30 Free Picks for Fun Kid Science

By Amy Cowen on March 19, 2020 1:00 PM

These science activities are great choices for parents doing science at home with their kids during the pandemic and for teachers planning online learning activities.

Example of chain reaction activity using wooden craft sticks

Toy sail boat from corks and craft materials

Candy gears made from candies and plastic container lids

Paper airplane launcher example made from cardboard and a rubber band

Example of wind-powered car from paper and craft materials

Robot hand example made from cardboard tube and craft materials

Simple seismograph example made from cardboard and paper with a plastic cup and a marker

Paper roller coaster example made from sturdy paper and a marble

Cotton ball launcher made from a cardboard tube and craft materials

Tie-dye example made with permanent markers, alcohol, and a t-shirt or piece of cloth

Sample crystals grown as part of a science activity with pipe cleaners

Homopolar simple motor from a battery and wire

Paper dolls example from paper and string

Paper circuit made with LEDs, coin cell battery, paper clip, paper, and copper tape

Example paper speakers made with paper plates and electronics parts

Simple harmonica made from wooden craft sticks and rubber bands

Handheld hula hooping with rubber bands and pencils

Balloon-powered car example from a plastic bottle, balloon, and craft materials

Mobile example made from construction paper and string

Candle seesaw made from birthday candles and household drinking glasses

Nightlight made from simple electronics parts and craft supplies

Paper marbling example of a craft science project using shaving cream and food coloring

Cell phone stand made from wooden craft sticks, paper clips, and craft materials

LED patch made from fabric patch and conductive thread as a wearable electronics activity

Example of junkbot robot made from recycled and craft materials

Parachute activity setup using square of tissue paper and a small toy figurine

Example of pantograph drawing tool made from cardboard and craft materials

Bird feeder made from recycled plastic bottle and decorated with craft materials

Free STEM Activities!

With many kids at home due to COVID-19 school closures, we know parents are looking for engaging activities to do with kids and to help keep kids occupied (and learning).

Art and craft activities are not your only options! Hands-on science activities are often creative and combine art and innovation as students explore science, technology, engineering, and math. Science Buddies has more than 150 free science activities that offer fun, easy-to-follow, informal STEM learning for kids of all ages. These activities are short and fun to do, work for a wide range of ages, and use materials you may already have on hand.

In the list below, we've highlighted 30 fSTEM activities that would be a lot of fun at home and would also work well for for teachers interacting with students remotely.

Try one of these STEM picks at home with your kids or as part of your online or remote learning strategy: