STEM activities for early years education are perfect for sparking curiosity and creativity in young learners. These activities combine science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, hands-on ways. Kids can explore, discover, and learn through simple experiments and creative projects.
Starting early with STEM activities for early years education is very important. It builds problem-solving skills and encourages a love for learning. Plus, these activities are fun and engaging for children of all ages. From building towers to exploring nature, there are endless possibilities.
In this article, we will share the best STEM activities for early years education. These ideas are easy to try at home or in the classroom. They are designed to keep kids curious and excited about learning. Let’s go into these exciting activities that will inspire young minds!
Before We Proceed, Do You Know What STEM Stands for? What It is All About?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM Week is celebrated to spark interest in these fields among children of all ages.
The primary goal is to inspire kids and highlight the importance of science in everyday life. STEM Week serves as a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to exciting scientific concepts.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), STEM typically fits within the learning area called ‘Understanding the World.’ This area encourages children to explore their surroundings and understand key ideas that many adults take for granted.
STEM learning in early years has shown to be more impactful than traditional summer programs. It provides a blended learning environment, addressing real-world problems and how to solve them.
Through STEM Early Years education, children learn how scientific methods connect to daily life, gaining tools to explore and experiment. This approach introduces new concepts through engaging STEM activities and games that emphasize hands-on learning instead of passive reading.
By incorporating kinaesthetic learning, STEM helps children better understand and relate to the world around them. Programs like summer camps and after-school STEM activities cater to varied interests while developing critical skills.
STEM education focuses on preparing future generations for success in their chosen careers. It nurtures children’s interests and equips them with skills that extend beyond STEM fields, fostering creativity and innovation.
These early STEM experiences prepare kids to become the next generation of inventors and problem-solvers. Introducing STEM to EYFS can be simple and enjoyable, supporting key skill development, including math, from a young age.
Why Does STEM Matter for Little Learners?
What is a cloud? Why do boats float? How does a car work? If you have a preschooler or kindergartener, you hear endless curious questions every day!
Kids are naturally curious about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). But as they grow older, that enthusiasm often fades. However, with STEM careers booming, it’s vital to nurture this curiosity early.
STEM activities spark innovation, problem-solving, and technological fluency. But finding simple, fun STEM projects for kids can be tough. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we have shared the best STEM activities for early years education. These ideas are easy to try at home or in the classroom. They are designed to keep kids curious and excited about learning. So make sure to go into these exciting activities that will inspire young minds!
11 Simple and Fun STEM Activities for Early Years Education
1. Oil Spill
Category: Engineering/Science
Explore real-world environmental issues with this hands-on activity. Mix water and oil in a large container, then add feathers. Provide materials like sponges, spoons, or paper towels for kids to try removing the oil from the water and feathers.
Encourage them to minimize water removal while extracting oil. Discuss how oil spills impact the environment and the difficulty of cleaning them up. This activity can be adjusted for various age groups. For younger learners, supervise closely, as oil can get messy.
2. Magnetic Slime
Category: Science
Add a scientific twist to slime-making by incorporating iron oxide powder and magnets. Mix glue and liquid starch to achieve the right slime consistency. Use a strong neodymium magnet to manipulate the slime, sparking curiosity about how magnets work.
Prepare for plenty of questions from kids about magnetism, so review the basics beforehand. This activity combines tactile fun with learning about magnetic forces.
3. Jellybean Building
Category: Engineering
Teach structural engineering basics with jellybeans (or marshmallows) and toothpicks. Kids can experiment with creating stable shapes, testing which designs are sturdy, and building fun structures like houses.
Encourage creativity while introducing concepts of strength and design. This activity is simple, inexpensive, and sure to captivate young builders.
4. Pipe Cleaner Counting
Category: Math
Make counting fun with pipe cleaners and beads! Label pipe cleaners with numbers on small paper tags. Then, have kids arrange them in ascending order and string beads onto each pipe cleaner to match its number.
This visual and hands-on activity helps children grasp the concept of increasing numbers while practicing counting aloud.
5. Crystal Sun Catchers
Category: Science
Combine science and art with this crystal-making activity. Use simple ingredients like salt to grow crystals, then turn them into colorful sun catchers.
For an added educational touch, introduce kids to an artist whose work was inspired by geometric shapes, linking art and science.
6. Cloud in a Jar
Category: Science
Teach condensation and the water cycle with this fun and easy experiment. Use water and hairspray to create a cloud in a jar.
Adapt this activity for different ages by discussing water cycles and experimenting with different cloud-making methods. Take kids outside on a foggy day for an immersive experience.
7. Stop-Motion Animation Video
Category: Technology
Go into movie-making with stop-motion animation! Use a smartphone or iPad, a stop-motion app, and a few small objects to create unique videos.
This activity introduces kids to filmmaking technology and brings creativity, allowing them to bring their imaginative ideas to life.
8. Coding a LEGO® Maze
Category: Technology
Introduce coding concepts with a LEGO® maze activity. Use printed instruction cards and mazes to guide a LEGO character through the course.
This activity teaches kids about sequencing, command codes, and problem-solving. Adjust complexity based on age to ensure a fun learning experience.
9. Building a Hand Crank Winch
Category: Engineering
Craft a simple hand crank winch using cardboard rolls, ribbon spools, and basic tools. This project helps kids understand simple machines like pulleys and how they function.
Younger children might need assistance, but this activity offers hands-on learning about mechanics and engineering concepts.
10. Sticky Note Number Match
Category: Math
Turn learning numbers into an interactive game. Tape a sheet of paper to the wall and add groups of dots or stickers. Write numbers on sticky notes and have kids match them to the correct groups.
This activity makes learning numbers engaging and active, especially for children just starting with numbers 1-5.
11. Build a Balance Scale
Category: Science
Create a balance scale using a plastic hanger, cups, and string. Younger kids can experiment with weights, while older kids can help build it.
Ask questions like, “How many blocks equal this toy’s weight?” for added engagement. This reusable STEM project encourages curiosity and problem-solving.
Exciting and Educational STEM Activities for Early Years During STEM Week
Introduce young learners to science and exploration. You can use this Early Years STEM Challenges pack! This resource is filled with simple and engaging science experiments tailored for little minds.
Inside, you’ll discover a wide variety of Early Years STEM activities, challenges, and experiments.
Each activity is thoughtfully designed by experienced practitioners to ensure it’s age-appropriate, fun, and meaningful for your little ones.
Perfect for STEM Week or any time of year, this pack is a fantastic way to inspire children with STEM topics.
These activities are not only entertaining but also hands-on, making learning an enjoyable adventure for kids.
Here are some amazing STEM challenges included:
- Investigate floating and sinking with the Gingerbread Man.
- Construct bridges for the Billy Goats Gruff.
- Plant and grow your own Beanstalk.
- Create your own Firefighter’s Hose.
Encourage a love for science with these fantastic Early Years STEM challenges, crafted to spark curiosity and creativity.
How Will These Activities Enhance STEM Week?
Each activity sheet is beautifully designed and packed with exciting, child-friendly ideas. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and handy prompt cards with questions encourage discussion and critical thinking. These challenges are perfect for sparking curiosity and helping children explore the world around them.
Additionally, these activities can nurture early scientific skills like observation, questioning, and drawing conclusions. The prompt cards also help expand vocabulary and build children’s confidence as they share their thoughts and discoveries.
Discover More STEM Ideas for Kids!
For even more fun and educational STEM resources, here are some top recommendations:
- STEM Challenge Cards
- At-Home Science Experiments
- Summer-Themed EYFS Science Experiments Pack
- STEM Challenge: Disaster Island (Ages 5–11)
- STEM Challenge: Create a Paper Plate Maze (Ages 5–11).
Get a full collection of STEM activities and resources, including the STEAM Display Pack! For additional inspiration, explore this blog on using storytelling to introduce STEM concepts to toddlers.
STEM Projects for Kids That Match Their Development
With these easy and budget-friendly STEM activities, you’re ready to guide your children in discovering the fascinating basics of science, technology, engineering, and math.
As you can see, countless STEM activities are available for kids of all ages. But you may wonder how to discover more ideas that suit the specific developmental stages of the children in your care.
A key step is gaining a better understanding of early childhood development.
By learning how young minds grow and absorb information, you can even spark ideas to design unique activities yourself!
Conclusion
STEM activities for early years education make learning fun and meaningful. They spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for problem-solving.
Start with simple projects like building with blocks or exploring magnets. Then, add more complex ideas as kids grow. Encourage them to ask questions and experiment.
These activities help children develop important skills for their future. Plus, they create a strong foundation for learning for these STEM activities for early years education. Try these fun ideas today and watch kids discover the joy of exploring the world around them.
Share this article to inspire others and promote STEM learning and these STEM activities for early years education for every child. Together, let’s make education exciting and engaging!