STEM Quick Wins

STEM Quick Wins are relevant science, technology, engineering, and math activities that can be done at home or other locations with easily accessible materials. 

  • Each STEM Quick Win has an instruction sheet and short video of a STEM Connection staff member explaining and showing the activity. 
  • Activities are based on Next Generation Science Standards, process standards, and employability skills standards and touch on a variety of STEM content and practices
  • Activities are designed for kindergarten through 5th grade students but can easily be differentiated for preschool and middle school students
  • Interviews with STEM professionals help introduce youth to potential STEM careers and the skills it takes to be successful

Earth Science

Rain in a Cup  – Activity   Video

Kids Gardening – Activity  Video

Painting with Soil – Activity   Video

Cotton Ball Clouds – Activity   Video

Saltwater vs. Freshwater – Activity   Video

Soil Sedimentation – Activity   Video

Air Pollution Catcher – Activity   Video

Physical Science

Soap Science – Activity   Video

Melt an Ice Cube – Activity    Video

Float or Sink – Activity   Video

Lava Lamp – Activity    Video

Pom Pom Launcher – Activity  Video

Parachutes – Activity   Video

Color Chromatography – Activity   Video

Inclined Planes – Activity   Video

Bubbles – Activity   Video

Ice Cream in a Bag – Activity   Video

Life Science

Specimen Bracelet – Activity   Video

Spring Scavenger Hunt – Activity   Video

Color Hunt – Activity   Video

Onion Planting – Video

Start a Sprout – Activity   Video

Beaks – Activity   Video

Viruses – Activity   Video

Spot 5 examples of Animal Evidence – Video

Ephemeral Art – Activity   Video

Kitchen Scrap Garden – Activity   Video

Living vs. Non-living – Activity   Video

Science, Math, Engineering Process Standards

Cup Tower – Activity    Video 

Make Your Own Stress Ball  – Activity   Video

Toothpick Towers – Activity   Video

Mystery Bag – Activity   Video

2-D and 3-D shapes – Activity   Video

Spot 5 Signs of Spring Hike – Video

Build a Basket – Activity  Video

Growing Numbers – Activity  Video

Spot 5 Numbers Hike  – Video

Build a Boat – Activity   Video

Estimation Jars – Activity   Video

Groovy Graphing – Activity (simple) Activity (extended)  Video

Natural and Manmade Patterns – Activity   Video

Interviews with STEM Professionals

Questions for a STEM Professional PDF

Interview with a Nurse – Activity    Video

Interview with a Soil Specialist – Activity   Video

Interview with an Engineer – Video

Interview with a Database Administrator – Video

Interview with an Ecologist – Video

Interview with an Entomologist – Activity   Video

Interview with a Meteorologist – Video

Interview with a Doctor – Video

Interview with an Environmental Specialist – Video

The Indiana Department of Education supports STEM Quick Wins!

Click here to read our letter of Support from IDOE.

 

“We are very pleased to see The STEM Connection is finding new, innovative ways to engage with students during the pandemic.  While these events are unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed, it is nice to see your continued efforts to support our city’s youth.  Education is so important, especially now, while many parents are being pushed outside of their comfort zone.  Great job in continuing to push your mission forward!”

 – Ryan Basore, Commercial Sales Consultant, Citizens Energy Group