Get ready for summer with these super fun STEM Camp Ideas for your home. Focus on developing 21st Century Skills of collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and more.
STEM Camp Ideas
Summer makes the perfect time for our kids to get hands-on with activities, games, and challenges that connect learning to science, technology, engineering, and math.
I really would love to see more time for our kids to simply experience STEM concepts in the classroom. These ideas would make for great monthly STEM themes in a classroom too.
What is STEM?
That’s easy STEM stands for S=Science, T=Technology, E=Engineering and M=Math.
Let’s be honest there are some skills that our kids need to know that weren’t necessarily a focus when we were kids. These 21st-century skills include media and technology literacy, productivity, social skills, communication, flexibility, and initiative.
The skills your child can learn with STEM education include problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, creativity, curiosity, entrepreneurship, leadership, acceptance of failure, and many other skills.
By creating your own STEM Camp at home your child will get hands-on experiences and real-world applications required for developing an innovative mind.
The ability to think critically and challenge standards is the basis of innovation.
This summer here are some fun ideas for creating your own STEM Camp at home for your child.
Each STEM Themed Camp includes suggestions for STEM books, STEM products, STEM activities, and even STEM inspired snack ideas.
STEM Camp Themes
- The Human Body
- Electricity & Circuits
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Coding
- Robotics
- Solar Energy
- Microscopic World
- Measurement
- Outer Space
We’ve included several choices for STEM Camp Themes for your child.
Pick a topic that your child is most interested in first. You don’t have to do all of these, pick a few that you think will encourage your child to have fun and explore more this summer.
Each themed camp should cost less than $100 for all the supplies and you get to keep them all which is an awesome BONUS to hosting your own STEM Camp.
Keep in mind these make for really fun after-school activities too for the upcoming school year.
You can use this STEM Camp Ideas table of content to quickly look at the camp designed for your child’s interests.
Just click on the theme and it will take you to that spot below to start planning your summer fun.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Human Body
There are so many fun things to explore when it comes to the human body for kids. Frankly, it’s concepts that will help them throughout their lives. Have fun exploring anatomy with your child in this Human Body STEM Camp.
STEM KITS:
SmartLab QPG Lab For Kids, Squishy Human Body
Lightweight Stethoscope Dual Head, Doctor Stethoscopes
Newest Human Body Model for Kids
Learning Resources Anatomy Models Bundle Set
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Human Body
Abacus Brands Virtual Reality Human Body
BOOKS:
Stephen Biesty’s Incredible Body Cross-Sections by Richard Platt
Human Body Activity Book for Kids by Ph.D., Katie Stokes, M.Ed.
Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! by DK & Smithsonian Institution
Me and My Amazing Body by Joan Sweeney
My First Book About Genetics (Coloring Book) by Wynne & Silver
How Does My Body Work? Human Body Book for Kids by Sara LaFleur MD
ACTIVITIES:
- Q-tip Skeleton Craft
- Human Body Project
- Human Body Coloring Pages
- Free Printable Skeleton Bones Activity
- How Long Are Your Intestines
- Inflatable Heart Craft
- Blood Cell Membrane Experiment
- Blood in a Bottle
- Brain Hemisphere Hat
- Respiratory System Model
- Printable Human Body Systems
- Body Measurement Activities
- Human Eye Activities
- Felt Anatomy Model
- Printable Human Body Playdough Mats
- Pasta Skeleton
- Draw Inside of a Human Sidewalk Chalk
- Life-sized Skeleton
SNACK IDEAS:
Robotics
A big topic everyone is talking about is Robotics and for good reason, there’s so much a child can learn from exploring, building, and testing out things. Many schools lack the funding to have enough hands-on time with robotics for your child to truly grasp all the concepts robotics can teach. Here are a few ideas to make an epic Robotics STEM Camp.
STEM KITS:
Makeblock mBot Robot Kit
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit V4 with UNO R3
Sphero Mini Activity Kit: App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball with 55 Piece
Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set
Osmo – Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPad
Educational Coding DIY Building Kit Rechargeable Robot Toy
BOOKS:
I Can Make Remarkable Robots by Kristina A. Holzweiss & Amy Barth
Robots, Robots Everywhere! (Little Golden Book)
Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete by James Dean
Love, Z by Jessie Sima
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids by Bob Katovich
Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin
Unplugged by Steve Antony
Boy and Bot by Ame Dyckman
R Is for Robot: A Noisy Alphabet by Adam F. Watkins
ACTIVITIES:
- How to Build a Brush Bot
- Simple Homemade Robot Car
- How to Make a Propeller Car
- Build a Wooblebot That Makes Art
- Gliding Robot Toy
- Sponge Paint Robots Craft
- Magnetic Robot Art
- Junk Art Robot Project
- Robot Toilet Paper Roll Craft
- Robot Sensory Jar with Parts
- Build and Stack Robots
- Easy LEGO Robots
SNACK IDEAS:
Coding
Learning about coding is more accessible than ever! Summer makes a great time for tackling some coding projects with your child. There are both technology and non-tech activities that kids can learn to code with. Are you ready for a fun Coding STEM Camp?
STEM KITS:
Bit Coding Robot by Ozobot
Snap Circuits Code Journey, Build Your Circuit
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
OKK Coding DIY Building Kit Rechargeable Robot
Kids First Coding & Robotics
Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set
Osmo – Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPad
Wonder Workshop Dash – Coding Robot for Kids
The Official Scratch Coding Cards
BOOKS:
How to Code a Rollercoaster by Josh Funk
Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
Coding for Kids: Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities
DK Workbooks: Computer Coding with Scratch 3.0 Workbook
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark
Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma Saujani
Doll-E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey
Lift The Flap Computers & Coding by Rosie Dickins
Look Inside How Computers Work by Alex Frith
Gabi’s If/Then Garden (Code Play) by Caroline Karanja
Rox’s Secret Code by Mara Lecoq and Nathan Archambault
The ABCs of Programming by Arthur & Madison Johnston
Who Says Women Can’t Be Computer Programmers by Tanya Lee Stone
How to Talk to Your Computer by Seymour Simon
ACTIVITIES:
- Coding a LEGO Maze
- Super Hero Coding Game
- Secret Message Coding Bracelet
- Binary Code Bracelet That’s Out of This World
- Coding Game for Critical Thinking Skills
- Debug Coding Game Printable
- 20 Easy Ways to Get Kids Coding
- Magnetic Tile Coding Activity
- Wooden Coding Game Pieces
Electricity
Do you remember learning how to make a potato light up? Learning about electricity and how circuits work has grown leaps and bounds for kids. There are so many resources available. You never know what your child can create with the basic foundation of knowledge of electricity with the Electricity STEM Camp.
STEM KITS:
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit
EUDAX School Physics Labs Basic Electricity
Squishy Circuits Kit Electric Circuit for Kids
Giggleway Electric Motor Robotic Science Kits
Sntieecr Electric Circuit Motor Kit
100 Pieces Clear LED Light
Copper Foil Tape with Double-Sided Conductive
3V Lithium Battery
Battery Box Holder w Cap On/Off Switch
Copper Wire
Super Strong Neodymium Disc Magnets
Tinkering Labs Robotics Engineering Kit
BOOKS:
I Can Make Exciting Electronics by Kristina A. Holzweiss
Amazing MakerSpace DIY Electricity by Kristina A. Holzweiss
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer
Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity by Geoff Waring
The Magic School Bus And The Electric Field Trip by Cole & Degan
Awesome Electronics Projects for Kids by Colby Tofel-Grehl PhD
ACTIVITIES:
- Easy Playdough Circuits
- Build a Simple Electric Motor (Homopolar Motor)
- Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment
- How to Make a Magic Wand
- Tiny Dancers (A Homopolar Motor)
- Easy Static Electricity Experiment
- Paper Circuit Cards
- Building Electric Circuit Cards
- Electric Circuit Game
- Paper Circuits
- Potato Powered Light
- Lemon Battery Experiment
- Light Up Circuit Maze
SNACK IDEAS:
Chemistry
Chemistry is one of the topics that kids are always drawn to and memorized by. With just a few supplies from around the house, you can make your summer chemistry lab. What magic reaction will you try first?
STEM KITS:
Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Activity Set
Real Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids
Molecular Model Kit with Molecule Modeling Software
Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces)
7 Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit with Display Cases
STEM Challenges Learning Cards
BOOKS:
DK Eyewitness Books: Chemistry by Ann Newmark
The Kid’s Book of the Elements by Theodore Gray
My First Book About Chemistry (Coloring Book) by Wynne & Silver
Basher Science: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction by Simon Basher & Dan Green
Quantum Mechanics! The How’s and Why’s of Atoms and Molecules by Pfiffikus
What’s Chemistry All About? by Alex Frith & Lisa Jane Gillespie
ACTIVITIES:
- 50 Chemistry Activities for Kids
- Chromatography Art Experiment
- Balloon Experiment with Baking Soda
- Bottle Rocket Experiment
- What Will Freeze First Experiment
- Red Cabbage Acid/Base Experiment
- Density Science Experiment
- Dancing Raisins Experiment
- How To Do The Classic Chromatography Experiment
- Skittles Rainbow Science
- LEGO Slime
- Monster Lab Science Experiment
- Painting with Ice and Salt
- How to Make Oobleck
- The Best Basic Slime Recipe
- Elephant Toothpaste Experiment
- Crystal Science Fair Project
- How to Grow Overnight Crystal Garden
SNACK IDEAS:
Engineering
Take time this summer to truly explore how things work with this Engineering STEM Camp. Be sure to have on hand an Inventors Box to encourage their problem-solving and building skills. Ask them to tackle some everyday problems in your house and see what they design.
STEM KITS:
Learning Resources City Engineering and Design Building Set
51-Piece GeoMagnetic Vehicle Building Set
132Pcs Marble Maze Game Building Toy
SmartLab Toys Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House
Engino – Buildings & Bridges
BOOKS:
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
The Way Things Work by David Macaulay
Seven Wonders of Green Building Technology by Karen Sirvaitis
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Be a Maker by Katey Howes
Boxitects by Kim Smith
The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have by Sarah Dees
Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro
ACTIVITIES:
- Newspaper Engineering Challenges
- Button Playdough Tower Challenge
- Host a Building with Boxes Playdate
- Building a Trebuchet
- Balloon Car Project
- Paper Building Blocks
- How to Build Tall Straw Structures
- Build a Cardboard Tube Marble Run
- Make Your Own Zipline Challenge
- DIY Parachutes
- DIY Rubber Band Racecars
- Popsicle Stick Bridge Projects
- Catapult Experiments for Kids
- Toothpick Structures
- Easy Paper Helicopter
- DIY Paper Airplanes Project
SNACK IDEAS:
Solar Energy
Summer and sun go hand in hand, so this is the perfect time to explore solar energy! Set up a fun Solar Energy STEM Camp as you test and try out all that you can do when you harness the sun’s energy.
STEM KITS:
12-in-1 STEM Solar Robot Kit
Pica Toys Solar-Powered Wooden Car with Remote Control
4M Toysmith, Green Science Solar Rover
5 in 1 Model Car Kits, 3D Wooden Puzzles
Hot Bee Robot Dinosaur Toys, 3-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
6-in-1 Solar Robot Space Building Kit
Snap Circuits Green Energy Electronics Exploration Kit
Solar Robot Space Toy
Solar Fan Mini STEM Kit
Build and Race Your Own Solar Powered Toy
Cyanotype Paper Sun Art Paper Kit
Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven
BOOKS:
Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work? by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
Solar Power: Capturing the Sun’s Energy by Laurie Brearley
Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant by Allan Drummond
Time to Shine! by Catherine Daly
ACTIVITIES:
- Solar Energy Science Experiments
- Solar Prints
- Build a Solar Car Challenge
- Solar Oven Project
- DIY Sun Dial for Kids
SNACK IDEAS:
Sun Tea
Solar Oven Smores
Solar Oven Nachos
Space
Launch into space during the summer with a week full of space themed fun. There’s so much to explore and discover about astrology with your child. From planets and stars to rockets and space stations. Here are a few ideas for hosting your own Space STEM Camp. Start off with a Straw Rocket STEM Challenge!
STEM KITS:
4M Green Science Rotating Solar System Kids Science Kit
Circuit Explorer Deluxe Base Station Circuit for Kids
Smithsonian Optics Room Planetarium and Dual Projector Science Kit
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope
BOOKS:
The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space by Will Gater
The Know-Nonsense Guide to Space: An awesomely fun guide to the Universe by Heidi Fiedler
Ara the Star Engineer by Komal Singh
A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade
Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond by National Geographic Kids
Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations by Meg Thacher
Look Inside: Space (Look Inside) by Rob Lloyd Jones
Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond by Martin Jenkins
Think like an Astronaut! How Do Rockets Work? by Pfiffikus
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
ACTIVITIES:
- Solar System Puzzle
- Making Star Shaped Stamps Challenge
- Build and Paint and Starry Night
- Space Shuttle Craft
- A Year in Space with Astronaut Scott Kelly
- Straw Rocket Project
- Pipe Cleaner Constellations
- Why Are There Craters on the Moon Experiment
- Build a Cardboard Rocket Ship
- 12 Star Gazing App
- Shooting Star Spinning Project
- Free Printable Space Activity Pack
- DIY Soda Rocket
SNACK IDEAS:
Microscopic World
There’s something so magical about discovering the microscopic world that we live in. The summer is ideal for your little learner to simply ask questions and find answers to what their world is made up of. Here are some fun ideas for hosting your own Microscopic STEM Camp.
STEM KITS:
Learning Resources Elite Microscope for Kids
Bysameyee USB Digital Microscope 40X to 1000X
Jiusion 48Pcs Prepared Microscope Slides Specimen
Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces)
BOOKS:
All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander
See Inside the Microscopic World by Rosie Dickins
My First Book of Microbes: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and More by Sheddad Kaid-Salah Ferrón
Unseen Worlds: Real-Life Microscopic Creatures Hiding All Around Us
ACTIVITIES:
- Preschool Microscope Activities
- Digital Microscope Activities
- Beginner Microscope Experiments
- Microscope Guessing Game
- Glass Gem Fingerprint Magnets
- Glitter Gem Magnets
- Magnifying Glass Montessori Tray Ideas
- How to Make Your Own Mini Microscope
- How to Make a Microscope with Water
Measurement
Measurement is key to both science and math exploration for kids. These are the basic supplies we think every STEM Kit should have.
SUPPLIES:
12 PCS Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stackable
Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale
10X Shatterproof Magnifying Glass
Tape Measure 25 ft /16 ft
Learning Resources Classroom Thermometer
Clear Flexible Acrylic Ruler 12 In
Digital Stopwatch Timer
Learning Resources Primary Bucket Balance Teaching Scale
Student Geometry Math Set
BOOKS:
The Know-Nonsense Guide to Measurements by Heidi Fiedler
Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney
Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
How Big Is a Foot? by Rolf Myller
Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
How Long or How Wide?: A Measuring Guide by Brian P. Cleary
How Tall?: Wacky Ways to Compare Height by Mark Andrew Weakland
How Long?: Wacky Ways to Compare Length by Jessica Gunderson
How Heavy?: Wacky Ways to Compare Weight by Mark Andrew Weakland
Peg + Cat: The Puddle by Jennifer Oxley
Perimeter, Area, and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions by David A. Adler
Millions to Measure by David Schwartz,
ACTIVITIES:
- Garden Math Measurement
- LEGO Weighing Activity
- Measuring Activities with Cooking for Kids
- Measurement Exploration Center
- LEGO Measurement Activity
- Measuring with MAGNA Tiles
- Go On a Measurement Hunt
- Linear Measurement STEM Cards
- Unit Conversion Puzzles
- Exploring Volume
- Capacity and Volume Activities
- Measurement Activities for Kids
Additional STEM CAMP Supplies
To set up your STEM Camp you’ll want a few supplies!
What makes it super fun is to create a special place where you’ll be hosting your summer camp or even a special make lab that is in a corner of the house for your child (or classroom).
Gather a few basic tools of observation, measurement and lab supplies to really set the stage.
You can learn more here about building your own DIY Dollar Store STEM Kit.
Here are some tips for how to store your STEM Activities to create your own STEM Lab
- Best STEM Toys for Kids
- Build an Inventors Box
- 50+ STEM Activities for Kids
- Ultimate Summer Book List for Kids
Go to in-person Summer Camp?
Here are a few tips for first day of summer camp jitters to help you child.
Have you looked into the program safety policies that you’ve signed up for this summer? Here are 12 questions that you should ask to ensure your child is in an environment that’s set up to ensure child safety and prevent child abuse.
Join Bill Nye is his virtual reality lab in an ultimate immersive learning experience! This 50 piece set includes everything you need, like VR Googles, beakers, measuring cups, baking soda, paint brush and much more to dive in and experience the projects right out of the box, making it an ultimate kids VR toy set!
One of the best things your child can do over the summer is READ! Take a look above at our top picks of STEM Books for kids if you’re looking for additional book suggestions.
Here are a few additional suggestions for your Summer STEM Reading.
STEM Activity Books for Parents, Teachers and Kids
Need a little inspiration for your STEM Camp at home? These are some of my favorite STEM Activity Books for Parents and Teachers.
Packed full of activity ideas that foster creativity, problem solving, learning and most imporantly FUN!
There are so many ways to have fun with kids surrounded by STEM activities and STEM books. They are prefect for summer learning and after school activities to encourage them to grow and explore as an innovative thinker and problem solver.
When you create your own STEM Camp at home your child will get the hands-on experiences needed for developing an innovative mind.
Which STEM Camp are you going to do first?
