STEAM & STEM Activities For Kids: STEAM BREAK

Hey, it's Matt from D:D&C, and I'm sharing some simple STEM and STEAM activities for your kids to complete.  Get 'em up, get 'em thinking, and get them creating.

STEAM and STEM--so much buzz (doge voice). Science, math, and the arts--joining forces like the Avengers. I love it. All this playing, creating, building, and imagining are crucial components for kids in their skill development and love of learning. It's what I want my kids to do.  It's what I want my students to become immersed in.

But how do I push kids into it without becoming the overbearing and obsessive teacher/father? Because we know that could easily happen.  How else do you think I get them to love Jurassic Park.

My two girls love to build and create, but I've found that they get stuck when it comes to expanding on their ideas. It also turns into a race, and races end. And then they get bored. And boredoms best friend is a tv or video game. (Side note: my kids are 7 and 9, which is prime time for crazy-thinking age.)

It got me running this question through my head, "How could I give them the nudge without making myself seem crazy?" 

The answer came in the form of a BINGO board.  I created a couple of boards based on the STEM and STEAM principles: Art, science, engineering, yada, yada, yada. I call them STEAM Breaks. Each board has nine activities for them to complete when they need that little push to explore. They're indoor and outdoor activities that don't have time restraints and are virtually opened-ended.

Each board (or piece of paper) has 9 activities to choose from. Right now, the sections include: In The Yard, Get Artistic, and Build-It. That's right--27 simple activities for kids to devour.

Simple STE(A)M Activities ideas include: 
-Build a River
-Create a log cabin from sticks
-Build a working crane
-Build a bridge
-Draw a picture using only geometric shapes
-Find a famous painting, recreate it in miniature form
-Design a Catapult

Download the STEAM BREAK: IN THE YARD page here.

These STEAM activities should be simple.  Use materials you have surrounding you. No spending money. Recycle bin, check. Craft closet, check. Mud and dirt, check.  Problem solve and create.  

Last week they went in the backyard and built a river. It was tough (at first) but they realized the possibilities. Soon dams appeared along with rivers dividing, then figuring out how to build a waterfall (or at least try).  A simple challenge turned into a two hour adventure.



I'm passing out copies to my students for Spring Break. It's not a challenge or a competition, just a chance for kids to get creative and not say "I'm bored."  

Grab yourself the full copy of STEAM Break (completely free).
CLICK HERE or on the image.



I'm off to build a catapult.