National STEM Day is November 8th! If you are already seasoned in STEM activities, you probably already have a few ideas of ways to celebrate. If you are looking to try something new, read on and you may find something that fits the bill.
National STEM Day is a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Its primary goal is to inspire and engage students in these fields, sparking an interest in future STEM careers and innovations.
Why should we celebrate National STEM Day with students? Well, aside from being a fantastic excuse to have some fun, it’s a great way to inspire and engage young minds in these disciplines. By celebrating this day, we can show students that STEM is more than just complicated equations or boring textbooks; it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
The first way to celebrate National STEM day is by learning about STEM pioneers! Read a book, watch a movie, or research online about an important person in STEM or interesting inventions. So many modern conveniences that we take for granted only exist because of a STEM pioneer! Use one of the names in the image or check out the links below.
Looking for STEM books? I have a list on Amazon you’ll want to check out. There are a number of books about amazing STEM innovators! (Please note, if you purchase a book from this list I may earn a commission as an Amazon affiliate. You can read my full disclosure here).
Why a STEM Innovators display? When students can “see themselves” in these fields, it turns the idea of a STEM career into a possible reality for them! This display includes a diverse group of people with a strong emphasis on STEM women!
Get the Innovators Display here! List of innovators included: STEM Innovators Included in this Display
✅ Astronomers, Biologists, Anthropologists
✅ Chemists
✅ Computer Scientists
✅ Engineers
✅ Inventors
✅ Mathematicians
✅ Physicists
✅ Entrepreneurs and STEM Pioneers
This one may seem obvious but I’m going to recommend a few of my favorite, low-prep challenges that are always super engaging and fun! Have students work in pairs or small groups to complete the challenges following the engineering design process. Things may not go perfectly the first time through, but the best part of a STEM challenge is the iterative process where students can keep modifying and re-testing their prototypes!
My favorite low-prep STEM challenges:
Invite guest speakers from STEM fields to share their knowledge and experiences. These experts can give students a glimpse into the real-world applications of STEM and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. Plus, it’s refreshing for students to see that there’s a world of opportunities waiting for them beyond the classroom, and to hear it from someone “new” to them. Ask local companies or parents who might be willing to either stop by or do a virtual visit!
Not all students will love coding, but with so many options to try, there are sure to be some options that work for everyone! I have a list of several coding sites and apps below, as well as an unplugged coding activity if you don’t have access to tech.
Beginner coding websites and apps to try:
Older students or more advanced coding websites and apps:
There are dozens of amazing STEM movies for kids. Why not pop some popcorn and check out a STEM movie together? Want to make it even more STEM-tastic? Have students design a “drive-in” car or seat to watch the movie! For ideas, head to this post from Modern Mom Life.
National STEM Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and promote the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. By embracing the five celebration ideas mentioned and exploring the suggested websites and apps, students can engage with STEM in a meaningful way, discover their passions, and potentially lay the foundation for future careers in these essential fields. Together, let’s inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. I hope you have a STEMsational National STEM Day!
You've (almost) made it! Testing season is (hopefully) behind you, and now it’s time to…
A hands-on engineering challenge that brings the classic fairy tale to life! This Three Little…
Create Stop Motion Animation Films with Students in 8 Simple Steps! Is the creativity and…
Black History Month is the perfect time to spotlight trailblazers who changed the world—and to…
STEM and STEAM drive innovation and progress in our world. From medical breakthroughs to space…
You are never too old for a picture book, and you are never too old…
This website uses cookies.