Cool Minecraft STEM learning project

Learn some math and engineering while playing your favorite video game. This post is not officially sponsored by Minecraft.

"Mom, thank you!" My son threw his long arms around me.

Interfering in my children's plans for playing their favorite video games doesn't always go this well. Like most tech loving families we have really struggle with how to make technology a positive part of our family's routines.

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Fine Motor Engine Play for Kids who love Planes, Cars, and Trains

My son requested a Planes themed party.   This year we did a big party, so I wanted an open ended free play activity to start the party and fill in the time gaps. We ended up with a nice fine motor exercise.  Since this activity features real things from the hardware store, it naturally drew the children's interest and they enjoyed engineering some great works of art.

This activity was designed for first graders and kept out of reach of the toddler.  Please be aware that the small pieces present a choking hazard, and make a wise decision for your family.

Materials for Motor Themed Fine Motor Play

3/4 inch Bolts

3/4 inch Nuts

3/4 inch Washers

Red Yarn

Dark Yarn

Round Magnets

Peg board

The peg board was my sister's idea.  I always appreciate how she buys into my crazy ideas and helps me finish them.  I asked to have it cut into one foot squares at the store.  Everything else, except the yarn can be found in the hardware aisle.

I literally just put the materials on the table and let the kids go at it.  Some of them did pretend to wire an engine.

Others worked on filling as many holes as possible with bolts, or fastening boards together.

My own children played with these for a couple more weeks.  My daughter even refined her design because, her previous design was "not safe, because the wires were hanging down."  Yay for thinking like an engineer!

If you have a mechanically minded elementary student who can still use some fine motor practice, definitely head to your local hardware store and put one of these kits together.  

I would love to expand on this idea.  Can you think of anything else we could add?

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Do It Yourself Circuit for Testing Electric Conductivity

We enjoy playing around with toy electric circuits, but there is something particularly engaging about working with "real" things that have purposes in everyday life.  My husband recently organized a STEM field day through his company for an elementary school nearby. He figured out how to make a few fantastic hands on demonstrations, including this hands on electric circuit for testing electric conductivity of common household items. All the materials came from Lowes.

For this activity, the students were encouraged to guess whether each object would or would not make the light glow.  Then, they were allowed to physically place the objects between the coils to see whether their guess was correct.  

Our own children have enjoyed taking advantage of this equipment at home, and eagerly think up new materials that we should test.

Ideally, preschoolers and young elementary students should have access to this type of equipment.   The voltage here is low enough that they can safely handle the materials.  Warning: Higher voltages could result in fires or electrocution.  Use discretion when working with electricity.  You could introduce a writing component by asking students to write down their predictions and discoveries.

My experience has been that even many high school students have not been introduced to the basic concepts of completing the circuit and conductivity.  If your students have not had a good grounding (haha!) in hands on play with electric circuits, you will probably find that teenagers benefit from this activity as well.  Teenagers are always wondering, "When will we ever use this?" The fact that these items came from the hardware store where local contractors get their supplies should catch their attention.  Once students have a better understanding of the basics of electric circuits and conductivity, they will be better prepared to work with more advanced chemistry and physics topics.

You can get a copy of the printable shopping list and step-by-step directions for making this circuit by clicking over to my TPT store.  There will be a coupon for this activity in the next edition of the Thriving STEM newsletter, so make sure that you are signed up!  

We hope you enjoy!

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Water bottle guns

Once again, my husband invented a brilliant toy that entertained the children for the entire evening.