5+ Best Stem Kits & Activities for Elementary Classrooms (2024)

  • Lauren Chiangpradit
  • March 21, 2023
  • 7:00 am
  • Reviewed by Sean Barton
  • Reviewed by Haley MacLean

Table of Contents

  • What is STEM?
  • Bringing STEM Learning into Elementary Education
  • STEM Kits for Elementary Classrooms
    • Botley® 2.0 Coding Robot Classroom Bundle
    • Create-a-Chain Reaction STEM Kit Master Set
    • Bristlebot Robotics Classroom Kit
    • Dash Starter Pack with Subscription
    • STEM Basketball
    • Precision School Balance With Weights
    • Space Science Craft Kit
  • STEM With STEM Sports®

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym used to describe science, technology, engineering, and mathematic subjects. This term is most commonly used when discussing education and specific jobs that use these skills. In recent years, the knowledge and importance of STEM have risen alongside the increased number of open career positions that require STEM skills and literacy.

Bringing STEM Learning into Elementary Education

STEM is an important part of elementary education. As educators, it is essential to include engaging STEM lessons in the classroom curriculum that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Stands (CCSS). By incorporating this during elementary school, children will improve their STEM literacy and gain confidence in these subjects. The goal of early incorporation is to prepare students for future courses and provide the tools they need to pursue STEM careers in the future.

STEM Kits for Elementary Classrooms

One effective way for educators to incorporate STEM lessons into their classroom curriculum is through STEM kits. In this article, STEM Sports® has compiled a list of the 11 best STEM kits and activities for elementary students.

*The pricing in this blog is based on website pricing as of March 19, 2023. These prices are subject to change at the discretion of each company and vendor. This blog cannot be used as a price match tool for any of the kits listed below.

Botley® 2.0 Coding Robot Classroom Bundle

STEM Kit Details: The Botley® 2.0 Coding Robot Classroom Bundle is a turnkey STEM kit designed to teach coding to kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade students. Using step-by-step instruction, students will use code to move their robot, play music, create light shows, and more. Since this is categorized as a classroom bundle, it includes additional materials needed to allow a larger group of students to work together in small groups.

Price: $358.99

STEM Focus Area: Technology and Science

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

Create-a-Chain Reaction STEM Kit Master Set

STEM Kit Details: The Create-a-Chain Reaction STEM Kit Master Set teaches students how gravity, force, and momentum work together to create a chain reaction. This STEM kit is designed to introduce key science and engineering concepts to third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students through hands-on learning. This lesson also teaches students problem solving and critical thinking skills, which will benefit them both in the classroom and in everyday life.

Price: $119.99

STEM Focus Area: Science and Engineering

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

Bristlebot Robotics Classroom Kit

STEM Kit Details: The Bristlebot Robotics Classroom Kit is an easy way to get elementary students engaged in STEM. Using hands-on lessons, students learn more about science, technology, and engineering concepts. During this lesson, students also have the opportunity to strengthen their 21st century skills – such as critical thinking and problem solving skills.

This classroom kit version of the STEM kit includes enough materials to build 20 robots. This makes it a great option for educators looking to engage large groups of students or facilitators looking to add STEM learning into their after school programs.

Price: $161.95

STEM Focus Area: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

Mango Math Sports & Math Kit

STEM Kit Details: The Mango Math Sports & Math Kit is a great way to get fifth grade and sixth grade students engaged in STEM learning. The STEM kit includes twenty (20) lessons that use sports to teach students a variety of math lessons. Each lesson can be used by four students at a time and, assuming there are educator and facilitator resources, the STEM kit can engage over 30 students at a time. This can be used in the classroom, after school programs, and summer camps.

Price: $479.00

STEM Focus Area: Mathematics

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

Dash Starter Pack with Subscription

STEM Kit Details: The Dash Starter Pack is a hands-on, engaging way to get students excited about STEM learning. Using the Dash robot and the Dash Robot App (available on IOS and Android), students will learn more about engineering and technology by making their robot move, light up, and play music. The Dash Starter pack includes two (2) Dash Robots and access to over 70 digital lessons that can be implemented by educators with their elementary students.

Price: $883.99 (includes 1 year subscription). The pricing may vary depending on the subscription length selected at checkout.

STEM Focus Area: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

STEM Basketball

STEM Kit Details: The STEM Sports® STEM Basketball kit teaches students fundamental STEM lessons through basketball. The turnkey STEM kit includes eight (8) hands-on lessons that teach third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students STEM using real world examples. Each lesson also includes a section devoted to highlighting STEM jobs in sports that connect to the skills they just learned. This STEM kit can be reused for years, making it the perfect addition to classroom curricula and after school programs.

Price: $1275.00

STEM Focus Area: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

Precision School Balance With Weights

STEM Kit Details: The Precision School Balance With Weights is a great way to introduce students to math and science concepts. Using hands-on lessons, students will use weights to see what balances the scale versus what causes it to tip. This STEM kit is designed for third grade students and older who are learning addition and subtraction. It is also a helpful resource when teaching students key science concepts such as gravity, force, balance, and observations.

Price: $39.99

STEM Focus Area: Mathematics and Science

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

Space Science Craft Kit

STEM Kit Details: The Space Science Craft Kit comes with six (6) STEM lessons to engage elementary students. Each lesson uses space and astronomy to facilitate STEM learning – giving students real world examples of what they are learning connects to the real world! Depending on the size of the class, educators may want to consider purchasing multiple STEM kits to ensure each group of students can engage in these exciting, hands-on STEM lessons.

Price: $25.99

STEM Focus Area: Science

Click Here to Learn More and/or Purchase

STEM With STEM Sports®

Are you an educator looking to learn more about how to incorporate STEM in your classroom? STEM Sports® weekly blog is a great way to stay up to date on trends and current teaching methods in STEM. Read these blogs to learn more about how to engage elementary students in STEM:

  • 5+ Simple and Best STEM Activities for Elementary Students
  • STEM Curriculum for Elementary School
  • Tips for Teaching STEM to Elementary
  • STEM vs STEAM: Difference, Benefits, Careers, and More

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5+ Best Stem Kits & Activities for Elementary Classrooms (2024)

FAQs

How do you integrate STEM into the elementary classroom? ›

For example, you could combine a conference table arrangement with a wide floor space for doing projects. If you are teaching elementary classes, it's generally more conducive for learning STEM subjects if there are gadgets and toys that your students can play with, and learn through hands-on experience.

What is STEM education in the elementary classroom? ›

STEM education for elementary students covers basic math, science, and tech concepts. It also lets students practice problem-solving with simple science and engineering projects. As students explore the world and learn how things work, they develop critical thinking skills that will help them throughout their lives.

What are STEM learning kits? ›

You don't often hear the words “STEM” and “fun” together but, when you are talking about STEM educational kits, that's exactly what they are about! STEM kits allow the learner to engage with science, technology, engineering, and maths subjects in a fun way.

What should a STEM classroom look like? ›

Whiteboards and interactive displays are also key features of successful STEM classrooms, as they encourage students to gather around an area and collaborate. Teachers should also have the ability to move freely around the room to assist and monitor students' progress.

How to incorporate stems in the classroom? ›

Teachers can integrate STEM learning into classroom curriculum by:
  1. Acquainting students with modern educational technology. ...
  2. Introducing words like 'experiment', 'model' and 'design' to questions. ...
  3. Discern real-life problems and require solutions. ...
  4. Introduce training programs in STEM classrooms.

How can teachers make STEM more relevant within the classroom? ›

Provide information and resources on STEM careers and career preparation. Make it clear that STEM careers are both appropriate for and available to females and males, and encourage students to consider these careers.

How do teachers teach STEM? ›

The best STEM lessons involve practical activities where students can use their hands, whether they're designing a concept or creating and building something themselves. This way, students are far less likely to become bored or distracted, plus it is rewarding for them to have a final product to evaluate.

What are the disadvantages of STEM education? ›

Disadvantages of STEM Education
  • STEM education can be costly and time-consuming for schools to implement.
  • STEM education can be challenging for students who are not interested in STEM subjects.
  • STEM education can be challenging for teachers who are not comfortable teaching STEM subjects.
Oct 11, 2022

What is the difference between STEM and steam in elementary school? ›

STEM focuses explicitly on the hard scientific, technological, engineering or mathematical skills to drive progress or create a new concept. In STEAM curricula, per The Conversation, students leverage both hard and soft skills to solve problems. For example, STEAM encourages collaboration to understand a STEM concept.

What is STEM toolkit? ›

What is the STEM Toolkit? This toolkit brings together tips and activities for college access programs new to implementing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Explore recommendations and lessons learned from GEAR UP programs across the country.

What are examples of STEM programs? ›

STEM Majors List
  • Astronomy.
  • Biology.
  • Chemistry.
  • Computer science.
  • Engineering.
  • Earth sciences.
  • Health sciences.
  • Information technology.

What does a STEM curriculum look like? ›

A STEM class in your school can be any class that focuses on STEM-related subjects, i.e. a lesson that has a science, technology, engineering or math element. This includes life sciences like genetics, botany, zoology, and ecology. It can also include physical sciences like analytical chemistry and physics.

What are the 5 C's of STEM education? ›

When we talk about how great STEAM education is, we consider how it is a unique and perfect blend of a learning system that promotes Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Character Development.

What does a STEM classroom need? ›

To create a well-equipped STEM elementary classroom, it's important to have a variety of key supplies. Building materials, such as cardboard, popsicle sticks, and construction paper, provide a foundation for hands-on projects. Tools like scissors, tape, and glue enable students to bring their ideas to life.

What is a good STEM lesson? ›

The best STEM lessons require students to interact with the concept with their hands, whether it be through designing, building, creating, role-playing, or any other inventive and discovery-based process. To be most effective, hands-on activities should mimic a real-world scenario as much as possible.

How is STEM integrated? ›

Integrated STEM learning combines the subject matter of two or more STEM subjects into a joint learning experience. For example, teaching Science using an Engineering process (design-based learning).

How do you integrate technology in the elementary classroom? ›

How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom
  1. Power Points and Games. ...
  2. Internet Homework Assignments. ...
  3. Online grading Systems. ...
  4. Classroom Tablets. ...
  5. Listserv. ...
  6. Keeping students engaged. ...
  7. Helps students with different learning styles. ...
  8. Prepare students with life skills.

How might you engage your students with STEM activities? ›

Encouraging creativity and critical thinking is another way to engage students in STEM. This can be done by having them work on open-ended projects, asking them to come up with solutions to problems, and encouraging them to think outside the box.

How do you introduce a STEM lesson? ›

When introducing STEM, you want to set the tone early and create an environment where critical thinking and creative problem-solving become the norm. Asking open-ended questions during your first STEM lesson will get your students in the habit of confidently making predictions and analyzing problems.

References

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