Here are three engaging DIY STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities tailored for different age groups. These activities introduce children to science concepts and boost their problem-solving and critical thinking skills – Jeetesh Gilani

Ages 5-8. Building bridges with paper

This activity explores the concepts of strength, stability, and structural engineering

Instructions

• Explain to your child the importance of strong structures and how layering and folding increases the strength of structures.
• Challenge her to build a bridge using sheets of paper. Encourage her to experiment with different folding techniques and layering strategies.
• Once the bridges are made, test their strength by placing small toys or objects on top. Discuss which designs hold the most weight and why.
• Connect this activity to real-world examples, such as cardboard boxes and plywood, to reinforce the principles of layering and structural integrity.

Ages 9-11. Crafting high-flying paper planes

This activity combines aerodynamics with creativity.

Instructions

• Discuss the principles of aerodynamics with your child — how air flows over the wings of an airplane and how control surfaces such as rudders change direction.
• Together, design and fold paper planes using different techniques and styles. Experiment with adding small cuts or folds to create rudders for steering.
• Fly your planes to test their flight capabilities. See which designs fly the farthest or perform the best maneuvers.
• Encourage her to tweak the designs. This iterative process fosters problem-solving skills and creativity.

Ages 12-14. Engineering a DC motor-driven car

This activity combines mechanics, electronics, and creativity — get ready to build your own motorized car!

Instructions

• Introduce your child to the basics of circuitry and mechanics. Discuss how DC motors work and how gears can be used to alter motion.
• Challenge her to design and build a chassis using cardboard and paper mache keeping in mind factors such as weight distribution and stability.
• Together create a basic circuit with a DC motor and a power source. Cut out gears from cardboard and use straws as axles to transfer motion to the wheels.
• For older children, you can add remote control capability using a transmitter-receiver pair and/or enhance traction by adding rubber bands or tape to the wheels.
• Test your car on different surfaces and make adjustments. Encourage her to document the design process and reflect on the experiment.

(Jeetesh Gilani is an aerospace engineer and Director of Curriculum for Science Education, Cuemath)