STEM Activities for 1st Graders
First grade is an excellent time for young students to begin their exploration of the fascinating world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
STEM activities offer hands-on learning opportunities that promote curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Here, we will look at a selection of engaging STEM activities made specifically for first graders that will spark their interest and excitement for learning.
1. Create a Rainbow in a Jar
Materials Needed:
Clear glass jar or cup, water, dish soap, vegetable oil, food colouring (red, blue, green, yellow), spoon
Instructions:
1. Fill the jar with water until it is roughly three-quarters full.
2. Add a few drops of each colour of food colouring to the water, distributing them around the jar’s edge.
3. Carefully pour vegetable oil into the jar, allowing it to form a layer on top of the water.
4. Dip a spoon into the dish soap and then place it on the surface of the oil. Watch as the colours combine to produce a stunning rainbow effect.
Also See: STEM Activities for 2nd grade kids
2. Build a Marshmallow and Toothpick Structure
Materials Needed:
Marshmallows, toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Give students marshmallows and toothpicks.
2. Challenge children to construct constructions like towers, bridges, or geometric shapes with marshmallows as connectors and toothpicks for support.
3. Encourage creativity and experimentation as kids discover new ways to link marshmallows and toothpicks.
Also See: STEM Activities for 3rd grade kids
3. Explore Sink or Float with Objects
Materials Needed:
Assorted objects (e.g., coins, buttons, rubber bands, plastic toys), a bowl of water
Instructions:
1. Gather a variety of items and a bowl of water.
2. Ask students to guess whether each object will sink or float in the water.
3. Place each thing in the water and observe the consequences.
4. Talk about density and flotation, and why some objects float and others sink.
Also See: STEM Activities for 4th grade kids
4. Construct a Paper Plate Marble Maze
Materials Needed:
Paper plates, straws, tape, marble
Instructions:
1. Cut a paper plate in half and tape the two pieces together to form a flat surface.
2. Cut the straws into little pieces and attach them to the paper plate to form a maze-like structure.
3. Challenge students to tilt and move the paper plate to lead a marble through the maze from beginning to end.
Also See: STEM Activities for 5th grade kids
5. Build a LEGO Duplo Bridge
Materials Needed:
LEGO Duplo blocks
Instructions:
1. Give kids LEGO Duplo blocks and challenge them to construct a robust bridge.
2. Encourage children to try out different designs and arrangements to build a bridge that can withstand the weight of Duplo figures or other objects.
3. Test the bridges’ strength by laying weight on top and seeing how they hold up.
Also See: STEM Activities for 6th grade kids
Conclusion:
STEM activities for first graders encourage hands-on investigation, experimenting, and discovery. These exercises help kids develop critical thinking abilities, creativity, and a love of learning. These activities pique students’ interest and ignite their imaginations, laying the groundwork for a lifelong adventure of STEM discovery.
Also See: STEM Activities for 7th grade kids