5 Hands-On STEM Activities Kids Can Do at Home Right Now

One of the best things about STEM education is that it doesn't require a fancy lab or expensive equipment. Some of the most powerful science, technology, engineering, and math activities can happen right at your kitchen table. Here are five engaging, hands-on STEM activities your kids can try today — perfect for ages 6 through 14.

1. Build a Hydraulic Arm

Using syringes, tubing, and craft sticks, kids can build a working robotic arm powered by water pressure. This activity teaches the principles of hydraulics, mechanical advantage, and engineering design. Our STEM at Home Hydraulic Arm kit includes all the materials you need — no hardware store trip required.

2. Gummy Bear Science Experiment

Drop a gummy bear into water, saltwater, and vinegar and observe what happens overnight. This experiment introduces osmosis, molecular science, and the scientific method in a way that's completely edible (at the start, at least!). Our STEM at Home Gummy Bear Lab kit has everything set up for you.

3. Paper Bridge Engineering Challenge

Give your child a sheet of paper, some tape, and the challenge: build a bridge that holds as many pennies as possible. This classic engineering design challenge teaches structural engineering, iterative design, and problem-solving — all without a single purchase needed.

4. Build a Rubber Band Car

Using craft sticks, bottle caps, rubber bands, and a skewer, kids can build a car powered by potential energy. It rolls, races, and teaches physics concepts like tension, kinetic energy, and wheel-axle mechanics in an unforgettable way. Check out our STEM at Home Car Build Kit!

5. Coding a Story with Scratch

Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) is a free, visual coding platform designed for kids ages 8 and up. Challenge your child to code a short animated story with characters, backgrounds, and dialogue. This introduces sequencing, loops, conditionals, and computational thinking — the foundations of programming.

Want More Guided Activities?

EdTech Academy offers virtual STEM classes where a live instructor guides your child through activities just like these — and much more. We also offer STEM kits shipped to your door with all the materials included. Visit our website or contact us at (334) 296-2393 to learn more about our programs for individuals, schools, and organizations.