STEM Demo Library: Hands-On Activities
The following hands-on activities are part of our STEM Demo Library. Note the name of any demos you are interested in checking out, and then return to the main page to submit a request to come view them!
Fun Flyers
Who knew static electricity could be so magical? Participants use the Fun Flyer wands to levitate pieces of mylar. This activity can be a great addition to a Van de Graaff demonstration.
Gyroscopes
Participants explore the properties of spin stabilization on both a small and large scale through this pair of activities.
Hand Boilers
Explore the relationship between temperature and pressure in a closed system, and make a liquid boil with your bare hand!
Intro to Circuits
Get the power flowing with some introductory activities that introduce participants to the basic principles of circuits! Three fun activities that can engage groups small and large.
Laser Maze
Participants can use the properties of light to help a laser beam reach its target in this fun activity.
Ozobots
These tiny little robots make a BIG impact! Ozobots allow participants to use color coding to give instructions to their robot, allowing it to travel along a custom pathway and perform some tricks along the way. A great introduction to robotics and coding!
Snap Circuits
This fun kit allows participants to build circuits in a snap by connecting all of the parts on a handy plastic board! Turn on lights and fans with switches and buttons as you harness the power of electricity.
Straw Rockets
This kit has all of the supplies needed to build and launch straw rockets! How will changing the fin shape affect your launch?
What’s the difference between a demonstration and a hands-on activity?
Demonstrations are typically operated by the STEM professional, and can be done in front of a classroom or small crowd. One example is the Van de Graaf Generator, which allows for some audience participation but must be operated by a trained adult at all times.
Hands-on activities allow participants to directly interact and can be done individually or in small groups, often in a classroom setting, with some guidance from the STEM professional. One example is the Ozobots, which can be operated directly by K-12 students.