DIY Projects & How-Tos
Hands-on STEM projects you can do at home or in the classroom. Each project comes with step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and learning goals.
Popsicle Stick Bridge
Build a real truss bridge from popsicle sticks, then watch how triangles guide compression and tension during your load test.
What you need:
- - 60 or more popsicle sticks
- - Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- - A ruler
- + 4 more
Steps:
- 1Mark about 16 sticks at the quarter points so your joints line up neatly.
- 2Cut 4 of those sticks in half and use them to splice whole sticks into 2 long rails.
- 3Build the first side truss with 4 triangles, then add 3 more staggered triangles between them.
- + 4 more steps
LEGO Grabber Robot
Build a source-backed grabber robot inspired by LEGO Education's SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup lesson and test how well it picks up different objects.
What you need:
- - LEGO Education SPIKE Prime set #45678 or a similar LEGO robotics kit
- - SPIKE Prime hub
- - 1 large angular motor
- + 3 more
Steps:
- 1Open the official Super Cleanup lesson and the build books before you begin.
- 2Sort the hub, motor, sensor, wheels, beams, pins, and axles into easy-to-see groups.
- 3Build the wide rolling base first so the robot stays balanced.
- + 4 more steps
Coke & Mentos Experiment
Launch a fizzy soda fountain outdoors and learn why tiny candy surfaces make gas rush out fast.
What you need:
- - 1 two-liter bottle of Diet Coke or other soda
- - 1 roll of Mentos
- - An open outdoor space
- + 3 more
Steps:
- 1Go outside to an open area like a driveway or yard and put on safety goggles.
- 2Set the soda bottle on flat ground where it will not tip over.
- 3Open the bottle and get your Mentos ready as quickly as you can.
- + 4 more steps
My First Python Program
Write a simple quiz game and see how code can turn your ideas into something interactive.
What you need:
- - A computer or tablet with internet access
- - A Python website or app, like Replit or Trinket
- - Paper to plan your questions
- + 2 more
Steps:
- 1Open a beginner-friendly Python editor online and start a new project.
- 2Type a `print()` line to welcome the player to your quiz game.
- 3Make a score variable and set it to 0 so your game can count points.
- + 4 more steps
Baking Soda Volcano
Build a mini volcano and trigger a bubbly eruption with a classic acid-and-base reaction.
What you need:
- - Baking soda
- - Vinegar
- - A small plastic bottle or cup
- + 4 more
Steps:
- 1Place your bottle in the middle of a tray so your mess stays in one spot.
- 2Build a volcano shape around the bottle with clay, play dough, or foil, but keep the bottle opening clear.
- 3Put 2 or 3 spoonfuls of baking soda into the bottle.
- + 4 more steps
Simple Circuit Light
Make a tiny light turn on by building a complete path for electricity to travel through.
What you need:
- - 1 LED light
- - 1 battery pack or 9V battery
- - 2 or 3 insulated wires
- + 3 more
Steps:
- 1Look at your battery, wires, and LED and find the two ends where electricity will enter and leave.
- 2Connect one wire from the positive side of the battery to the long leg of the LED.
- 3Connect a second wire from the short leg of the LED back to the negative side of the battery.
- + 4 more steps
Safety First!
Always have an adult present when doing experiments and projects. Wear safety goggles when needed, and work in a well-ventilated area. Safety is the most important part of any STEM project!
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