365 DAY CHALLENGE PART 10: STEAM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS & TODDLERS

181. Craft Creativity

Sometimes STEM projects can simply consist of a collection of craft materials and challenging your kid to solve a problem using the materials provided. Here, we just collected a random selection of art materials. Similarly, if your kid is bored, just provide them with random materials and challenge them to create something.

182. Wooden STEAM Toys

There are many wonderful durable wooden toys on the market. This one teaches colors, shapes and sizes.

183. Pattern Recognition Using Nature

There are many ways to help your kid learn pattern recognition. Here are some nature-inspired patterns.

184. Tooth Care

Teach your kids about the importance of brushing their teeth. Get pom poms to represent bacteria. You can give them a tooth brush and show them how to brush the ‘tooth’.

185. Squigz

This suction toy is a fun, educational STEAM toy that your kid can use in the bath tub, on a plane or anywhere with clean, flat surfaces. Explain how suction cups work during play: https://amzn.to/2XWzae3

186. Spider Web Hunt

I love pointing out spider webs to my kid. Too many parents pass on their fears of spiders to their kid. Instead, I love showing my kid how there is nothing to fear with spiders. There is a lot of Science that you can delve into including tensile strength and adhesive properties of the spider web.

187. Sticker Patterns

My kid loves stickers and sparkly stuff. I used these to help teach her about patterns. You start a pattern and get your kid to finish it.

188. STEAM Books

We found some awesome STEAM books from our local library for babies & toddlers. If you can’t find any, ask your local librarian to help you find some.

189. PODS

If you ever order a PODS container, make sure that you watch it in action. Watching a PODS container driver single-handedly move a 16 feet PODS container onto a truck is watching mechanical engineering at its best.

190. Mathlink Cubes

These Mathlink cubes can be used to teach Math in many different ways, whether it’s about recognizing shapes and colors or learning to count by ones or tens to a hundred: https://amzn.to/2XMAdlO

191. Bead Sequencing

192. Nature Hike

We went for a walk together in nature. A chance to point out insects, leaves and plants. Point out how plants create their own food. Bonus, our kid could run freely without worry.

193. Magnetic Tiles

Magnetic tiles are wonderful for developing a sense of architectural design, geometry learning and creativity.

194. Green Bean

Green beans are one of the easiest ways to demonstrate the growth cycle of a plant from a simple seed. All you need are green beans, wet tissue, oxygen and sunlight.

195. Grapefruits

We have some fruit trees and our kid likes to help water them. I use this chance to explain to her that trees need sunlight, water, oxygen and good soil to do well.

196. Sand Pit Toys

If you don’t live close to a beach, a sand pit may be your next best option. Invest in a few bags of sand, a sand tray, a few toys and you will have an outdoor place for your child to safely play in without bothering you.

197. Counting Owl

Making math into a fun sensory game is a great way to introduce math concepts to your toddler. In this game, you spin the wheel and count out the owls: https://amzn.to/2Yip4IL

198. Nature Art

Who says that you need to use color pencils or paint for coloring books? Here’s another creative idea- sensory materials like leaves and pom poms instead of coloring pencils.

199. Pattern block cards

There are many pattern block cards that can help your kid to develop their pattern recognition and analysis skills. Or make your own!

200. Abacus

I was only able to fully appreciate the educational uses of this abacus after purchasing it. It can be used to teach counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, colors, patterns and even becomes an interesting musical instrument when shaken.