STEM Challenges

These challenges turn household items into STEM kits!

There's no need to go to the store for a special STEM activity. Green Country STEM professionals and partners have created challenges to keep you safe at home while your mind travels to new places!

decorative chalk

Challenge #1

Using items found around the house, see if you can make a hand lens to look at the finer details of the items.

Materials needed
  • 2 pencils
  • Clear, thin material such as plastic wrap or packing tape
  • Straw
  • Water
  • Items to magnify
  • Cup to hold water
Using items found around the house, see if you can make a hand lens to look at the finer details of items.
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Challenge #2

Create a pattern using shapes, colors, and/or math!

Materials needed
  • Paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
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Challenge #3

Create a parachute to slow down an egg as it falls!

Materials needed
  • Trash bag or grocery bag
  • 1 yard of tape
  • 20 straws
  • 1 rubber band
  • 1 paper or plastic cup
  • 4 yards of string
  • 1 sandwich bag
  • 1 egg
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Challenge #4

Build a straw-powered rocket!

Materials needed
  • Paper
  • Straw
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Notecard (optional)
  • Measuring tool
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Challenge #5

Get ready for the City Nature Challenge by building your own perspective box to explore the biodiversity in your backyard.

Materials needed
  • Cardboard or paper
  • Scissors
  • Any space outdoors
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Challenge #6

Learn about Archimedes, then create a tin foil boat!

Materials needed
  • Aluminum foil
  • Bowl or tub of water
  • Items to weigh boat down (marbles, pennies, gravel)
Learn about Archimedes, then create a tin foil boat!
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Challenge #7

Build a super glider out of old boxes!

Materials needed
  • Cardboard box
  • Scissors
  • Tape or glue
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Challenge #8

Create new products and inventions!

Materials needed
  • Box of items from around your house
Create an invention!
Materials needed: a box of items from around your home

Challenge #9

Use purple cabbage to discover the pH of items in your kitchen!

Materials needed
  • Purple cabbage
  • Blender
  • Strainer
  • Lemon juice
  • Water
  • Baking soda
Use purple cabbage to discover the pH of items in your kitchen
Materials needed: purple cabbage, blender, strainer, lemon juice, water, baking soda