STEM Activities for Kids (482 results)

Why Are Skis So Long?

STEM Activity

12 reviews

While watching the Olympic Winter Games, you might have wondered why skis, which are featured in several events, are so long. The skis used at the Olympics are of top-notch quality. Researchers tinker with every detail, from the materials they are made of to the shape they are cut in. The equipment is tested carefully, as details like these can give an athlete the leading edge on the slope. But why would you put planks under your shoes in the first place? Do this activity to find out! … Read more

Wild Winds: Turbulent Flow Around Structures

STEM Activity

6 reviews

Have you ever seen a wind turbine? Wind turbines are large towers with blades on top that are spun by the wind. They are a great source of clean, renewable energy. Environmental engineers have to figure out where to put wind turbines so they get the best exposure to steady, consistent winds. In this project, you will play the role of an environmental engineer and figure out whether it is a good idea to put wind turbines near tall buildings. Read more

Yogurt Cultures

STEM Activity

9 reviews

Have you ever wondered how yogurt is made, and why some yogurts differ from others? As most yogurt containers advertise, yogurt contains "live cultures." This means that there are living bacteria in the yogurt! These are not the harmful kind of microbes that cause you to get sick. Instead, these cultures have the amazing ability to turn plain old milk into a yummy yogurt treat. Do the bacteria affect what the resultant yogurt culture looks, feels, tastes and smells like? In this… Read more

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Make String from Algae

STEM Activity

225 reviews

Did you know that the seaweed you've seen in the ocean or even eaten as a snack is inspiring innovators to imagine new materials? Large brown algae, like kelp, contains polymers—long chains of molecules—that are more environmentally friendly than the ones in most plastics. These natural polymers (alginates) could eventually be used to create sustainable everyday objects. Try your hand at using a bit of chemistry to turn biodegradable polymers from algae into your own custom… Read more

Algae String Mizuhiki Knots

STEM Activity

1 review

Cultures around the world have developed knots for many uses. For example, the Inca people used knotted cords called Quipu for collecting data, keeping calendars, and even military organization. In Japan, knots are used in celebrations, food prep, and garments. Elaborate paper Mizuhiki ones, such as the examples in this activity are tied to mark important life events. Educators, a lesson plan is also available for this topic. Read more

Are You Gelling?

STEM Activity

1 review

Have you ever wondered how gels are made? You probably have several kinds of products around your house—some that you eat—that use gels: puddings, diapers, shoe insoles, packaging, ice cream, toothpaste and many more. A gel is a mixture of solid particles suspended in liquid. The solid particles in the gel can absorb water, causing the gel to swell and increase in volume. If you ever dunked a diaper in a tub of water, you have seen this in action; the diaper will swell as it… Read more

Astro Cup: Designing Quieter Spaceships and Habitats

STEM Activity

15 reviews

As more people start living and working in space, we have to design our crew capsules and space habitats to keep people comfortable. That doesn’t just mean comfy beds and space sweatpants but also includes what our work environments and new homes will sound like on the inside. First, astronauts have to get to space using rockets, which generate a large amount of noise inside the crew capsule. Once they’re in space, astronauts are busy tending to many tasks. They perform daily tasks including… Read more

Diapers: What Keeps Babies and Astronauts from Springing a Leak?

STEM Activity

4 reviews

When we think about diapers we usually think about babies, because most of us wore them when we were babies and now maybe our siblings or friend’s siblings wear them. But did you know that astronauts also have to wear diapers sometimes? Astronaut diapers are called Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAGs), and astronauts wear them when they have to stay in their suits for long periods of time, such as during spacewalks, or as their ships are re-entering the atmosphere. For babies and for… Read more

Do Preferences Bias Our Choices?

STEM Activity

3 reviews

Have you ever wondered if your preferences bias the choices you make? You make choices all the time, whether you are aware of them or not. Many different factors probably work together to affect the option you end up choosing. Which do you think are the most important? Everyone has personal preferences, and these may affect the choices we make. What about your favorite color? You may prefer one color over another for no good reason, other than the fact that you like it—or you may have… Read more

Do You Have the Willpower to Taste Something Sour?

STEM Activity

3 reviews

Have you ever wondered if people of all ages love sour foods, or if age correlates with this preference? There are a lot of different kinds of sour candies and drinks you may have seen advertised before, some having only a mild sour flavor and others that are truly mouth-puckering! In this activity you will investigate if there is a difference between the sour preferences of kids and adults. If you developed a super-sour food, to whom would you try to sell it? Read more

Fancy Foams with Shampoo Science

STEM Activity

4 reviews

Do you like your hair shiny and beautiful? The key to keeping your hair nice and clean is to use a good shampoo. But what exactly makes a good shampoo? You might be surprised to hear that every new shampoo has to pass lots of scientific tests before it is considered good enough to be sold. Many different shampoo recipes are compared to decide which one is the best for the consumer. One of these tests assesses the foaming behavior of the shampoo. You probably trust a shampoo that makes lots of… Read more

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