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28 Fun & Exciting First Grade STEM Challenges

first grade stem challenges

May 26, 2021 //  by Suzanne Bucknam

Stem challenges are engaging activities that require children to use critical thinking skills to accomplish set goals. These challenges give children the chance to explore science concepts through hands-on exploration, creativity, and teamwork.

First grade STEM challenges are not only beneficial to children's cognitive development, but they are a lot of fun, as well. Because there is no right or wrong way to complete these challenges, children get the chance to do things on their own terms and in fun, creative ways.

Here are 28 super fun first grade STEM challenges your students will enjoy. Simply provide them with the one-sentence challenge and the materials and the rest is up to them!

1. Build the tallest tower possible using playdough and buttons.

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  • buttons
  • play dough
  • Corduroy (Book)

2. Build a tower using exactly 100 Legos.

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  • Legos

3. Build a fan-powered cardboard car using wooden skewers, straws, and construction paper.

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  • construction paper
  • wooden skewers (3)
  • plastic straws (2)
  • plastic bottle caps (4)
  • corrugated cardboard
  • hobby knife (for adult use)
  • fan
  • tape
  • scissors

4. Make a miniature parachute for a plastic animal using tissue paper, yarn, and tape.

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  • tissue paper
  • yarn
  • tape

5. Build a playdough person that can stand up.

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  • playdough
  • plastic straws

6. Make a volcano inside a lemon half using baking soda.

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  • tray
  • lemons
  • cutting knife
  • butter knife
  • spoon
  • measuring cup
  • baking soda
  • food coloring

7. Make a maze for marbles using a paper plate and construction paper.

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  • high-edge paper plates
  • markers
  • marbles
  • tape
  • scissors
  • construction paper
  • pipe cleaners

8. Build a plastic bottle car and make it move using a balloon.

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  • balloons
  • plastic bottle
  • bottle caps (4)
  • flexible straws (3)
  • wooden skewers
  • small rubber bands
  • electrical tape
  • scissors
  • hobby knife (for adult use)

9. Make a paper airplane that can fly across the room.

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  • construction paper
  • ruler
  • scissors

10. Grow a miniature garden in cracked eggshells.

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  • wax paper
  • garden soil
  • potting mix
  • magnifying glasses
  • glue gun
  • glue sticks
  • play sand
  • EZ Seed
  • eggshells
  • grass seed (any kind of seeds)

11. Make a family of dolls using pipe cleaners and aluminum foil.

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  • pipe cleaners
  • aluminum foil

12. Draw a 2D shape and make a 3D version of it using construction paper.

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  • construction paper
  • scissors
  • crayons
  • glue sticks

13. Make a paper chain that reaches from one end of the room to the other.

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  • construction paper
  • scissors
  • glue stick

14. Make a dominoes chain reaction using wooden blocks and Hotwheels tracks.

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  • dominoes
  • wooden blocks
  • Hot Wheels Tracks

15. Build a house using jelly beans and toothpicks.

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  • jelly beans
  • toothpicks

16. Build a structure out of toilet paper rolls and paper plates.

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  • empty toilet paper rolls
  • paper plates
  • miniature figurines

17. Make a marble maze using playdough.

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  • playdough
  • marbles
  • baking sheet

18. Make bouncy balls out of cornstarch, glue, and borax.

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  • borax
  • white glue
  • cornstarch
  • food coloring

19. Build a tall tower using fake apples and playdough.

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  • fake apples
  • 10 Apples Up On Top (book)
  • playdough
  • foam numbers

20. Build a tower out of drinking straws and tape.

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  • drinking straws
  • clear tape
  • measuring tape

21. Build a mini camping tent using straws, tape, and construction paper.

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  • washable glue
  • water
  • liquid starch
  • food coloring
  • glitter

22. Make a pom-pom drop on the wall using toilet paper rolls and tape.

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  • pom poms
  • empty toilet paper rolls
  • clear tape
  • electrical tape

23. Tape paper into different shapes to make a structure that can support the weight of a book.

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  • books
  • construction paper
  • tape

24. Build a tower that is as tall as you, using only 3oz paper cups.

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  • large flowering plants (ex: tulips)
  • cup of water
  • paper plates
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • magnifying glass 
  • paper
  • colored pencils 
  • tape

25. Build a bridge from one desk to another using straws and tape.

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  • straws
  • electrical tape

26. Using a styrofoam sheet, see how many spaghetti noodles can support the weight of a book.

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  • vinegar
  • salt
  • small bowl
  • pennies
  • nickels
  • dish soap
  • aluminum foil
  • scissors
  • paper towels
  • plastic plate
  • digital multimeter
  • notebook

27. Make a rubberband hula hoop around a pencil.

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  • pencils
  • rubber bands

28. Make a construction paper habitat for toy animals in a shoebox.

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  • shoebox
  • construction paper
  • miniature animals
  • scissors
  • glue stick

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