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STEAM STEM Science Activities for teens and tweens Youth

STEAM Activites For Incredible Teens

Alot of times parents today shy away from nature and science activities just because they are not confident that they can make it fun.  If you watch your children play, than you should know that they will create play with whatever is in front of them.

Activities For Families

They have the most fabulous minds that  explore and create their own version of how to use whatever is in front of them. Our job as parents is to supply them with tantilizing playthings so they create fantastic scenarios for play that we get to be part of if we want to. We enter into all play as a partner not a teacher.

Learning and play can become a joint venture or collaborative effort (working together to create personal value while sharing virtual or physical space.)When learning and play become a joint venture, we can demonstrate cooperative or collaborative play, a developmental stage where teens work together toward a common, shared goal. This collaborative approach turns playtime into an engaging, and interesting experience that fosters essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. So basically, we have our children there to help make and STEAM experince fun and engaging. 

Becoming a confident science partner for teens and tweens involves building, demonstrating, and reflecting on core skills like communication, empathy, and technical competence. Key strategies include leading by example with passion, fostering a growth mindset, practicing active listening, volunteering, and organizing science-focused activities. 

Here are specific, actionable steps to become a confident science partner for your teens:

  • Develop Technical and Soft Skills:Master the Subject: Build your own knowledge in science to increase confidence when explaining concepts to peers.

  • Practice Active Listening: Ensure team members feel heard and valued by listening to their ideas during projects, enhancing your decision-making abilities.

  • Embrace Growth Mindset: View mistakes and failures as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as setbacks.

  • Take Initiative in Science Activities:Lead Group Projects: Volunteer to lead group work in science class, ensuring everyone contributes.
    Join/Start a Science Club: Participate in or help organize a science club, science fair, or robotics team.

  • Tutor Peers: Help classmates with challenging subjects, which builds both your expertise and leadership, as suggested by this article from Invent.org.

  • Build Communication and Visibility And Facilitate Discussions: Practice leading group discussions or presenting your scientific ideas in front of your peers.

  • Use Visual Aids: When leading projects, use, or encourage others to use, tools that bring concepts to life, such as role-playing or interactive models, notes this article from Edutopia.

  • Model Enthusiasm: Be passionate about science. Your enthusiasm will be infectious and will help motivate others.

  • Reflect and Refine:Keep a Journal: Document challenges, successes, and goals to track your growth as a leader.

  • Seek Feedback: Ask peers and teachers for feedback on your leadership style and areas for improvement. 

By focusing on these areas, you can develop the confidence necessary to coach effectively in science activities with your teen.

You can get teens interested in science by connecting activities to their hobbies—such as video game design, cooking, or sports analytics—and emphasizing hands-on, real-world applications. Utilize interactive experiences like robotics kits, coding projects, visiting science museums, or using platforms like PhET simulations to spark curiosity. 

This video provides 3 tips for getting kids interested in science:

Related video thumbnail

Scripps News Life YouTube • Nov 24, 2021

Key Strategies for Engaging Teens in Science:

  • Connect to Personal Interests: Relate STEM to existing passions. For instance, gamers may enjoy coding or game design, while those interested in cooking can explore food chemistry.

  • Emphasize Real-World Relevance: Showcase how scientific concepts, like engineering or physics, apply to everyday technology and modern life.

  • Hands-On & Experiential Learning: Move beyond reading to active participation, such as building balloon-powered cars, conducting home experiments with safety gear, or using microscopes.

  • Leverage Technology: Encourage the use of online, interactive tools like PhET simulations, which offer virtual labs for physics, biology, and chemistry.

  • Encourage Curiosity & Problem-Solving: Frame challenges as mysteries to solve rather than just lessons to learn, which appeals to their desire for autonomy.

  • Social & Collaborative Projects: Encourage group activities, such as science clubs, competitions, or team-based design challenges, as teenagers often prefer social learning environments.

  • Field Trips & Expert Interaction: Visit science museums, zoos, and planetariums, or invite experts to discuss careers in science.

  • Incorporate Art (STEAM): Integrate creative arts with science to make projects more engaging and holistic. 

Based on current trends, research, and career interests among teenagers, the top three science-based STEM areas that consistently draw the highest interest are Computer Science/Information Technology, Engineering (specifically Biomedical and Mechanical), and Environmental/Biological Sciences. 
  • 1. Computer Science & Technology (AI, Cybersecurity, Game Development)Driven by the ubiquity of technology and the allure of high-paying, innovative careers, teens are highly interested in coding, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity. Hands-on activities like app development, robotics, and learning languages like Python are top choices for teens looking to build digital, practical skills.

  • 2. Engineering (Biomedical, Mechanical, and Robotics)
    Engineering attracts teens who enjoy hands-on, problem-solving, and creative, design-oriented projects. Biomedical engineering is particularly popular among those interested in medicine and health, while mechanical and robotics engineering appeal to those interested in automation, 3D printing, and designing new machines.

  • 3. Environmental & Life Sciences (Sustainability, Marine Biology, Genetics)
    There is a growing interest among teens in solving real-world global challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, and public health. This includes fields like ecology, environmental engineering, and biotechnology. These areas are often favored because they allow for hands-on, outdoor exploration and research. 

Creating a makerspace at home is a flexible, low-cost way to foster creativity and engineering skills by providing a designated area for "tinkering" with tools and materials. A successful home makerspace can range from a dedicated room to a small cart, focusing on upcycled materials, basic hand tools, and open-ended, messy projects. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to building your own:

Choose a Location

  • Find a space that allows for messy, long-term projects.

  • Small spaces: Use a closet with mounted shelves and a drop-down desk, a rolling utility cart, or a small corner of a bedroom.

  • Larger spaces: A garage, basement, or unused spare room is ideal.

  • Setup: Use a durable, easy-to-clean table. Consider covering it with a silicone mat, butcher paper, or a cardboard sheet to protect the surface. 

2. Collect Materials and Tools (The "Maker Stash")

Start by looking around your house for recyclable and reusable items.

  • Recyclables: Cardboard boxes, toilet paper/paper towel tubes, egg cartons, plastic bottles, and glass jars.

  • Consumables: Duct tape, masking tape (easier for kids to rip), glue sticks, hot glue guns (low-temp for kids), string, yarn, and rubber bands.

  • Arts & Crafts: Pipe cleaners, craft sticks, googly eyes, aluminum foil, felt, fabric scraps, and paints.

  • Tools: Child-safe scissors, hole punch, basic screwdrivers, pliers, and measuring tape.

  • Electronics/Tech: Old keyboards, broken toys with gears or motors, LED lights, coin cell batteries, and copper tape. 

3. Organize and Store

Organize materials to make them accessible, which encourages independence. 

  • Clear bins: Use plastic bins, labeled shoeboxes, or tackle boxes to sort items by type (e.g., "fasteners," "cardboard," "electronics").

  • Central caddy: Keep frequently used tools like scissors, tape, and glue in a dedicated "tool caddy".

  • Rotate supplies: Switch out materials every 6-8 weeks to keep things fresh and prevent boredom. 

4. Create a "Maker-Friendly" Environment

  • Safety first: Keep a fire extinguisher (if using hot tools), a first-aid kit, and wipes nearby.

  • Showcase work: Install a pegboard, corkboard, or a simple clothesline to hang and display finished projects.

  • Inspiration: Have books or printouts from websites like Pinterest, Instructables, or Science Buddies available for project ideas. 

5. Sample Beginner Projects

Start with projects that use common materials:

  • Cardboard Engineering: Build a marble roller coaster, a tiny house, or a robot.

  • Simple Machines: Create catapults using craft sticks and rubber bands.

  • Paper Circuits: Light up a drawing using LEDs, coin cell batteries, and copper tape.

  • Nature Lab: Build "bug hotels" with sticks and leaves. 

Tips for Success

  • Embrace the mess: The goal is exploration, not perfection.

  • Encourage fixing: Use broken household items as opportunities for "deconstruction" and repair.

  • Focus on process: Allow for trial-and-error; encourage children to figure out why something didn't work and try again. 

Creating a makerspace at home on a budget is entirely achievable by focusing on"low-tech" materials, upcycling, and leveraging everyday household items. A home makerspace can be established on a small shelf or in a corner of a room, using items from your recycling bin, dollar store, and second-hand shops. 

1. Location and Furniture

  • Identify the Space: Choose a spot that can get messy, such as a corner in a playroom, a basement, or a garage.

  • Repurpose Furniture: Use old tables, desks, or a sturdy board across two sawhorses.

  • Storage Solutions: Use plastic totes, cardboard boxes, or clear containers to organize materials. A rolling cart is ideal for moving the makerspace between rooms, while stacking bins can fit on shelves. 

2. Gathering Budget Materials (The "Recycle Bin" Approach)

  • Collect materials that would otherwise be thrown away:

  • Cardboard: Shoe boxes, cardboard tubes (toilet paper/paper towel), and food packaging.

  • Containers: Plastic water bottles, jars, egg cartons, and yogurt cups.

  • Miscellaneous: Old fabrics, clothing, rubber bands, yarn, twist ties, and bottle caps.

  • Take-Apart Tech: Old, broken electronics (keyboards, clocks, VCRs) are perfect for exploring how things work. Safety note: Cut the cords off for younger children and supervise closely. 

3. Gathering Low-Cost Tools and Consumables

A variety of tools and materials can be acquired affordably:

  • Adhesives: Glue sticks, masking tape, duct tape, and crafting glue are useful for joining materials. Hot glue guns can also be used, but always follow safety guidelines.

  • Cutting Tools: Scissors are fundamental, and a hole puncher can add another dimension to projects. Cardboard saws designed for crafting can also be helpful.

  • Building Components: Craft sticks, pipe cleaners, and toothpicks are versatile building elements. Existing toys like building blocks can also be integrated.

  • Decorating: Markers, paint, crayons, and decorative items like googly eyes can add color and personality to creations. 

Important Safety Note: Always supervise the use of tools, especially with younger participants, and ensure appropriate safety measures are followed for each tool.


4. Budget-Friendly Project Ideas

Many engaging projects can be done with low-cost and recycled materials:

  • Cardboard Creations: Designing and building structures, vehicles, or imaginative worlds from cardboard offers endless possibilities.

  • Simple Robots: Basic robots can be constructed using recycled materials and small motors from old toys or electronics.

  • Paper Engineering: Exploring the properties of paper through making structures, airplanes, or other designs can be both educational and fun.

  • Get creative with Textiles: Using fabric scraps for simple sewing projects, collages, or accessory making.

  • Introduction to Electronics: Basic circuits can be explored with simple components like batteries and LEDs, often using readily available materials. 

5. Strategies to Keep Costs Down

Consider these approaches to maintain a budget-friendly makerspace:

  • Community Contribution: Encourage friends and family to donate recyclables or unused craft supplies.

  • Second-Hand Finds: Explore thrift stores and garage sales for affordable tools, materials, or old items to repurpose.

  • Leverage Free Resources: Many online resources offer free project ideas, tutorials, and even software for design or coding.

  • Start Gradually: Begin with a few key materials and project types and expand your collection over time as your needs and interests grow. 

Robotic Projects and Ideas

Until recently robotics activities where seen as something for the extremly smart kids. Now that the internet has so many tips and resources on robotics and engneering, it has made it much more popular with our teens of this generation. Robotics has also gained great popularity these past few years with the addition of engineering and STEM programs being offered in schools and public libraries in any community. There are STEM and robotics groups popping up across the USA, which is so exciting!

FREE Robotic Projects and Ideas

If you have children that love to create and invent things they will love learning about robotics. This would be a great addition to Science, or just for some fun hands-on learning in your homeschool. You could even devote an entire afternoon to robotics and make a whole unit study out of it. I also like the idea of forming your own robotics club so your kids can learn, create and challenge each other with their robots.

Here are some really fun robotics projects and ideas to help you get started:

Instructables has an entire page called Your First Robot. This includes step-by-step instructions on 15 different beginner robot projects. There are so many cute ones to choose from.

Research Parent has some really cute robot ideas. Each post has detailed instructions and even some videos of these adorable robots in action.
Simple Homemade Robot Car
Homemade Wobblebot
Homemade Propeller Car
Spinning Brush Bot
Homemade Wiggle Bot

Robotics Projects for Kids


Create a Robot Painter:Painting Brush Bot from Schooling a Monkey.

Build a Lego Design Drawing Machine from Frugal Fun 4 Boys.


FREE Robotic Projects and Ideas FB

Robotics Online Classes and Resources:

Robotics Science Fair and Engineering Project Ideas fromScience Buddies.You can browse through the different robotics science and engineering project ideas that are broken down by level of difficulty.

Online Robots Class from Instructables. This free class takes your kids through the tools and techniques needed to get started with building your own robots. There are 7 lessons in all.

Brain Pop has an entire page of games, quizzes and videos that teach kids about Robots.

Robots for Kids is a page fromScience Kidz that has games, fun projects, interesting facts like the history of robots and more.

If you don’t like searching your home and junk drawer or tool box for supplies, then you will love these Robot Kits. Everything is included for you with detailed instructions to make building super simple.

4M Tin Can Robot

4M Tin Can Robot

4M Table Top Robot

4M Table Top Robot

4M Solar Robot Kit

4M Solar Robot Kit

4M Insectoid Robot Science Kit

4M Insectoid Robot Science Kit

4M Robotic Hand Kit

4M Robotic Hand Kit

4M Doodling Robot

4M Doodling Robot

Kids First Robot Engineer Kit and Storybook

Kids First Robot Engineer Kit and Storybook

4M Salt Water Powered Robot Kit

4M Salt Water Powered Robot Kit


12-in-1 STEM Robot Kit Toys for Kids 8-16

Kids can follow the step-by-step user manual to build more than 12 different types of robots by splitting and reassembling, including robots, tanks, vehicles, motorcycles and racing cars. Parts can be easily disassembled after completion of every robot build.

Key Factors Driving Interest

  • Hands-on Experience: Teens prefer learning through doing—such as coding a bot, designing a solar oven, or testing water quality—rather than just theoretical, classroom-based learning.

  • Real-World Impact: There is a strong preference for fields that address immediate global issues like health (biomedical), climate change (environmental science), and security (cybersecurity).

  • High-Demand Careers: Teens are increasingly aware of which STEM careers offer high salaries and longevity, such as data science, engineering, and artificial intelligence. 
Button 1 Button 2

Nature Based Science

New Environmental Science and ...

Nature science for tweens and teens (ages 10-17) moves beyond simple observation to include data collection, experimentation, and environmental stewardship. Engaging projects include building DIY hydroponic systems, monitoring local water quality or weather patterns, creating time-lapse videos of decomposition, and participating in conservation efforts like the Great Backyard Bird Count. 

Outdoor & Ecological Science

Biological & Environmental Experiments

  • Plant Science (Botany): Experiment with photosynthesis by placing bags over leaves, or try growing herbs without soil via hydroponics.

  • DIY Solar Oven: Construct a solar oven to understand renewable energy, cooking food using only sunlight.

  • Bird Conservation: Build nesting boxes for local birds or bats to STEAM animal behavior and conservation.

  • DIY Natural Dyes: Extract colors from plants, berries, and bark to learn about natural chemistry. 

Advanced Projects for Teens

  • Wildlife Monitoring: Set up a motion-activated camera to document nocturnal animals.

  • Climate Data Tracking: Track local weather patterns using a barometer, thermometer, and anemometer, graphing the data to analyze trends.

  • Fossil Hunting/Geology Hike: Research regional geological history and hike to find local fossil deposits or rock formations.

  • Pollinator Garden Design: Plan and plant a garden designed to attract specific insects, STEAMing the relationship between plants and pollinators. 

  • 101 Nature STEAM Ideas for Homeschoolers - The Mulberry Journal

  • Feb 20, 2018 — 101 Nature STEAM Ideas * Create a nature colour palette. * Do leaf size comparison. * Make stick constructions. * Make river boats...

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50 Nature Crafts for Kids

Arty Crafty Kids - Craft - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Craft for Kids

Why are sticks and stones so irresistible to kids? Beach, woods, park or a simple walk to shops – it doesn’t matter where my children go, they will ALWAYS return home with a pocket or two full of nature treasure.

I can imagine your kids do this too?

What do you do with all this FREE crafting material?

Paint it? Play with it? Create weird and wonderful things?

Within this collection of 50+ nature crafts for kids, you will find a huge variety of creative, colourful, fun and easy nature crafts  all condensed into one handy post!

And the key word here is VARIETY.

I want you to be inspired and for some easy reading, I have grouped the crafts into material categories.

Let’s start exploring!

Nature Crafts for Kids 

Follow each image clockwise starting from the top left

Sticks

Arty Crafty Kids - Craft - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Craft for Kids

We’re kick-starting 50+ Nature Crafts for Kids with this wonderfully creative yarn wrapped stick mobile for photos – by Hello Wonderful

Chalk painting is a fun alternative to regular paint – by Meri Cheri

I adore these Nature Paint Brushes – by Messy Little Monster

This is owl stick craft is a unique way to get creative with sticks – by I Heart Crafty Things

Arty Crafty Kids - Craft - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Craft for Kids

Give your sticks some personality and create an entire community of stick people  – by Danya Banya

Yarn wrapped sticks is a brilliant process for developing fine motor skills and they look rather pretty too! – by Babble Dabble Do

Our  magical sticks wands will transform the kiddies into little wizards – by Arty Crafty Kids

These beautiful twiggy stars would be perfect ornaments for Christmas – by Happy Hooligans

More Nature Stick Ideas for Kids

Beach Drift Wood and Broken Shell Rattles | Red Ted Art
Stick Dragonfly |A Little Pinch of Perfect
Painted Twig Art | Twitchetts

STEAM with Wood

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

Create beautiful nature portraits – by Adventure-in-a-box

I love the simplicity of this adorable bark owl – by Fireflies and Mudpies

Why not try painting directly onto bark? – by Tinkerlab

You will never loose your keys again with these painted wooden key chains– by Easy Peasy and Fun

STEAM With Stones 

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

I love this pendant pebble craft. They could be beautiful gifts or just a sweet way for the kids to transform their treasure into a special keepsake – by Red Ted Art

I adore the process of this wire wrapped stones and they look so pretty! – by Fun at Home with Kids

Add a little science to create these gorgeous crystal stones – Happy Hooligans

I have so much love for this pebble snake. Bag it and take it out to keep the kiddos entertained – by I Heart Crafty Things

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

Story stones are a wonderful way to enhance imagination and creativity – by Crafts on Sea

Time for some character fun with the mischievous minion stones! – by Mum in a Madhouse

Nature Inspired Pebble Clock: A creative way for kids to learn to tell the time – by Preschool Inspirations

These weather stones are a clever way to introduce ‘weather language’ and concepts to kids – by The Craft Train

More Stone Nature Craft Ideas

Stack a Stone Rainbow | Adventures of Adam
Ladybug Painted Rocks | Crafts by Amanda

STEAM with Flowers 

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

Beautiful pressedflower bookmarks  –  Buggy & Buddy

Oh the fun to be had with this sensory play flower ice idea – Crafts on Sea

Learn and play with symmetry –  flower mandala’s – Nurture Store

This flower crown is divine and surprisingly easy to make – Willow Day

More Flower Nature Craft Ideas

Nature Art Collage and Colour Hunt | No Time for Flashcards
Flower Print and Scrape Painting | Playful Learning
Dried Flower Bird Craft| Zing Zing Tree

STEAM with Shells 

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

Add some sparkle and science to your shells to make crystal shells – by Little Bins for Little Hands

Beautifulseashell ornaments– Fun Crafts Kids

Lovelywire wrapped shell pendants– Pink Stripey Socks

This mermaids necklacecertainly has the ‘wow’ factor – by Mama Papa Bubba

More Shell Nature Crafts

Seashell Ladybug Craft| Still Playing School
Seashell Mermaid’s Cups| Zing Zing Tree
Shell People| Let’s Do Something Crafty

STEAM with Leaves

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

Chalk marker pens are one of my favourite craft supplies and they work superbly on leaves – Leaf Chalk Art– Arty Crafty Kids

This leaf owlis so cute! – by Jarlakans

Beautifulleaf dream-catcher and a great introductory threading exercise for kids – by Land of Nod

You’ll be amazed to learn that NO glue is required to make this leaf luminary– by Kids Craft Room

These simpleleaf impressionsare fun to make and paint – by Paging Fun Mums

Mandalaand colour play – by Nurture Store

With a little paint and some imagination, leaves can be turned into leaf critters – Terry Hazel

Explore negative space with our very own Autumn Leaf Painting– Arty Crafty Kids

STEAM with Pine Cones 

Arty Crafty Kids - Crafts - Craft Ideas for Kids - Nature Crafts for Kids

Ok, so there’s an awful lot of cuteness happening right here!

Pine Cone Hedgehogs – by The Mum in the Madhouse

Assemblage Bush Critters– by The Craft Train

Creepy Crawly Pine Cone Spider – by Fireflies and Mudpies

Pine Cone Rainbow Fairies– by Twig and Toadstool

Nature Inspired Activities 

Love the simplicity of thiscolour matching idea – Learning and Exploring through Play

A beautiful sand footprint keepsake– Paging Fun Mums

An invitingnature playdough experience – Wings and Roots

Nature Threading– Munchkins and Moms

And that concludes the 50+ Nature Craft for Kids round-up!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post as much as I have writing it, as well as discovering some awesome new blogs to follow.

Collecting Science

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61 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Experiments and Activities

The whole world is one big science classroom.


The only thing more fun than hands-on science is taking it outside! These outdoor science experiments and activities are perfect for taking advantage of sunny days. Fly kites, dissect flowers, experiment with sound and water, and so much more! There is something on our list for everyone from adults all the way down to toddlers.

You’ll only need simple supplies for most of these, so any teacher or family can head out to learn about chemistry, biology, physics, and more. To make it even easier to find the right outdoor science activities, we’ve rated each one for difficulty:

  • Easy: Simple, short activities you can do with little or no prep needed.

  • Medium: These activities take a little longer or require a few extra supplies but are still fairly simple.

  • Advanced: Activities that require more unusual supplies or complex skills.

This article covers to:

Outdoor Science Experiments That Get a Little Messy

1. Wrap a watermelon in rubber bands

You’ve probably seen videos of this making the rounds online, so why not try it out yourself? This is one of those outdoor science experiments that’s easy to do, but make sure you wear safety equipment like goggles. (Medium)

2. Send a geyser sky-high

This is one of those outdoor science activities that simply can’t be done anywhere other than outdoors. Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added. (Medium)

Learn more: Mentos and Coke Experiment (Plus Free Worksheet!)

3. Construct a LEGO waterwheel course

Explore the power of water with a cool homemade LEGO water course that includes a dam and a water wheel. This engineering project is fun to play with when you’re done. (Medium)

4. Find the best soap bubble solution

It’s easy to mix your own soap bubble solution with just a few ingredients. Let kids tweak the recipe to find the best proportion of ingredients to blow the longest-lasting bubbles with this fun outdoor science experiment. (Medium)

5. Blow giant bubbles

Bubbles are part of many fun outdoor science experiments. Once you’ve blown the longest-lasting bubbles, move on to creating the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Learn how in the video. (Medium)

6. Brew some elephant toothpaste

This experiment is popular with kids and adults alike! Don your safety goggles, mix a few ingredients, and watch the “elephant toothpaste” fly! (Medium)

Learn more: Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Plus Free Worksheet

7. Explode plastic baggies

Vinegar and baking soda experiments are always a big hit with kids, and this one is no exception. They’ll love seeing the bags pop from the chemical reaction, and you’ll be glad the mess is outside. Plus, learn how to make a DIY volcano here! (Easy)

8. Conduct an egg drop

Here’s another classic outdoor science project you won’t want to move inside—the egg drop. Challenge kids to engineer a container that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows). (Medium)

Learn more: 27 Egg-cellent Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

9. See water pollution in action

Learn about the challenges of cleaning up polluted water sources like rivers and lakes with this interesting outdoor science activity. Pair it with a visit to a local water-treatment plant to expand the lesson. (Medium)

10. Set up a musical science pool

This project is equally fun as a sensory experience and as a science experiment. Fill a kiddie pool with water, then place metal mixing bowls of different sizes inside. Finally, let kids experiment with different combos of waters, bowls, and drumsticks (i.e., wooden spoons). (Medium)

11. Paint a shadow with homemade chalk paint

Head outside and have kids trace the outlines of their shadows. Then mix up some homemade chalk paint and let kids get creative painting their shadows. (Medium)

12. Make and melt frozen oobleck

Oobleck is a strange non-Newtonian fluid that’s both fun and fascinating to play around with. For a new twist on this classic experiment, freeze some oobleck, then take it out into the sun and see what happens when it melts. (Medium)

Nature and Wildlife Outdoor Activities


13. Assemble a nest

Birds build intricate nests, and they make it look easy. Can you do the same? Gather some materials outdoors, and try to make your own nest. (Easy)

14. Explore 1 square foot

There’s an amazing amount of life in every square foot of nature. Grab your magnifying glasses or microscope, and take a closer look at the ground you walk on every day. (Easy)

15. Explode a DIY seed pod

Find out how some plants spread their seeds far and wide with this cool balloon experiment. Fill it with seeds and air, then pop it outside on a breezy day and watch the seeds fly! (Medium)

16. Forecast the weather with pine cones

Fun fact: Pine cones open and close according to the weather in order to protect or disperse the seeds inside. Use that fact to your advantage and create a pine cone weather station in your backyard. (Easy)

17. Put together a simple microscope

This DIY microscope isn’t very powerful, but it does magnify small objects so you can see details. It’s also really simple to make. Looking for a stronger microscope you can take on the go? Try this portable model that hooks up to your cell phone. (Easy)

18. Create nature discovery bottles

Stroll through the great outdoors and have kids collect interesting natural objects. Use recycled soda or water bottles to display their specimens. (Easy)

19. Play a game of Nature Bingo

Give your nature walk more direction by giving students specific items to seek out. You can make your own boards, or hit the link below for free printables for every season. (Easy)

20. Start a nature journal

Nature journals are a great way to partner writing and outdoor science while building kids’ observational skills. You can use any sturdy notebook or check out the link below for free printable journal pages and a fun DIY carry-along journal project. (Easy)

21. Make and plant DIY seed bombs

Use recycled materials to create “seed bombs.” Then plant them in the schoolyard or send kids home to use them in their own gardens. Students learn about ecology, recycling, and plant life cycles. (Medium)

22. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids love to pick up rocks, and there are plenty of great science experiments you can do with them. In this one, you pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone! (Easy)

23. Contribute to citizen science

Use a cell phone to snap pictures of everything you find on a nature walk, then report those sightings to Project Noah. This citizen science project is dedicated to documenting every living thing on Earth! (Easy)

24. Learn about plant transpiration

This simple project demonstrates how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration. The supplies and methods are simple enough for anyone to try it. (Easy)

25. Learn to identify trees

Give trees a closer look and learn to identify them by their leaves and seeds. These jars preserve the leaves and seeds for future STEAM too. (Medium)

26. Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Take kids outdoors to use their five senses with this free printable scavenger hunt activity. They’ll hone their observation skills and learn so much about the world around them. (Easy)

27. Help monarch butterflies

You may have heard that monarch butterflies are struggling to keep their populations alive. Join the fight to save these beautiful insects by planting your own butterfly garden, monitoring monarch populations, and more. Get all the info you need at the link. (Advanced)

28. Count tree rings to explore dendrochronology

Your students might know you can count tree rings to find out how old a tree is, but do they know why that’s true? Students will undoubtedly get a kick out of exploring dendrochronology. (Medium)

29. Seek out signs of birds

Have you ever noticed that birds can be difficult to spot, even though signs of them are all around? This free printable scavenger hunt helps you find evidence that birds live nearby. Just look for nests and food sources and listen for their sounds. (Medium)

30. Attract birds with a DIY bird feeder

Bring all the birds to the yard with this easy recycled bird feeder project. Kids can learn to identify common backyard birds in your area. Visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s educators resource page for more ideas. (Easy)

Learn more: 19 Easy Ways to Get Kids into Birding

31. Identify birds with an app

Some birds are easy to identify, but others stump even longtime bird-watchers. If you’re looking for outdoor science activities for kids who love feathered friends, check out the free Merlin Bird ID app. It listens to bird calls and identifies them in a snap! It works with photos too. (Easy)

32. Estimate the height of a tree

Kids work in pairs to estimate the height of a tree in this project that puts the M in STEM. Get a free printable at the link below to walk you through the process. (Medium)

33. Dissect a flower

Take a plant apart to look at the various parts, like the roots, flower, bud, and more. (Medium)

34. Craft tree bark rubbings

Each tree has its type of bark, and making crayon rubbings is an easy and fun way to take a closer look. Put together a whole portfolio and label each with the kind of tree it comes from. (Easy)

35. Pit hydroponics against soil

Grow veggies using soil and hydroponics. Then, conduct your own taste test to see if one is better than the other. (Advanced)

36. Cast animal tracks

Explore wildlife biology by becoming an expert tracker! Learn to identify tracks and take casts. Turn this into an experiment by trying different methods to take casts, or use it as a method of identifying wildlife in the woods. (Advanced)

Weather and Climate Outdoor Science Experiments

37. Gaze at the clouds

Look up and take some time to admire the clouds. Craft this cute “cloud viewer” and find a cloud in the sky. Then, identify what type it is, and learn more about how clouds form. (Easy)

38. See the greenhouse effect in action

Climate change can be a contentious topic, so start by teaching kids about the greenhouse effect, which is easy to see and understand using this simple experiment. Then, urge them to explore data collected by scientists so they can learn to make informed decisions about topics like global warming. (Easy)

39. Assemble an anemometer

Scientists use anemometers to measure wind speed. Build this DIY version and do some outdoor science experiments about weather science with your kids. (Medium)

40. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area. (Medium)

41. Harness the power of the wind

Wind turbines have become common sights in some parts of the country as we explore alternative energy sources. Build your own to learn how they work with this outdoor science experiment. (Medium)

More Outdoor Science Experiments
and Activities

42. Fly a kite

You can learn a lot about physics when you make and fly your own kite. Experiment with different designs to see whose kite flies the highest or the longest. (Easy)

43. Compost food scraps in a bottle

Food waste is a big problem, contributing to much of the material that winds up in landfills. Teach kids how to compost with kitchen scraps in a plastic bottle, and use the compost to feed your plants. (Medium)

44. Grow a carbon sugar snake

If you’re looking for outdoor science experiments that are sure to excite your students, try this eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration. You only need simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand, but the element of fire makes this experiment best done outdoors. (Medium)

45. Construct a dirt battery

This outdoor science project is similar to building a battery from a lemon, but you also get to dig in the dirt! Kids learn about electric currents and conductivity. (Medium)

46. Test the power of sunscreen

We slather kids in sunscreen when they’re playing outside, but do they understand why? Try this fun little experiment, which demonstrates how sunscreen protects from the sun’s harmful rays. (Easy)

47. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. (Medium)

48. Blast off with bottle rockets

Just a few simple supplies let you use the power of air pressure to send a homemade bottle rock soaring to the heavens! Get full instructions in the video. (Medium)

Learn more: Bottle Rocket Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

49. Make sun prints

You’ll need to buy special paper for this outdoor science project, but it’s easy to find. Kids will love creating their own patterns and experimenting to find which objects work best. (Medium)

50. Launch Ping-Pong balls with a catapult

Young kids will simply adore building this basic catapult and watching Ping-Pong balls soar! Older kids can experiment by changing the position of the fulcrum, the length of the board, and the objects being flung. (Easy)

51. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected on windy days or find out which ones work in the rain. (Easy)

52. Swing a glass of water to learn about centripetal force

When you do this experiment right, you won’t make a mess at all. But while kids are still getting the hang of swinging glasses of water around their heads, you’ll probably want to make this an outdoor science activity. (Medium)

53. Become a human sundial

Choose a sunny day and grab some sidewalk chalk—your students are about to become sundials! They’ll practice measuring skills and learn about the movement of the sun across the sky. (Easy)

55. Float a baking soda–powered boat

Here’s another experiment using the classic baking powder and vinegar reaction. This one uses it to power these cute little DIY boats! A kiddie pool is the perfect spot for this outdoor science project. (Medium)

56. Slide into friction science

Head out to the playground, gather up a variety of objects, and hold races to see which ones make it down the slide first. This is a fun introduction to friction and inclined planes. (Easy)

57. Test your local water quality

Once you’ve “cleaned up” your water, try testing it to see how clean it really is. Then head out to test other types of water. Kids will be fascinated to discover what’s in the water in their local streams, ponds, and puddles. Water-testing kits are readily available online—try this set available on Amazon. (Advanced)

58. Make a rainbow

Spotting a rainbow in the sky is always a magical experience. Let kids experiment with different methods to learn how they can create rainbows of their own, anytime they like! (Easy)

59. Send a tea bag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course, but this is a really cool concept to see in action. (Medium)

60. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north. (Easy)

Build a light box

Kids can entertain themselves for hours with a big empty cardboard box. Channel that energy by turning a box into a place to learn about light refraction and reflection, using colored water in plastic bottles. (Medium)

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STEM Water Projects and Science Experiments For Kids


50+ STEM Water Science Experiments and STEM Projects for Kids in Elementary – play, educate and grow with nature’s favorite drink

Water is one of the greatest mediums for exploring science. It’s easy to work with, it’s readily available, it’s safe and kids love playing with it. It is impossible not to have fun while learning with water. Are you looking for some great ideas for water projects in your class, homeschool or home? Find inspiration on this list of over 50 fun science experiments and water projects for kids!

The Best Water Science Experiments for Kids


To make navigating this resource easier, I have divided all of our water projects and STEM activities into some general categories.
Water projects and Science Experiments

CHEMISTRY WATER EXPERIMENTS

Bath Bombs or Bath Fizziesare the ultimate in bath time fun! They are also an exceptional chemistry experiment. You can simply make a bath bomb and see how water is the magic ingredient to trigger the reaction, or do a science experiment exploring the effect of water temperature on bath bomb reactions.
Water Lab Exploring Safe Drinking Water is a science experiment that turns students into water testers with an eye for safety. Using water sources around your home or school you can easily set up this activity and in the process learn a valuable lesson about how precious safe water is for families everywhere. For more testing ideas you can check out this article.
Water STEM Lab - An activity for kids exploring what makes water safe with hands on exploration and discovery. A great STEM and safe drinking water lesson.
What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Learn the answer in this experiment. Take water and add sodium bicarbonate or baking powder. Watch the results to see something spectacular!
Super Simple Chemistry is a kid favourite activity that explores how different substances mix with water. Not everything dissolves, start exploring these ideas with this simple activity.
Learn about pH (acidic and basic) properties with this fun fluids experiment that uses items from your kitchen to create a fascinating lab study.
Super Simple Chemistry Kids Love - For the home, classroom, camp or troop, this fun chemistry kids activity is educational, messy, fun!
Elephant Toothpaste might not seem like a water science experiment at first, but this activity is actually really cool because one of the by-products of the chemical reaction is water!

WATER PROJECTS
EXPLORING DENSITY

Skittles Experiments require only two things – Skittles and Water. It may be simple, but this is one water experiment that is stunningly gorgeous and will have kids begging for more science time! With our study we brought in Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night as a way to see fluid dynamics in action.
The classic oil and water experiment is a fascinating way to introduce students to density, and in this experiment the results are beautiful!
oil and water experiment
Marble Run Density Project is a simple activity that explores the density of different liquids using marbles. It’s fun and accessible for all ages. Everyone loves a good race!
Does It Float – Pop Can edition is a fascinating activity that demonstrates how the density of different canned drinks affects whether they float or not. The results are fun and this makes for a great activity during camp outs.
Teaching The Scientific Process With Water Balloons – This is a fantastic idea for learning how to create scientific proof by exploring the science behind the “does it float pop can edition” experiment.
With this activity we are teaching the scientific process and encouraging kids to use inquiry based activities to prove theories.

COLOURFUL WATER PROJECTS

Chromatography Flowers is a super easy activity that even little kids will be able to do with minimal adult help. Watch how water helps colours travel through the coffee filter making pretty designs. For older kids, take the challenge up a level and light up your flowers with a simple circuit building activity.
Walking Rainbow– This was our attempt at the walking rainbow experiment but when things went wrong it became a whole new and exciting water science lesson.

WINTER THEMED WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

It’s time to get chilly with this mind bending experiment. In Snow and Ice Simple Science – Melting Magic we ask kids to predict the outcome of a test that will have them saying WOW! when they see the outcome.
Why does salt melt ice? This STEM activity dives into some great winter science as it explores how salt affects ice.
How to Make Snow and explore a cool property of water called the Mpemba Effect. It uses a little bit of science, a little bit of hot water, and a whole lot of cold to make this spectacular snow storm happen like magic.
Live somewhere cold? Explore the Mpemba Effect in a spectacular way as you create snow.
Bottle Crush is a project that will have kids asking to go outside on a cold winter day over and over again. Like magic, kids will learn how to crush a plastic bottle without touching it, astounding their friends and family.
Ice Fishing Science Experiment – What is more winter than Ice Fishing? In this fun, hands on science, kids learn how salt and water interact as they go fishing for the big catch! A great challenge for a classroom or summer camp.

SWEET WATER SCIENCE

Slurpee ScienceContinues exploring the power of salt and water with states of matter changes with this experiment that ends with a tasty treat.
Layered Lollipops is a fascinating study into density. Makes a beautiful experiment that smells amazing!
Layered Lollipops uses candy in a beautiful candy stem challenge
Lego Gummy Mummies is a project that explores what happens when water is removed, also known as desiccation which is part of the mummification process. It’s also an experiment using candy minifigs, so kids love it!

ENGINEERING WITH WATER PROJECTS

Build A Water Clock and learn a bit about history with this easy STEM project. This project can be scaled for use by kids of all ages.
Ice STEM Projects explore all the amazing things you can do when water enters a solid state, better known as ice! The dinosaur ice sculpture is just too cute and kids will love engineering their own ice creations.
DIY compass
Build a Compass and embrace your inner Einstein! Witness the invisible forces that captured a young Einstein’s imagination and led to a lifetime of incredible discoveries.
Build a Heart Modelfilled with water (aka blood) and explore how the blood moves around the heart.
Engineer An Ice Lantern, perfect for the holidays.
Engineering A Christmas Ice Lantern - Holiday STEM activity

WATER PROJECTS THAT ARE LIKE MAGIC

Chasing Hearts– This science experiment is like magic as you explore science and physics principles, all while playing a fun game!
Keep it Dry – A slight of hand activity that kids of all ages love to take a turn at. Become a magical scientist!
Why Does Water Rise? is an activity that is like magic! Kids love this STEM Activity that involves a little tech in the investigative process.
Why Does Water Rise? Best Science Experiments for Kids!
Build a Leak Proof Bag that is filled with water and pierced through with tons of pencils? Sounds impossible, but it’s not if you know the science!

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Students get hands on with a major threat to our marine environments in this Oil Spill Cleanup Experiment.
Learn about the Water Cycle in this simple scienceexperiment in a jar. Perfect for students or as a classroom demonstration.
In this experiment, explore how acid rain affects plant life. It is a simple experiment with powerful results.
Next, we explore how water pollution affects plants. This is a simple experiment exploring the effects of water pollution in two different ways. Students learn about osmosis, pH and the scientific method.
A simple science experiment exploring the effects and damage caused by water pollution on flowers
The Water Desalination Project is an interesting activity that explores how to remove the salt from salt water making it safe to drink.
This Fish Diving Activity is a neat way to explore how fish use air to help them move around underwater. A similar activity involves creating a Cartesian Diver.

SENSORY WATER PROJECTS

DIY Play Dough Bubble Bath is not a water project exactly, but it’s an inexpensive way to create some bubble bath play dough. Perfect for doing water projects with kids in the bath tub or at a water table.
Oobleck is a captivating activity to explore the difference in liquids. With the addition of one ingredient to water you create the most bizarre substance. Oobleck projects are an excellent addition to the study of states of matter and the senses. We LOVE playing with Oobleck and have created dozens of fun ways to explore this non-Newtonian Fluid.
DIY Soap Projects, especially Soap Jellies are a fantastic sensory experience that will encourage kids to get clean!
Layers of the Ocean Soap project for kids
They are so much fun, and super easy to make. For an incredible cross study, make our DIY Layers of the Ocean soap and learn about the ocean with this gorgeous and easy soap making project.

More Water Science Experiments

Explore why the Sky Changes Colour in this fascinating and simple science project demonstrating how the skies change colour during sunrise and sunset.
Another great project is the Rainbow Rain Project. Students will create a stunning display of colour in a jar to explore how clouds (made with shaving cream), hold and release moisture, creating rain! This project is GORGEOUS and so simple.
Magic Glitter is a cool experiment that is also a powerful demonstration on how soap works and why it is so important to wash your hands with soap.
Have fun learning with nature’s most valuable liquid – water!
Outdoor science experiments don’t have to be limited to spring or summer! Bookmark the Coolest Winter Science Experiments and Activities.

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Science in the Forest

collage of woodland science ideas for science in the forest. Includes pinecones for a pinecone weather station, a frame with natural materials attached, rings on a tree and a child holding acorns

Autumn is a brilliant time of year for outdoor science activities in the forest. Find out why leaves change colour in autumn, create rafts and dens with sticks, collect treasures such as pinecones, conkers and acorns and learn to identify trees and plants.

Create a wildlife journal and record the animals and plants you see each time you visit. Make your own scavenger hunt, or try our autumn treasure hunt!Ad ends in 7

Science in the Forest - Games

Who's behind you?

One favourite game in the forest is to creep up to each other and see if we can be so quiet that the other person doesn't hear. We've learned that leaves and sticks make a lot of noise when you stand on them!

What can you hear?

The idea of this game is to stand still and listen very carefully to hear how many different sounds you can hear. Are they nature sounds, man-made or a mixture of both?

Science investigations
about trees

Image of a girl bending over in the woods to find out how tall a tree is - if you can see the top of the tree you are as far away from the tree as it is high

Which tree?

Identify trees from their leaves with this brilliant spotter sheet from The Woodland Trust.

How tall is a tree?

Find out how tall a tree is without climbing it!

How old is a tree?

Can you find out how old a tree is?

tree rings used them to find out how old a tree is


Label a tree

Label an oak tree with Look We're Learning, or create a felt oak tree and acorn with Mama's Happy Hive.

Oxygen and trees

Find out which trees produce the most oxygen with Steamsational.

Activities with leaves
and pine cones

This may contain: some pine cones are laying on the ground next to other autumn leaves and acorns

Leaves and water

Find out how water travels through a leaf with Buggy and Buddy.

Why do pine cones open and close?

Collect pinecones to make a pine cone weather station. Did you know pinecones close up in wet weather to protect the seeds inside?

pinecone weather station - pinecones sat on a windowsill

Estimating jars

Collect leaves, pinecones or sticks to make estimating jars.

Dissect a flower

Dissect a flower or plant to learn about the different parts.

Plant life cycles

Use paper plates to make a flowering plant life cycle spinner.


Activities for kids with sticks

Where is it from?

This twig spotter sheetfrom The Woodland Trust is brilliant! How many different trees can you find?

Bird feeders

Made with Happy has some gorgeous bird feeders made from craft sticks!

This toilet roll bird feeder from Fireflies and Mudpies is lovely.

Pooh Sticks

I'm sure you know how to play Pooh Sticks already, but if not, the idea is to drop a stick into a stream, usually before a bridge and see whose stick emerges first.

We added some leaves to our Pooh Sticks so they were easier to recognise. We found that smaller sticks worked better as they were less likely to get stuck.

decorated pooh sticks

Rafts and boats

Make a beautiful twig boat and test it to see if it sinks or floats.

Potions

Make a potion. Which shape and size stick makes the best stirrer?

Stick Man Crafts

Create your very own Stick Man!

Next on our list is to find a catapult-shaped stick and try different materials as the sling, and then set up an investigation to find out which material is the springiest!

Great animal and plant spotter sheets

This may contain: a poster with animals and their names on it's page, which includes pictures of them


The Wildlife Trust has some brilliant animal and plant spotter sheets you might find useful.

Can you think of any more ideas for science in the forest?

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Nature Exploration
and wildlife activities
Easy play ideas, activities, arts, crafts, experiments, and recipes. Includes sensory play, nature play, STEM, loose parts, nature conservation. 
Nature Play that Rocks

Educational nature and wildlife activities you can enjoy with children of all ages, using natural found materials or everyday items you can find at home.

A-Z of Animal activity ideas

A- Z of Flora activity ideas – Flowers, plants, trees, seaweed, fungi ect.

Science experiments and STEM activities

Recipes – Foraging, baking and cooking

Educational nature and wildlife activities

36 Snow and Ice Activities Edibles

Nature Play that Rocks

Edible blackberry playdough and taste safe paint

14 Lavender recipes and activity ideas

40 Spring activity ideas

Summer activity ideas

Autumn activity ideas

Winter activity ideas

16 Weather Activity Ideas

26 Wildflower And Insect Activities

20 Gardening activity ideas + STEM

20 Sun science activity ideas

Plant life – STEM growing activities and experiments

Worm and soil activity ideas

14 dandelion activities and recipes + facts

How to make a wildlife pond

Ivy activity ideas

Exploring trees and woods 30+ activity ideas

20 ways to make a home for wildlife

12 Seaweed activity ideas + fun facts

Exploring the shore 20 activity ideas

16 Freshwater and aquatic wildlife activities

8 Rain Science experiments and activity ideas

30 Rose activity ideas and recipes

12 ideas for finding insects and minibeasts

How to make a wildlife pond

Insect houses and bug hotels

Simple sun catchers

Nature slime (Non toxic and taste safe)

Crabbing guide and fun facts

Wildlife at night fun facts and activities

30 Days Wild and 200+ nature activity ideas

Ice play activity ideas

Nature art + DIY brushes and easels

________________________________________

Explore More

Weather Science Experiments for Kids

IMG_20220629_222807

Top 10 Outdoor Summer Science Experiments

Supporting literacy with science activities

Easy ideas for British Science Week

15 Fun ideas for Science with LEGO®

20 Summer Science Experiments for Kids

Science Experiments for Learning about Clouds

Science Magic Tricks for Kids

Easy Christmassy Science- Week 2

Science Investigations for Wimbledon

Science Experiments for Teens

20 AWESOME Outdoor Science Experiments for Kids

Easy Space Science Experiments for Kids

20 Spring Science Experiments for Kids

Science activity ideas for improving fine motor skills

Everything you need for a great science morning

Elf Science Experiments for Christmas

Early Years Resources • Science for Early Years • FREE eBook

Valentine's Day Science Experiments and Activities for Kids

Great Science Experiments for Kids

Great Books About Women In Science

Christmas Science Made Simple!

Creepy Crawlies and Candy Science Hangout

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Adventures with Insects & Critters– Ideas for learning about small creatures

Gardening as a Tool for Teaching Science– Do you garden or have you wanted to start one? This is a post all about using the garden as a science teaching tool in your homeschool.

Geography Quest Shark Edition– Learn all about sharks with summer shark week. Lots of great shark resources here.

Maple Sugaring at Home– Select your maple and learn about the sugaring process.

How to Make Maple Syrup from Tapping to Boiling and Everything in Between– A tutorial on making maple syrup. Great fun and not as hard as it would seem.

How to Make Maple Syrup

Geography Quest Snake Pit Edition– Learn about all things snakes in this all in one lesson.

Geography Quest Forest Edition– Learn about forest habitat in the United States and around the world

Amphibians & Reptiles with The Salamander Room– Activities to go with the book on these animals along with games on classification.

Illustrating the Human Body– incorporating art into your study of the human body with scientific illustrating

Plankton Studies– activities and a TED talk on bioluminescence

Nature STEM Activities

Art & Nature Study with Beatrix Potter

Tips for Botanical Illustrating– A how to on drawing plants

How to Make a Plant Journal– make a handbound book and draw your plant observations inside

Nature Observations for Each Month

January Nature Journal Calendar

February Nature Journal Calendar

March Nature Journal Calendar

April Nature Journal Calendar

May Nature Journal Calendar

June Nature Journal Calendar

July Nature Journal Calendar

August Nature Journal Calendar

September Nature Journal Calendar

October Nature Journal Calendar

November Nature Journal Calendar

December Nature Journal Calendar

Implementing a Nature Study Watch Your Own Backyard– How to make nature study happen in the world right around you.

Geography Quest Great Backyard Bird Count Edition– How to participate in this annual birding activity with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

How to Incorporate Nature Study into Your Academic Routine– Ideas for using nature study in your homeschool

How to Find & Collect Animal Tracks– Have you ever casted a track? Try this activity.

Geography Quest Fall Foliage Treasure Hunt– Find out how climate and tree species affect the fall leaf viewing season

Geography Quest Bird Migration Edition– Observe birds on the move and learn where they go around the world

John James Audubon Nature Notebooking & Bird Study– from Harrington Harmonies

Wildflower Pressing & Identification

– an adventure all things flowers

Earth Science STEM Activities

Trail Planning Using Topographic Quadrangle Maps

Trail Planning Using Topographic Quadrangle Maps– Plan a recreation trail by reading and interpreting a USGS topographic map.

Teaching Geography with Earth Science– How to combine physical geography and earth science which go hand in hand.

Sea Floor Spreading– build a paper model to illustrate the convection and subduction of the ocean floor

How to Use Google Earth– a tutorial of sorts on how to use Google Earth and activities you can use with it.

Geography Quest Hurricane Tracking Edition– Track hurricanes like a meteorologist with this quest

Geography Quest Great Lake Ice Edition– When and where does the ice form on the Great Lakes and how does that affect habitat and commerce?

Geography Quest Mountain Edition– How mountains are formed and where they are located around the globe

Geography Quest El Niño Edition– Learn about this weather phenomenon that affects weather far away

Weather Stations & Forecasting– Set up your own weather station, observe and record data, and forecast the weather based on data collected.

Exploring Oceanography in Your Homeschool– Activities for a study of our earth’s oceans

WILD STEAM
AT NIGHT

Classic nighttime activities for teens include active outdoor games like flashlight tag and, ghost in the graveyard , as well as indoor options such as murder mystery games, escape rooms, and DIY craft projects like candle painting . Other popular choices are, movie marathons, video gaming, karaoke, or, visiting local attractions such as, bowling or arcades.

Classic Outdoor Nighttime Activities

  • Active Games: Flashlight tag, Ghost in the Graveyard, Capture the Flag, and Kick the Can.

  • Glow-in-the-Dark Fun: Glow stick volleyball or, stargazing.

  • Exploration: Nighttime photography walks or, scavenger hunts. 

Nocturnal Wildlife

When you think about nocturnal wildlife, what pops into your head? For me, it’s the sound of crickets, the flutter of bats, and that mysterious feeling like the night is alive with creatures we hardly ever see. You would be amazed at just how much is happening out there while most of us are binge …

Read More

Tips for Observing Nocturnal Animals

We're fascinated by all animals but there is something extra mysterious about nocturnal creatures. Kids are naturally curious about these animals that stay awake while most of us are sleeping. Here are our tips for observing nocturnal animals with kids. 

Observing nocturnal animals can be a bit tricky when they are out and about when our kids are (hopefully) asleep! What can we do to study these animals authentically in their habitats?

1. Get outside at dusk and dawn.

We are very fortunate to have a pair of great horned owls living very close to our home. While we've never seen these amazing animals first hand yet our neighbor has and that was very early while she was out walking her dog. Nocturnal animals are waking up when we're getting ready for bed and vice versa so twice a day our paths might naturally cross at dusk and dawn. Try to catch a glimpse of a nocturnal animal by going outside when the sun is setting or as it's rising (if you have an early bird kiddo like we do)!

2. Use all of your senses.

Remember that observation isn't merely seeing an animal directly with your eyes. We identified our great horned owl by sound first, comparing the calls we heard to recordings on the internet of different birds that live in our area. Months later we realized we actually were listening to a mated pair when we heard both birds calling back and forth to each other. Listening is observing and so is looking for signs that nocturnal animals leave from the night later when we're awake in the day. Look for tracks and scat to see what nighttime creatures live in your area!

3. Do not disturb. 

While we all want to see animals up close and personal, this might not always be the best case for ourselves or the wildlife. Please don't shine bright lights in hopes of seeing nocturnal creatures. Remind children that these animals are adapted for the night life with eyes that see very well in the dark which also means they are sensitive to sudden bright lights. Taking spotlights or flashlights out at night can blind them temporarily. Other nocturnal animals like skunks have natural defenses to keep humans away! Using extreme measures to see these animals startles them out of their typical behaviors so while we momentarily see that they are there, we aren't authenticly observing them if we flood them with light. Above all, teach children to do no harm while observing nature.

4. Visit zoos and check out webcams. 

Again, animals in their natural habitats are always the most ideal, but if all else fails you can often see nocturnal animals sleeping during the day at zoos and other wildlife parks. Our local zoo has a nocturnal building kept dark during the day so you can see the animals active when you are too! We love webcam observationssince we can watch (and record) creatures all around the world. Check out this bat camand this owl cam as a very examples!

We'll regularly be joining up with Stir the Wonder to bring you more exciting posts and ideas for observing nature with kids! I've always been intrigued and admired the photos of creatures and plants that Stir the Wonder shares on Instagram. Since we do the same, I asked her to partner up with me to create this interactive nature series for kids! Please join in the fun by tagging your nature photos with #kidsnaturehunt so we can all enjoy the beautiful world around us.

Nature Exploration Kit from Stir the Wonder

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Things That Go Bump—or Hoot During the Night: 

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

5 Animals You May Hear While Camping in Your Yard                

Welcome to June, officially designated as Great Outdoors Month by the federal government and several states across the country. Here at the National Wildlife Federation, we’ll be celebrating the outdoors in a big way on with NWF’s Great American Campout.
If you participate–and we hope you do–here’s an idea for something to do in the dark without your television or computer handy. Just sit quietly and listen! Depending on where you live, you’re likely to hear one or more of the following animals vocalizing sometime between sunset and sunrise.

1. Owls

Barred Owl by Peggy Hanna

Barred Owl by Peggy Hanna

North American owls range in size from the tiny elf owl—at 5¾ inches, the world’s smallest owl species—to the great horned owl, a powerful predator that is nearly 2 feet long. Ecologically, owls are similar to hawks but hunt at night rather than during the day. Both owls and hawks have plumage that is primarily brown, rust, black and white. Differences stem from owls’ nocturnal hunting. The birds have round facial discs, for instance, that focus sound waves to highly sensitive ear openings. And owls’ eyes are specially adapted to gather what little light may be available at night.

Listen to the “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” call of the barred owl:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fppKGJD3Y6c[/youtube]

2. Katydids

Katydid by Katherine Clifton

Katydid by Katherine Clifton

Closely related to grasshoppers and crickets, katydids sing at night during the warm months throughout much of North America. Males do the singing in order to attract mates and establish territories. Their songs are produced by rubbing a set of tiny pegs, called a file, at the base of one wing against a strong ridge, called a scraper, on the other wing. Each katydid species has its own unique song, which both males and females can hear with ears that are located on the insects’ forelegs.

Listen to the sound of katydids singing at night:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoSlssgiqCA[/youtube]

3. Frogs

Frog Close-up by Evan Gracie

Frog Close-up by Evan Gracie

Scientists have described nearly 6,000 frog species, and these amphibians live pretty much everywhere on Earth except in Antarctica. The United States and Canada are home to about 100 species. Spring is the time to start listening for frogs such as spring peepers and wood frogs. Other species wait until the weather warms. Frog calls also are slower at low temperatures because muscles that make the sounds move more slowly. Frogs around the world are in trouble: About 120 species have gone extinct in recent years, and one-third to one-half of the others are a risk.

Listen to frogs calling at night:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCVE9BA7wyw[/youtube]

4. Crickets

Crickets by Gail Napora

Field Crickets by Gail Napor

Nothing evokes a warm summer night quite like the soothing sound of crickets chirping. Like katydids, male crickets sing to attract mates and create their species-specific songs by rubbing their wings together. At 77 degrees F, field crickets chirp about two or three times per second, slowing down when the temperature drops. Crickets, katydids and grasshoppers all belong to the insect order Orthoptera, which includes some 21,400 known species worldwide, about 1,200 of them found in North America north of Mexico.

Listen to crickets chirping at night:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9peZ5WOtL0&feature=related[/youtube]

5. Mockingbirds

Mockingbirds by Dennis Raffelson

Northern Mockingbirds by Dennis Raffelson

During the breeding season, many songbirds begin their dawn chorus well before sleepy campers crawl out of their tents. But if you hear a bird singing loudly (perhaps annoyingly) in the middle of the night, it’s likely to be the northern mockingbird. Skilled mimics, mockingbirds put together long, complex songs by combining imitations of other bird species (and sometimes non-avian sounds). The birds continue adding new sounds to their repertoires as long as they live. Males, which sing more often and louder than females, may learn some 200 different songs during their lives.

Listen to one northern mockingbird’s amazing song:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMpe34Aign4[/youtube]

Explore More: Check out “Enjoying the Nightlife” by Janet Marinelli in National Wildlife magazine to learn more about nocturnal backyard animals and how to attract and nurture wildlife that comes out after the sun sets.

Explore More: Check out five animal species you may see in your backyard at night. To learn more about nocturnal wildlife and how to attract and nurture native species that come out after the sun sets, read “

Enjoying the Nightlife

National Wildlife magazine.

More Night Time Activities

Meteor Shower Camping

Have you ever dreamed of lying back on a blanket, gazing up at a sky full of shooting stars, while camping out in the great outdoors? If so, then meteor shower camping might just be your next adventure. There’s something magical about watching a meteor streak across the sky while you’re surrounded by nature. It …

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Dark Sky Preserves

Have you ever been outside on a crisp night, looked up at the sky, and felt like you were witnessing something out of this world? That’s exactly what it’s like in a dark sky preserve. If you haven’t heard of them before, let me introduce you to the incredible experience that awaits you under a …

Read More

Weather and Stargazing

When you think about stargazing, what comes to mind? You probably picture a clear, starry night sky—no clouds, no rain, and certainly no light pollution. But here’s the thing: the weather can make or break your stargazing experience. It’s not just about the stars; it’s about what the weather brings with it, and how it …

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Kids’ Astronomy Activities for Camping

There’s just something magical about kids’ astronomy activities for camping, don’t you think? I remember the first time my son pointed out Orion’s Belt from our campsite—I was shocked he even remembered the name! That night, we ended up lying on our backs, bundled in blankets, guessing star names and making up stories about constellations. …

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Camping Star Parties

If you’ve ever stared up at the night sky, mesmerized by the stars, you’re not alone. There’s something magical about looking up and seeing the endless expanse above you. Now, imagine turning that moment into an unforgettable adventure—by attending a camping star party. Trust me, it’s a whole new level of fun. Read More About …

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Dark Sky Spots

The first time I stumbled across one of those dark sky spots, I was just trying to escape the noise. City lights, honking horns, the constant buzz. I was not expecting my jaw to literally drop open. But there I was, out in the middle of nowhere, completely floored by how many stars were above …

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Star Myths


If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the twinkling dots above, you’re not alone. I’ve always been fascinated by star myths — those wild, beautiful stories people told to explain the stars, long before telescopes and science came along. I remember one summer night camping out in my backyard (yes, …

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Camping Telescope

Ever find yourself lying on the grass after a long day of hiking, staring up at the stars, and wishing you could see more? Well, that’s where a camping telescope comes in. Imagine the clarity, the detail, the beauty of the night sky when you have the right tool to bring it all into focus. …

Read More

Camp Observatories

Ever thought about ditching your usual weekend plans and heading out to one of those incredible camp observatories? I had not either until I did. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of mind blowing. Picture this. You are bundled up in a warm hoodie, the kind that still smells faintly like campfire …

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Astrophotography Basics

So, you have been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, and a jaw dropping photo of the Milky Way pops up. Maybe you even thought, “Wow, how do people take photos like that?” That is exactly how I stumbled into the world of astrophotography basics. Curious, a little clueless, and totally captivated. I’ll be honest with …

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Moon Phases

The first time I really noticed the moon phases, I was on a camping trip with a few friends. We were miles away from the city lights, and the night sky was absolutely unreal. That night, the moon was a bright, glowing crescent, and someone casually said, “That is a waxing crescent, by the way.” …

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Star Chart

When I first got into star charts, I will be honest, I was totally overwhelmed. So many squiggly lines, strange symbols, and names I could not pronounce. I thought, “How am I supposed to make sense of this?” But trust me, once you get the hang of it, star charts become one of the most …

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Stargazing Etiquette

Stargazing etiquette might not be the first thing you think about when you grab your telescope and head outside, but trust me—it matters more than you’d think. I learned that the hard way. A few summers ago, I drove hours into the middle of nowhere with a group of amateur astronomers for what we hoped …

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Aurora Viewing

If you’ve ever stayed up late just hoping to catch a glimpse of something magical in the sky, then aurora viewing might just become your next obsession. I still remember my first time. It was cold, my boots were soggy, and I nearly gave up until the sky lit up like it was alive. And …

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Deep Sky Objects

If you have ever looked up at a clear night sky and felt that spark of wonder, you have probably already admired deep sky objects without even knowing their names. These fascinating sights include galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. They are celestial wonders that exist far beyond our solar system. This article will explore what …

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Satellite Tracking

Ever found yourself staring up at the night sky, wondering what’s zooming overhead? That’s how I first got into satellite tracking, and honestly, I never expected it to become one of my favorite little obsessions. So what is satellite tracking, really? Simply put, it is the act of following satellites as they orbit the Earth, …

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Using a Planisphere

Using a planisphere is one of those things that sounds a bit more complicated than it really is. Trust me, the first time I held one, I thought I’d accidentally picked up a tool from a pirate ship’s navigation kit. But once you get the hang of it, a planisphere becomes your best buddy for …
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More Science Experiments

This may contain: a pile of legos with the words 5 makerspace projects for teen tech week be the source of change

Science, for teens today, involves exploring fascinating topics from space to biology through engaging resources like Science News Explores, National Geographic Kids, hands-on experiments (slime, bath bombs, crystals), and potential high school courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP sciences) to spark interest in STEM careers, with books and kits offering further learning.

Engaging Resources & Websites

Fun Home Experiments

  • Chemistry: Make bath bombs (neutralization), create crystals, or explore polymers (slime, rubber bands).

  • Physics/Earth Science: Build a homemade compass, study ramp physics, or make ice cream in a bag.

  • Biology: Investigate how temperature affects bouncing balls.

School & Advanced Learning

  • High School Courses: Biology (often freshman year), Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and AP options like AP Biology or Chemistry for deeper study.

  • STEM Focus:Computer science, engineering, and other fields offer exciting career path

Gifts & Kits

Consider STEM kits for electricity/magnetism, optics, model rockets, or even beginner 3D printers.

Nature science for tweens and teens (ages 10-17) moves beyond simple observation to include data collection, experimentation, and environmental stewardship. Engaging projects include building DIY hydroponic systems, monitoring local water quality or weather patterns, creating time-lapse videos of decomposition, and participating in conservation efforts like the Great Backyard Bird Count.                                 

This may contain: science lab station with four test tubes filled with liquid and the words stem on it

Click Here for daycare,home and school
uses of STEM and STEAM labs or 

Studies show that spending prolonged time in nature has an immense benefit for our mental health, while excessive screen time and social media usage produces heightened anxiety. For many, this isn't new information.

But while we can make outdoors time a priority, sometimes we just need a bit of extra imagination and inspiration.

Part of our goal is to equip parents with resources for nature STEAM Play.

We recently put pen to paper and made a mega list of nature play ideas to encourage your children to marvel, revel and see the incredible patterns found in our natural world. 

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75 STEM Projects for Kids & Teens

engineering | math | science | technology

glassware filled with colored solutions on a table top

STEM. It seems like that acronym is everywhere and people are all about it. Super-hyped. I’m not a big fan of the buzzword, but I adore the building blocks of the concept.

75 STEM Activities for Kids & Teens of All Kinds is a comprehensive, annotated list of most of the STEM content 

Plus, I’ve curated some great content from other bloggers where noted.

The activities are broken into categories for easier reference. It’s time to get started!

Biology Activities for STEM

Gardening as a Tool for Teaching Science

Observing Onion Cells– a lab which teaches kids how to observe an onion cell under the microscope.

Tips for Using a Digital Microscope– Have you ever used a digital microscope or are you thinking of getting one? This post explains the advantages and any disadvantages.

The Snake Project– a year long study of biology through the lens of snake anatomy and physiology in a project based format

Entomology the Science of Insects– An introduction to entomology and how to get started on your own insect collection.

Must Have Equipment for Entomology– a list of the equipment you’ll need to do your own insect collection and where to find it.

Best Practices for Collecting Insects– How to collect insect specimens of all kinds

Best Practices for Pinning Insects– Once you have your insects, how do you pin them correctly? There are rules to follow in order for your collection to be precise.

Tips for an Excellent Insect Display– The final touch of labeling your pinned insects

How to Determine the Frequency of a Trait– a lab to see the Hardy-Weinberg Principle in action. How often traits show up in a population.

Activities & Pages for Gregor Mendel The Friar Who Grew Peas– Notebook pages and activities to go with a study on genetics and Gregor Mendel

Physics STEM Activities

Science Quest Calculating Density

Calculating Density– a lab demonstrating how to find mass and volume in order to calculate the density of various objects.

Bus Routes and Google Maps Teach Physics– Use simple routes and maps to learn physics

The Art & Science of Rube Goldberg– from Eva Varga. Make your own Rube Goldberg machine

Sewing Machine Unit Study– a unit study on how various types of sewing machines work from mechanical to computerized models.

Measuring the Velocity of a Marble– How to set up an experiment to determine the speed of a marble

More on Calculating Velocity– the results of the first experiment in velocity and directions on the calculation

Chemistry STEM Activities

Comparing the Accuracy of Liquid Measurment Tools

Adventures in Chemistry– an adventure box themed around chemistry and short on flame testing gases.

Flower Chromatography & Calculating Molecular Weight– Using daisies to take up dye and a discussion on how it works and calculating molecular weight of compounds.

Dyeing Yarn with Easter Egg Dye– How to use wool yarn and Easter egg dye tablets to dye yarn

Make a Batik– How to dye using a wax resist.

Oxidation and Reduction Experiment– from The Homeschool Scientist

Testing for Starch– an experiment using various household solutions and items to test them for the presence of starch using iodine.

Observing Salt Crystals– evaporate salt water and observe the crystals left behind (a go along for How to Make an Apple Pie & See the World)

Acid/Base Chemistry– Using a cabbage juice indicator to test for acids and bases

Periodic Table of the Elements Activity with Cookies– from Harrington Harmonies

Polymers are Cool: Three Recipes for teens– from Eva Varga

Popcorn Pop Off– A fair test our kids developed to test flavor and volume of popcorn varieties.

Popcorn Pop Off Results– the conclusion of the experiment where we calculate the volume of the popped corn.

Other Chemistry Projects and STEM Resources

Engineering STEM Activities

Learning with LEGO Mindstorms

35 Shows for STEM– a listing of shows on STEM topics

Gifts for a Future Engineer– a list of engaging books on all things engineering for kids

100 Engineering Projects for Kids– from The Homeschool Scientist

Engineering Challenge Ideas– from The Homeschool Scientist

Click here or on picture below for Engineering With Simple Supplies

This may contain: the book cover for stem challenges with simple materials by sunshinene whipers and other projects

Technology STEM Activities

How to Make a Marble Speed Trap with LEGO Mindstorms

Make a Marble Speed Trap with Mindstorms– How to use your Mindstorm kit to make a speed trap for a marble.

How to Make a You Tube Playlist– for moms, teens, and kids

Math STEM Activities

The Making of a Wizard & the Crafty Side of Math

The Making of a Wizard & the Crafty Side of Math– How to thrive at math with a creative person.

Math Journaling in Homeschool Math– Do you use journaling with your math studies? Ideas for journaling opportunities

High School Math Problem Calendars– from Partially Derivative. Great for daily math problems.

Yummy Math– It was tough to choose just one activity from this site. I could post nearly all of them! If you want math projects that have to do with what’s going on in the world right now, visit this site.

Are you inspired to break out the supplies and try out a STEM project?

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Free STEM Websites for Tweens & Teens

Check out these free STEM websites for kids: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They are designed for grades 6-12, and I have personally used many of these resources to help me get through school! As technology increasingly becomes an integral part of our society, STEM has been growing over the past few years and computers are more important than ever. STEM websites can help enhance learning!
These 40+ free STEM websites: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are for grades 6-12, and great for teaching STEM.

Free Science Websites For Grades 6-12

Biology Corner
From worksheets to videos, Biology Corner has resources for biology, AP biology, and anatomy. (This is from a secular perspective though)

Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a fantastic website that helps break down math and science through videos. If you’re struggling with a certain subject, Khan Academy is a great way

Hippo Campus
Hippo Campus finds free videos from other sites and compiles them on one simple website. They have 13 categories; including mostly math and science.

Biology Junction
Focused on AP Biology, this site lists free AP Biology resources, from Powerpoint lectures to study guides.

Chem Tutor
Chemistry can be difficult, but Chem Tutor helps break it down. It has broken-down sections for the math involved in chemistry, reactions, the Periodic table, and more.

ChemSpider
Having trouble with a chemical equation? Enter it here for instant answers! You can use structure files, systematic names, trade names, registry names, and SMILES.

Chemistry – About
About.com is full of resources simply explained for today’s generation. Many of their resources or more textbook-free fun projects explore some of the more everyday aspects of chemistry, but they do have many chemistry lesson gems.

Ptable
Welcome to this dynamic periodic table! Click on an element to send you directly to the Wikipedia site. They also have many features so you can show the table with different factors; such as labeled by melting point, boiling point, and more. Plus, it lists a ton of compounds for each element!

Science Notes
I love interactive STEM websites. Like the above link, this site also has an interactive Periodic Table. Plus, it has free, colorful Periodic Tables you can print, and some other fun resources.

Periodic Table
Visual and interactive learner? When you click on each element of the Periodic Table, it leads you to fun images associated with that element, plus has stories and facts to help each element stick.

Periodic Videos
Periodic Videos are great for bringing a visual element to the elements. Once you click on a video with this STEM website, it leads you to a video on that element.

Memrise’s Periodic Table
Memrise is best known for its foreign language resources. It is an app/site that associates each word, or in this case element, with an image. It was co-founded by world memory competitor Ed Cooke, who was featured in the New York Times bestseller Moonwalking With Einstein. With the method of loci “memory palace” system best known for its use in Sherlock, you can mentally file these images to help memorize the Periodic Table in order. Crazy, and it works. With Memrise, I was able to memorize the Periodic Table in a week.

A Guide to Simple Machines Used in Cars
This great guide was suggested by a student reader! From levers to pulleys, learn about the science behind simple machines with these hands-on activities.

Other resources:

Mystery of Matter – in this three-part series narrated by Michael Emerson of Lost and Person of Interest, this docudrama takes you through the search of the elements, how the Periodic Table came to be, and how each element got their name. Great series I really enjoyed!

Bio Man Biology – learn about biology with this free website game and app! Learn about cells, body systems, and life chemistry.

Science Without a Textbook – explore 30+ ways to teach science without a textbook, in a way students of every learning style can learn how to love science.

These 40+ free STEM websites: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are for grades 6-12, and great for teaching STEM.

Free Math Websites For Grades 6-12

The Math Page
The Math Page probably saved my life during high school. They offer free courses for algebra, trig, geometry, and precalculus – all broken down with simplified text and visuals.

Purple Math
Written by a woman with a Master’s degree in Mathematics, I’ve always enjoyed the way Purple Math breaks things down. She has resources for 5th grade to 12th, college math, and specialized test prep.

Khan Academy
Khan Academy is free and specializes in high-quality videos for upper-level math. The only thing I didn’t like about Khan Academy was for some of my upper-level homeschool math, often Khan Academy would explain the basics, but they didn’t have resources for some of the more complex versions! But, Khan Academy is one of the top STEM websites out there.

Algebra Help
Algebra Help is filled with worksheets, lessons, and calculators designed to make it a little easier for students to learn. Putting in equations will give you instant answers, as well as a detailed explanation.

Wolfram Alpha
Type in your question, and get instant results for Wolfram Alpha. This is one of my favorite free homeschool math resources!

Mathway
Select your subject (algebra, trig, precalculus, calculus, etc.) and get instant answers with Mathway’s calculator.

Quick Math
Enter your tricky math formulas into Quick Math for instant answers, as it simplifies your equation.

Math Drills
Math Drills has over 50,000 free math worksheets on a huge list of subjects!

Math Warehouse
Math is a key piece of STEM, including coding. Find a variety of free math worksheets for upper-level mathematics.

Kuta Software
Kuta Software has many customizable paid worksheets with their purchase plan, but they also have many helpful free worksheets!

Soft Schools
Soft Schools has mostly elementary-level resources, but includes quite a bit of upper-level math worksheets, including some AP prep quizzes.

Ed Helper
Grab these upper-level math worksheets, mostly designed in a fun game format.

Free Tech Websites for Grades 6-12

eGFI – Dream Up Your Future

eGFI is dedicated to encouraging STEM for grades K-12. They have resources for kids, as well as professionals in a variety of STEM fields.

Code Academy

One of the best STEM websites, Code Academy is an incredible free site that has coding courses. Their courses include HTML and CSS, Ruby, Python, Java Script, jQuery, PHPs, and APIs.

Code.org

Code.org is a site designed to teach students how to code. Their site has resources plus links to tutorial apps, extra helpful videos, and more.

W3schools

Whenever I have questions about HTML code, W3schools is normally my #1 source. One of my favorite STEM websites, their site provides coding tutorials mainly for web developers.

Alice

I heard about Alice from the bittersweet The Last Lecture, written by a computer science Carnegie Mellon professor. Alice is educational software that teaches students computer programming in a 3D environment. It is a student-led project designed by Carnegie Mellon, and is free.

Khan Academy

If you’re a Khan Academy fan, they also have free computer science resources. Classes include HTML, CSS, SQL, and Java Script.

Code School

Code School has 61 interactive coding courses, and nearly 3000 coding challenges. You can get started for free, but plans are $14-$30 a month. (In addition, they have sales throughout the year.)

Science | How Stuff Works

How Stuff Works can often bring in the practical side of learning. Explore different innovations, and how they’re being used today!

NASA.gov

For students interested in aerospace, check out NASA’s websites for rich, picture-heavy resources.

ExploraVision

Students from K-12 under 21 (including homeschool students) can enter Toshiba’s technology contest, ExploraVision, aimed at inventing new technology to help make our world better. Prizes include Toshiba PCs, and four first-prize teams will receive a savings bond worth $10,000.

Google Science Fair

Google Science Fair is a worldwide online science competition open up to students ages 13-18. The grand prize is $50,000; and they also have other $15,000 scholarships.

Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference

Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (also known as WWDC) is an annual conference that unveils Apple’s latest technology. Apple grants scholarships to students worldwide to attend the event. To qualify, you must submit an Apple app that you coded and developed yourself.

Other resources:

Creation Crate – The Creation Crate encourages technology and building (engineering) with their monthly “creation crate” science kit. These science kits are unique in that they require a function that uses programming to work.

Free Technology Websites for Grades 6-12

Take a peek at these awesome Chemistry Experiments for Kids and Teens to do at Home!

Easy chemistry experiments at home for kids and teenagers

Have your kids ever mixed baking soda & vinegar to blow up a balloon or make a volcano explode?!!

Maybe they’re fascinated by glow-in-the-dark experiments and LOVE the idea of using test tubes “like a real scientist”.

Raising a scientist doesn’t have to be hard — take a peek at these FUN chemistry activities & experiments that spin, glow & even use fire!

We are very BIG on doing science experiments & activities at home!

Whether we’re enjoying some outdoor science experiments or trying an indoor science activity (like these 20 Experiments You can do in a Jar),  I’ve quickly seen first-hand how science can build confidence, curiosity and the ability to think outside of the box for kids!

While both of our kids attended public school, I’ve learned that there is very limited time devoted to the science curricula at various grade levels and even when they are in specific science classes (such as biology & chemistry), there’s only so much that a teacher can cover during a 42 minute class period.

My kids always come home with questions — and ideas on expanding the activity, frequently asking “Can we try this at home?” or the familiar “I wonder what would happen if …”

So when our affiliate partner Kiwi Co reached out and asked if we’d like to receive one of their *brand new* Chemistry Crates to review for our readers, we jumped at the opportunity! 

Chemistry experiments for kids to do at home - with fire

Tips for Choosing GREAT Science Experiments & Activities to do at Home

I’m very careful about our educational purchases — while I LOVE to encourage interest-led learning at home and have a variety of easy STEM activities on hand, we also have a limited budget. 

So for us, if we make an educational purchase, there are three things I ask first:

1. Will we be able to use the items BEYOND the activity provided?

Basically, does the project include durable items that we can add to our science or learning areas. 

2. Does the project include items that are difficult for me to obtain?

This is a biggie when it comes to science experiments — you can’t just walk into Michael’s or Home Depot and say “Can you tell me which aisle has the lithium chloride powder?” 

3. Are there detailed instructions along with a ‘what’s behind the science’ explanation that’s clear for both kids & adults?

Let’s be honest here — we all did science a LONG time ago.  And some of that science has changed (like the periodic table — which now has more elements than when we were in school). 

So like most parents, I want very clear details on how to do the project along with information that’s going to explain why it works and answer all the questions my kids come up with while we’re experimenting.

Not too much to ask for, is it?

At home science lab experiments for chemistry

This is why we really love the Kiwi Co crate options — whether it’s

Let me give you a peek at the 3 different Chemistry Crate options available for kids & teens!

Chemistry Experiments with Fire

We’re going to begin with the Kiwi Co Fire Lab kit since so many kids & teens as fascinated with flames — and this is a really cool way to capture that interest in a controlled environment 

First, let me tell you that we frequently do our science activities outside — it’s just a thing with us.  So many of the photos in this post were taken outdoors — HOWEVER, these experiments can be done inside or outside (I didn’t want to confuse anyone with the pictures).

Here’s an example of the detailed “behind the science” I referred to early in the post. 

In every experiment and lab crate, you’ll find:

  • a 40+ page full-color booklet that includes an introduction to the topic,

  • science vocabulary and definitions,

  • detailed instructions with pictures for each experiment and

  • some variations on the experiment to try too!

PLUS, there’s also directions on how to set up and clean up each experiment — which my kids actually enjoy doing with these projects because there’s cute pictures, jokes and graphics involved (who knew that’s what got kids to clean up??!) 

The COOLEST experiment we did from the Fire Lab was the Flame Test which is based on an actual test that’s used in real chemistry laboratories!

Kids will see how various chemical substances look when put under a flame — they actually burn in different colors! 

Using the chemicals in the kit, we saw a green flame, red flame and pink flame — even Dad came over to see what the heck we were doing when he heard all the ooh’s and aaah’s (it was like mini-fireworks.

Another thing we really like about the crates is that there are enough materials & chemicals included that you’re able to do the experiments more than once!  A BIG bonus when something is popular with your kids.

And just as important as the science, you can also see in the photos that kids will learn how to:

  • set up a science area with tools & materials and

  • follow proper safety precautions (including gloves, goggles & having water on hand)

The Fire Lab includes:

  • 7 flame & fuel experiments

  •  durable science items that you can use again including a mini-burner & burner bottle, pipettes, test tubes and even extra chemicals

  • safety equipment such as a mess mat, goggles, gloves and more (safety items are included in every science box!)

ALL the materials you need for the projects are in the box — the only thing you’ll need to bring to the table is water!

 

Science Experiments with
Chemical Changes & Reactions

The Vortex Lab is part engineering, part chemistry with a little bit of electrical circuits thrown in too!

The focus is on chemical changes, kinetics and chemical reactions.  You may have seen our CO2 experiments with baking soda & vinegar — this lab covers what many kids think of as “chemistry” — mixing substances together.

This crate includes:

  • 5 experiments (including a bonus at home experiment)

  • an engineering project since kids have to build their own mixing machine

  • durable lab equipment that you’ll use again including the mixing machines, beaker, 4 test tubes with tops and safety goggles + some cool chemicals too!

Kids will learn about chemical phases, solubility, oxidation and how heat can impact an experiment.

Many you will use again for other experiments & science activities!

My daughter’s favorite part of this lab was the detailed directions that include pictures and step-by-step instructions with great visuals especially for engineering the mixing machine!

She had no problem putting it together and could easily start and stop the experiments without losing her place.  The first thing she said to me when she opened the instructions was “why don’t they use these at school labs?!” 

In addition to science experiments, many of the kits also involved some type of additional STEM (tech, engineering or math) component too.  Here’s an up close look at the electrical circuits that kids need to create when building the mixing machine. 

And the directions are very detailed not only in how to put things together but also how to test the equipment along with including trouble-shooting tips in case it doesn’t work the first time.

Yes!  It works!!

Once the mixing machine was up and running, we were able to work though a few of the experiments —

The Motion & Kinetics experiments allow kids to create a Vortex (ie. cyclone or tornado)! 

The test tubes are used for the Heat & Kinetics experiments — kids will test how various water temperatures impact solubility and then create a chemical clock too!

You can purchase each of these lab boxes individually or buy all four Chemistry Sets at a HUGE discount (which is awesome!)

Now on to the Glow in the Dark Lab!! 

Glow in the Dark Chemistry Experiments for Kids

This is another AMAZING science lab!!

First, you don’t have to take multiple trips to a variety of stores to find a black light and special chemicals — they are ALL included!

And so many kids LOVE the idea of fluorescence science! 

It’s something we touched on during our Layers of the Ocean science activity with the deepest part of the ocean but the idea is SO much easier to explain when you can do a hands-on science experiment and actually SEE it in action! 

Glow in the dark experiments

Using the black light and chemicals included, kids can make their own glow in the dark liquids!

The Glow in the Dark Lab includes:

  • 3 different types of glow in the dark experiments

  • an engineering activity that teaches kids how to build a spiral stand

  • durable science items that can be used for other activities such as a black light, 2 beakers and an Erlenmeyer flask!

  • Plus all the chemicals, safety items, materials and booklet with instructions! 

fun chemistry experiments to do at home - glow in the dark

Here’s one of the other experiments where we create & then compare fluorescence liquid and phosphorescence liquid (yes, there’s more than one type of glow in the dark material 

The experiments are super in-depth and really help kids to grasp the scientific vocabulary and concepts covered in the labs!

You can get just one of the lab boxes or grab all four of them (at a discount!) in the full Chemistry Crate!

 And one more awesome thing about Chemistry crates —

They’re delivered via snail mail 

So one afternoon, your kids will find this awesome box on the front porch and know it’s time to burn, mix and create some amazing science!

More Science Experiments
& Activities for Kids

 27 Simple Science Experiments to Do in a Jar

Rocks & Minerals: The Vinegar Test

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Fun and Engaging Science Activities

When you hear the term science activities for teens, does it make you groan or cheer?

In our homeschool, science has always been one of our favorite subjects. And why shouldn’t it be?

It’s full of cool hands-on experiments that give kids the chance to explore their world. It’s one of the few subjects that regularly brings concepts to life in very real, tangible ways for students.

Girl using a dropper to add liquid to test tubes that have purple liquid in them. Text on bottom reads Middle School Science Activities.

This subject is incredibly fun to teach at home. Add some of these interesting activities to your tween’s lesson plans, and you’ll see that science can be awesome.

Science Activities for teens

There’s a lot of flexibility when you teach teens science.

Since you’re not tied to state standards, like you are in high school, you’re free to study a variety of scientific topics, like chemistry, physics, life science, geology, etc.

The best part? You can make it as hands-on and fun as you want!

Use these science activities to get your tweens and teens excited about the subject.

Chemistry Activities for teens

Help your teenser understand the science behind a chemical change with these chemical reaction experiments.

One of the best known (and go-to) projects for older kids has to be the DIY volcano, so have some fun with these hands-on volcano activities.

If you are looking for how to incorporate simple science activities for kids into your homeschooling day, this tool makes it super easy.

Use this layering liquids density experiment to show your tweens how they can “see” the density of liquids.

Help your kids understand acids, bases, and how to use the pH scale by completing a few acid and base experiments for teens.

Grow crystals using basic household products.

Learn the elements and beat periodic table boredom with the Atomidoodle game app.

Make your chemistry lessons fun and yummy with a candy atoms lab.

Close up of layers of liquids in a large glass jar, random items floating inside the density jar experiment, Black text overlay reads Middle School Chemistry Experiments

Fun Science Experiments for teens

These small books are full of simple tabletop science experiments that your tween will enjoy.

Add a little “bounce” to your science by adding some silly putty activities to your lesson plans.

Have you ever made your own groovy lava lamp? If not, now’s the time to complete your own lava lamp science project.

These cool science activities are easy to work on at home.

Use these summer science experiments to keep teenagers busy over break.

Life Science Activities

When you’re studying botany and insects, including butterflies and the plants they need to thrive, learn even more by making a homemade butterfly habitat.

This simple tool makes studying wildflowers a breeze.

10 fun, hands-on activities you can use during your next bird study.

Ideas you can use to study birds during the winter months.

Engaging Ideas For Teaching Kids About Birds.

Use these bird projects as part of your science lessons.

Jumpstart your nature studies with 100 creative nature walks. And while you’re on your walk, start a nature journal to keep track of your discoveries.

Consider raising butterflies as a part of a broader butterfly unit study with your tween.

If you’re studying marine biology this year, make time for a trip to your local aquarium.

Meet African Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Close up of two painted lady butterflies, orange circle with brown rim on bottom left with white text inside reading Life Science Projects for Middle School

Teens Physical Science Lessons

Use these fun activities to learn about catapult trajectory.

Have you done any lever experiments for teens yet? I love it when kids discover that levers are everywhere, including scissors, see-saws, crowbars, and nail clippers.

If you are working on physical science in your homeschool, then you’ll want to add some of these friction projects to your lesson plans.

Orange ruler balancing on a small white pvc pipe on a table, with three pennies on top of the ruler spaced out so it balances. Orange text box on bottom of image with white and yellow text that reads Physical Science engaging experiments for tweens.

Miscellaneous Science Activities for teens

Geology rocks and minerals is a fascinating subject that can easily captivate kids.

Use these hands-on activities to help your tweens study weather and climate.

Use this sinkhole experiment during your earth science lessons.

Have fun building a weather station to study the conditions in your area.

Let your tween learn science with Disney Imagineering Videos.

Must-Have Resources for teens Science

Outstretched hand holding three pieces of grey geodes, broken open with white crystals inside. Purple rectangle at the top of the image with white text inside, reading Middle School Science Activities geology, rocks, & minerals

If you’re looking for even more resources for teaching science to tweens, I’ve got you covered. Here you’ll find curriculum we recommend, tips for making science fun, and helpful ideas for teaching science at home.

Which is your favorite teens science activity?


Science for teens involves exploring fascinating topics from space to biology through engaging resources like Science News Explores, National Geographic Kids, hands-on experiments (slime, bath bombs, crystals), and potential high school courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP sciences) to spark interest in STEM careers, with books and kits offering further learning.

Engaging Resources & Websites

Fun Home Experiments

  • Chemistry: Make bath bombs (neutralization), create crystals, or explore polymers (slime, rubber bands).

  • Physics/Earth Science: Build a homemade compass, study ramp physics, or make ice cream in a bag.

  • Biology: Investigate how temperature affects bouncing balls.

School & Advanced Learning

  • High School Courses: Biology (often freshman year), Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and AP options like AP Biology or Chemistry for deeper study.

  • STEM Focus:Computer science, engineering, and other fields offer exciting career paths.

Gifts & Kits

  • Consider STEM kits for electricity/magnetism, optics, model rockets, or even beginner 3D printers.

  • Nature science for tweens and teens (ages 10-17) moves beyond simple observation to include data collection, experimentation, and environmental stewardship. Engaging projects include building DIY hydroponic systems, monitoring local water quality or weather patterns, creating time-lapse videos of decomposition, and participating in conservation efforts like the Great Backyard Bird Count. 


Studies show that spending prolonged time in nature has an immense benefit for our mental health, while excessive screen time and social media usage produces heightened anxiety. For many, this isn't new information.

But while we can make outdoors time a priority, sometimes we just need a bit of extra imagination and inspiration.

Part of our goal is to equip parents with resources for nature STEAM Play.

We recently put pen to paper and made a mega list of nature play ideas to encourage your children to marvel, revel and see the incredible patterns found in our natural world. 

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75 STEM Projects for Kids & Teens

engineering | math | science | technology

glassware filled with colored solutions on a table top

STEM. It seems like that acronym is everywhere and people are all about it. Super-hyped. I’m not a big fan of the buzzword, but I adore the building blocks of the concept.

100 STEM Activities for Kids & Teens of All Kinds is a comprehensive, annotated list of most of the STEM content 

Plus, I’ve curated some great content from other bloggers where noted.

The activities are broken into categories for easier reference. It’s time to get started!

Biology Activities for STEM

Gardening as a Tool for Teaching Science

Observing Onion Cells– a lab which teaches kids how to observe an onion cell under the microscope.

Tips for Using a Digital Microscope– Have you ever used a digital microscope or are you thinking of getting one? This post explains the advantages and any disadvantages.

The Snake Project– a year long study of biology through the lens of snake anatomy and physiology in a project based format

Entomology the Science of Insects– An introduction to entomology and how to get started on your own insect collection.

Must Have Equipment for Entomology– a list of the equipment you’ll need to do your own insect collection and where to find it.

Best Practices for Collecting Insects– How to collect insect specimens of all kinds

Best Practices for Pinning Insects– Once you have your insects, how do you pin them correctly? There are rules to follow in order for your collection to be precise.

Tips for an Excellent Insect Display– The final touch of labeling your pinned insects



How to Teach Science through the Lives of Scientists

Measuring Lung Capacity– a lab demonstrating human lung capacity and the factors that can affect it.

Adventures with Insects & Critters– Ideas for learning about small creatures

Gardening as a Tool for Teaching Science– Do you garden or have you wanted to start one? This is a post all about using the garden as a science teaching tool in your homeschool.

Geography Quest Shark Edition– Learn all about sharks with summer shark week. Lots of great shark resources here.

Maple Sugaring at Home– Select your maple and learn about the sugaring process.

How to Make Maple Syrup from Tapping to Boiling and Everything in Between– A tutorial on making maple syrup. Great fun and not as hard as it would seem.

How to Make Maple Syrup

Geography Quest Snake Pit Edition– Learn about all things snakes in this all in one lesson.

Geography Quest Forest Edition– Learn about forest habitat in the United States and around the world




 

Art & Nature Study with Beatrix Potter

Tips for Botanical Illustrating– A how to on drawing plants

How to Make a Plant Journal– make a handbound book and draw your plant observations inside

Nature Observations for Each Month

January Nature Journal Calendar

February Nature Journal Calendar

March Nature Journal Calendar

April Nature Journal Calendar

May Nature Journal Calendar

June Nature Journal Calendar

July Nature Journal Calendar

August Nature Journal Calendar

September Nature Journal Calendar

October Nature Journal Calendar

November Nature Journal Calendar

December Nature Journal Calendar

Implementing a Nature Study Watch Your Own Backyard– How to make nature study happen in the world right around you.

Geography Quest Great Backyard Bird Count Edition– How to participate in this annual birding activity with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

How to Incorporate Nature Study into Your Academic Routine– Ideas for using nature study in your homeschool

How to Find & Collect Animal Tracks– Have you ever casted a track? Try this activity.

Geography Quest Fall Foliage Treasure Hunt– Find out how climate and tree species affect the fall leaf viewing season

e move and learn where they go around the world



Physics STEM Activities

Science Quest Calculating Density

Calculating Density– a lab demonstrating how to find mass and volume in order to calculate the density of various objects.

Bus Routes and Google Maps Teach Physics– Use simple routes and maps to learn physics

The Art & Science of Rube Goldberg– from Eva Varga. Make your own Rube Goldberg machine

Sewing Machine Unit Study– a unit study on how various types of sewing machines work from mechanical to computerized models.

Measuring the Velocity of a Marble– How to set up an experiment to determine the speed of a marble

More on Calculating Velocity– the results of the first experiment in velocity and directions on the calculations

Earth Science STEM Activities

Trail Planning Using Topographic Quadrangle Maps

Trail Planning Using Topographic Quadrangle Maps– Plan a recreation trail by reading and interpreting a USGS topographic map.

Teaching Geography with Earth Science– How to combine physical geography and earth science which go hand in hand.

Sea Floor Spreading– build a paper model to illustrate the convection and subduction of the ocean floor

How to Use Google Earth– a tutorial of sorts on how to use Google Earth and activities you can use with it.

Geography Quest Hurricane Tracking Edition– Track hurricanes like a meteorologist with this quest

Geography Quest Great Lake Ice Edition– When and where does the ice form on the Great Lakes and how does that affect habitat and commerce?

Geography Quest Mountain Edition– How mountains are formed and where they are located around the globe

Geography Quest El Niño Edition– Learn about this weather phenomenon that affects weather far away

Weather Stations & Forecasting– Set up your own weather station, observe and record data, and forecast the weather based on data collected.

Exploring Oceanography in Your Homeschool– Activities for a study of our earth’s oceans

Chemistry STEM Activities

Comparing the Accuracy of Liquid Measurment Tools


Adventures in Chemistry– an adventure box themed around chemistry and short on flame testing gases.

Flower Chromatography & Calculating Molecular Weight– Using daisies to take up dye and a discussion on how it works and calculating molecular weight of compounds.

Dyeing Yarn with Easter Egg Dye– How to use wool yarn and Easter egg dye tablets to dye yarn

Make a Batik– How to dye using a wax resist.

Oxidation and Reduction Experiment– from The Homeschool Scientist

Testing for Starch– an experiment using various household solutions and items to test them for the presence of starch using iodine.

Observing Salt Crystals– evaporate salt water and observe the crystals left behind (a go along for How to Make an Apple Pie & See the World)

Acid/Base Chemistry– Using a cabbage juice indicator to test for acids and bases

Periodic Table of the Elements Activity with Cookies– from Harrington Harmonies

Polymers are Cool: Three Recipes for teens– from Eva Varga

Popcorn Pop Off– A fair test our kids developed to test flavor and volume of popcorn varieties.

Popcorn Pop Off Results– the conclusion of the experiment where we calculate the volume of the popped corn.

Other Chemistry Projects and STEM Resources

Engineering STEM Activities

Learning with LEGO Mindstorms

35 Shows for STEM– a listing of shows on STEM topics

Gifts for a Future Engineer– a list of engaging books on all things engineering for kids

100 Engineering Projects for Kids– from The Homeschool Scientist

Engineering Challenge Ideas– from The Homeschool Scientist

Click here or on picture below for engineering with simple supplies

This may contain: the book cover for stem challenges with simple materials by sunshinene whipers and other projects

Technology STEM Activities

How to Make a Marble Speed Trap with LEGO Mindstorms

Make a Marble Speed Trap with Mindstorms– How to use your Mindstorm kit to make a speed trap for a marble.

How to Make a You Tube Playlist– for moms, teens, and kids

Math STEM Activities

The Making of a Wizard & the Crafty Side of Math

The Making of a Wizard & the Crafty Side of Math– How to thrive at math with a creative person.

Math Journaling in Homeschool Math– Do you use journaling with your math studies? Ideas for journaling opportunities

High School Math Problem Calendars– from Partially Derivative. Great for daily math problems.

Yummy Math– It was tough to choose just one activity from this site. I could post nearly all of them! If you want math projects that have to do with what’s going on in the world right now, visit this site.

Are you inspired to break out the supplies and try out a STEM project?

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Free STEM Websites for Tweens & Teens

Check out these free STEM websites for kids: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They are designed for grades 6-12, and I have personally used many of these resources to help me get through school! As technology increasingly becomes an integral part of our society, STEM has been growing over the past few years and computers are more important than ever. STEM websites can help enhance learning!
These 40+ free STEM websites: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are for grades 6-12, and great for teaching STEM.

Free Science Websites For Grades 6-12

Biology Corner
From worksheets to videos, Biology Corner has resources for biology, AP biology, and anatomy. (This is from a secular perspective though)

Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a fantastic website that helps break down math and science through videos. If you’re struggling with a certain subject, Khan Academy is a great way

Hippo Campus
Hippo Campus finds free videos from other sites and compiles them on one simple website. They have 13 categories; including mostly math and science.

Biology Junction
Focused on AP Biology, this site lists free AP Biology resources, from Powerpoint lectures to study guides.

Chem Tutor
Chemistry can be difficult, but Chem Tutor helps break it down. It has broken-down sections for the math involved in chemistry, reactions, the Periodic table, and more.

ChemSpider
Having trouble with a chemical equation? Enter it here for instant answers! You can use structure files, systematic names, trade names, registry names, and SMILES.

Chemistry – About
About.com is full of resources simply explained for today’s generation. Many of their resources or more textbook-free fun projects explore some of the more everyday aspects of chemistry, but they do have many chemistry lesson gems.

Ptable
Welcome to this dynamic periodic table! Click on an element to send you directly to the Wikipedia site. They also have many features so you can show the table with different factors; such as labeled by melting point, boiling point, and more. Plus, it lists a ton of compounds for each element!

Science Notes
I love interactive STEM websites. Like the above link, this site also has an interactive Periodic Table. Plus, it has free, colorful Periodic Tables you can print, and some other fun resources.

Periodic Table
Visual and interactive learner? When you click on each element of the Periodic Table, it leads you to fun images associated with that element, plus has stories and facts to help each element stick.

Periodic Videos
Periodic Videos are great for bringing a visual element to the elements. Once you click on a video with this STEM website, it leads you to a video on that element.

Memrise’s Periodic Table
Memrise is best known for its foreign language resources. It is an app/site that associates each word, or in this case element, with an image. It was co-founded by world memory competitor Ed Cooke, who was featured in the New York Times bestseller Moonwalking With Einstein. With the method of loci “memory palace” system best known for its use in Sherlock, you can mentally file these images to help memorize the Periodic Table in order. Crazy, and it works. With Memrise, I was able to memorize the Periodic Table in a week.

A Guide to Simple Machines Used in Cars
This great guide was suggested by a student reader! From levers to pulleys, learn about the science behind simple machines with these hands-on activities.

Other resources:

Mystery of Matter – in this three-part series narrated by Michael Emerson of Lost and Person of Interest, this docudrama takes you through the search of the elements, how the Periodic Table came to be, and how each element got their name. Great series I really enjoyed!

Bio Man Biology – learn about biology with this free website game and app! Learn about cells, body systems, and life chemistry.

Science Without a Textbook – explore 30+ ways to teach science without a textbook, in a way students of every learning style can learn how to love science.

These 40+ free STEM websites: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are for grades 6-12, and great for teaching STEM.

Free Math Websites For Grades 6-12

The Math Page
The Math Page probably saved my life during high school. They offer free courses for algebra, trig, geometry, and precalculus – all broken down with simplified text and visuals.

Purple Math
Written by a woman with a Master’s degree in Mathematics, I’ve always enjoyed the way Purple Math breaks things down. She has resources for 5th grade to 12th, college math, and specialized test prep.

Khan Academy
Khan Academy is free and specializes in high-quality videos for upper-level math. The only thing I didn’t like about Khan Academy was for some of my upper-level homeschool math, often Khan Academy would explain the basics, but they didn’t have resources for some of the more complex versions! But, Khan Academy is one of the top STEM websites out there.

Algebra Help
Algebra Help is filled with worksheets, lessons, and calculators designed to make it a little easier for students to learn. Putting in equations will give you instant answers, as well as a detailed explanation.

Wolfram Alpha
Type in your question, and get instant results for Wolfram Alpha. This is one of my favorite free homeschool math resources!

Mathway
Select your subject (algebra, trig, precalculus, calculus, etc.) and get instant answers with Mathway’s calculator.

Quick Math
Enter your tricky math formulas into Quick Math for instant answers, as it simplifies your equation.

Math Drills
Math Drills has over 50,000 free math worksheets on a huge list of subjects!

Math Warehouse
Math is a key piece of STEM, including coding. Find a variety of free math worksheets for upper-level mathematics.

Kuta Software
Kuta Software has many customizable paid worksheets with their purchase plan, but they also have many helpful free worksheets!

Soft Schools
Soft Schools has mostly elementary-level resources, but includes quite a bit of upper-level math worksheets, including some AP prep quizzes.

Ed Helper
Grab these upper-level math worksheets, mostly designed in a fun game format.

Free Tech Websites for Grades 6-12

eGFI – Dream Up Your Future

eGFI is dedicated to encouraging STEM for grades K-12. They have resources for kids, as well as professionals in a variety of STEM fields.

Code Academy

One of the best STEM websites, Code Academy is an incredible free site that has coding courses. Their courses include HTML and CSS, Ruby, Python, Java Script, jQuery, PHPs, and APIs.

Code.org

Code.org is a site designed to teach students how to code. Their site has resources plus links to tutorial apps, extra helpful videos, and more.

W3schools

Whenever I have questions about HTML code, W3schools is normally my #1 source. One of my favorite STEM websites, their site provides coding tutorials mainly for web developers.

Alice

I heard about Alice from the bittersweet The Last Lecture, written by a computer science Carnegie Mellon professor. Alice is educational software that teaches students computer programming in a 3D environment. It is a student-led project designed by Carnegie Mellon, and is free.

Khan Academy

If you’re a Khan Academy fan, they also have free computer science resources. Classes include HTML, CSS, SQL, and Java Script.

Code School

Code School has 61 interactive coding courses, and nearly 3000 coding challenges. You can get started for free, but plans are $14-$30 a month. (In addition, they have sales throughout the year.)

Science | How Stuff Works

How Stuff Works can often bring in the practical side of learning. Explore different innovations, and how they’re being used today!

NASA.gov

For students interested in aerospace, check out NASA’s websites for rich, picture-heavy resources.

ExploraVision

Students from K-12 under 21 (including homeschool students) can enter Toshiba’s technology contest, ExploraVision, aimed at inventing new technology to help make our world better. Prizes include Toshiba PCs, and four first-prize teams will receive a savings bond worth $10,000.

Google Science Fair

Google Science Fair is a worldwide online science competition open up to students ages 13-18. The grand prize is $50,000; and they also have other $15,000 scholarships.

Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference

Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (also known as WWDC) is an annual conference that unveils Apple’s latest technology. Apple grants scholarships to students worldwide to attend the event. To qualify, you must submit an Apple app that you coded and developed yourself.

Other resources:

Creation Crate – The Creation Crate encourages technology and building (engineering) with their monthly “creation crate” science kit. These science kits are unique in that they require a function that uses programming to work.

Free Technology Websites for Grades 6-12

Take a peek at these awesome Chemistry Experiments for Kids and Teens to do at Home!

Easy chemistry experiments at home for kids and teenagers

Have your kids ever mixed baking soda & vinegar to blow up a balloon or make a volcano explode?!!

Maybe they’re fascinated by glow-in-the-dark experiments and LOVE the idea of using test tubes “like a real scientist”.

Raising a scientist doesn’t have to be hard — take a peek at these FUN chemistry activities & experiments that spin, glow & even use fire!

We are very BIG on doing science experiments & activities at home!

Whether we’re enjoying some outdoor science experiments or trying an indoor science activity (like these 20 Experiments You can do in a Jar),  I’ve quickly seen first-hand how science can build confidence, curiosity and the ability to think outside of the box for kids!

While both of our kids attended public school, I’ve learned that there is very limited time devoted to the science curricula at various grade levels and even when they are in specific science classes (such as biology & chemistry), there’s only so much that a teacher can cover during a 42 minute class period.

My kids always come home with questions — and ideas on expanding the activity, frequently asking “Can we try this at home?” or the familiar “I wonder what would happen if …”

So when our affiliate partner Kiwi Co reached out and asked if we’d like to receive one of their *brand new* Chemistry Crates to review for our readers, we jumped at the opportunity! 

Chemistry experiments for kids to do at home - with fire

Tips for Choosing GREAT Science Experiments & Activities to do at Home

I’m very careful about our educational purchases — while I LOVE to encourage interest-led learning at home and have a variety of easy STEM activities on hand, we also have a limited budget. 

So for us, if we make an educational purchase, there are three things I ask first:

1. Will we be able to use the items BEYOND the activity provided?

Basically, does the project include durable items that we can add to our science or learning areas. 

2. Does the project include items that are difficult for me to obtain?

This is a biggie when it comes to science experiments — you can’t just walk into Michael’s or Home Depot and say “Can you tell me which aisle has the lithium chloride powder?” 

3. Are there detailed instructions along with a ‘what’s behind the science’ explanation that’s clear for both kids & adults?

Let’s be honest here — we all did science a LONG time ago.  And some of that science has changed (like the periodic table — which now has more elements than when we were in school). 

So like most parents, I want very clear details on how to do the project along with information that’s going to explain why it works and answer all the questions my kids come up with while we’re experimenting.

Not too much to ask for, is it?

At home science lab experiments for chemistry

This is why we really love the Kiwi Co crate options — whether it’s

Let me give you a peek at the 3 different Chemistry Crate options available for kids & teens!

Chemistry Experiments with Fire

We’re going to begin with the Kiwi Co Fire Lab kit since so many kids & teens as fascinated with flames — and this is a really cool way to capture that interest in a controlled environment 

First, let me tell you that we frequently do our science activities outside — it’s just a thing with us.  So many of the photos in this post were taken outdoors — HOWEVER, these experiments can be done inside or outside (I didn’t want to confuse anyone with the pictures).

Here’s an example of the detailed “behind the science” I referred to early in the post. 

In every experiment and lab crate, you’ll find:

  • a 40+ page full-color booklet that includes an introduction to the topic,

  • science vocabulary and definitions,

  • detailed instructions with pictures for each experiment and

  • some variations on the experiment to try too!

PLUS, there’s also directions on how to set up and clean up each experiment — which my kids actually enjoy doing with these projects because there’s cute pictures, jokes and graphics involved (who knew that’s what got kids to clean up??!) 

The COOLEST experiment we did from the Fire Lab was the Flame Test which is based on an actual test that’s used in real chemistry laboratories!

Kids will see how various chemical substances look when put under a flame — they actually burn in different colors! 

Using the chemicals in the kit, we saw a green flame, red flame and pink flame — even Dad came over to see what the heck we were doing when he heard all the ooh’s and aaah’s (it was like mini-fireworks.

Another thing we really like about the crates is that there are enough materials & chemicals included that you’re able to do the experiments more than once!  A BIG bonus when something is popular with your kids.

And just as important as the science, you can also see in the photos that kids will learn how to:

  • set up a science area with tools & materials and

  • follow proper safety precautions (including gloves, goggles & having water on hand)

The Fire Lab includes:

  • 7 flame & fuel experiments

  •  durable science items that you can use again including a mini-burner & burner bottle, pipettes, test tubes and even extra chemicals

  • safety equipment such as a mess mat, goggles, gloves and more (safety items are included in every science box!)

ALL the materials you need for the projects are in the box — the only thing you’ll need to bring to the table is water!

 

Science Experiments with
Chemical Changes & Reactions

The Vortex Lab is part engineering, part chemistry with a little bit of electrical circuits thrown in too! 

The focus is on chemical changes, kinetics and chemical reactions.  You may have seen our CO2 experiments with baking soda & vinegar — this lab covers what many kids think of as “chemistry” — mixing substances together.

This crate includes:

  • 5 experiments (including a bonus at home experiment)

  • an engineering project since kids have to build their own mixing machine 

  • durable lab equipment that you’ll use again including the mixing machines, beaker, 4 test tubes with tops and safety goggles + some cool chemicals too!

Kids will learn about chemical phases, solubility, oxidation and how heat can impact an experiment.

Many you will use again for other experiments & science activities!

My daughter’s favorite part of this lab was the detailed directions that include pictures and step-by-step instructions with great visuals especially for engineering the mixing machine!

She had no problem putting it together and could easily start and stop the experiments without losing her place.  The first thing she said to me when she opened the instructions was “why don’t they use these at school labs?!” 
 

In addition to science experiments, many of the kits also involved some type of additional STEM (tech, engineering or math) component too.  Here’s an up close look at the electrical circuits that kids need to create when building the mixing machine. 

And the directions are very detailed not only in how to put things together but also how to test the equipment along with including trouble-shooting tips in case it doesn’t work the first time.

Yes!  It works!!

Once the mixing machine was up and running, we were able to work though a few of the experiments —

The Motion & Kinetics experiments allow kids to create a Vortex (ie. cyclone or tornado)! 

The test tubes are used for the Heat & Kinetics experiments — kids will test how various water temperatures impact solubility and then create a chemical clock too!

You can purchase each of these lab boxes individually or buy all four Chemistry Sets at a HUGE discount (which is awesome!)

Now on to the Glow in the Dark Lab!! 

Glow in the Dark Chemistry Experiments for Kids

This is another AMAZING science lab!!

First, you don’t have to take multiple trips to a variety of stores to find a black light and special chemicals — they are ALL included!

And so many kids LOVE the idea of fluorescence science! 

It’s something we touched on during our Layers of the Ocean science activity with the deepest part of the ocean but the idea is SO much easier to explain when you can do a hands-on science experiment and actually SEE it in action! 

Glow in the dark experiments

Using the black light and chemicals included, kids can make their own glow in the dark liquids!

The Glow in the Dark Lab includes:

  • 3 different types of glow in the dark experiments

  • an engineering activity that teaches kids how to build a spiral stand

  • durable science items that can be used for other activities such as a black light, 2 beakers and an Erlenmeyer flask!

  • Plus all the chemicals, safety items, materials and booklet with instructions! 

fun chemistry experiments to do at home - glow in the dark

Here’s one of the other experiments where we create & then compare fluorescence liquid and phosphorescence liquid (yes, there’s more than one type of glow in the dark material 

The experiments are super in-depth and really help kids to grasp the scientific vocabulary and concepts covered in the labs!

You can get just one of the lab boxes or grab all four of them (at a discount!) in the full Chemistry Crate!

 And one more awesome thing about Chemistry crates —

They’re delivered via snail mail 

So one afternoon, your kids will find this awesome box on the front porch and know it’s time to burn, mix and create some amazing science!

More Science Experiments & Activities for Kids

 27 Simple Science Experiments to Do in a Jar

Rocks & Minerals: The Vinegar Test

Fun and Engaging Science Activities

When you hear the term science activities for teens, does it make you groan or cheer?

In our homeschool, science has always been one of our favorite subjects. And why shouldn’t it be?

It’s full of cool hands-on experiments that give kids the chance to explore their world. It’s one of the few subjects that regularly brings concepts to life in very real, tangible ways for students.

Girl using a dropper to add liquid to test tubes that have purple liquid in them. Text on bottom reads Middle School Science Activities.

This subject is incredibly fun to teach at home. Add some of these interesting activities to your tween’s lesson plans, and you’ll see that science can be awesome.

Science Activities for teens

There’s a lot of flexibility when you teach teens science.

Since you’re not tied to state standards, like you are in high school, you’re free to study a variety of scientific topics, like chemistry, physics, life science, geology, etc.

The best part? You can make it as hands-on and fun as you want!

Use these science activities to get your tweens and teens excited about the subject.

Chemistry Activities for teens

Help your teenser understand the science behind a chemical change with these chemical reaction experiments.

One of the best known (and go-to) projects for older kids has to be the DIY volcano, so have some fun with these hands-on volcano activities.

If you are looking for how to incorporate simple science activities for kids into your homeschooling day, this tool makes it super easy.

Use this layering liquids density experiment to show your tweens how they can “see” the density of liquids.

Help your kids understand acids, bases, and how to use the pH scale by completing a few acid and base experiments for teens.

Grow crystals using basic household products.

Learn the elements and beat periodic table boredom with the Atomidoodle game app.

Make your chemistry lessons fun and yummy with a candy atoms lab.

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Fun Science Experiments for teens

These small books are full of simple tabletop science experiments that your tween will enjoy.

Add a little “bounce” to your science by adding some silly putty activities to your lesson plans.

Have you ever made your own groovy lava lamp? If not, now’s the time to complete your own lava lamp science project.

These cool science activities are easy to work on at home.

Use these summer science experiments to keep teenagers busy over break.

Life Science Activities

When you’re studying botany and insects, including butterflies and the plants they need to thrive, learn even more by making a homemade butterfly habitat.

This simple tool makes studying wildflowers a breeze.

10 fun, hands-on activities you can use during your next bird study.

Ideas you can use to study birds during the winter months.

Engaging Ideas For Teaching Kids About Birds.

Use these bird projects as part of your science lessons.

Jumpstart your nature studies with 100 creative nature walks. And while you’re on your walk, start a nature journal to keep track of your discoveries.

Consider raising butterflies as a part of a broader butterfly unit study with your tween.

If you’re studying marine biology this year, make time for a trip to your local aquarium.

Meet African Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Teens Physical Science Lessons

Use these fun activities to learn about catapult trajectory.

Have you done any lever experiments for teens yet? I love it when kids discover that levers are everywhere, including scissors, see-saws, crowbars, and nail clippers.

If you are working on physical science in your homeschool, then you’ll want to add some of these friction projects to your lesson plans.

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Miscellaneous Science Activities for teens

Geology rocks and minerals is a fascinating subject that can easily captivate kids.

Use these hands-on activities to help your tweens study weather and climate.

Use this sinkhole experiment during your earth science lessons.

Have fun building a weather station to study the conditions in your area.

Let your tween learn science with Disney Imagineering Videos.
 

Must-Have Resources for teens Science

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If you’re looking for even more resources for teaching science to tweens, I’ve got you covered. Here you’ll find curriculum we recommend, tips for making science fun, and helpful ideas for teaching science at home.

Which is your favorite teens science activity?


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