3 Fun STEAM Projects for High Schoolers You Can Do At Home
By Marlena Turner
With high school age kids, you’ll need to have some interesting and cool STEAM projects to keep their attention. However, you’ll have an easier time engaging their inquisitive minds with projects that tailor to their specific interests. Here are four fun STEAM projects for high schoolers you can do at home.
Make a Robot
Building a robot is a dream for most kids interested in electronics and robotics. On Amazon, the LegoEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Kit with Remote Control is a fun, educational STEM toy for programming and learning how to code. It’s a multi-functional robot that gives your high schooler the ability to create five different robots from one set using the free EV3 Programmer App. The vast set comes with 601 pieces and works intuitively with your smartphone or tablet. It also comes with instructions for "17 different robotic designs, each with its own unique features." Your child can program his or her STEM robots to pick up objects, talk, move, shoot at targets and more.
Build a Hovercraft
What teenager wouldn't be interested in building his or her own hovercraft? This project demonstrates the "power of moving air" and, once built correctly, your teenager can safely ride on it! There's also a smaller tabletop version that can be built and powered by a balloon. To build the lifesize version, you'll need a large piece of plywood, a tarp, a machine bolt and washers, a leaf blower, lawn chair, and some power tools. Get the full instructions from ScienceBob.
Form Geode Crystals
Teach your teens about chemistry and geology with this eggshell geode crystal project from Melissa Howard. The experiment "demonstrates how real-life geodes are formed in igneous and sedimentary rock" and teaches kids about super-saturated solutions. Not to mention, the project creates beautiful, crystalized formations your teens will be proud of creating. All you need are clean eggshells, water, soluble solids (different forms of salt, baking soda, borax, etc.), some coffee cups and spoons, food coloring and egg cartons.
