Some of the best kids’ projects don’t come from a store-bought kit — they come from looking at everyday items and asking, “What could this become?” A tin can robot is a perfect example. It’s creative, open-ended, and sneaks in problem-solving and engineering skills without feeling like a lesson. This project works well for a …
STEM
Take your first step in the world of robotics with a brush bot you make yourself with just a toothbrush and a tiny motor. What is a Brush Bot? Brush bots are very simple robots made from a vibrating motor and a small brush that acts as legs. They’re also known as “bristle” bots since …
Last Updated: March 2026Looking for a quick STEM activity that actually works? My son Mitch and I first built this popsicle stick catapult years ago at a Magic House maker workshop, and honestly, we’re still obsessed with it. Whether you’re a homeschooler looking for a physics lesson or just a “Tech Mom” (like me!) trying …
Brush Bots (or Bristle Bots) are a super simple way to introduce kids to robotics. What’s a Brush Bot Anyway? A brush bot is a very simple “robot” that moves by vibration! They are often made of tooth brushes, but any brush will work if the motor is big enough. The bristles act as the …
A Few Cents can Buy Custom Made Fun with a 3D Printer Did you know that 3D printed toys are really quite cheap? Sure, your printer cost several hundred dollars (or more), but a roll of brightly colored plastic filament can be picked up for around $20. 3D Printing is a Modern Family Hobby 3D …
Every spring I get the urge to sprout some seeds on the window sill and watch them grow. It’s a great way to slip a little science into your everyday life — and kids love to watch the progress. The Bigger the Seed, the Bigger the Sprout Larger seeds, like beans and sunflowers are the …
Here’s a great craft that will get kids outside and experimenting with STEM! Home made parachute toys are a great alternative to cheap toys that just get tangled into knots. You kids can personalize their parachutes with markers or crayons, adding extra fun. Experiment with different toys and different chute materials. What works best? Which …
Want to SPARK your kid’s curiosity about science? Then you’ll want to check out the Curiosity Cube, touring St. Louis this September 2019! The Curiosity Cube is a traveling science lab put together by MilliporeSigma, a global life science company. If the name sounds a bit familiar, its because MilliporeSigma is the result of a …