STEM Projects Ideas For Children

STEM projects integrate many concepts, which are applicable to real-life situations. Children can learn to integrate concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to improve their problem-solving skills and have a better understanding of important concepts. STEM projects are a direct application of knowledge through innovation and creativity. Because STEM projects are performed by the whole family, children can learn about communication, collaboration and teamwork. 

Here are some interesting project ideas that children can do:

Science Project

How To Make Crystal Geodes

     With a few common household ingredients, your children can make beautiful crystal geodes. Let’s get started:

You Will Need

 

• 5 Eggs

 

• 400ml Borax Powder
• 5 Plastic Cups
• Food Colouring
• 946ml Boiling Water

Procedure

STEP 1. Carefully crack each egg so you can reserve lengthwise halves. Rinse each shell and pat it dry.

STEP 2. Bring 946ml of water to a boil and stir in the borax powder until it is dissolved.

STEP 3. Set up 5 separate cups in a location where they won’t be disturbed. Pour 177ml of the borax mixture into each cup. Next, add food colouring and stir.  This will give you coloured geodes.

STEP 4. Place an eggshell down into each cup making sure the inside of the shell is face up. You want to put the eggshells into the cups while the water is still hot. 

STEP 5. Let the shells sit in the cups overnight or even for two nights for plenty of crystals to grow on them! Have your children research why this works.

Technology Project

Make A Battery With Fresh Lemons

You Will Need

• A lemon, or other citrus fruit
• 18 gauge copper wire
• Wire stripper/clipper
• Steel paper clip, small galvanized nail (one that is covered in zinc), or a piece of zinc (ideal)

Procedure

STEP 1. Strip about 2cm of plastic insulation off a piece of copper wire approximately 5cm long.

STEP 2. Carefully straighten the steel paper clip.

STEP 3. Use the sandpaper to rub out any rough spots in your wire or paperclip. If you are using the zinc covered nail or piece, scratch it lightly with the sandpaper to expose a fresh surface.

STEP 4. Roll the lemon gently on a table to break the cell walls and loosen up the juice inside.

STEP 5. Carefully stick the copper wire about 2cm into the lemon.

STEP 6. Stick the paperclip, zinc covered nail or zinc strip into a spot in the lemon about 1/4 inch away from the copper wire. Make sure the wires don’t touch. Touch each end of the wires to an LED and watch it light up! Have your children research why this works.

Math Project

Make A Paper Clock With Movable Hands

You Will Need:

• Paper Plates
• Craft Sticks
• Markers
• Push Pins

Procedure

STEP 1. Draw a clock face onto each paper plate.

STEP 2. Colour the craft sticks any colour you like.

STEP 3. Using the push pins, attach the craft sticks to the center of the paper plates, forming the hands of your clocks.

STEP 4. Have children show you on their clocks a specific time that you request.

Visit Momizen

     To find the best activities for kids in Zurich, visit Momizen today and speak with one of our Zurich travel experts who can assist you and answer any questions you might have.

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