This week, the U.S. government issued its first ever fine to a company for leaving space junk in space. Why is space debris a problem? Space is a pretty big place. The problem is that even a tiny piece of space junk left behind can cause massive damage if it collides with a spacecraft or…
This super simple STEM challenge requires only a straw, a potato and a willing volunteer. You’ll need Two paper straws A large potato ( raw ) Instructions Pick up one of the straws and try to push it into the potato hard. The straw will most likely bend. Take the second straw, and this time…
We’ve all been there, it’s a hot day, and you really want an ice pop ( popsicle ), but it’s too cold to hold at first, and then the sun melts it before you can really enjoy it. This ice pop STEM challenge solves both problems! A fun twist on this, if popsicles aren’t your…
Bridges and buildings need to be made from strong materials and cleverly constructed too. Some shapes make more robust structures than others. These simple investigations are all great for learning about strong shapes and stable structures in a fun and hands-on way. A structure is a building made from several different parts. Stable structure and…
This very simple STEM challenge is a great way to find out why arches are such an important structural shape. Bridges often have arches to make them stronger and more stable. The arch shape allows any load on the bridge to be spread outwards along the curve of the arch. Pont du Gard is a…
The run-up to Easter is a great time to try lots of fun eggy and chocolate themed science activities! Egg drop experiments are even more fun with a chocolate egg, and egg chain reactions are my new favourite way to keep the kids busy! I’ve made a checklist of our favourite Easter science activities for…
This cute love bug is a great Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge or fun science craft for any time of year. The cork on the motor spins around making the cup vibrate and move around. As it moves, the felt tip pens make a mark on the surface below. Art-bots can also be made with a…
A Halloween Candy Grabber is a great STEM challenge for Halloween. Children can investigate by making the grabber shorter and longer or adding extra pieces like easy to hold handles or extra grippy bits on the claw part. I added some teeth and an eye to make my grabber look more Halloween like, but you…
These simple boat themed STEM challenges are easy, fun and great for all ages. The challenges work brilliantly for older children who can use them to practise setting up an investigation correctly and can be simplified for younger children who might like a pirate or underwater theme! Choose a challenge, design and build your boats…
Marshmallows are delicious to eat, perfect for melting in hot chocolate and brilliant for launching with a catapult as they are so light! This activity works well with either one full size or several small marshmallows. Catapults are very inexpensive to make and can be used over and over again which makes them great for…
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