STEM challenges are a fantastic way for children to learn in a hands-on, interactive way, hopefully sparking a curiosity and passion for science and technology.
My ever growing collection of STEM challenges are free to download and cover a wide range of topics from creating a bed for the Princess and the Pea to designing a machine to clean rubbish from the ocean.
Most of the challenges use inexpensive and simple materials you probably already have at home, so you can get started straight away.
Benefits of STEM Challenges
- Provide opportunity for hands-on learning.
- Mirror real world problems, allowing children to understand how science concepts apply to everyday life.
- Help develop analytical skills and critical thinking, providing the opportunity to test solutions and evaluate results.
- Open-ended STEM challenges encourage creativity and innovative thinking, often through trial and error.
- Provide an opportunity to work as part of a team, encouraging collaboration, and effective communication skills.
General STEM Challenge Template
Use this for a general STEM challenge where children need to design, test and evaluate their creations.
Princess and the Pea STEM Challenge
The Princess and Pea story tells the tale of a Princess who can feel a pea through several layers of mattresses.
The challenge is to design, build and test a mattress so the princess can’t feel a pea!
Marshmallow Launcher STEM Challenge
Set a challenge to find out who can launch a marshmallow the furthest, highest or using a set amount of materials. This opened ended challenge is great fun for kids of all ages.
Save the Ice Pop STEM Challenge
Challenge students to think about the insulating properties of different materials with a fun Save the Ice Pop STEM Challenge.
Ocean Rubbish Cleaning Machine
Design a machine to clean up the oceans. Think about how to trap rubbish, but not marine life.
Design a Greenhouse STEM Challenge
Design a mini greenhouse made from recycled materials that lets light and air in but keeps pests out!
Biscuit Dunk STEM Challenge
Find out which type of biscuit survives a dunk the best with this tasty challenge.
Waterproof Materials STEM Challenges
Football fans will love the opportunity to create a waterproof football boot! This challenge gives children the opportunity to learn about waterproof materials in a real world context.
Float a Boat STEM Challenge
Design and build a mini boat that can carry at least four coins without sinking.
Save the Red Crabs STEM Challenge
This challenge is part of my Around the World in 50 Experiments series. This challenge is for Christmas Island and asks students to build a bridge or tunnel to help red crabs reach the beach safely.
Design a Space Junk Cleaning Device
There’s a lot of space junk in orbit around Earth. This challenge asks children to design a device to clean up the mess.
Three Little Pigs STEM Challenge
The Three Little Pigs’ houses were blown down by the wolf. This challenge asks children to build and test houses made from different materials and think about how to test their strength.
Straw Rocket STEM Challenge
Straw rockets need paper, tape, scissors and a straw. They fly easily off the end of the straw and are great for learning about forces and motion.
Parachute STEM Challenge
A simple one page download with space to design two parachutes and record the time taken for each to fall to the ground.
Chain Reaction STEM Challenge
A chain reaction STEM challenge is one of my favourite STEM activities. It’s great for a rainy day, an engaging team-building challenge, or learning about momentum and transfer of energy.
Themed STEM Challenge Cards
My FREE themed STEM challenges are fun, inspiring and engaging themed challenges for all times of year.
Build a Snowman STEM Challenge
This tasty STEM challenge encourages children to think about the strength and stability of structures as they build an edible snowman.
Christmas Chain Reaction STEM Challenge
A fun and festive chain reaction challenge. For example, roll sellotape into a bauble into dominoes into a bell!
