12 Fun and Low-Prep Family STEM Night Activities

Imagine a night filled with wonder, excitement, and hands-on exploration, where families come together to explore the fascinating world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Step into the world of a Family STEM Night – an engaging and educational event designed to spark the curiosity of both kids and adults!

When planning a Family STEM Night it is important that your activities:

-are low-prep

-don’t require expensive or an excessive amount materials

-appeal to a wide audience of ages and interests

-are easy to explain

-can be completed in a short amount of time (5-10 minutes per station)

What is a Family STEM Night?

A Family STEM Night is an event typically held at schools or community centers, where students and their families come together to engage in activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It aims to promote hands-on learning, collaboration, and exploration of STEM concepts in a fun and interactive way, fostering interest and enthusiasm for these subjects among both children and adults.

Need some ideas for your Family STEM Night?

Here is a list of 12 station ideas that are sure to engage kids and adults without breaking the bank!

1. Family Name Building Activity

For this Family STEM Night activity, families are encouraged to unleash their imagination as they come together to construct their last name using a variety of building materials. Families can build a 2D design or embrace the challenge of attempting a 3D structure, this hands-on experience will not only be a fun bonding opportunity but also a fantastic way to explore engineering concepts.

Capture the memorable moments of each family’s creations by taking photos during the event and sharing them on your school website or Facebook page.

2. Sink or Float Station

In this Family STEM Night activity, families explore the principles of density by testing various items to discover whether they sink or float. The excitement begins with each family making predictions about the fate of each item before the grand reveal in a tub of water.

3. Binary Code Bracelet Activity

For this Family STEM Night activity, families will explore the world of binary code by creating personalized bracelets. This activity encourages parents and students to unleash their creativity while learning the language of computers in a hands-on and fashionable way.

4. Pattern Block Puzzles

In this Family STEM Night activity, parents and students are challenged to work together to solve pattern block puzzles. Families will be provided with a set of pattern blocks featuring various shapes – triangles, squares, rhombuses, and more. The challenge is to complete the given puzzles by arranging the blocks to match the specified patterns. This hands-on activity not only promotes critical thinking and problem-solving but also encourages collaboration and communication among family members.

5. Unplugged Coding

Embark on a cosmic coding adventure at Family STEM Night with an exciting unplugged coding activity! For this activity families will be given a series of coding cards representing different commands. The mission is to guide a space explorer through the planets of our solar system in the correct order. Each family member can take turns selecting and arranging the code cards to navigate the astronaut through the cosmic journey.

6. Number Dash

Get ready to add some mathematical thinking to your Family STEM Night activities with a thrilling game of Number Dash. The rules are simple – roll the dice, count the dots, and color in that many numbers on your sheet. The challenge is to reach either 50 or 100 (based on the version) before your fellow family members.

7. Plush Perch STEM Engineering Activity

For this fun engineering Family STEM Night activity, families will test their building skills by constructing a sturdy perch for a stuffed animal using only clothespins and popsicle sticks. The perch must support the stuffed animal without falling over.

8. Creativity Challenges

Encourage families to unleash their imagination and artistic flair at Family STEM Night by challenging them with some Creativity Challenges! In order to successfully complete the task families will need to complete the picture by turning it into something entirely different than its original design.

9. Flight Factory Straw Launcher STEM Challenge

Engage students and family members in an engineering challenge at Family STEM Night with the Straw Launcher Activity! Families are invited to join the excitement as they design and build straw launchers to propel a paper bird the farthest distance.

10. Penny Cleaning Science Experiment

Invite families to participate in a hands-on scientific exploration at Family STEM Night with the Penny Cleaning Challenge! During the activity families will test various substances, including water, toothpaste, vinegar, and ketchup, to discover which one cleans a penny the best. Before diving in, families will make predictions about which substance they think will be the most effective.

11. Leaf Rubbing Activity

Engage families in exploring the wonders of nature through art at STEM Night with a leaf rubbing activity.

Each family will be provided with an assortment of leaves or leaf rubbing plates and various colored crayons. The challenge is to create vibrant leaf rubbings by placing the leaves under a sheet of paper and gently rubbing the crayon over the surface. Watch as intricate details and textures of the leaves come to life on your paper.

12. Paper Plate Toss STEM Challenge

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure in aerodynamics at Family STEM Night with the Paper Plate Flying Machine Challenge! Families are invited to unleash their creativity and engineering skills as they transform a simple paper plate into a flying masterpiece and test how far it can travel.

Ready to Plan your Family STEM Night?!

We hope these station ideas helped get you started with planning your event. Looking for more support with planning your Family STEM Night? Grab our STEM Night Planning Resource! This resource includes all of the centers mentioned in this post as well as a planning guide and some editable Canva templates to help you create a flyer for the event and some informational parent handouts!

Have more questions or need additional resources?

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