Engaging STEM Activities for Kids
 
Looking for ideas to spark students’ science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning? This article from Education World, an online resource for K–12 educators and administrators, features activities to initiate STEM exploration. The flexible activities address various disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and math) and can be modified to suit your students’ specific needs. Younger learners (grades K–4) can investigate how charged particles work through a guided Static Electricity Experiment or explore the properties of natural light with a series of Light Science Activities. Living Things and Their Diversity, an interdisciplinary science and math activity most appropriate for the middle level, teaches students the meaning of biodiversity, then asks students to calculate a simulated biodiversity index using a simple formula and a page from an old telephone book (white pages). Older students (middle and high school levels) follow provided instructions to build a pressure-propelled water rocket. Take a Closer Look, an activity adaptable for all levels, encourages students to closely examine found objects under a microscope and includes a link to an explanatory guide about different types of microscopes.

STEM Scholar Library

The library provides instructional videos, project-based science lessons, and custom curriculum developed specifically for the National STEM Scholar Program, an advanced STEM professional development program for middle school science teachers nationwide. 
The library’s curated collection of educational tools and resources include a catalog of National STEM Scholar-developed “big idea” Challenge Projects with posters, video demonstrations, instructions, and material lists for classroom implementation. Using phenomenon-based science instruction practices, all projects and lessons support the Next Generation of Science Standards and are organized by domain: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering, Technology and Application of Science.

Future Foods: Can we reduce the carbon footprint of our favorite meals?

Food and climate are deeply connected. In this lesson, students in grades 6–8 will dig into data to discover how our food choices impact greenhouse gas emissions. They will propose solutions to reduce their carbon “foodprint,” both as current consumers and as future food engineers. Two videos connected with this lesson are

• How sustainable is your favorite food?
   
• Test your food carbon footprint knowledge 

Pets in the Classroom Grant Program

The grant program was established to provide financial support for teachers who wish to introduce or sustain a small animal in their classroom. Available grant types include these:

•    A store-specific grant for pet and/or habitat discounts from one of the program’s participating retailers: Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Petland;
•    A rebate grant to help cover the cost of purchasing a pet and/or supplies from a local pet store; and
•    A sustaining grant, which provides up to $50 to maintain an existing classroom pet or purchase a replacement pet.

In addition to grant funding, the program provides teachers with helpful tools and resources—such as pet care sheets, educational articles, and STEM-aligned lesson plans—to make integrating pets into the classroom both meaningful and manageable. Starting July 1, the program will expand its eligibility to include all preK–12 teachers in public and private schools throughout the United States and Canada. Applications for the 2025–2026 school year will be accepted through May 1, 2026.

ORISE Innovate to Educate: Emerging Technology Lesson Plan Competition

Do you have innovative ideas for a lesson plan that explores emerging technologies such artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, machine learning, computer science, and fusion energy? Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) invites teachers of all grade levels and subjects to submit STEM lesson plans that delve into cutting-edge technologies. Three teachers who submit outstanding lesson plans will be selected to receive mini-grants of up to $1,000 to purchase new STEM equipment and supplies for their classrooms. (Deadline July 31)

ORISE Positively STEM June Social Media Contest

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants to know your classroom experiences and strategies for creating a positive, engaging STEM environment. To enter the contest, follow ORISE on social media, fill out a short survey, and comment your answer on the social media post. Three randomly selected teachers will receive a classroom student incentive prize pack. (Deadline June 30)