CaughtUpInSTEM

This is a perfect activity to introduce simple circuits. Very hands-on and open ended. What you need: 1. Colored paper preferred, but can be done on plain copy paper 2. LED lights (1 per student) 3. Copper tape (a lot) 4. 3V Coin Cell Batteries (1 per student) How to do this activity: All instructions/helpful tips are posted on the PDF when you download it. This activity is customizable to any time of year/holiday/occasion. IEP/504 friendly - there is a template that students can use or t

St. Patrick’s Day STEM Catapult Engineering Design ProjectBring hands-on excitement to your classroom this March with this engaging St. Patrick’s Day Engineering Design Challenge! In this festive STEM activity, students work in teams to design, build, test, and improve a catapult that launches a ping pong ball into the “pot of gold.” This challenge reinforces key physics concepts while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. What's Included?Page 1. Design Brief Page 2: Ca

Cup Stacking Algorithms – Intro to Coding ActivityThis is a hands-on, unplugged activity I use to introduce my coding unit. Students practice writing clear, step-by-step directions (algorithms) by guiding a partner to build a cup stack design. How it works: Students work in pairs. One student is the "programmer" and completes the worksheet by writing an algorithm using the provided symbols. The other student is the "robot "and works on a separate independent task while waiting. ( I used a fre

The Great Gummy Bear Winter Rescue – Engineering Design Challenge 10-Page Editable Engineering Design Packet and Slideshow! | Catapult STEM Challenge | Winter STEM ActivityBring engaging, hands-on engineering into your classroom with The Great Gummy Bear Winter Rescue, a fun and fully editable STEM design packet and slideshow that guides students through all 7 steps of the Engineering Design Process. Perfect for winter, but customizable for any season, holiday, or theme! ⭐ Overview of the Ch

Looking for a low-prep, high-engagement activity to get your students thinking like engineers? This 7-page STEM Paper Tower Challenge guides students through the Engineering Design Process as they design, build, test, and improve the tallest freestanding tower they can create—using only paper and tape! With clear, student-friendly worksheets and a step-by-step flow, this resource builds essential problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. It’s perfect for science lessons, S

Calling all STEM teachers and aspiring engineers! My Bridge Building Activity just got a major upgrade—and it's ready to rock your classroom! Your students will now be able to work through all 7 steps of the Engineering Design Process with BRAND NEW EDITABLE worksheets built specifically for this challenge. Every step is guided—perfect for boosting engagement and learning outcomes! Why your colleagues will LOVE it: Clear, structured worksheets that support each phase of the engineering proces

What’s Included: ✅ 11-slide editable Canva presentation ✅ Covers all 7 steps of the Engineering Design Process: Define the ProblemConduct Research & Identify ResourcesBrainstormSelect Best Solution Construct Model or Prototype Test Solution Evaluate and Redesign ✅ Bright visuals and clean layout to support engagement ✅ Editable text boxes so you can customize it for your grade level or specific project! Perfect For: Elementary or Middle school STEM or science classes (grades 3–8) STEM c

Spark curiosity and creativity in your classroom with this hands-on Paper Circuit STEM Project resource! Perfect for middle school science, STEM classes, or makerspaces, this engaging activity introduces students to basic electronics concepts through fun and accessible paper circuit projects. This resource includes five unique circuit templates: Traffic Light Doorbell Circuit Desk Lamp Flap/Tab SwitchParallel Circuit Each design allows students to build simple circuits using LEDs, co

Looking for an engaging, ready-to-use resource to teach your students about simple machines? This interactive Canva slideshow is perfect for grades 4–8 and makes learning about the 6 types of simple machines both fun and memorable! ✨ What’s Included: ✅ Editable Canva Template Link (fully customizable!) ✅ Clear and student-friendly definitions for all 6 simple machines: Lever Pulley Wheel and Axle Inclined Plane Wedge Screw ✅ Real-world examples for each machine ✅ Interactive i

"Wire Our Sales Down" – A Creative STEM Sales Pitch Challenge! Looking for a fun, critical-thinking STEM activity that blends creativity, collaboration, and communication? In this engaging challenge, students step into the role of a design team at a fictional stationery company whose paperclip sales are plummeting. Their mission? Brainstorm 10+ alternative uses for the humble paperclip and pitch their best idea to save the company! Perfect for grades 4–12, this two-day challenge builds problem-

♻️ EDITABLE Recycled Car Racer – Gravity-Powered STEM Challenge Product Description:Get your students thinking like engineers with this hands-on Recycled Car Racer STEM Challenge! In this engaging activity, students will design, build, and test a gravity-powered vehicle made primarily from recycled materials—no motors, rubber bands, or balloons allowed! Perfect for upper elementary and middle school, this project encourages creative problem-solving, teamwork, and scientific thinking as stude