Snack Time Engineering | Easy STEAM Project for Kids

Turn snack time into learning with this easy STEM or as I like to say STEAM activity for kids.

With just two simple materials you can encourage your child’s creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

STEAM represents the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Teaching children how to think creatively and learning to be problem solvers is how we can prepare our children for the future.

No matter what unknown technologies, industries or careers lay ahead, creative problem solvers will be the innovators in their field.

You may think you need fancy and expensive materials but creating a STEAM or STEM project for kids can be simple. Read below for our full tutorial using simple materials.

Part 1: Engineering, Art (Design), Math

Question: What Can You Build with only 2 Materials (grapes and toothpicks)?

Materials: Grapes (or cut apples, marshmallows) Toothpicks

Step 1: Arrange the materials in an inviting way for your child. Let your child experiment and explore with the materials.

Step 2: After allowing for time for open-ended play, challenge your child with a design problem. You can start simple like build a square or go more elaborate with the design a parking garage for a toy car.

This is a great way to differentiate the activity for kids of different ages and skills levels.

Part 2 (Technology, Art, Science)

Question: What Can You Create Using Your Sculpture’s Shadows?

Materials: Three-dimensional grape sculpture, flashlight, Pencil, Paper

Step 1: Now that your child is familiar with the materials present a new problem to solve. Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to examine your sculpture’s shadow. Encourage your child to experiment with the light.