac Gubbels, Hannah Hendrickson & Ian Flude
All IB MYP information is sourced from: International Baccalaureate Organization. Middle Years Programme Subject Guides Geneva, Switzerland, IBO, 2004.
Icons made by Nikita Golubev from www.flaticon.com Feel free to contact us with any comments or questions...

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Design Thinking & Skill Building What a great combo!
At UNIS, we focus on a blended design approach that incorporates aspects of both digital and product design projects. Our main goal is to equip our learners with a design thinking mindset while teaching them a robust set of fundamental design

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Tom Wujec presents some surprisingly deep research into the “marshmallow problem” -- a simple team-building exercise that involves dry spaghetti, one yard of tape and a marshmallow. Who can build the tallest tower with these ingredients? And why does a surprising group always beat the average?

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VEXcode Vr : 1 : Online Robot Coding Simulator

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You can search the internet for some of the best technology projects for kids, but we have done the hard work for you! This list is sure to get those creative juices flowing! Use this set of 28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids (and a few more, too!) posts to excite the kids all year long. Learn using STEM and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, & math) concepts while you explore forces of motion, chemistry, sound, and so much more!

20+ Technology Projects for Kids

Kids love all things tech! Help your creative kids with coding, robots, and more! You'll find all kinds of great science, technology, engineering, art, and math ideas woven into this set of technology projects for kids. Bookmark this page for great problem-solving ideas you can try this year!

Circuits Cards and More Circuit Activities for Kids

These circuit projects are sure to teach kids all about electric circuits!

How to Make a Lighting Bug Circuit Paper Card || Left Brain Craft Brain - This little bug is so much fun! It's sure to bring a little light to your next circuit activity!

How to Make a Coin Battery || Teach Beside Me - Who knew? Learn how to stack coins to make a battery. You want to be sure to try this with adult supervision.

Light Up Circuit Valentines || Left Brain Craft Brain - Show your love for your friends and family with a sweet light up Valentine!

Make a Light Up Paper Circuit Thaumatrope || One Time Through - We are fascinated with thaumatropes! This time your STEAM kids can make a light up thaumatrope with just a couple simple materials.

Fruit Stand Circuits || Left Brain Craft Brain - Who knew? Your favorite fruit has an electrical charge! This is a really awesome science fair project too!

Solar-Powered House || Left Brain Craft Brain - The kids will learn about alternative energy with this DIY paper house complete with a solar panel!

Paper Circuit Cards || Science Kiddo - I love this one! You'll want to grab some copper tape for this easy circuit card. Make your own creations in a couple minutes!

Circuit Flowers || STEAM Powered Family - These circuits are gorgeous enough to give as a gift!!

Light Up May the Fourth Be With You Cards || Left Brain Craft Brain - You know we are HUGE Star Wars fans and we make these every year.

Electric Circuit Kids Valentine || JDaniel4's Mom - Your Valentine is going to be so surprised with this light up reminder of how much you care!

Light Up & Pop Up Circuit Flower Card || Left Brain Craft Brain - Who wouldn't love a light up flower card? This is perfect to add to your technology projects for kids this spring!

Check out the May the Fourth Be With You Circuit Card in action!

Here are a few more fun bot ideas to try!

Minion Brush Bot || Left Brain Craft Brain - Aren't Minions awesome? If you have a little Minion fan at home, make your own Minion bot is just a couple minutes!

Code Your Own Art Bo t || Kids STEAM Lab - Art bots are the wave of the future! Grab this simple

Build a Hexbug Maze with Straws || Buggy and Buddy - Add this one to your list of technology projects for kids! Kids will find new life with their old bot with a DIY maze!

How to Make a Modern Art Steady Hand Game || Left Brain Craft Brain - We are all about amazing STEAM ideas here! This is one of my favorite learning activities for creative kids with an open ended result.

Computers

We have had a lot of fun with computers and computer parts over the years. Here are some of our favorite projects!

Computer Destruction || Left Brain Craft Brain - You know you want to give this a try! Don't throw out that old computer. Instead us it to explore!

8 Ways to Play with an Old Keyboard || Left Brain Craft Brain - For some reason, old keyboards seem to find their way to our house. We had so many! So we left our preschooler explore and learn.

Play Dough Robots || Left Brain Craft Brain - This is sure to be a favorite for your kids! Grab your favorite play dough recipe and old computer parts for this open ended play idea.

Computer Part Mandalas || Left Brain Craft Brain - Teach kids about the inner workings of computers while creating a quirky (or should I say QWIRTY?) mandala.

Coding Activities for Kids

Coding is the language of the future! Here are some unique ways to help them learn.

Even More! Fun Technology Projects for Kids

Not sure where to start with coding? I wasn't either until I started collecting ideas! Here's the very best Coding for Kids activities for you to get started with today.

Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that you can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Explorers!! The coolest creative experience for kids is here! It's a digital book of the month club filled with tons of fun stuff for the kids to do and learn. All engineer, teacher, and mom-approved. And most definitely KID APPROVED!⁣

What's included?⁣

A monthly digital magazine with cool themes that are fun to read

Hands-on, exciting projects the kids will love.⁣

Science, tech, engineering, art, and math learning YOU'LL love.⁣

Delicious recipes the kids can make.⁣

Fun printables and games⁣

Join us as we explore all the amazing springtime things in the month of March from flowers to life cycles to sports, too!! You'll love the helpful standards-based learning, printables, and tools that make STEAM exploration easy! The kids will love constructing a butterfly life cycle pop-up book, making their writing bloom with cherry blossom haiku, playing a basketball lab for March Madness, & more!

All packed up in an easy-to-do package, ready for kids ages 6-12 to have fun.

28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids

These projects are part of an amazing, month-long series of hands on STEM and STEAM projects for kids. Click on over to 28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids for 60+ FREE science, tech, engineering, art, and math projects from 30+ education writers. All ready to get your kids excited to learn.
This month we're getting inspired by the world around us with the Spring Ebook!

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20+ Technology Projects for Kids They'll Love

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You can search the internet for some of the best technology projects for kids, but we have done the hard work for you! This list is sure to get those creative juices flowing! Use this set of 28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids (and a few more, too!)

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These days, STEM learning is more important than ever. Science, technology, engineering, and math are the keys to many modern careers, so a good grounding in them from an early age is a must. The best STEM activities are hands-on, leading kids to cool innovations and real-world applications. Here are some of our favorites, with challenges that will really get kids thinking about how STEM plays a part in their everyday lives.

1. Participate in the St. Jude EPIC Challenge

St. Jude's EPIC Challenge gives students a chance to create real-world impact for other kids currently facing cancer. EPIC stands for Experimenting, Prototyping, Inventing, and Creating. Participants come up with innovative ways to help St. Jude kids, following through from concept to creation. Past winners have created comfortable pillows, buddy blankets, and more. Learn about the EPIC Challenge and find out how to join here.

Plus, get a free copy of our engineering and design poster we created together with St. Jude right here.

2. Add STEM bins to your classroom

You can use STEM activities in a wide variety of ways with these cool bins. Incorporate them into literacy centers, create a makerspace, and offer early finishers fun enrichment ideas. Learn how to create and use STEM bins.

3. Conduct an egg drop

This is one of those classic STEM activities every kid should try at least once. Kids can do it at any age, with different materials and heights to mix it up.

Learn more: Buggy and Buddy

4. Engineer a drinking straw roller coaster

This is such a fun way to encourage engineering skills! All you need are basic supplies like drinking straws, tape, and scissors.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster/Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

5. Simulate an earthquake

The ground under our feet may feel solid, but an earthquake changes that pretty quickly. Use Jello to simulate the earth's crust, then see if you can build an earthquake-proof structure.

Learn more: Teaching Science

6. Stand up to a hurricane

In a hurricane zone, houses must be able to stand up to strong winds and possible flooding. Can your students design houses that make it safer to live in these dangerous areas?

Learn more: Carly and Adam

7. Create a new plant or animal

Kids will really get into this project, indulging their creativity as they invent a plant or animal that's never been seen before. They'll need to be able to explain the biology behind it all, though, making this an in-depth project you can tailor to any class.

Learn more: I Love 2 Teach

8. Design a helping hand

This is a great group science project. Students hone their design and engineering skills to make a working model of a hand.

Learn more: Model Hand/Science Buddies

9. Understand the impact of non-renewable resources

Discuss the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources, then have your class form "companies" to "mine" non-renewable resources. As they compete, they'll see how quickly the resources are used. It's a great tie-in to energy conservation discussions.

Learn more: The Owl Teacher

10. Devise an amazing marble maze

Marble mazes are one of students' favorite STEM activities! You can provide supplies like straws and paper plates for their project. Or let them use their imaginations and create marble mazes from any materials they can think of.

Learn more: Marble Maze/Raising Lifelong Learners

11. Fly clothespin airplanes

Ask students what they think the airplane of the future might look like. Then, provide them with clothespins and wood craft sticks, and challenge them to build a new kind of airplane. Bonus points if it can actually fly!

Learn more: STEAMsational/Clothespin Airplane

12. Play catch with a catapult

This take on a classic science project challenges young engineers to build a catapult from basic materials. The twist? They also must create a "receiver" to catch the soaring object on the other end.

Learn more: Catapult Challenge/Science Buddies

13. Bounce on a trampoline

Kids love bouncing on trampolines, but can they build one themselves? Find out with this totally fun STEM challenge.

Learn more: Teach Student Savvy

14. Build a solar oven

Learn about the value of solar energy by building an oven that cooks food without electricity. Enjoy your tasty treats while discussing ways we can harness the energy of the sun and why alternative energy sources are important.

Learn more: Desert Chica

15. Build a snack machine

Incorporate everything students learn about simple machines into one project when you challenge them to build a snack machine! Using basic supplies, they'll need to design and construct a machine that delivers snacks from one location to another.

Learn more: Snack Machine/Left Brain Craft Brain

16. Recycle newspaper into an engineering challenge

It's amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge students to build the tallest tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: STEM Activities for Kids

17. Design a biosphere

This project really brings out kids' creativity and helps them understand that everything in a biosphere is really part of one big whole. You'll be overwhelmed by what they come up with!

Learn more: Laney Lee

18. See the effects of an oil spill

Learn why an oil spill is so devastating for wildlife and the ecosystem with this hands-on activity. Kids experiment to find the best way to clean up oil floating on water and rescue the animals affected by the spill.

Learn more: Kitchen Counter Chronicles

19. Assemble a steady-hand game

This is such a fun way to learn about circuits! It also brings in a bit of creativity, adding the "A" to STEAM.

Learn more: Steady Hand Game/Left Brain Craft Brain

20. Craft a cell phone stand

Your science students will be thrilled when you let them use their phones in class! Challenge them to use their engineering skills and a small selection of items to design and build a cell phone stand.

Learn more: Science Buddies/Engineer Cell Phone Stand

21. Engineer a craft stick bridge

Here's another one of those classic STEM activities that really challenge kids to use their skills. Build a bridge with popsicle sticks and push pins, and find out which design can bear the most weight.

Learn more: Build a Bridge/Scholastic

22. Forage and build a bird nest

Birds build incredibly intricate nests from materials they find in the wild. Take a nature walk to gather materials, then see if you can build a sturdy, comfy nest of your own!

Learn more: Kids Craft Room

23. Drop parachutes to test air resistance

Use the scientific method to test different types of material and see which makes the most effective parachute. Your students also learn more about the physics behind air resistance.

Learn more: Education.com

24. Find the most waterproof roof

Calling all future engineers! Build a house from LEGO, then experiment to see what type of roof prevents water from leaking inside.

Learn more: Waterproof Roof/Science Sparks

25. Build a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Better Umbrella/Raising Lifelong Learners

26. Go green with recycled paper

We talk a lot about recycling and sustainability these days, so show kids how it's done! Recycle old worksheets or other papers using screen and picture frames. Then, ask kids to brainstorm ways to use the recycled paper.

Learn more: Undercover Classroom

27. Brew up your own slime

Chances are good your students already love making and playing with slime. Turn the fun into an experiment by changing the ingredients to create slime with a variety of properties-from magnetic to glow-in-the-dark!

Learn more: Slime Design/Science Buddies

28. Create a taxonomy system

Students can step into Linnaeus' shoes by creating their own system of taxonomy using a handful of different dried beans. This is a fun science project to do in groups, so students can see the differences between each group's system.

Learn more: Our Journey Westward

29. Find out which liquid is best for growing seeds

As you learn about the life cycle of plants, explore how water supports plants' growth. Plant seeds and water them with a variety of liquids to see which sprout first and grow best.

Learn more: Lessons 4 Little Ones

30. Find the best soap bubble solution

It's easy to mix your own soap bubble solution with just a few ingredients. Let kids experiment to find the best proportion of ingredients to blow the longest-lasting bubbles with this fun outside science activity.

Learn more: Soap Bubbles/Science Buddies

31. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you've ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Scholastic/Dish Soap Bubbles

32. Help monarch butterflies

You may have heard that monarch butterflies are struggling to keep their population alive. Join the fight to save these beautiful bugs by planting your own butterfly garden, monitoring monarch populations, and more. Get all the info you need at the link.

Learn more: Monarch Watch

33. See water pollution in action

Learn about the challenges of cleaning up polluted water sources like rivers and lakes with this interesting outdoor science activity. Pair it with a visit to a local water treatment plant to expand the lesson.

Learn more: Water Pollution/JDaniel4's Mom

34. Test your local water quality

Once you've "cleaned up" your water, try testing it to see how clean it really is! Then head out to test other types of water. Kids will be fascinated to discover what's in the water in their local streams, ponds, and puddles. Student water testing kits are readily available online.

Learn more: The Homeschool Scientist

35. Explore with an edible Mars Rover

Learn about the conditions on Mars and the tasks the Mars Rover will need to complete. Then, give kids supplies to build their own. (Add to the challenge by making them "buy" the supplies and stick to a budget, just like NASA!).

Learn more: Library Makers

36. Baked potato science

This edible science project is a nutritious way to explore the scientific method in action. Experiment with a variety of methods for baking potatoes-microwaving, using a traditional oven, wrapping them in foil, using baking pins, etc.-testing hypotheses to discover which works best.

Learn more: Potato Science/Left Brain Craft Brain

37. Waterproof a boot

Ask kids to select various materials and tape them over the free boot printable. Then, test their hypotheses to see which ones work best.

Learn more: Waterproof a Boot/Science Sparks

38. Determine the best way to melt ice

Conventional wisdom says we sprinkle salt on ice to melt it faster. But why? Is that really the best method? Try this science experiment and find out.

Learn more: The Chaos and the Clutter

39. Don't melt the ice

We spend a lot of time in winter trying to get rid of ice, but what about when you don't want the ice to melt? Experiment with different forms of insulation to see which keeps ice frozen the longest.

Learn more: Ice Insulation/Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

40. Build a straw house

Grab a box of straws and a package of pipe cleaners. Then task kids with designing and building their dream house, using only those two items.

Learn more: Deceptively Educational

41. Design a balloon-powered car

Explore the laws of motion and encourage creativity when you challenge students to design, build, and test their own balloon-powered cars. Bonus: Use only recycled materials to make this project green!

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Cars/Science Buddies

42. Learn map skills by designing an amusement park

For this cross-curricular activity, students investigate the parts of a map by creating an amusement park. After they create their map, they do a detailed drawing and write about one of their ride designs. Then they design an all-access park pass. So many STEM activities in one! Find out more about it here.

43. Reach for the ceiling

Round up all your building blocks and try this whole-class project. What will students need to do to be able to construct a tower that reaches all the way to the ceiling?

Learn more: Mama Smiles

44. Cast a tall shadow

Here's another tower-building challenge, but this one's all about shadows! Kids will experiment with the height of their tower and the angle of their flashlight to see how tall of a shadow they're able to cast.

Learn more: No Time for Flashcards

45. Devise a recycled toy bot

These adorable toy bots are made from pool noodles and recycled electric toothbrushes. So clever! Kids will have fun designing their own, plus they can tweak this idea to make other fun wiggling toys.

Learn more: Artsy Momma

46. Link up the longest paper chain

This incredibly simple STEM activity really gets kids thinking. The challenge? Create the longest possible paper chain using a single piece of paper. So simple and so effective.

Learn more: Paper Chain Challenge/Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

47. Find out what you can make from a plastic bag

Plastic bags are one of the most ubiquitous items on the planet these days, and they're difficult to recycle. Give each student a plastic bag and ask them to create something new and useful. ( These ideas from Artsy Craftsy Mom offer some inspiration.)

48. Start a school robotics team

Coding is one of the most valuable STEM activities you can include in your classroom plans. Set up a school robotics club and inspire kids to embrace their newfound skills! Learn how to set up your own club here.

49. Embrace the Hour of Code

The Hour of Code program was designed as a way to get all teachers to try just one hour of teaching and learning coding with their students. Originally, the Hour of Code event was held in December, but you can organize yours any time. Then, continue to learn using the huge amount of resources on Hour of Code's website.

50. Give kids a Maker Cart and a pile of cardboard

You don't need a whole lot of fancy supplies to create a STEM Cart or makerspace. Scissors, tape, glue, wood craft sticks, straws-basic items like these combined with a stack of cardboard can inspire kids to all sorts of amazing creations! See how these STEM activities work here.

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50 Stem Activities To Help Kids Think Outside the Box

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Hands-on science is one of the best ways to get kids thinking creatively. These STEM activities are perfect for upper elementary students.

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Stave off the dreaded "I'm bored" syndrome that hits partway into any vacation or downtime with a few of the BEST simple STEM activities that cost almost next to nothing. We have many easy STEM challenges to get the juices flowing, and keep the kiddos thinking and learning. As always, we have plenty of STEM projects to get you through the year. Shhh, don't tell them!

EASY STEM PROJECTS FOR KIDS TO KEEP THEM BUSY!

EASY STEM CHALLENGES

So you ask, what does costing next to nothing look like for a simple STEM activity? What materials do I actually need to do fun STEM activities? If I don't know much about STEM, can we still do these activities?

Easy STEM activities can look like grabbing items from the pantry, recycling bin, junk drawer, and maybe a trip to the dollar store too. I always like to ensure I have a few basic supplies, as you will find in our MUST HAVE STEM SUPPLIES LIST (free bonus pack too).

WHAT IS STEM?

First, STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. STEM activities involving these fields have a huge impact on kids. Even the simplest STEM activities, like building the catapult I talk about below, provide numerous opportunities for kids to learn and explore STEM.

These STEM building activities might look like your kids are just playing, but they are doing much more. Look closely; you will see the engineering design process in motion. You will see experimenting and critical thinking in action and notice problem-solving at its finest. When kids play, they learn about the world around them!

STEM TEACHES LIFE SKILLS

These simple STEM activities for elementary to middle school work just as well in the classroom as they do for distance learning, homeschool groups, or screen-free time at home. Also perfect for library groups, scouting groups, and vacation camps.

I highly encourage you to get in on the fun if you can but hold back on providing the answers when things don't go as expected!
Read more on how STEM provides real-world skills!
Frustration and failure go hand in hand with success and perseverance. You can provide encouragement when things aren't working well and offer congratulations for a successful challenge completed. Younger kids may need more assistance, while older kids might choose to work independently.

It's always good to discuss the importance of failing with our kids. Some of our greatest inventors, like Darwin, Newton, Einstein, and Edison, failed and failed time again, only to make history later on. And why is that? Because they didn't give up.

STEM RESOURCES TO GET YOU STARTED

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You'll find helpful free printables throughout.

10 SIMPLE STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

So let's start with some of the best, simplest, and most fun STEM activities that will have your kids chanting your name and eagerly waiting for the next awesome idea.

Each of these easy STEM activities will provide you with a materials list or you can read about it under the descriptions below. The STEM supplies are pretty simple and you probably have most of it floating around the house.

1. Build a Catapult

Time to storm the castle with a homemade catapult that explores many parts of STEM and that is entirely playful. The kids will come back to this one over and over again. We have several popular versions of the homemade catapult, the best being made out of craft sticks and rubber bands.
POPSICLE STICK CATAPULT PENCIL CATAPULT MARSHMALLOW CATAPULT LEGO CATAPULT
2. Build a Balloon Rocket

Oh, the fun you can have with Sir Isaac Newton, a balloon, a straw, and some string. Explore Newton's Third Law of Motion when you make a balloon rocket. Have races, conduct experiments, and explore physics while you play.

Here's also our Christmas theme balloon rocket... Santa's Balloon Rocket

Alternatively, you can make a balloon car!

3. Build Structures

All you need is a box of toothpicks and a bag of mini marshmallows, gumdrops, or styrofoam peanuts. Turn it into a challenge to build a certain style of a bridge, a famous monument or simply an abstract creation. Or you can challenge the kids to build a tower 12″ tall (or any other height).
GUMDROP STRUCTURES GUMDROP BRIDGE BUILDING POOL NOODLE STRUCTURES EDIBLE STRUCTURES STYROFOAM BALLS
4. 100 Cup Tower Challenge

Grab a bag of 100 cups at the grocery store and challenge the kids to build a tower with all 100! That will keep them busy. Grab a free printable too!
CHECK OUT: 100 Cup Tower Challenge
5. Think Like the 3 Little Pigs (Architectural Activity)

What happens when you take a classic fairy tale like The Three Little Pigs and you join it with architectural inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright? You get an awesome STEM picture book called The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale written by Steve Guarnaccia. Of course, we had to come up with an easy STEM project to go along with it and a free printable pack too!
CHECK OUT: DESIGN A HOUSE (with printables)
6. Learn Basic Coding

Computer coding with LEGO® is a great introduction to the world of coding using a favorite building toy. Yes, you can teach young kids about computer coding, especially if they are highly interested in computers and how they work.
PRINTABLE ALGORITHM GAMES LEGO CODING ACTIVITIES CODE YOUR NAME IN BINARY
7. Build a Marble Run

Building a marble run is full of design possibilities and encourages those engineering skills. You can build it on the wall with cardboard tubes and tape, LEGO bricks on a baseplate, or in a box top with tape, craft sticks, or straws.
LEGO MARBLE RUN CARDBOARD TUBE MARBLE RUN POOL NOODLE MARBLE RUN
8. Paper Chain Challenge

Only one sheet of paper needed to get started with this super easy to set up STEM challenge. As long as your kiddo can use scissors safely, this is a great challenge to try! Perfect for different ages, groups, and team building!
CHECK OUT: Paper Chain Challenge
You can also find more easy STEM activities with paper here.

9. Egg Drop Challenge

If you can stand to give your kids a carton of raw eggs, this type of STEM challenge will be a blast. Have each kid design a mechanism that will protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped. Look around the house for items that could work. Challenge your kids to only use what they can find and not buy.
CHECK OUT: EGG DROP PROJECT
10. Build A Simple Machine

Simple machines make our lives so much easier. Do your kids know all 6 simple machines? Have them do some investigative research and find a simple machine they can build from materials on hand.
LEGO SIMPLE MACHINES HOMEMADE PULLEY SYSTEM BUILD A WINCH
CHECK OUT MORE FUN STEM ACTIVITIES

Printable STEM Pack for Kids

80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!

Full instructions with sample images

Activity-specific instruction sheets

Data Collection Sheets

Questions for Reflection

Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge

Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.

Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!

3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won't blow away!

Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!

Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don't know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!

What's the difference between a scientist and an engineer?

Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.

Engineering vocabulary cards

Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!

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Easy STEM Activities For Kids - Little Bins for Little Hands

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Pull out our list of the best ever easy STEM activities the kids will love. Simple STEM challenges with cheap supplies.