Physics is the study of matter — what is it made of? How does it behave? What laws or equations describe it? From subatomic particles, to the Big Bang, modern physicists study matter at a tremendous range of scales. There's a whole lot of interesting physics at the human scale, too.
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| Featured Take the Science Buddies Engineering Challenge! Try the annual Engineering Challenge from Science Buddies! Open to all students worldwide, a new challenge and prizes are announced every January. Explore the current challenge as well as ones from past years! Read more 
Build a Paper Roller Coaster Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Have you ever ridden a roller coaster? Have you ever wanted to design your own? There are plenty of expensive toys and even video games that will let you build your own coasters—but in this project you'll make one out of paper and tape, and learn about roller coaster physics along the way! Read more Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Build a balloon-powered car from recycled materials in this fun activity. You can even grab a friend, build two cars, and race them against each other! Read more Build a Popsicle Stick Catapult Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Catapults were mighty handy for pirates in the golden age of piracy (during the 17th century). And medieval knights used them centuries earlier for taking down massive castle walls. Even Greeks and Romans used catapults about 2,000 years ago! These simple machines are quite handy, as long as you know how to aim them! In this science activity you will try your hand at catapult technology. Can you predict where your cotton ball will land? Read more Featured Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Did you know that the seaweed you've seen in the ocean or even eaten as a snack is inspiring innovators to imagine new materials? Large brown algae, like kelp, contains polymers—long chains of molecules—that are more environmentally friendly than the ones in most plastics. These natural polymers (alginates) could eventually be used to create sustainable everyday objects. Try your hand at using a bit of chemistry to turn biodegradable polymers from algae into your own custom… Read more Make a Cotton Ball Launcher Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Have you ever stretched and launched a rubber band at someone? Put that energy to good use and build a rubber band-powered cotton ball launcher in this fun activity! Read more Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity In this activity, you will use recyclable materials to make your own wall marble run. A marble run is a fun toy and a great way to learn about physics concepts like kinetic and potential energy. Do you think your marble will make it to the end of the track? Read more Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity If you enjoy chain reactions and spectacular sights, this activity is for you! Who knew weaving unspectacular tongue depressors could set off a chain reaction of sticks flying in the air? Try it out and see for yourself! Read more Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Build your own telescope that you can use to see far-off objects in this fun STEM activity! The type of telescope you will build in this activity is also called a monocular or a spyglass. Read more Measure Static Electricity With An Electroscope! Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Have you ever been zapped by a door knob or another person? It feels like a little electric shock and usually happens on cold and dry winter days. Where is this shock coming from? Why is it that sometimes you get zapped and sometimes you don't? It all has to do with static electricity, which can build up in some materials and then be transferred from one object to another. Sometimes you can even see a spark fly between them! In this science activity you will explore how well materials around… Read more Build a Bottle Centrifuge Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity Have you ever ridden a merry-go-round at a playground? Did you notice how you felt like you were being flung toward the outside, so you needed to hold on to stay in place? Scientists make use of this effect in a centrifuge, which is a machine that separates substances based on their density. They can, for example, use it to separate different substances within a blood sample. In this fun activity, you will build your own simple bottle centrifuge and test how it works. Are you ready for a spin? Read more Build a Marble Roller Coaster Log in to add favorite More Menu STEM Activity How much energy does a roller coaster need to go through a loop without getting stuck? Build your own marble roller coaster in this project and find out! Read more |
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FAQs
STEM projects for middle school are an excellent way to engage young minds and spark their curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math. Research supports that STEM activities positively impact the scientific creativity of middle school students.
What is STEM in 8th grade? ›
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. While U.S. schools have taught basic math and science for many decades, many do not provide students with opportunities to learn about other STEM areas or connect lessons to real-world problems.
What is a STEM project for elementary school? ›
For example, a STEM curriculum might include a combination of basic science experiments, math problems based on real-world applications, building structures with toothpicks and marshmallows, and similar activities. To some degree, schools have just rebranded this type of education to be under the STEM umbrella.
What are the 4 C's STEM activities? ›
As discussed throughout this paper, education in STEM subjects inherently supports the development the Four Cs—critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity— in ways that allow students to acquire skills needed for future employment and careers, regardless of whether students pursue STEM careers.
What is STEM in 7th grade? ›
Welcome to 7th Grade STEM!
In S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) we focus on 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.
What is STEM in Grade 9? ›
The Grade 9 science curriculum focuses on the fundamental concepts of science and on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills.
What is STEM in grade 11? ›
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
What grade levels teach STEM? ›
STEM education includes the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Teachers deliver STEM education across all grade levels, from preschools to post-doctorate, in a wide range of settings that include traditional classrooms, distance learning, and informal non-credit programs.
What is an example of a STEM activity? ›
Engineer a craft stick bridge
Here's another one of those classic STEM activities that really challenge kids to use their skills. Build a bridge with Popsicle sticks and other materials, then compete to see which can bear the most weight.
What are some examples of STEM projects? ›
Here are some engaging projects that get your students thinking about how to solve real-world problems.
- Preventing soil erosion. ...
- Growing food during a flood. ...
- Solving a city's design needs. ...
- Creating clean water. ...
- Improving the lives of those with disabilities. ...
- Cleaning up an oil spill. ...
- Building earthquake-resistant structures.
5 Steps to Encourage STEM Interest in your Child
- Be a positive role model! Kids are always listening to their parents. ...
- Encourage curiosity! ...
- Get outside! ...
- Visit a museum! ...
- Find the STEM they already love! Another concept the Science Center often promotes is that science is truly part of our everyday lives.
STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and is essentially an interdisciplinary approach to education that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to provide all-round development for students.
What is STEM for dummies? ›
STEM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The term is used to describe both education and careers in those fields. STEM was first introduced in 2001 by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
How do I start a STEM classroom? ›
STEM classroom set-up considerations
Group work, storage, and flexible furniture are three major considerations as you set up your classroom to facilitate a STEM program. You'll need space for students to collaborate in partners and larger groups as they tackle different STEM projects. Tables are ideal if possible.
What is considered a STEM activity? ›
STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and is essentially an interdisciplinary approach to education that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to provide all-round development for students.
What is STEM based activity? ›
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM, students develop key skills including: problem solving. creativity. critical analysis.
Why teach STEM in middle school? ›
STEM education is crucial for getting kids ready for their future careers. Younger learners in middle schools and older kids alike benefit from STEM education, as they get to develop their critical thinking and technological literacy, which are essential in today's job market.
