76
STEM is not only the latest teaching topic: it is an innovative, cross-curricular approach that enhances science, technology, engineering and mathematics to leap problems and think critically. When you introduce STEM into the classroom, you get some of the coolest projects!
Check out STEM activities in middle schools that are sure to attract the attention of teenagers and inspire them to learn more. You will also find teaching techniques and methods that integrate STEM into different disciplines – because science classes don’t get all the fun!
1. Launch STEM with Bottle Rocket
Bottle Rocket is a stem classic that combines engineering, mathematics and the principles of rockets. All you need is some supply, a desire mentality and some free space to make Newton’s law of motion work before your eyes.
Energy and Movement: Bottle Rocket Stem Project Newton’s Law of Movement
The science in Williams’s hands
Results: 6th to 10th
Standards: CCSS RST.6-8.7, NGSS MS-ETS1-2, ETS1-1, ETS1-3; MS-PS2-1
Topics: Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
This middle school’s hands-on STEM program leads students through the steps and knowledge needed to build bottled rockets with 2-liter soda bottles, CSS and tape. Over the course of a week, students completed the vocabulary chart, viewed PowerPoint presentations, and made their own bottled rockets to launch using a bicycle pump.
2. Complete the stem survival challenge
Bring engineering, measurement and other mathematical concepts into the real world with engaging survival challenges. These middle school STEM activities are fun ways to introduce simple machine and construction concepts, and they work well in icebreakers or final group projects.
5 STEM Event Desert Island STEM Challenge Bridge Ejection Ray Hut Steam
By Fishyrobb
Results: Fourth to Seventh
Standard: NGSS 3-5-ES1-1, ES1-2
Topic: Engineering, Physics
How long can your students survive on a deserted island? Test their scientific and teamwork skills through the five-effect survival STEM resources. Middle school students build a cottage, build bridges, design a waterproof container, create coconut catapults, and build rafts in this middle school’s innovative STEM project.
3. Making a marshmallow catapult in class
High school doesn’t have to be a battlefield – until it’s part of the lesson plan. Use math, engineering and group work skills to create a one-of-a-kind catapult that allows marshmallows to fly in the most memorable course of the year. If you don’t have marshmallow, you can also use Craft Pom Poms or styrofoam.
STEM Event Challenge Marshmallow Catapult (Secondary)
By the science demo guy
Grade: 6th to 8th
Standards: NGSS MS-ETS1-2, ETS1-3; MS-PS2-1, PS2-2, PS2-4, PS2-5
Topic: Engineering, Physics
Focus on potential and kinetic energy through popsicle sticks and mahitian catapult activities. Using popsicle sticks and instructions for resources, middle school students work together to build and test catapults in physics classes about different types of energy.
4. Design buoy sailboat
Can your student’s sailing survive the seven seas or at least the classroom buoyancy test? Integrate engineering and math skills into classic, engaging and exemplary STEM programs for middle school students.
STEM Sailing Challenge Mathematics and Engineering Activities
By vivid stems
Results: 4-10
Standard: CCSS 6.GA1, 2, 3, 4; 7.GB4, 5, 6; 6.ee.c.9; 7.ee.B.3; 8.ee.A.1, 2, 3, 4; 6.RP.A.1, 2, 3; 7.RP.A.1, 2, 3; Rst.6-8.7, 8, 9; NGSS MS-ETS1-2, 3-PS2-1, 3-5-ETS1-3, 3-5-ETS1-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1, 2, 3
Topic: Engineering, Science
Add additional challenges to the traditional STEM boat project when you need sails. Students watch videos, keep journals, and work together to create sailboats that can keep weight and keep a certain distance.
5. Prevent eggs from collapsing
Without the classic egg challenge, no stem unit is complete. See if students can design a protective covering for eggs that can withstand force and gravity.
Newton’s Sports Strength and Physical Science Laws of Movement Stem Activity
Stem in the middle
Results: No. 6 to 9
Standard: NGSS MS-ETS1-1; Ms. 2-1
Topic: Engineering, Physics
Student engineers engage in STEM activities in middle school, demonstrating Newton’s third law of motion. They designed a car that will use background research articles, step-by-step slideshows and differentiation options to prevent egg rupture to meet the needs of each learner.
6. Building a historical machine in an interdisciplinary project
How did we obtain modern inventions? Go back with the STEM project in the middle school to check out the machines created a long time ago. These activities present excellent interdisciplinary challenges in intercurricular science and history courses.
Renaissance Challenges Medieval Middle Ages
Assigned by students
Results: 4th to 8th
Topics: Medieval, Science, Social Studies
This activity is ideal for middle school students studying the Renaissance in history, focusing on two key inventions of this period: Leonardo da Vinci’s aircraft and Leon Battista Alberti’s dynamics. Students combine engineering, math, technology and measurement skills to create these historic machines and list supply lists in one course.
7. Watch physics in sports with a student roller coaster
Students become engineers when designing stem roller coasters. Combining elements of physical science and mathematics, they work together to build and test their inventions, which is certainly one of the most popular units of this semester.
Roller Coaster Physics – Force and Movement Stem Project
By Fashion Science Teacher
Results: 7th to 10th
Standard: NGSS MS-PS2-1, 2, 4, 5; HS-PS2-1, 2, 3, 4
Topic: Physics, Physics
With the help of an 8-day guided course, roller coaster Physics Webquest, planning guides and scoring criteria, this low prep roller coaster resource is an engaging way to assess students’ knowledge of strength and motion. After they build and test their coasters, the student team will show up to make their rides the latest thrill of the theme park.
8. Building thermal insulation equipment
If your students complain that their food or beverages are not kept warm or cold, then heat transfer STEM activities may be what they need. Focus on different types of thermal energy and how it transfers (or does not transfer) in units on thermal energy or insulators and conductors.
Stem heat project Thermal energy transfer equipment MS-PS3-3
By Color Science
Grade: 6th to 8th
Standard: NGSS MS-PS3-4, PS3-3
Topic: Physics, Physics
How long can your students warm a cup of hot water? Lead them through activities that showcase their knowledge of heat transfer. Students use ready-to-use materials at home and in classrooms, as well as student instructions and data to collect materials, create water heaters and measure the temperature drop of hot water in a 30-minute period.
The concept of middle school stem
The best STEM activities in secondary schools are aligned with NGSS and CCSS in science and technology disciplines. They should also cover ordinary secondary school science topics, such as:
- science: Biology, Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences
- technology: Digital literacy, robotics, coding
- project: Simple machine, physics, structural engineering
- math: Data analysis, grade math skills, real-world math applications
Turn stems into steam through artistic details
STEM and Steam may sound similar, but they are not interchangeable. Adding the Art Element (“A”) to the STEM science experiment in middle school has made some adjustments to your existing activities.
- science: Create environmental suggestions posters for display around the school, including recycling reminders and water tips
- technology: Incorporate graphic design into computer projects such as websites and documents produced by students.
- project: Add architectural concepts and blueprints to the design process.
- math: Finding math-based art projects is done in the classroom, such as symmetrical painting and fractal paper sculpture.
You can also conduct STEM activities across disciplines by involving humanities concepts such as history, literature, and psychology. Talk to your ELA or social research department to find a way to turn an existing STEM project into a Steam project!
Prepare for STEM activities in middle schools
The STEM program enhances important critical thinking and project management skills and prepares students for careers in the STEM field. Engineers, doctors, architects, software developers, chemists and data scientists use STEM concepts and skills every day. Add more secondary school STEM programs, challenges and activities to your daily courses to prepare students for future careers – some of which may not even exist yet!
