Kick off summer break by sharing enriching summer STEM activities that blend fun with learning. These engaging activities, which include aspects STEAM, are ideal for keeping students intellectually engaged during school break. From constructing STEAM projects to solving real-world problems, these STEAM summer learning ideas not only keep the educational momentum going but also spark creativity and critical thinking. Encourage students’ curiosity and technical skills this summer with a variety of hands-on summer STEM activities.
Summer STEM Activities that will boost Summer Learning!
1. Offer STEM Summer Camps
STEM Summer Camps offers students the chance to engage with STEAM topics on a deeper level. With a summer STEAM program, students can reinforce concepts they learned during the school year in a creative and hands-on way.
If you’re looking for ways to create a successful summer program, check out the tips in our blog and STEAM education resource center:
- Successful Summer STEAM: A Guide to Designing a Top-Notch Summer Program
- Creating a Highly Successful STEAM PBL Program Checklist
2. Create a STEM makerspace library for students
The purpose of a STEM makerspace library is to offer students materials and tools to engage with STEAM concepts in a real-world setting. The materials can be as accessible as cardboard boxes, paper clips, plastic grocery bags, or a variety of random craft supplies. Build a makerspace library for students and give them the opportunity to practice creative expression. You’ll be surprised what students come up with as they utilize it!
Our free STEAM Makerspace Lesson Library, TinkRpedia, has everything you need to get started with STEAM Project-based Learning, including projects made from recyclable materials. Access TinkRpedia now!
3. Share STEAM Learning resources with parents
Teachers play a big role in helping families form STEAM summer learning plans. But, it’s ultimately the parents who keep students motivated to learn throughout the summer.
Email a round-up of summer STEM activities and resources to parents. Chances are, many parents will be thankful to have a curated list provided by their child’s teacher. Encourage parents to take advantage of these activities with their child to keep summer learning alive!
Here are some ideas to consider as you create your round-up:
- Online math games: Check out CoolMath4Kids, MathPlayground, or these free games from Education.com.
- Guided art classes: There are tons of art tutorials and lessons available for free on YouTube. ArtForKidsHub offers tutorials on drawing and painting cartoons. Miss Teresea Art has a playlist that teaches about geometry in art, and how to use geometric principles to draw well. I Love Drawing teaches art history through easy-to-follow drawing tutorials.
- Coding games: MIT, Microsoft, and Girls Who Code have free coding games for students grades 1-12 available on their websites.
- Virtual museum tours: Most museums have an online component that allows you to explore and learn about certain exhibits online! Even historical sites often have interactive websites and videos that you can access for free.
- Free learning guides: Linktivity offers activities spanning a variety of subjects.
- STEAM Brain Builders: Parents can still weave the STEAM fundamentals into a few short moments of reflection during summer break with This or That Simple STEAM Brain Builders. These short activities will get kids in the STEAM headspace and motivate them to think like innovators! These prompts are a great, quick introduction to STEAM. Plus, they will push students to deeper levels of analysis by touching upon certain elements of the STEAM model.
4. Read books that feature STEAM education
Reading is an accessible way to keep students’ brains active over the summer. In fact, STEAM books can help them keep STEM concepts fresh in their minds. Below are just a few books to consider sharing with parents.
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From Seed to Plant Workbook by Gail Gibbons: This book is full of activities, writing prompts, and interactive prompts to help students learn about growing plants first-hand.
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STEM-tastic Reads for Summer: Click the link to scroll through an entire list of books that teach STEM topics through roller coasters, Star Wars, robots, and more!
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Summer-Slide STEAM Books: These books include tons of interactive lessons and experiments to help students connect STEAM concepts to the real world.
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5. Start planning your STEAM curriculum for fall
Get ready to jump right into STEAM learning in the next school year! With thoughtful planning, you can ensure that your STEAM curriculum includes STEM projects and lessons that are productive, educational, and engaging for your students. The summer break offers plenty of time to start identifying, mapping, and planning for your goals. Whether you are creating a STEAM program for the classroom or an afterschool STEAM program, a little planning will go a long way to make it successful!
To get started, check out our Creating a Highly Successful STEAM PBL Program Checklist. This resource outlines the steps you will need to take to ensure that your program is beneficial to your students.
In Conclusion
As summer draws near, reflect on the enriching experiences that can be provided by engaging in summer STEM activities. The initiative to incorporate these activities—from STEM summer camps to makerspace libraries and STEAM educational resources—will set the groundwork for continued intellectual engagement and curiosity.
