STEM challenges are a fantastic way to engage students in hands-on learning, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy activity or a more in-depth project, these five STEM challenges will have your students thinking like engineers while having a blast!

1. Paper Chain Challenge (Easy & Fun)

This simple yet effective challenge is perfect for young learners. Give students one piece of paper, a pair of scissors, and a glue stick or tape. Their goal? Create the longest paper chain possible using only these materials. This activity encourages students to think strategically about how to cut and connect their strips efficiently. It’s a great introduction to engineering and measurement skills!

2. Tallest Tower Challenge (Easy & Effective)

Using only marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti, students must build the tallest free-standing tower they can. This activity promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and structural engineering concepts. Challenge them to test different base structures to see which provides the most stability. It’s a simple yet engaging way to get students excited about STEM!

3. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – Build a Mouse House

Inspired by the beloved book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, this STEM challenge tasks students with designing and constructing a mouse house using everyday classroom materials. They must consider size, stability, and functionality as they work to create a cozy home for their “mouse.” This activity is perfect for tying literature and engineering together in a fun and interactive way. Check out this resource here.

4. March Madness Basketball STEM Catapult Challenge

March Madness is the perfect time to bring some basketball-themed STEM fun into the classroom! Students will design and build a popsicle stick catapult to launch a small object into a target (like a paper cup or a drawn basketball hoop). They’ll experiment with angles, force, and accuracy to improve their designs. This challenge is engaging and teaches essential physics concepts. Grab the full activity here.

5. Apollo Lunar Module STEM Challenge

Blast off into learning with this space-themed challenge! Students will design and build a model of the Apollo Lunar Module using various materials like foil, cups, and straws. The goal is to create a sturdy structure that can safely land on a simulated “moon” surface (a pillow or cotton balls). This activity connects STEM learning with real-world science and history. Explore the full challenge here.

These STEM challenges not only make learning fun but also help students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills. Whether you need a quick classroom activity or a more detailed project, these ideas are sure to keep your students engaged and excited about STEM!Looking for more STEM activities? Check out my post here!