W.I.S.H. STEM Challenges
-
Exploding Chalk
This is an easy, safe, and fun way to learn about chemical reactions using baking soda and vinegar and what happens when gases produced by that reaction is trapped within an enclosure.
-
Alka-Seltzer Lava Lamp
Oil and water are two liquids that are immiscible – they will not mix together. This is due to oil and water having different densities.
Alka Seltzer has a different chemical reaction to each liquid, causing a fun chemical reaction similar to a lava lamp!
-
STEM Prism
Create a water prism using a clear container and water. Learn about the properties of light and how it bends and refracts as it passes through different mediums.
-
Ice Cream
Discover how energy causes matter to change in to yummy treat!
This project shows how to change a liquid form of matter into a solid by changing the temperature.
-
Balloon Rocket Challenge
To build a balloon-powered rocket and test its speed and distance.
-
Slime!
Investigate the interesting chemical properties of slime to understand the cross-linking process between polymer chains that form slime.
-
Ocean in a Bottle
Explore what causes ocean waves with this simple ocean waves in a bottle activity for kids. Great for under the sea theme or ocean theme.
-
Super Bubbles!
Have you ever wondered how bubbles are made? Follow our recipe to find out the "secret ingredient" to making even bigger and stronger bubbles!
-
Bread in a Bag
No mixer. No mess. Just a bag, 6 ingredients, and 30 minutes in the oven. This experiment is the easiest homemade bread you’ll ever make while observing chemical reactions, the role of a single-celled organism (yeast), and basic measurement and math skills!
Additional Resources
Science Buddies
Science Buddies mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages with hands-on STEM explorations that reflect their unique personal interests. Since 2001, they have provided nearly a quarter of a billion highly personalized educational experiences, driving student discovery, engagement, and learning in STEM subjects.
Free and open to everyone, they level the playing field, making STEM learning possible for students of all demographics.
Education.com
Over 23 million parents and teachers worldwide have joined Education.com since its early learning platform launched in 2015. Their curriculum is comprehensive, covering core skills across math, reading, writing, and more. This site has more than 30,000 games, worksheets, hands-on activities, and lessons.
NOTE: Free and Paid versions
SciStarter
SciStarter helps bring together millions of curious and concerned people in the world; the thousands of opportunities to engage in real-world research questions in collaboration with researchers, communities, organizations, and companies; and the resources, products, and services that enable people to pursue and enjoy these activities while learning and accelerating important research. Together, we can help answer questions that cannot be answered alone. When we’re all involved, the science is better.
STEAM Powered Family
This site is constantly looking for ways to foster curiosity and a love of learning in our children, regardless of ability or history. With a focus on STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and positive children’s mental health practices, their goal is to nurture resilient, healthy minds, and by emphasizing using recycled materials where possible, protect our planet.
How to Smile
Search over 4,000 of the very best STEM activities on the web. Find handpicked activities from your favorite science museums, public television stations, universities, and other educational organizations. All activities are available to anyone, free of charge. Start searching now and filter by age, material costs, and learning time to find exactly what you need for your educational program, class, or family.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that provides free online educational resources, including personalized learning tools and a library of lessons for subjects like math, science, history, and test prep. It offers content from kindergarten through early college and uses a mix of videos, practice exercises, and progress tracking to help students learn at their own pace.
Note: Sign-up is required and while free, donations are highly suggested.