We’ll focus on colors, number recognition, graphing, ordinal numbers and even some fine motor skills.

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Sensory Bottle Math Game with Crayons

This math game was such a hit in our house after school with my Kindergartner and 5th graders.  I can’t wait to share with you how to make and play for your kids.  It combines the fun of a sensory bottle with a few educational elements to make it a big win for all.

Here’s how to make it.

Materials

• Crayola Crayons 
• Empty Voss Plastic Water Bottle 
• Crayon Buttons  or these Crayon Buttons 
• Plain White Paper 
• Ruler 
• Pencil or Pen
• Water

Directions for Sensory Bottle Math Game

1. Place water into the empty water bottle , leave a portion empty to allow for air in the bottle.

2. Have your child add the colorful crayon buttons into the water one by one.  Great for fine motor practice and counting. Discuss the colors as you add them to work on color recognition too.

3. You can challenge older kids to see if they can make their crayon button stand up in the water bottle, it’s harder that it looks and great for focus and patience.

4. Allow your child to explore with the crayon themed sensory bottle before you begin the math game. Discover how the crayons move throughout the water.

TIP: Back to School Sensory Bottle– This sensory bottle would be a helpful to make as your little one is starting school for the first time.  It gives them a positive experience with school supplies and also offers a distraction is they are beginning to get a bit worried about the first day of school.

 5. Next take your white paper, pen and ruler to create a graph with your child.  Take the time to show them how it is set up.  Start by listing the color of the crayons they will you are in the bottle.  Then create a column for each of the colors.  Next add the numbers up the side counting with your child.  Finally add the rows for each of the numbers.  It’s really important to show them how to set up a graph.

6. Once the graph is complete label with the the color words by coloring with the appropriate color.  Helps your child begin to read color words too.  Show them how they are written on the crayons too.

7. Now it’s time to play the Sensory Bottle Math Game with Crayons!

TO PLAY: Turn the bottle upside down and watch to see which crayon is first to touch the bottom.  Record onto the graph paper under the appropriate color.  Model a few times with your child.  Then turn the bottle in the crayon race again and again until you’ve found the winner.  The winner is the one who has the highest number on the graph.

Encourage your child to play this game again and again.  You’ll find they will start to create their very own color graph and begin to truly comprehend the importance of making graphs.

This is a fun game to play with a friend or sibling too.  One child can record while the other turns the bottle and calls the winner.  Be sure to allow them to switch turns to have the best time together.  Good luck with your Sensory Bottle Bottle Math Game.

My kids and I have created a few more games and science activities with our Crayon Themed Sensory Bottles and Crayons that we’ll be sharing this week, so keep watching!

Books About Crayons for Kids

Here are a few of my favorite crayon themed picture books to go along with the Crayon Math Game.  Happy reading!

The Day the Crayons Quit 

The Day the Crayons Came Home 

The Crayons’ Book of Colors 

The Crayons’ Book of Numbers 

How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow

Love from the Crayons

The Crayon Box the Talked

Harold and the Purple Crayon 

The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt

How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney

Do you have a crayon themed book that I missed?  Please share we’re always adding to our home library.  Which one is your favorite?

Additional Crayon Themed Crafts for Kids

• Crayon Playdough Recipe from Sugar Aunts
• 3D Crayon Art by Buddy and Buddy
• Craft Stick Crayon Craft by The Pinterested Parent
• Crayon Themed Family Dinner Book Club by Growing Book by Book
• Sink or Float Density Activity with Crayons

Explore this Science Sensory Bottle Activity about Density

I’ll admit I’m a bit in love with crayons and can’t wait to share even more ideas with you about Crayons. Can’t wait to hear how your Crayon Themed Sensory Bottle Math Game goes at your house.

Leave me a comment below or share a photo on social media with the hashtag #EDUSPIN.

Looking for more Back to School STEM Activities? Try these…

The only extra needed: ICE CREAM.

Affiliate links to products

Ice Cream Math Playdate Ideas

Sample E-mail Invitation for Ice Cream MATH Playdate

We’d love to have you over for a playdate all about ICE CREAM this {day of the week} at {time}! We will be reading books, playing games, crafting and eating ice cream. Please bring a healthy ice cream topping to share. I’ll provide the rest.

Materials Needed for Ice Cream MATH Playdate

• Books about ice cream
• Chalk
• Pretend play ice cream
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Markers
• Glue
• Ice Cream
• Bowls
• Spoons
• Ice Cream Scoop

Before the Ice Cream MATH Playdate

1. Check out math themed ice cream books from the library (or order them online).

Just one more “may” be more about life than math, but it does make for a great tie into to the number cone activity.  Just one more than 1 is 2. Just one more than 2 is 3.  In the highly kid-relatable story, Ruby wants just one more of everything: bedtime kisses, one more minute of playtime, one more scoop of ice cream… Read more about the book here.

The Sunday Scoop is a great book for getting kids thinking about different combinations of numbers that make 6 (Addition!) It may be a little advanced for some young learners, but I like to keep their brains challenged! Read more about the book here.

Ice Cream: The Full Scoop is a non-fiction story that brings some additional math concepts to the table such as measurements and dates in history.  Although more science, I like to pull a few favorite pages from this book to share with kids during an ice cream math playdate to talk about numbers.  Oftentimes, longer books like these are better read in small groups. I’ve found little ones get much wigglier with their friends are over! Read more about the book here.

2. Draw an ice cream hopscotch game on the driveway
3. Set out bowls, spoons, napkins, and an ice cream scoop.
4. Cut brown triangles for cones and colorful ice cream scoops. Cut and write numbers on 10 scoops for each child.

Click for directions how to make an end of the year ice cream sundae keepsake

When the Kids Arrive for the Ice Cream MATH Playdate

Read an Ice Cream Story

We like to read a story and sing a song about ice cream when all the kids arrive. This helps build vocabulary and gets children thinking about all the vocabulary; freezing, creamy, and calcium are rich words to weave into your play and learning.

Make an Ice Cream Number Cone

Then demonstrate how to make an Ice Cream Number Cone

1. Select a paper cone. Then have each child find scoops with the numbers 1-10.
2. Put the scoops in order on the table.
3. Then place them in order on top of the ice cream cone.
4. Glue in place.

PLAY Ice Cream Shop

Set out an ice cream set in your pretend kitchen area for children to play with when they are done crafting and playing games. 

Fake money and a cash register may encourage kids to set up their very own ice cream shop (bringing a little more math and learning into your already fabulous ice cream math playdate!)

Play Ice Cream Hopscotch

Head to the driveway to play on your ice cream themed hopscotch.

Enjoy your Ice Cream Treat

You can even make your own ice cream.

Have a toddler?  You may want to set up for this Ice Cream playdate with play dough!

Add a little more fun by making this Ice Cream Cone Necklace Craft.

Even MORE Ice Cream Play and Learning Activities from the Early Childhood Education Team:

• Ice Cream Cone Patterns Printable from Life Over C’s
• The Great Ice Cream Cone Race-Gross Motor Game from Capri + 3
• Summer Math for a Preschool Ice Cream Theme by Fun-A-Day

You can also use our list of the best ice cream books for kids available here:

Looking for More Playdate Ideas?

100 FUN & EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS is a great resource for playdate inspiration! You could pre-make some of the games and activities for kids to play when they got together OR gather some mom friends and have a game making MNO (Moms Night Out). 

Make a bunch of games so that you can keep your little ones engaged and learning .

The huge variety of activities means you can choose from high-energy group games full of laughter and delight, or quiet activities that kids can complete on their own.

Here are some additional ideas to do with your child…

10 Fun Math Activities to Keep Your Preschooler Learning All Summer

Affiliate Links are included in this article.

1. Head to your library and check out some math books. Including literature into your summer plans is a great way to expand your child’s mathematics vocabulary. Read more…

2. Build towers with blocks.  Yes, when in doubt, bring out the blocks.  Blocks are great for counting, sorting, and even adding.  Use block towers to practice simple addition problems.  Knock them down for some subtraction! Read more…

3. Count and Snack  Snack time is a great time to sneak in math activities throughout your entire summer. Try this Goldfish snack game to practice counting and number recognition.  Make a snack mix using different shape foods and have your kids sort them out.  Scoop a bowlful of cereal and see if there are more than, less than, or equal to 100 pieces.  Read more…

4. Bring out your measuring tools.  You may have a ruler, a tape measure, a thermometer, a calculator, even a scale. Make a point to bring one of these mathematical tools out for summer exploration and learning. Teach your children how to use them. Young children may surprise you with what they can learn. Our 2 year old grabs the thermometer and asks us how hot it is outside.  Read more…

5. Play Trains!  If your kids are anything like mine, we play trains at least one morning every week. The kids love to build new track paths and argue over who gets the favorite train cars set up the train cars. Extend their play by encouraging color sorting, counting, addition, and patterning.  Read more…

6. Bring out the puzzles.  They are an amazing kids activity that will not only entertain but strengthen problem solving and spatial reasoning.  We tend to bring out puzzles out right before dinner. Each child works on their own, and I can get dinner made.  My oldest helps my youngest if he isn’t able to figure out exactly where his pieces go.  Sometimes, they even bring out the floor puzzles and work together to complete them. Read more…

7. Bounce your way to stronger math skills. That’s right.  Most of us have a few balls for outdoor play. Use them for sorting, counting, and ordering.  Play catch to work on hand-eye coordination too. read more…

8. Play Preschool Board Games. Candy Land is great for learning colors and practicing taking turns. Hi Ho Cherry-O is a favorite preschool game for counting. The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game is good for fine-motor and 1:1 correspondence.

9. Hand over your digital camera (or buy a simple one for them to use) and let them photograph a number. Take those pictures and put them together for a home-made book.  Work on one number a week and by the end of the summer you will have an entire collection of home-made number books! Read more…

10. Subscribe to have learning activities delivered to your door.  We wrote last week about Animal Trackers monthly subscription boxes.  A favorite of my older child is also the new Tinker Boxes from Kiwi Crate, Kiwi is running a limited time Summer Discovery Series with hands-on kids projects delivered to your door with 2-3 projects and all the materials. Read more…

Top 10 Summer Fun and Learning from the #PlayfulECE team:

• 10 Sensory Fun Ideas for Preschoolers Learning 2 Walk
• 10 Book Inspired Cooking Activities for Preschoolers by Growing Book by Book
• 10 Preschool Summer Activities All About Coconuts by Fun-A-Day!
• Top 10 Ocean and Beach Activities for Preschool! by The Preschool Toolbox Blog
• 10 Summer Alphabet Activities for Preschoolers by Mom Inspired Life
• 10 Ways to Play and Learn with Sand by Still Playing School
• 10 Ways to Learn About Colors with Your Preschooler from Life Over C’s
• 10 Fun Math Activities to Keep Your Preschooler Learning all Summer by The Educators’ Spin On It

Explore these creative pool noodle learning activities to discover how many hands on activities you can create with pool noodles this summer!

Which pool noodle game will you try first?

Here are 20 of our favorite pool noodle learning activities for kids!

All activities and images have been shared with the original content creators permission. We encourage you to use these activities with your classroom, summer camps, children, preschools, and daycare centers.

Do not sell or use images, or claim them as your own.  Please make sure to give credit. 

We LOVE mentions in parent letters and school newsletters. If you like a craft or educational project – give it a shout out on social media with a thank you or picture of your finished creation. Seeing our projects in action makes us SMILE!

Marble Run Pool Noodle Water Slide

by Mama Papa Bubba

Explore ramps with this fun pool noodle slide.  Change the height and length of the noodles to see how it affects the speed of the marble! Encourage children to record their data in a science journal!

Quiet Blocks for Indoor Play

by I Can Teach My Child

For a few dollars, you can make a basket filled with open ended play possibilities. Try this activity, sit back, and watch your child create.

Star Wars Sight Word Game

by Playdough to Plato

Light saber your way to a better reader with this interactive pool noodle game.

Sight Word Boat Races

By The Educators’ Spin On It

Alphabetical Order Beading

By The Educators’ Spin On It

Make and bead a set of pool noodle ABC beads in order.

Name Activity with Pool Noodles

by Early Learning Ideas

Use a simple pool noodle to make fun name activities for kids. This is a great hands-on way to help kids recognize and spell their names. 

Pool Noodle Alphabet Basket

by The Educators’ Spin On It

Learn the letter names and sounds with these ABC manipulatives. Step by step directions and activity suggestions included.

Pool Noodle Rocket Flinger

by Frugal Fun for Boys

Make and launch this fun pool noodle finger rocket.  Easy to follow step by step directions.

Engineering Pool Noodle Airplanes

by J Daniel 4’s Mom

Design, make, and test your latest pool noodle airplane creation. Experiment with a variety of wing shape, tails and nose cones to maximize flying time.

Pool Noodle Addition Facts

by J Daniel 4’s Mom

Find sums of 10 with this interactive pool noodle math game.

Caterpillar Counting

by I Can Teach My Child

Make a set of number noodle beads and string them together in numerical order! Step by step directions included.

Base 10 Math Game

by The Educators’ Spin On It

Learn how to represent big numbers with this base 10 math game.

Pool Noodle Jellyfish

by Mama Miss

Create an underwater scene as part of your ocean unit with these adorable pool noodle jellyfish.

Pool Noodle Sight Word Towers

by The Educators’ Spin On It

Build your way to a better reader with this hands-on build a word activity.

Big Fine Motor Practice for Little Hands

by I Can Teach My Child

Encourage your toddler to practice threading large pool noodle beads with this fine motor activity.

Back to School Pencil Craft

by Lalymom

Make this giant pencil to celebrate back-to-school.

Pool Noodle Tennis Game

by Ziggity Room

These pool noodle racquets are perfect for summer game time or an outdoor party activity. Save those little mesh bags to get started!

DIY Fraction Introduction

by A Few Shortcuts

Give this DIY fraction introduction with pool noodles a try. The different colors gives a great visual for little ones as they work through the concept of fractions.

Pool Noodle Patterns

by Pocket of Preschool

Just a plastic tub filled with some water and cut up pool noodles. Your child can stack the pool noodles in various patterns and they the pattern towers even float!

BackYard Abacus

by Happy Hooligans

Wow! What a fun idea! Use pool noodles to make a backyard abacus. I really like how this abacus uses different colors for easy use!

Pool Noodle Games for Kids

Pool Noodle Games are one of the quickest ways to put together a learning activity for your child. They are colorful and perfect for outdoor learning in the pool with water or in the backyard.

We can’t wait to see which pool noodle learning activities you make and play with your child.

Which pool noodle ideas will you try first?

This math activity works well for multiple age levels. We have used it for children ages 2-8 years old.

This article contains affiliate links.

Build a Base Ten Math Game with Pool Noodles

Learning Objective: Read and represent numbers 0-100 using base ten blocks.

Materials Needed

• 5 pool noodles of one color. We used orange.
• 1 pool noodle of another color. We used blue.
• Tape Measure
• 1 Large basket big enough to hold all the noodles.

When we make math manipulatives, we always try to have a plan for storage. My kids played this game for 30 minutes and then went on to use the base 10 blocks in other ways (more to come on those activities later)  We return to this game every day for about 1 week and then put them away.  I will bring the basket out after a week break.

So far, this basket has been well worth the money and time spent making it. My kids have really grown in just a few days in their understanding of larger numbers.

How to make the base ten box basket.

1. The adult cuts the 5 large pool noodles down to 20 inches each. This is slightly less than 1/2 the length of our pool noodle. We used a serrated knife and it worked ok. No matter what you use, use caution.

I did this part when the kids were sleeping because I did not want them to see me cutting the pool noodles.

2. Cut the 1 noodle of another color into 2 inch rounds. You only need 10 pieces, but you can make more if desired.

Watch the video of how to cut pool noodles 

How to play the base ten math game:

1. Call out a number 0-100.

2. Have the kids work together to represent that number using the base ten blocks.

3. Check.

4. Repeat

Game Options

• Let the kids take turns calling out the numbers
• Write the numbers down and have then represent the value using the pool noodle base ten manipulatives.
• After the children build the number, have them write it down on a piece of paper. Discuss the placement of the numbers and what the tens and ones place value represents.

Pool Noodle Learning Activities for Kids

We have several Pool Noodle Learning Activities that you might also enjoy.

• Build a Word Tower with Pool Noodles 
• Pool Noodle Sight Word Boat Races 
• 15 Pool Noodle Activities for Kids 
• Giant ABC Beads with Pool Noodles 
• Pool Noodle Boat Matching Game 
• Pool Noodle ABC Basket 
• Base Ten Basket with Pool Noodles  {You’re Here}
• Pool Noodle Alphabet Order Obstacle Course 

Click on the images below to see how to make and play these pool noodle learning activities! 

Which Pool Noodle Ideas will you try first?

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:

• Make a Candy Spine
• Candy DNA Model
• All About Me Pizzas
• Veggie Skeleton Tray

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:

• DIY Robot Snacks
• Nuts and Bolts Trailmix
• Marshmallow Robots
• Robot Juice Box Treat

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:

• Light Bulb Candy Snack Holder

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:

• Growing Sugar Crystals Experiment
• Making Ice Cream in a Bag
• Edible Starburst Slime

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:

• Snacktime Structures

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:

• Moon Bread
• Star Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

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?

Including a few of our favorite gardening books.

We’re learning about Gardening! Children are naturally attracted to seeds. Grab a few seed packets and have hours of fun learning and discovering with your child as they learn to plant and grow their own vegetables and flowers.

Disclosure: Affiliate links included in book titles

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Printable Seed Activities Unit for Kids

Sorting Seeds and Learning Numbers Packet 

Print now you’ll need it for these activities!

Our book is The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. Here’s a short video if you have not read it yet with your child.

Let’s explore seeds! For this activity, you need a variety of seeds.

Any type will work!

We are going to sort them into group and discuss their similarities and differences.

For this activity to work best use 3 different types of seeds.

Some of my favorites are Sunflower Seeds, Bean Seeds, Corn, Peas, Radish, Lettuce and Carrot Seeds.

They have so many differences with them it’s fun to explore.

Print about our Seed Sorting Mat and encourage them to divide up the seeds into categories. Discuss size, texture, color with your child.

Then have your child select one type and you can practice counting seeds. Print out the Seed Number Chart.  You can use this activity again and again or you can glue the seeds onto the paper.

If you don’t have seeds we’re also provided printable seeds to use in the packet.

Now it’s time for a little number sequencing fun!

Using the printable seeds you can have your child write the number on the seeds or you can write them together. Then have them place the seeds in number order.

The Tiny Seed Activities for Kids

• Saving Seeds Video 
• Seed Poem Seed Paper to Support Seed of Change Project
• Tips for Exploring Seeds from Teach Preschool
• Retell The Tiny Seed by Rainbows Within Reach
• Plant your Own Tiny Seed and write a story about it!
• 35 Seed Activities from Fantastic Fun and Learning

Books About Seeds

• The Bad Seed by Jory John
• A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston
• If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
• Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson
• Seeds Move! by Robin Page
• The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
• From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
• Seeds! Seeds! Seeds! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
• How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan
• Little Dandelion Seeds the World by Julia Richardson
• The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds by Joanna Cole
• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Click here to see all of our favorite gardening books for kids!

Gardening Activities for Kids

• Preschool Gardens: 10 Easy Steps  
• Planting a Rainbow Snack 
• Veggie Prints
• 10 Flowers to Grow with Kids
• Best Vegetables to Grow with Kids
• Seed Germination Science Experiment
• Spring Activity Bundle for Kids

Graphic by My Cute Graphics

You may also enjoy these activities about seeds with your child…

We’re having so much fun in BUG WEEK as part of our Virtual Book Club Summer Camp!

Today is Eric Carle’s Birthday so in honor of him and one very hungry caterpillar it’s time for some Caterpillar fun!

We created a fun and simple math game using lids!

It’s works perfect for siblings too.  You can adjust the level of difficulty with the little ones you can work on one to one correspondence and number recognition and your older ones you can work on their math facts!

Caterpillar Math Game with Lids

1. Gather your lids
2. Create a caterpillar mat
3. Print out these caterpillar number cards {PRINT HERE}
4. Play!

Here’s some Letter Bugs Activity and ABC Printable that are tons of fun to do with these same lids!

Toddler Approved has some Fizzy Caterpillars that we will be creating today that she’s sharing on the Virtual Book Club Summer Camp Planner. Click on the image to get the directions on how to create them.

PSST….

Don’t forget to grab this fun butterfly alphabet matching game for your butterfly adventures!

Explore these additional Caterpillar Activities for your child…

• Caterpillar Sight Words
• Letter Bugs Busy Bag
• Lacing Caterpillar Letters
• Caterpillar to Butterfly Balloon STEM activity
• LEGO Caterpillar Reading Activity
• 100 Eric Carle Activities

Finding ways to encourage our children to think of others is a social skill we focus on teaching our children.

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon

This months’ book Madeline gives an opportunity to talk with your child about expressing concern for a loved one and sending them well wishes from your heart. We are enjoying the classic book Madeline and putting a special flower spin on the lesson from it.

Are you ready to count to twelve in this precious story?

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Listen to: Read Aloud of Madeline

Madeline Flower Activity for Math

There are twelve girls in the story Madeline, you see it over and over again.  It’s the perfect time to talk about a dozen. There are two times you talk about a dozen with either eggs or flowers. I thought it might be a lot of fun for the kids to recreate a dozen with flowers.  

In the story, there is a part where all of the girls bring flowers to Madeline in the hospital.

It’s something we want to teach our kids to do when someone is not feeling well to brighten their day.  Plus giving flowers is a way to show someone you are thankful for them, perfect for this time of year.

So let’s create some spiral paper flowers!

Materials

• 12 Sheets of Colorful Scrapbook Paper
• Hot Glue {adult tasks}
• Scissors
• Paper Straws
• Vase or Container
• Glass Beads

Directions to Make

1. Cut out 12 circles from the scrapbook paper. Create a template and your child can trace out the circles. Make the circle around 7 inches in diameter.

2. {Adult Task} Warm up glue gun or use heavy craft glue.

3. Using scissors cut out a spiral from the outside to the inside of the circle. Leave enough of the circle to glue the rolled paper onto.

4. Starting from the outside tightly roll the paper following the spiral cut all the way to the middle of the circle.

5. Allow paper to unroll slightly to create flower shape to sit on remaining circle.

6. **Adults** then use hot glue to place on the remainder circle and attached the formed flower from the paper that’s been rolled.

7. Once glue is cool on each flower attach to the paper straw using the hot glue.

Once you make your first few flowers it gets pretty easy. Making paper flowers is something I’ve done with years with my kids and even when I was a kid. If you need more help with making your flowers search out on Pinterest Spiral Paper Flower Tutorial.  

If you want to get a little bit fancier Check out on Amazon a Cricut and the Flower Shoppe Cartridge.

How to Play Madeline Flower Game

Once your spiral paper flowers are complete it’s time to play! Take the flowers and encourage your child to place them into the container. To help them flowers stand up you can place glass beads or rocks at the bottom.  If you’re hosting a book club you could even have the kids recreate the scene in the story where they bring the flowers in one by one.

Create a Number out of your extra scrapbook paper for your child to match the flowers to as they arrange them building up to number 12.

Create Math Facts for your child to solve using the flowers for older kids.

Join the Virtual Book Club for Kids

The Virtual Book Club Bloggers have created many activities for you to use with the book Madeline. Go visit and check them out and Pin to your Virtual Book Club Pinterest Board.

Madeline Book Themed Activities for Kids

• Skip Counting 2’s with Madeline by Rainy Day Mum 
• Build the Eiffel Tower by Inspiration Laboratory 
• Toddler Shape Activity for Madeline by The Pleasantest Thing 
• Madeline Movement Activity by Mom Inspired Life 
• Madeline Sensory Tray by Growing Book by Book
• Exploring Art and Color with Madeline by Mama Miss  
• Madeline Snack for Kids by Still Playing School 
• Name in Bed by Preschool Powel Packets
• Madeline Small World Sensory Play by Study at  Home Mama

You’re invited to join our Virtual Book Club by sharing your Madeline Themed Activities on our Virtual Book Club Facebook Page!  

You may also enjoy these flower inspired activities…

Beginning reading and math skills are a big part of our daily playful preschool activities. In fact, we often start by playing and end up learning and discussing.

LEGO Garden Preschool Math with Flowers

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Just this morning we brought the giant bucket of LEGO bricks outside and dumped them out on the deck. My one-year-old proceeded to kick every last LEGO onto opposite sides of the deck, and so we had ourselves and the entire LEGO deck.

The spread of almost 3 combined containers of DUPLO bricks over the entire deck didn’t bother my 4 year old. (It bothered me a wee bit, but I took a deep breath, sipped my coffee, and moved on with life. A mess of LEGO bricks is small potatoes in the scheme of life)

He got to work right away making a picnic table for our DUPLO people.  While he worked, I got my 1 year old to kick the LEGO bricks back towards the center into a contained pile (if you can envision this activity!) I drank my coffee and yes, checked my facebook on the I-Pad.  

The boys played for almost an entire hour, building towers and a restaurant (4 year old) and kicking and taking the towers apart (1 year old).

Learning Prompts:

After they were starting to look played out. I asked them:

Can you make pattern tower?

Can you make your tower higher than mine? (let’s let little brother knock them down!)

Can we make a tower with 5 bricks?

How about a tower with 7 bricks? (ooh, we can do it! Yes, it is ok if little brother takes them apart!)

Now what about a LEGO garden?

WHAT?

Yes, a LEGO garden. Let me show you!

Number Recognition and Number Sense:

I showed him the numbers written down on little yellow circles.
We put them in numerical order first.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Then we talked about what that number meant and counted up to the chosen numbers with our fingers.

And then, I asked my preschooler to choose a number and put it on the yellow, square LEGO. That was going to be our special number for the activity. His job was to put the same number of LEGO bricks around the center that the number said.

Literacy Extension:

To add a literacy component to this LEGO Garden Preschool Math activity, just write the words:

My flower has ___ petals.

on the top on your paper and have your preschooler fill in the number.

Connecting reading, writing, math, and engineering all into an awesome morning preschool lesson that includes a happy Momma who got to drink her coffee and check her Facebook on the deck!

Buying LEGO Duplos:

When purchasing your LEGO Duplo Bricks, all you really need is a large container of bricks. We have found just one 31 piece set is not enough bricks for one child to build with (and I have three!)  We bought a large set and 2 extra boxes to extend the play. Most Duplo’s are recommended for children ages 1 1/2 – 5. To keep costs low, watch for them at garage sales, thrift stores, and even your local for-sale-or-trade groups.  We were able to double are collection at a fraction of the cost.

For more LEGO inspired learning activities here at the Educators’ Spin On It, we recommend:

Preschool Writing with LEGO Inspired Journal