As a homeschooling mom, I love hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) projects. The kids have fun and don’t even realize that they’re learning! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time to try a few Valentine’s themed STEM challenges. Here are five easy STEM activities to occupy the kids around February 14.
- Lego hearts. Challenge the kids to build Lego hearts. There are lots of ways to build them from mini hearts using just a few bricks, to large hearts using lots of bricks, or even the outline of a heart.
- Candy heart science. Grab a box of candy hearts and a variety of liquids. Make predictions and experiment to see which liquid will dissolve a candy heart.
- Marshmallow toothpick structures. Use heart shaped marshmallows and toothpicks to create 3-D structures.
- Salt crystal hearts. Grow salt crystals on chenille stems bent into the shape of a heart.
- Valentine’s slime. Make a batch of basic slime using 1/2 cup Elmer’s glue, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp. baking soda and 1 tbsp. saline solution. Add a Valentine’s Day twist with red food coloring, glitter or red confetti hearts.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
