14 STEM Activities Easy to Conduct in a Virtual Classroom 

Learning is no longer limited to physical classrooms. In fact, students can now study from anywhere and within a suitable time period as long as the educators plan for it. In a world steadily embracing technology, there is an increasing need for digital skills, problem-solving skills, creativity, and inventors.

Introducing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities in schools and homes is seen as one of the best approaches to building learners’ interest in science. These experiments and hands-on projects increase learning opportunities and expose students to the real world. More so, STEM activities can actually introduce students to all areas like machine learning, AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality, all centered around technology. They also help students think outside the box and become more interested in their studies.

The creative experiments can be conducted in a classroom or remotely. Now that the learning culture is changing, parents and teachers should no longer worry about how they can help kids hone their creative skills. There is a range of STEM toys and resources available in physical or online stores. These can act as an add-on to a variety of top-notch educational apps that can help kids learn from anywhere. So, let’s explore a range of STEM activities that can be conducted in a virtual classroom.

For Science

There are many science-based activities that include rubber egg experiment, growing crystals, magic milk experiment, and erupting volcano. When it comes to the science experiments that can even be conducted virtually we have:

(a) Oobleck: Oobleck is a slimy mixture with roots from Dr. Seuss’ book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck”. It is an engaging experiment where kids can create their own Oobleck by combining cornstarch and water with a little food dye. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, a name given for a liquid whose viscosity changes depending on pressure exerted. When you apply pressure to it, it solidifies, and it then turns into a liquid when you lessen the pressure.

(b) Cloud in a Jar: It is a very simple activity that teaches kids about the condensation cycle, i.e states of matter. All that is required is water and hairspray. First, pour water into a jar, and move it around to warm the sides of the jar. Then, place a lid on top of the jar, add ice cubes on top, and wait for 25 seconds. Remove the lid, and then spray hairspray in the jar, before replacing the lid. Last, watch what happens.

(c) Walking Water/Rainbow Experiment: How can water move from one cup to another? Want to build curiosity? This experiment is the answer. All that is needed are paper towels, clear glasses, food dye, and water. It is easy and won’t create a mess. With this experiment, students will find that half of the colored water traveled to the next glass and the paper towel will be of the color you used first.

(d) Growing Plants Experiment: This is one of the best activities that help kids connect with nature. With it, kids can learn how plants grow whether you have a garden or not. Students can also experiment with how plants grow in different conditions. Supplies required include seeds (whether beans, grass, or mushroom), peat pots, and soil. The supplies for the experiment will depend on your convenience otherwise, in some cases, all you require is a dry bean, a clear plastic cup, and a damp paper towel (bean in a jar). 

For Technology 

More kids are getting attracted to technology and there are several easy coding activities that kids can engage in while studying remotely. With just a few objects, software, or an app, your kids can learn about the technology used to make movies. They can also learn how to create their own videos.   

(e) Making Stop Motion Videos: Kids love animated movies and why not teach them how to make their own. With a mere smartphone camera and a free Animoto account, students can make stop motion videos to enhance their animation techniques. Stop motion videos can be created using stop motion maker apps, video editing programs, or specialized software.

(f) Creating a Video Report: It is a fascinating way of upping assignments and projects. With this STEM activity, students learn how to create and include videos in their reports. Here you can use Animoto’s Book Report template for a kick-start.

(g) Coding: Nowadays you can help kids learn to code remotely using apps such as ScratchJr, Bee-Bot, and Code Adventures among others. You can also use LEGO bricks. Scratch is a famous coding program used to teach coding. With this program, students can learn a range of skills that stream from communication, and critical thinking, to logical reasoning.    

For Engineering 

Teachers can guide students to set SMART Goals in many ways and Engineering STEM activities can’t be taken out of the picture. There is a range of engineering STEM activities that can introduce students to the engineering field. These range from design and build, such as bridges, robots, towers, and simple machines.   

(h) Building with Jelly Beans: This type of STEM activity helps kids become acquainted with engineering and structures. Supplies required include toothpicks, jellybeans, or mini-marshmallows. Kids can build structures using the supplies. This activity allows them to learn about design making which is necessary for the field of structural engineering among other areas.

(i) Making a Boat: You don’t need much with this type of experiment although the type of design influences the materials required. For starters you can get an empty plastic bottle, a bucket, straw, and water then let the adventure begin.

(j) Oil Spill Cleanup: The spill-up activity can teach kids about oil spills and how they damage the environment. It will also help them know why oil floats on water. Here, you will need a tray, a clear plastic container, oil, cotton balls, water, sponges, a spoon, and a few feathers.

(k) Bridge Building Challenge: This experiment helps kids explore engineering ideas and designs. They learn which designs and materials hold more weight. Required materials include cardboard, spaghetti noodles, straws, toothpicks, tape, newspaper, glue, popsicle sticks, meter stick, and gumdrops. Remind students not to eat the building items in case edible materials are used.

For Math

Want your children to learn subtraction, multiplication, and division? There is a range of fun STEM mathematical activities that can be conducted virtually and they stream from counting, calculus, and patterns, to measuring hands-on projects. They include:

(l) Pipe Cleaner Counting: This is a fun and interactive activity and will require about seven minutes to set up. Materials vary, but even with pipe cleaners and beads, you can teach kids to count and demonstrate how numbers increase. You can take small pieces of paper, put a number on each pipe cleaner, and then let the kids arrange them in ascending order.   

(m) Hold a Shape Scavenger Hunt: This activity can be done indoors or outdoors and even digitally. It is all about finding shapes and objects around the house or within any given environment. Shape scavenger hunts help kids develop a range of skills such as problem-solving skills.  

(n) Sticky Note Number Match: Some kids hate maths, but you shouldn’t give up on them that easily. The sticky note number match is an engaging STEM activity and so easy to carry out. All you need is a board to write numbers there. Then make stickers with dots or numbers representing the ones on the board. Place the stickers on the numbers on the board and ask the students to find the numbers. This activity can help kids understand numbers and their meaning. 

Have any stem activities you can add to this list? Which one is your favorite? Share in the comments.

About the Author: “Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.” Wayne Dyer’s thoughts are well suited to Kiara Miller. She has been working as a content marketing professional at ‘The Speakingnerd’. Her passion for writing is also visible in the innovative joys of material she provides to her readers.

 

Related Posts: 6 Easy Science Experiments Your Students Can Try at Home

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