Easy STEM Activities with Paper
Beneficial STEM activities don’t always require expensive materials or fancy equipment–a tool as simple as paper can teach children a range of STEM concepts. In this article, we’ll explore STEM activities using paper, from paper airplanes to volcanos.
These activities offer practical, hands-on experiences that are fun and engaging. Home Science Tools can take these activities to the next level. We have STEM toys three-year-olds can use, as well as curriculum and kits for older children. Get your paper out and discover how to use it as a versatile tool for STEM education!
Paper Airplanes
Crafting paper airplanes is a classic activity children of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great STEM activity for kindergarten-aged children and older children. This simple project allows students to experiment with design and observe how different construction techniques and weights impact the aircraft’s flight distance. It introduces students to the basic principles of physics.
Materials Needed:
- Paper (standard printer paper or origami paper)
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils (for decorating)
- Ruler
Experiment With Design
Instruct students to begin folding and designing their planes, paying attention to wing size and the shape of the nose. They can make a few different options by experimenting with plane shapes to see how they fly.
Testing and Observation
Direct students to test their planes in an open space. You can mark the starting line and use a stopwatch to see how long their plane stays in the air. Compare how far different planes fly and discuss why.
Optimize Design
Let students tweak their designs to improve their paper airplane flight performance. Then, they can test their new designs to see if they improve.
Take their paper airplanes to the next level with the PowerUp 2.0 Electric Paper Airplane Kit from Home Science Tools. It can turn their paper airplanes into a true flying machine!
The activity introduces students to the principles of flight and the importance of experimentation. Children can strengthen their problem-solving skills by designing, testing, and modifying their planes.
Paper Mache Volcano
Building a paper-mache volcano is a fun STEM activity that combines creativity and science. Students can learn about different geological concepts, chemical reactions, and engineering principles.
Materials Needed:
- Paper or newspaper
- Flour
- Water
- Bowl or small bucket
- Cardboard or a sturdy base
- Plastic bottle
- Paint and brushes
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Red coloring (for lava)
Constructing the Volcano
- Base and structure: Use the plastic bottle as the center of the volcano and the cardboard as the base.
- Form the volcano shape: Tear or cut the paper or newspaper into strips. Combine flour and water in a bowl until it’s a paste-like consistency. Next, dip the strips into the paste and remove any excess paste before applying them. Cover the bottle‒ building up layers as you go‒making sure the bottle’s opening is left clear for the eruption.
- Layer: It will take several layers for the volcano to take shape. Allow the paper mache to dry between layers to create a sturdy structure.
- Paint and decorate: When the final layer has dried, allow the students to paint and add details to the paper mache volcano.
Create the Eruption
- Eruption ingredients: Pour baking soda into the bottle and add a few drops of dish soap and red food coloring so the foam looks like lava.
- Chemical reaction: When ready for the eruption, pour vinegar into the bottle. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will cause the mixture to overflow, like a volcanic eruption.
Discuss actual volcanic eruptions and how they occur naturally. Children of all ages will love this project!
Next Steps
Exploring STEM activities with paper is an easy and accessible way for children of all ages to learn. These activities help make abstract concepts understandable and encourage experimentation and critical thinking. Home Science Tools provides all the STEM activities needed to make learning more exciting.
