When you need easy indoor play, a DIY STEM kit can save the day!
Summer is here! And with it comes long sunny days and lots of time outdoors. Until it rains. Filling rainy days (or really hot ones) can be just as engaging as days spent outside with a STEM box. With just a little prep, you and your child can spend hours in exploratory play. As an added bonus, you and your child can put the box together!
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. A STEM kit is a way to keep open-ended materials in one, organized place so that when you or your child is looking for an easy activity, all you have to do is take out your box. They are perfect for inspiring creativity, curiosity and critical thinking. One of the best parts about STEM boxes is that they can be tailored to your child's age and interests!
How To create your STEM box
Creating a STEM box is easy and affordable, and you probably have many materials on hand already. Here's how to get started:
- Choose a container. A shoebox, cardboard box, or plastic bin works great.
- Gather household items. Recyclables like paper towel rolls, cardboard, and bottle caps are perfect for building and experimenting.
- Add craft and learning tools. Think pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, measuring cups, string, magnets, rubber bands — whatever inspires tinkering.
At Reach Cyber Charter School, STEM is a part of everything we do.
In addition to sending every student an official Reach STEM kit to use in hands-on STEM experiences, our teachers incorporate project-based learning (PBL) opportunities throughout the curriculum to support students in cultivating creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.
Reach Cyber Charter School also offers various STEM camps and clubs catering to students' interests, such as Coding for Elementary, Environmental Science, and eSports. Throughout the year, students can engage in events like Back-to-School gatherings, Pi Day celebrations, and the Winter STEM Challenge. To expand access, Reach operates a Mobile STEM Lab, which brings hands-on experiences to students across Pennsylvania.
For those eager to explore STEM opportunities available at Reach Cyber Charter School, we invite you to attend one of our weekly Virtual Information Sessions.
