Our 2024 Stem Kits
Nov. Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ DIY Cars
DIY cars blend engineering and creativity, powered by principles of physics, mechanics, and electronics. Building a DIY car involves understanding how forces interactโthink friction, momentum, and aerodynamicsโall of which affect speed and control. Engineers may also incorporate electrical systems, like simple circuits for headlights or even complex microcontrollers for automation. As creators assemble components from motors to gears, they gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, refining designs to optimize performance. This fusion of science and hands-on craftsmanship not only fuels innovation but also deepens knowledge of how cars function at their core.
October Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ Popsicle stick harmonicas
Repeating May stem kits since it was a community favorite! Harmonicas made with paper and straws demonstrate principles of sound production and resonance. The vibrating reeds made from paper or straws produce sound waves when air flows over the,, similar to traditional metal reeds. The shape and size of the paper or straw reeds affect the pitch and timbre of the sound produced. This simple construction allows for hands-on exploration of acoustic physics, including how vibration frequency and air flow impact sound quality.
Sept. Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ Catapult
Catapults are a classic example of physics in motion, relying on principles of energy, force, and trajectory. When a catapult is pulled back, potential energy is stored in the tension of the material (like a rubber band or twisted rope). Releasing the catapult transforms this stored energy into kinetic energy, launching the object forward. The angle of release and the force applied determine how far and high the projectile will travel, showcasing concepts of parabolic motion. By adjusting these factors, catapults demonstrate the effects of gravity, tension, and energy transfer in a tangible, interactive way.
August Edition
3rd-6th grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ Invisible Ink
Lemon juice invisible ink works through a simple chemical reaction that reveals itself with heat. When you write with lemon juice on paper, the liquid dries clear because itโs mostly water with a bit of citric acid. However, when you heat the paper, the acidic compounds in the lemon juice break down and oxidize faster than the surrounding paper, turning brown and making your hidden message visible. This reaction shows how organic materials, like lemon juice, respond to heat by changing color, illustrating basic principles of oxidation and heat sensitivity.
June Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐
Sponges possess a porous structure that allows them to absorb water through capillary action and surface tension. This absorption occurs due to the sponge’s interconnected network of channels and cavities, which efficiently draw in and retain liquid against gravity. When squeezed or compressed, sponges release the water they’ve absorbed, illustrating principles of fluid dynamics and material behavior. These properties make sponges effective tools for cleaning and absorbing moisture in various applications.
July Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฒ๐๐
Paper rockets operate on principles of physics involving Newton’s law of motion and aerodynamics, They are propelled by compressed air or by the release of stored elastic energy, demonstrating concepts of energy transfer and conservation. The shape and size of the rocket affect its flight path, showcasing principles of stability and drag. Overall, paper rockets provide a hands-on way to explore fundamental scientific concepts related to forces, motion, and flight dynamics.
May Edition
3rd-6th grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐
Harmonicas made with paper and straws demonstrate principles of sound production and resonance. The vibrating reeds made from paper or straws produce sound waves when air flows over them, similar to traditional metal reeds. The shape and size of the paper or straw reeds affect the pitch and timbre of the sound produced. This simple construction allows for hands-on exploration of acoustic physics, including how vibration frequency and air flow impact sound quality.
April Edition
3th-6th grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐น๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ๐ฒ๐
Are you wondering how mini volcanoes work? Brace yourself for this amazing explosion of science! These tiny wonders erupt due to the combination of baking soda and vinegar. When these two substances interact, they release carbon dioxide gas, creating the fun bubbles that mimic the flowing lava of a volcanic eruption! How cool is that!
March Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ธ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐ธ
Have you ever wondered how sidewalk chalk works? Well, you’re in luck! When we drag sidewalk chalk against the ground it produces tiny particles that stick to the coarse surface of concrete. When light shines on these particles, it counces back allowing us to see the fascinating colors in particles we just drew.
Feb. Edition
1st-3rd grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ข๐ผ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ
Oobleck is a substance that weirdly behaves like both a liquid and a solid! When you light touch or pick up oobleck, it acts as a liquid, flowing smoothly. But, if you squeeze it or hit it, it turns solid! This fascinating transformation happens because of the unique properties of a mixture of cornstarch and water in oobleck.
January Edition
3rd-6th grade
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐น๐
Ever wondered how salt crystals are made? Well, let’s adventure into the world of salt crystals – they’re more magical than you might think! These crystals love to stick together and form all sorts of shapes. Sometimes, they’re like shiny diamonds, and other times, they’re like mini ice cubes. So, grab your kit and do some magic! You’ve got yourself a batch of sparkly salt crystals, ready to dazzle and amaze. Who knew science could be so sparkly and fun?
