Zero Prep STEM Ice Breakers
First days can be tricky for some children, and there’s nothing more stressful than trying to think of a fun fact about yourself on the spot. So I’ve created easy icebreakers to reduce stress and get kids working together in groups on a fun task.
Each idea uses only inexpensive materials and requires almost zero prep. They encourage teamwork, critical thinking and curiosity in a fun, hands-on way.
How many people fit inside a piece of paper?
All you need for this STEM challenge is a piece of paper or an index card. Cut the card the right way, and you’ll find it turns into a big loop you can stand inside!
How many people can you fit inside an index card?
Save the Gummy Worm
Place a gummy worm on top of an upside down plastic or paper cup with a Lifesaver or Polo mint under the cup. The challenge is to get the worm inside the Lifesaver or Polo mint, using just a few paper clips without touching the worm, cup or Lifesaver with your hands.
You can make this engaging by giving the gummy worm a name and saying he’s stranded on top of the cup and needs his lifejacket.
Create your name with the Periodic Table
Not all names can be made with the periodic table, but a surprising number can. Challenge students to try to make their name using the elements!
Some names will be impossible, but it’s a fun activity that encourages kids to look at all the elements in the periodic table.
Paper Bridges
Give students paper and small toys and ask them to construct a bridge that can hold the toys. They don’t need tape or glue, the trick is in how paper is folded.
Mystery Boxes
Place everyday objects like marbles, toilet roll, paperclips, coins, sponges, etc into individual sealed boxes.
Students then need to shake, weigh and listen to the contents of the box to guess what’s inside. This is a great challenge for making observations, recording evidence and creating a hypothesis.
Solid, Liquid, Matter Game
When you say solid, students move closely together. When you say liquid, they move smoothly past one another, and when you say gas, they spread out filling all the available space.
This is a brilliant movement warm up that helps reduce first day nerves and encourages bonding.
Last Updated on August 24, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
