14 Fun Spring STEM Projects for K-12

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Spring is a season of renewal, blooming flowers, and vibrant energy—perfect for sparking curiosity in young minds through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects. Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring hands-on learning to your classroom or a parent eager to engage your kids at home, these 14 spring-themed STEM projects for K-12 students will inspire creativity and critical thinking. From building solar-powered gadgets to exploring the science of seed germination, these activities are fun, educational, and tied to the wonders of spring.

Projects for Grades K-5

1. Butterfly Life Cycle Model (K-2)

  • Objective: Learn about the butterfly life cycle through a hands-on craft.
  • Materials: Paper plates, pasta (different shapes), paint, glue, markers.
  • Instructions:
    • Divide a paper plate into four sections, labeling each: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly.
    • Glue small round pasta (eggs), spiral pasta (caterpillar), shell pasta (chrysalis), and bowtie pasta (butterfly) in the respective sections.
    • Paint or color the pasta to resemble each stage.
    • Discuss the metamorphosis process.
  • STEM Connection: Biology—understanding life cycles and metamorphosis.
  • Why It’s Fun: Kids love the tactile experience of gluing and painting while learning about nature.

2. Spring Flower Dissection (Grades 2-4)

  • Objective: Explore plant anatomy by dissecting a flower.
  • Materials: Fresh flowers (e.g., daisies or tulips), magnifying glass, tweezers, paper, tape.
  • Instructions:
    • Carefully pull apart a flower, identifying parts like petals, stamens, pistil, and sepals.
    • Use a magnifying glass to observe details.
    • Tape parts onto paper and label them.
    • Discuss each part’s role in plant reproduction.
  • STEM Connection: Botany—plant structure and reproduction.
  • Why It’s Fun: Dissecting flowers feels like a mini science adventure.

3. Wind-Powered Pinwheels (Grades 3-5)

  • Objective: Build a pinwheel to explore wind energy.
  • Materials: Square paper, straw, pin, scissors, pencil.
  • Instructions:
    • Cut a square of paper and fold it diagonally both ways to find the center.
    • Cut along each diagonal, stopping 1 inch from the center.
    • Fold every other corner to the center and secure with a pin through a straw.
    • Test the pinwheel outside on a breezy spring day.
  • STEM Connection: Engineering—understanding wind energy and mechanical design.
  • Why It’s Fun: Watching the pinwheel spin in the wind is endlessly satisfying.

4. Egg Drop Challenge (Grades 4-5)

  • Objective: Design a structure to protect an egg from a drop, inspired by spring’s egg-laying season.
  • Materials: Raw eggs, straws, tape, cotton balls, paper, string.
  • Instructions:
    • Provide students with materials and 20 minutes to build a protective structure.
    • Drop each structure from a height (e.g., 6 feet) and check if the egg survives.
    • Discuss why some designs worked better.
  • STEM Connection: Engineering—structural design and material properties.
  • Why It’s Fun: The suspense of the drop and the thrill of a surviving egg keep kids engaged.

Projects for Grades 6-8

5. Solar Oven S’mores (Grades 6-8)

  • Objective: Build a solar oven to harness spring sunlight.
  • Materials: Pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, black paper, tape, graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate.
  • Instructions:
    • Line the inside of a pizza box with foil and black paper.
    • Cover the box’s flap opening with plastic wrap to trap heat.
    • Place s’mores ingredients inside and set the oven in direct sunlight.
    • Adjust the flap to reflect sunlight and check after 30-60 minutes.
  • STEM Connection: Physics—solar energy and heat transfer.
  • Why It’s Fun: Eating s’mores made with solar power is a delicious reward.

6. Rain Gauge (Grades 6-7)

  • Objective: Measure spring rainfall with a homemade gauge.
  • Materials: Clear plastic bottle, ruler, marker, pebbles.
  • Instructions:
    • Cut the top off a plastic bottle and invert it to create a funnel.
    • Add pebbles to the bottom for stability.
    • Mark measurements (e.g., centimeters) on the side with a ruler.
    • Place outside during a spring shower and record rainfall.
  • STEM Connection: Meteorology—measuring precipitation and weather patterns.
  • Why It’s Fun: Kids enjoy tracking real-world weather data.

7. Seed Germination Experiment (Grades 6-8)

  • Objective: Investigate factors affecting seed germination.
  • Materials: Bean seeds, ziplock bags, paper towels, water, vinegar, salt.
  • Instructions:
    • Place a damp paper towel and a seed in each bag.
    • Create variations: one with water, one with vinegar, one with saltwater.
    • Observe and record germination over a week.
    • Discuss how pH and salinity affect plant growth.
  • STEM Connection: Biology—plant growth and environmental factors.
  • Why It’s Fun: Watching seeds sprout is like witnessing a tiny miracle.

8. Kite Engineering (Grades 7-8)

  • Objective: Design and fly a kite to explore aerodynamics.
  • Materials: Plastic bags, straws, string, tape, scissors.
  • Instructions:
    • Build a kite frame with straws in a diamond shape.
    • Cover with a plastic bag and attach a string tail.
    • Test the kite outdoors and adjust for balance.
  • STEM Connection: Engineering—aerodynamics and structural stability.
  • Why It’s Fun: Flying a self-made kite is a classic spring thrill.

Projects for Grades 9-12

9. Hydroponic Herb Garden (Grades 9-10)

  • Objective: Build a hydroponic system for growing spring herbs.
  • Materials: Plastic bottles, cotton wicks, nutrient solution, herb seeds (e.g., basil).
  • Instructions:
    • Cut a plastic bottle in half and invert the top to hold a wick.
    • Fill the bottom with nutrient solution and place the top so the wick touches the liquid.
    • Plant seeds in the top section with a growing medium (e.g., cotton).
    • Monitor growth over weeks.
  • STEM Connection: Biology—hydroponics and plant nutrition.
  • Why It’s Fun: Growing edible herbs without soil feels futuristic.

10. Weather Station (Grades 9-11)

  • Objective: Create a mini weather station to monitor spring conditions.
  • Materials: Arduino, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, anemometer kit, breadboard.
  • Instructions:
    • Connect sensors to an Arduino and program it to collect data.
    • Place the station outside and record temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
    • Analyze data to identify spring weather patterns.
  • STEM Connection: Technology—programming and data collection.
  • Why It’s Fun: Teens love the techy vibe of building their own gadget.

11. Compost Chemistry (Grades 10-12)

  • Objective: Analyze the chemistry of composting organic spring waste.
  • Materials: Compost bin, food scraps, leaves, pH strips, thermometer.
  • Instructions:
    • Set up a small compost bin with food scraps and yard waste.
    • Measure temperature and pH weekly to track decomposition.
    • Discuss the role of microbes and chemical reactions.
  • STEM Connection: Chemistry—decomposition and nutrient cycling.
  • Why It’s Fun: It’s satisfying to turn waste into something useful.

12. Bridge Building Challenge (Grades 10-12)

  • Objective: Construct a strong bridge inspired by spring’s budding structures.
  • Materials: Popsicle sticks, glue, string, weights.
  • Instructions:
    • Build a bridge spanning 12 inches using only popsicle sticks and glue.
    • Test its strength by adding weights until it breaks.
    • Analyze design flaws and improve.
  • STEM Connection: Engineering—structural integrity and load distribution.
  • Why It’s Fun: The competition to build the strongest bridge is a crowd-pleaser.

13. Solar-Powered Charger (Grades 11-12)

  • Objective: Create a solar charger for small devices.
  • Materials: Small solar panel, battery pack, USB charging circuit, wires.
  • Instructions:
    • Connect a solar panel to a battery pack via a charging circuit.
    • Test by charging a phone in spring sunlight.
    • Discuss solar energy efficiency.
  • STEM Connection: Physics—renewable energy and circuits.
  • Why It’s Fun: Powering a phone with sunlight feels like a superpower.

14. Pollinator Robot (Grades 11-12)

  • Objective: Build a robot that mimics pollinator behavior.
  • Materials: Arduino, servo motors, small brush, wheels, sensors.
  • Instructions:
    • Program an Arduino-powered robot to move toward “flowers” (colored targets) and brush them to simulate pollination.
    • Use sensors to detect targets.
    • Test and refine the robot’s accuracy.
  • STEM Connection: Robotics—programming and biomimicry.
  • Why It’s Fun: Creating a nature-inspired robot is both challenging and rewarding.

Why Spring STEM Matters

These projects do more than entertain—they connect students to the natural world, foster problem-solving, and build skills for future careers. Spring’s themes of growth and renewal make it an ideal time to explore STEM, as students can observe real-world phenomena like blooming plants or changing weather. By engaging in hands-on activities, K-12 learners develop a deeper appreciation for science and technology while having fun.

Encourage students to adapt these projects, ask questions, and experiment further. Whether they’re crafting a pinwheel or programming a robot, they’re building confidence and curiosity—qualities that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

About the Author
Written by Forest Haven
Forest Haven is a passionate educator and writer at foresthaven.space, where they share creative ideas for learning and living sustainably. When not crafting STEM projects, Forest enjoys experimenting with farm-to-table cuisine, blending fresh spring ingredients into wholesome dishes.
Favorite Cuisine: Seasonal vegetarian dishes with herbs from their hydroponic garden.
Keywords: STEM education, spring projects, K-12 learning, hands-on science, educational activities.

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