Stage Site

Tag: STEM Projects and Experiments

  • Objections to Teaching STEM and How to Overcome Them

    Objections to Teaching STEM and How to Overcome Them

    There are quite a few objections to STEM education that teachers express. Here is a list of a few of those objections and possible solutions.

    1. STEM education is messy.

    Let’s be real. Life is not always perfect. Most things take time and effort and can just be plain messy. By experiencing some mess from project-based learning, students can learn how to best solve “messy” problems. Many experiments that teach STEM the best are often really messy. By teaching students that “messy” is okay, it enables them to explore and discover new ideas and subjects. What kid doesn’t like a bit of a mess?

    To solve the messy problem, you can create a designated “messy” area in the classroom in which kids and older students can work on these projects without creating a mess throughout the entire classroom. Students need an area where they can experience and grow through working on projects.

    Photo by todd kent

    2. STEM is too expensive.

    STEM teaching can be very expensive, especially if the school does not have the support of grants or scholarships. However, most schools have a foundation that provides teachers and students with grants. Teachers can also set up fundraising efforts to provide the materials that they need.

    There are lots of great, affordable experiments and projects such as paper or straw projects. Providing students with opportunities to design projects by using creative solutions can help students cultivate the creativity necessary for success in the workforce. Students can learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math without spending thousands of dollars. The more creative the solutions, the better off that the students will be.

    3. STEM Education can be too risky.

    STEM education is different from other subjects because it can involve project-based learning and opportunities to explore the world uniquely and creatively. It teaches exploration rather than rote memorization. It means that students can learn to think outside of the box to form solutions to open-ended problems.

    While STEM education can be risky, it seems to be worth it because the students learn valuable skills that are useful in the real world. As long as the students are kept safe when working on the projects (such as not using hot glue guns or soldering), it is a great way to teach students how to build with their own hands

    4. STEM education is not focused

    To some people, STEM education seems to look like it is not focused. However, as long as the assigned projects allow students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, then it is worth it and it is focused.

    Photo by Tim Collins

    5. Some teachers who teach STEM don’t have a background in STEM fields, so they shouldn’t teach STEM to students.

    While it’s true that some STEM teachers do not have a background in STEM, that does not necessarily mean that they are incapable of guiding students in these disciplines.  There are plenty of alternative ways to learn more about teaching STEM, teachers can attend conferences and training sessions to learn about STEM education. 

    Written by Chelsea Kowal

    Your NSTEM Journey Begins Here!

  • Exploring Nature: 5 Outdoor Activities for Grades 3-5

    Exploring Nature: 5 Outdoor Activities for Grades 3-5

    Photo Courtesy of Unsplash

    Here at NSTEM, we encourage teachers, students, and families of all ages to explore STEM through hands-on experience and participatory engagement. For those of you looking to bring the classroom outdoors, we have collected five low-budget outdoor STEM projects that will engage even the most fickle of young minds to engage with the natural world around them!

    1. Create an Observational Field Book for Your School or Neighborhood

    Scientific observation starts with keeping a field book or journal to document all the wonders that cannot be simply captured in a picture. Throughout history, scientists and naturalists have kept field books to document experiences and sensory observations in the field. In this activity, students are encouraged to create personalized diaries before filling them with observations from their school or local community. This Smithsonian project plan also provides guidelines for a range of grade levels.

    Link to activity: https://siarchives.si.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/Create_Fieldbooks_TN2012_0.pdf

    2. Make a Backyard Rain Gauge

    Looking for creative ways to address water scarcity and climate change with your students? Try making a backyard rain gauge, which can introduce students to the early concepts of meteorology, mathematics, and statistics. By collecting and recording rainwater over time, students and teachers can track average rainfall over different times of the year to understand how farmers (and you) can mitigate water scarcity!

    Link to activity: https://www.agfoundation.org/files/AFBFA-AgLit-MAF-191008-RainGaugeActivity.pdf

    3. Build a Future Army of Birders

    Birding is a great method for observing how the living world around us adapts to physical and behavioral changes and the roles that humans and other organisms play within those systems. This project can be an inventive way for students to observe, report, and analyze food systems. In this way, they can be further prepared to understand and contribute to complex engineering concepts like biomimicry. This activity will also be an excellent choice for any school or community looking to contribute toward their local bird population!

    Link to activity: https://www.massaudubon.org/content/download/7014/file/Birds_3-5.pdf?inLanguage=eng-US&version=1

    4. Design, Build, and Test Mini-Rockets

    In this engaging and inexpensive activity, your future NASA scientists will engineer and build a prototype Food Transportation Device (FTD) in the form of a rocket. In teams, students will work together to test a propulsion system and a payload container capable of carrying their payload of 4 raisins. The goal is for teams to have a blast while building a mini rocket that is both aerodynamic and durable enough to withstand impact! 

    Link to activity: https://ucanr.edu/sites/YDResources/files/285355.pdf

    5. Catapult Competition

    For teachers looking to introduce concepts of physics and engineering, we recommend the generous use of catapult technology! This activity tackles the study of kinetic energy in the form of rubber bands and plastic spoons through low-budget design and classroom collaboration. By actively designing, building, and experimenting with catapults and projectiles, students will further seek to understand why and how the world moves and changes.

    Link to activity: https://virtualscienceteachers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Catapult-Activity-2.pdf

    By Rosalinda Cardoso

     

    These projects were selected to introduce students to concepts of biological science, scientific observation, engineering, and meteorology for Grades 3-5. At NSTEM, we also know the importance of planning for the inevitable, so should emergencies arise, our projects can be printed and easily modified to be used safely indoors!

    Do you want more resources for outdoor biology activities? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list. 

    Grades 3-5 continue the STEM education journey, where students are interested in the natural world and how things work, responding to stories told by teachers that give purpose and meaning to STEM disciplines, molding them into thinkers, problem solvers, and creators. The National STEM Honor Society sees grades 3-5 as a critical point in the NSTEM journey. To start your grade 3-5 chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

  • Summer Science Splash: 3 Fun and Easy Experiments to Beat the Heat

    Summer Science Splash: 3 Fun and Easy Experiments to Beat the Heat

    Photo Courtesy of Envato

    Things are beginning to heat up in the STEM sphere, and it isn’t just from the fun projects we’ve been planning! The summer equinox has come and gone, but the sun’s been working overtime to ensure that the great outdoors have kept their blazing temperatures to the maximum. It’s no small wonder that, in light of these conditions, fellow scientists out in the field have reported back with many experiments that will allow students both a gratifying lesson in science and a fun way to test the limits of science in a cooler environment! So let’s dive in and look at a few different educational enterprises to beat the heat!

     

    1. Paper Ball Run Challenge

    Link to Experiment: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/CE_p030/civil-engineering/paper-ball-run-challenge

    Ever since the dawn of time, there have been questions that mankind has yet to answer: What will our future hold, why does music hold such a staple in human culture as a whole, and, of course, why is rolling stuff off an inclined plane so darn fun? To sending tires down a hill to the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, Homo Sapiens seem to have developed a dopamine trigger specifically for viewing an object (or themselves) and thinking, “yeah, that’s some premium-grade hill-rolling material.”

    You might as well get some education out of it, right?

    The Paper Ball Run Challenge may not seem like much at first, but it’s surprisingly difficult to create with one key ruleset: make the ball take as long as possible to reach the end. This experiment easily comes with innovative thinking attached. For instance, you can make the run longer and taller, but then it’ll become less structurally sound, requiring bracing to keep it sturdy. Or maybe the student wants to maneuver the ball up and down with a simple pulley system. They’ll have to calculate the weight to go down from the ping pong ball settling into the basket but have the counterweight still be heavy enough to keep the basket up when not in use. Furthermore, they would have to place an angled block below the basket to get the ball to spill out. To put it simply, this project can be as creative as the student, which is always a staple for a good lesson.

    2. Alka-Seltzer Powered Lava Lamp

    Link to Experiment: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/make-a-lava-lamp

    Lava lamps are a true advocate of the statement’s validity, “Some things will never not be cool.” They evoke a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere to the room, something that kids have long since and long after will find a bemused attraction to. Essentially, the student will take two bottles of water, food coloring, and vegetable oil mixture and heat one while cooling the other. Then, you feed the bottle a portion of the Alka-Setzer tablet and watch as the oil and food coloring coalesce into bubbles flying around the hydrosphere! This experiment displays the role that varying temperatures can fulfill in chemical reactions but does it in a fun way that any student can find some level of engagement with.

    3. Rock Crystal Candy

    Link to Experiment: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rock-candy

    Come on. I won’t need to explain why this one is an excellent and fun choice for kids, right?

    This experiment is relatively easy to perform and requires little more than your typical cooking supplies, granulated sugar, food coloring, and yarn. Still, it will need some patience on the part of the student, as the process to grow the crystal will take around a week. Another advisement to be aware of is that sugar cooks at an incredibly hot temperature, so if you allow your students to cook this concoction themselves, keep a stern eye on them, as it could cause nasty burns if touched directly. However, suppose you do have a responsible student (or students) with a craving for geology and a sweet tooth to match. In that case, this is a worthwhile experiment to demonstrate how crystalline structures can form in nature!

    By Noah Moster

     

    Summer is an awesome environment for learning about the great outdoors and all they have to offer. But sometimes, it’s just too hot! Fortunately, science isn’t bound by the outdoors. You can always learn something, no matter where you are, and that’s what matters at the end of the day: learning something!

    Do you want more resources on the topic of STEM Summer Activities? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list. 

    Middle School is where students are transformed, entering as children and emerging as young adults. Project-based learning enrichment helps students connect the dots between STEM and real life, making math and science relevant for them and keeping them engaged and interested. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are far more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond. To start your 6-8 middle school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

  • 3 Inspiring STEM Projects for Families to Try at Home

    3 Inspiring STEM Projects for Families to Try at Home

    Photo Courtesy of Envato

    There are many reasons to enjoy the summer season. It’s warm, school is out, and there’s lots to do! However, one thing that always seems to be overlooked is how colorful the world is. Vibrant green trees, rich blue oceans, and flowers of every hue and shade strive to outcompete each other wherever one goes. Summer is the season of life!

    It can be hard to notice the world’s luminescence when the black letters on the white pages of news articles make life feel so gray. Kids take notice of this mood whether we see it directly or not. So, let’s work to put more color in their lives, eh?

     

    1. What Colors Absorb Heat the Most?

    Link to Activity: https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/colors_absorb_heat_better

    To start it simple, here’s the Ice Cube Color experiment. At a surface-level glance, there isn’t much to this project: simply get your student to create a three-sided box for however many colors you’d like to test, place an ice cube inside said box, and have them check up on them, record the stage of each capsule until all of them have melted, at which point you ask them which colors seem to have sped up the process.

    While this is a relatively straightforward assignment, a learner can glean a surprising amount of knowledge from this innocuous task, as shown on the TeachEngineering website. In an astonishingly impressive way, they stretch out an easily understandable concept to an almost ludicrous degree (just like a blog writer). They also pack it with insightful observations and expertise that benefit the reader greatly (unlike a blog writer). There’s even a Vocabulary and Definition section for the child to retain terminology that can be used in future science courses. A+, TeachEngineering. A+.

    2. Rainbow in a Jar

    Link to Activity: https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/science-at-home/diy-science-fun/make-a-rainbow-in-a-jar

    Second on the list comes the Rainbow in a Jar experiment. This one’s a pretty cool demonstration of the different densities that various liquids can hold and makes for a pretty cool tabletop display on top of it all. The Ontario Science Centre website that we found this on instructs the student to use materials like dish detergent, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol dyed with different colors to present a multi-hued concoction contained within the average pizza-sauce Mason jar. However, other websites stated that merely utilizing water and varying levels of sugar was enough to craft the outcome of this project. Either way, Rainbow in a Jar demonstrates the beauty that can arise from a simple know-how of STEM logic.

    3. Eggshell Geode Crystals 

    Link to Activity: https://sciencebob.com/eggshell-geode-crystals/

    Finally, let’s end with an experiment that’s both cool-looking AND interactable! The Eggshell Geode Crystal experiment is a perfect example for showing where actual geodes come from. It also rewards students undertaking this project with a cool-looking specimen for their educational endeavors. Something to note about this one is that it will require some patience, as several days are needed to allow the crystals to form on the shells of the eggs. However, what will emerge will surely captivate any eager eyes, as the mesmerizing rocks look shockingly similar to their natural counterparts!

    All they would need to do is crack open the egg (while keeping a sizable section unblemished for the crystals to form on the surface), clean the shell, boil and mix the solution, add whatever food coloring they want to individual portions, pour it into the shell, and place it in a safe spot to allow the water to evaporate. After that, voila! Your very own geodes.

    By Noah Moster

     

    These blogs are very often about educational pursuits and how to allow your children and students to explore the limits of STEM and encourage them to break past them in the future. Still, it can be easy to forget: learning is nothing without passion, and passion is nothing without love. The purpose of these experiments isn’t just to demonstrate the purely logical elements of science but also to provide a great activity by which student and the teacher can both share a moment of pride in their object of creation, and it’s these memories that will help the student in moments of highest joy, and lowest sorrow.

    Isaac Newton was famously quoted as saying, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” While the common interpretation of this was to symbolize the role models of the figures of history before him that enabled his forays into innovation, it can also be construed differently: a scientist is nothing without support, nor an engineer anything without encouragement. Help your student grow and flourish, and you’ll be rewarded in a way that dulls the vivacity of geodes or rainbow jars: your very own Isaac Newton and another vital color influencing the kaleidoscope of humanity.

     

    Do you want more resources on the topic of At-Home Summer Projects? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.

    Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real-world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators.  To start your K-2 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

  • 3 Million-Dollar Middle School STEM Experiments on a Low-Dollar Budget

    3 Million-Dollar Middle School STEM Experiments on a Low-Dollar Budget

    Photo courtesy of Pixabay

    For middle schoolers, fostering a love for STEM can be rewarding and financially challenging. Many STEM activities cost thousands of dollars to recreate for a whole classroom, and most educators simply don’t have the funds. Fortunately, engaging young minds doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, any student can spark curiosity and enthusiasm for science using budget-friendly experiments! So, let’s dive into three STEM activities on a budget and see why they’re just as fun as they are educational.

    1. DIY Lava Lamps

    This activity invites middle schoolers to create their very own lava lamps! First, they’ll fill a bottle with water and food coloring. Then, they’ll add vegetable oil and antacid tablets (or baking soda and vinegar) to create a bubbling lava lamp effect. This experiment teaches students about the separation of water and oils and the chemical reactions between antacid tablets and water. Through this activity, middle schoolers can better explore the fantastic field of chemistry and begin to understand how different substances interact!

    Activity link: DIY Lava Lamps – Mcm.org

    Materials needed: empty bottles, water, food coloring, vegetable oil, and antacid tablets (or baking soda and vinegar).

    2. Straw Roller Coasters

    This activity allows middle schoolers to explore engineering in a fun and exciting way–roller coasters! Students will construct tracks for ping-pong balls from straws and hot glue (or tape) to engineer amazing roller coaster paths. Then, they can watch their ideas come to life by testing the track for the class. This activity is a great way to introduce students to the art of engineering and architecture, which are crucial aspects of the STEM field.

    Activity link: Straw Roller Coasters – Frugalfun4boys.com

    Materials needed: straws, hot glue or tape, and cardboard boxes.

    3. Soil Erosion Demonstration

    In this activity, students will explore the power of erosion in different soil conditions! First, they will fill three different plastic bottles with grass, leaf litter, mulch, and bare soil. Then, they will water each substrate with a watering can and examine how much soil runs off through erosion! This experiment showcases a scientific exploration of erosion and can lead to further discussions on the impacts of the issue on the environment. It can even become a lead-in to address engineering solutions to the erosion problem–including another aspect of STEM!

    Activity link: Erosion Demonstration – Osc.org

    Materials needed: three plastic bottles, six cups of soil, one cup of mulch with leaf litter, one square of grass, one watering can, three clear disposable cups, and three 12-inch pieces of twine.

    By Tyler King

    These three budget-friendly STEM experiments will captivate middle schoolers’ minds while providing valuable hands-on learning experiences. Whether creating unique lava lamps, engineering epic roller coasters, or exploring the principles of erosion, these activities demonstrate that STEM can be educational and entertaining–even on a tight budget. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and get ready for some STEM-filled fun!

    Do you want more resources on the topic of budget-friendly STEM activities? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.

    Middle school is where students are transformed, entering as children and emerging as young adults. Project-based learning enrichment helps students “connect the dots” between STEM and real life, making math and science relevant for them and keeping them engaged and interested. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are far more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond. To start your 6-8 middle school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

  • Green Horizons: 4 Clean Energy Experimental Research Ideas for High Schoolers

    Green Horizons: 4 Clean Energy Experimental Research Ideas for High Schoolers

    Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

    Embark on a journey into clean energy! This blog will explore four hands-on clean energy experimental research ideas designed to engage high school students in the exciting world of clean energy.

    1. Energy-Efficient Lighting Comparison 

    Students can compare the energy usage and brightness of various light bulb types, including LED, compact fluorescent (CFL), and incandescent lights. They can measure light levels with a lux meter and energy consumption with a wattmeter. They should also consider cost and lifetime. The project aims to increase public knowledge of energy-efficient lighting solutions and their financial and environmental advantages. It encourages students to make knowledgeable decisions regarding lighting options and supports energy saving. 

    2. Wind Energy Conversion Experiment 

    PVC pipes, wooden blades, and a DC motor are just a few of the items that high school students can use to design and construct a tiny wind turbine. After that, they can use a multimeter or data recorder to measure the voltage output that the turbine produces at various wind speeds. They can change wind direction, blade length, and angle to maximize performance. This experiment investigates how wind energy is converted into electrical power and what factors affect wind turbine efficiency. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of renewable energy engineering and aerodynamics. 

    Link to experiment: Wind Energy Conversion – National Renewable Energy Laboratory Education Programs

    3. Biodegradable Plastic Production 

    Students can experiment with various biomass sources, such as potato or cornstarch, to create biodegradable plastics. They may use an extraction method, combine it with polymers and other ingredients, and then form the resulting mixture into things that resemble plastic. Your students can test the resultant plastics’ mechanical qualities and biodegradability. This project aims to lessen dependency on fossil fuels by encouraging the use of renewable resources for the sustainable production of plastics. It draws attention to the advantages biodegradable plastics provide for the environment and inspires pupils to look into creative ways to reduce plastic pollution. 

    4. Solar Water Heater 

    Students can build a basic solar water heater using supplies like tubing, a reflective surface, and cans painted black. When they expose it to sunshine, they can add water and track how the temperature rises over time. You can also evaluate various designs and configurations to maximize heat transfer and absorption. This project aims to show how well solar energy can heat water for usage in homes or businesses. It motivates students to investigate renewable energy sources and comprehend absorption and heat transfer concepts. 

    Link to experiment: Solar Water Heater – National Renewable Energy Laboratory Education Programs

    These four clean energy experiments teach STEM concepts and foster a deeper understanding of renewable energy solutions. Explore NSTEM’s resources and consider starting a chapter of the National STEM Honor Society to further support students’ STEM education achievements.

    By Gayathri Narayanan

    Do you want more resources on the topic of clean energy experiments? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.

    Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real-world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators.  To start your 9-12 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.