At-home science projects don’t have to be time-consuming or messy. We picked out a few more STEM activities to help your kids learn and have fun — all while taking minimal prep. This time, we even found a few projects from local faves like Girl Scouts, Museum of Discovery and Mid-America Science Museum. 

Missed our first post? Check out our first set of STEM activities

What is STEM? 

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. STEM activities combine these fields for projects that encourage hands-on learning, design processing and problem solving skills. The best part? It feels a lot more like play than work. 

About Our List

To make our list, we made sure that each activity called for common or dollar store supplies and made minimal mess. You’re welcome. To take each activity to the next level, check out CALS for a book that reinforces the lesson. 

5 Easy STEM Activities 

Coding Basics with S’mores

This could be a personal thing, but anything that involves the combination of chocolate, grahams and marshmallows is going on my must-try list. The fact that this activity also teaches basic coding just sweetens the deal. 

Via GirlScouts.org

Materials: 

  • 1 graham cracker

  • 1 piece of chocolate

  • 1 marshmallow

  • 1 plate

  • 1 napkin

For full instructions, click here

Ramp-n-Roll with Curious George 

PBS offers a treasure trove of learning activities, lesson plans, videos and games to encourage kids' curiosity. Check out this activity from their STEM with Curious George series. 

Via PBSLearningMedia.org

Materials: 

  • Ramp (created by using cardboard, a game board, or a large picture book)

  • Blocks or a box (to prop up your ramp)

  • Objects that may or may not roll, such as:

    • Balls

    • Book

    • Crayons

    • Crumpled paper

    • Plastic cups or bottles

    • Rolls of tape

    • Small blocks

    • Socks (a single sock and a rolled pair)

    • Spools

    • Spoon

    • Toy car

For full instructions, click here

Sun, Moon and Space Activities 

Mid-America Science Museum offered a range of activities for kids to try out based on age. From tracking the sun’s movement to comparing shadows, you can find the right activity for your child. 

Via @MidAmericaMusuem on Instagram

Materials: 

  • For K-2 Activities: 

    • Drawing materials

    • Paper

  • For 3-5 Activities: 

    • Sidewalk chalk

  • For 6-8 Activities:

    • Household items to represent sun and planets of our solar system 

For full instructions, click here

Popsicle Stick Catapult 

I know, we promised no mess. Make sure you pick the firing power you feel comfortable being catapulted across the table. 

Materials: 

  • 10 jumbo popsicle sticks
  • Rubber bands 

  • Firing power (marshmallows, pompoms, pencil top erasers)

  • Plastic spoon (optional

  • Bottle cap

  • Sticky dots

For full instructions, click here

Window Seed Germination

View this post on Instagram

Watch as seeds germinate in a window greenhouse! Need: Seeds (flower, vegetables, etc. You can also use dried beans from your pantry) Sandwich bag Paper towel Water Directions 1. Read “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle (or watch reading on YouTube.) 2. Place seeds in the paper towel and fold it. Place the towel in the bag and moisten it. 3. Seal bag, label (if each bag contains different seeds) and tape to window (inside.) 4. Check the seeds’ progress each day. Once they have established root systems, transfer to your garden. Get creative and design “houses” for the seed bags. Color construction paper and attach to bag. Place seeds in different windows that receive varying amounts of sun. Have your children hypothesize what windows’ seeds will grow faster. #museumofdiscovery #arkmod #steamforkids #stemforkids #gardeningforkids

A post shared by Museum of Discovery (@arkmod) on

Let imaginations and science skills grow with this simple STEM activity from Museum of Discovery.

Via @arkmod on Instagram

Materials: 

  • Seeds (flower, vegetables, etc. You can also use dried beans from your pantry)

  • Sandwich bag

  • Paper towel

  • Water

For full instructions, click here