10 Quick and Easy STEM Activities Using Household Items

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are no longer subjects introduced at various grades in school. They are part of daily activities introduced in fun and engaging ways right from preschool. We often hear that children are naturally curious and eager to learn, but parents may not always have the time and resources to supplement their learning at home. With these curated activities, we can change that perception.

Would you like to keep the steam in STEM alive at home? Here are 10 simple and effective activities that encourage hands-on learning without parents having to break a sweat.

1. Sink or Float? 

An age-old science experiment for young children that always gets them excited. All you need is a bowl of water and some household items such as spoons, thread, toy blocks, or crayons. Ask your child to guess which items may sink or float before you dip them in. Make it more fun by reserving this game for bath time. This is one of those easy science experiments for busy parents that turns bath time into a mini science lab.

2. Paper Towel Color Crawl 

This no mess activity is a treat for young eyes. Place colored water in glasses and dip rolled up paper towels in them. Your child will be so excited to see the colors crawl up and down the rolls magically. A quick introduction to capillary action at home with hands-on learning for children.

3. Cup Tower 

Why not try a simple engineering task with paper cups. Give your child a bunch of paper cups and ask them to stack them into the tallest building that they can. For an additional challenge, you may ask them to build a bridge or work against the clock. Children love challenges and building stuff is a great way to put many of their budding skills to work. And this one involves no glue, no mess—just fun and focus!

4. Sorting Buttons 

Early numeracy skills start with simple household items like buttons and coins. Check your sewing kit to see if you have buttons of various shapes and colors. Ask your child to sort them based on similarities and count how many are there in each group. This activity not only helps learn counting and pattern recognition but also keeps your child actively engaged while you wrap up some chores or prep dinner.

5. Balloon Rockets 

Want to show your little one how a balloon can fly across the room? Tape a straw onto a balloon and run a thread through the straw. Secure the thread to opposite ends of the room and let the balloon fly. An enjoyable, practical lesson on how air pressure works to create movement.

6. Ice Excavation 

An engaging STEM activity for parents on a budget? We’ve got you covered. This one needs just salt and water. Take tiny toys and freeze them overnight. Let your mini archaeologist excavate their toys the following day using salt and warm water. Combining sensory play with science, this activity introduces children to states of matter.

7. LEGO Challenge 

Every child loves to play with Lego, and the options to experiment are endless. Create a simple shape and encourage your child to replicate it or challenge your child to build a maze and navigate an object through it. The activity engages problem-solving skills and refines motor skills all while having a gala time at home.

8. Cardboard Ramp Races 

Have any leftover cardboard sheets? Use them creatively to build ramps. Children would love to race their toy cars on the ramps and watch them fly off. Engage them in conversations about gravity, speed, and angles to get them to think about concepts of physics while watching it in action. These simple engineering projects for preschoolers make learning kinetic and fun.

9. Culinary Measurements 

Learning to measure ingredients in the kitchen is the start of great cooking and baking journeys. Get your toddler involved in this exciting task and talk about cups, spoons, and what happens when you mix different ingredients. A fun math lesson that will result in a yummy dish is all the motivation they need.

10. Shadow Theatre 

How about a theatre experience at home with nothing but a flashlight and your imagination? Create shadow shapes on the wall and have children guess what they are. Experiment with characters, angles, distance, and add a story to it, if you can. Parents are sure to be treated with a gift of giggles, and children find it to be a relaxing way to unwind before bedtime.

Conclusion 

STEM does not have to be a big production. Many of your everyday activities and household items can effectively translate into educational tools for your child. The simple activities suggested in this blog allow every child to experience the joy of discovery. 

At Dibber International Preschools, we believe learning happens everywhere—at school, home, and in the simple routines of daily life. So, the next time your child needs some stimulation, be sure to try one of these ideas out and watch them light up with joy.