problem solving stem challenge

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STEM Projects That Tackle Real-World Problems

STEM learning is largely about designing creative solutions for real-world problems. When students learn within the context of authentic, problem-based STEM design, they can more clearly see the genuine impact of their learning. That kind of authenticity builds engagement, taking students from groans of “When will I ever use this?” to a genuine connection between skills and application.

Using STEM to promote critical thinking and innovation

“Educational outcomes in traditional settings focus on how many answers a student knows. We want students to learn how to develop a critical stance with their work: inquiring, editing, thinking flexibly, and learning from another person’s perspective,” says Arthur L. Costa in his book Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind . “The critical attribute of intelligent human beings is not only having information but also knowing how to act on it.”

Invention and problem-solving aren’t just for laboratory thinkers hunkered down away from the classroom. Students from elementary to high school can wonder, design, and invent a real product that solves real problems. “ Problem-solving involves finding answers to questions and solutions for undesired effects. STEM lessons revolve around the engineering design process (EDP) — an organized, open-ended approach to investigation that promotes creativity, invention, and prototype design, along with testing and analysis,” says Ann Jolly in her book STEM by Design . “These iterative steps will involve your students in asking critical questions about the problem, and guide them through creating and testing actual prototypes to solve that problem.”

STEM projects that use real-world problems

Here are some engaging projects that get your students thinking about how to solve real-world problems.

Preventing soil erosion

In this project, meant for sixth – 12th grade, students learn to build a seawall to protest a coastline from erosion, calculating wave energy to determine the best materials for the job. See the project.

Growing food during a flood

A natural disaster that often devastates communities, floods can make it difficult to grow food. In this project, students explore “a problem faced by farmers in Bangladesh and how to grow food even when the land floods.” See the project .

Solving a city’s design needs

Get your middle or high school students involved in some urban planning. Students can identify a city’s issues, relating to things like transportation, the environment, or overcrowding — and design solutions. See the project here or this Lego version for younger learners.

Creating clean water

Too many areas of the world — including cities in our own country — do not have access to clean water. In this STEM project, teens will learn how to build and test their own water filtration systems. See the project here .

Improving the lives of those with disabilities

How can someone with crutches or a wheelchair carry what they need? Through some crafty designs! This project encourages middle school students to think creatively and to participate in civic engagement. See the project here .

Cleaning up an oil spill

We’ve all seen images of beaches and wildlife covered in oil after a disastrous spill. This project gets elementary to middle school students designing and testing oil spill clean-up kits. See the project here .

Building earthquake-resistant structures

With the ever-increasing amount of devastating earthquakes around the world, this project solves some major problems. Elementary students can learn to create earthquake resistant structures in their classroom. See the project here .

Constructing solar ovens

In remote places or impoverished areas, it’s possible to make solar ovens to safely cook food. In this project, elementary students construct solar ovens to learn all about how they work and their environmental and societal impact. See the project here .

Stopping apple oxidization

Stop those apples from turning brown with this oxidation-based project. Perfect for younger learners, students can predict, label, count, and experiment! See the project here .

Advancing as a STEAM educator

The push for STEM has evolved into the STEAM movement, adding the arts for further enrichment and engagement. There are so many ways to embed STEM or STEAM lessons in your curriculum, but doing it well requires foundational knowledge and professional development. Imagine what type of impact you could have on your students and your community if you were supported by a theoretical framework, a variety of strategies, and a wealth of ideas and resources.

Problem Solving

A selection of resources containing a wide range of open-ended tasks, practical tasks, investigations and real life problems, to support investigative work and problem solving in primary mathematics.

Problem Solving in Primary Maths - the Session

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Teachers TV

In this programme shows a group of four upper Key Stage Two children working on a challenging problem; looking at the interior and exterior angles of polygons and how they relate to the number of sides. The problem requires the children to listen to each other and to work together co-operatively. The two boys and two girls are closely observed as they consider how to tackle the problem, make mistakes, get stuck and arrive at the "eureka" moment. They organise the data they collect and are then able to spot patterns and relate them to the original problem to find a formula to work out the exterior angle of any polygon. At the end of the session the children report back to Mark, explaining how they arrived at the solution, an important part of the problem solving process.

In a second video two maths experts discuss some of the challenges of teaching problem solving. This includes how and at what stage to introduce problem solving strategies and the appropriate moment to intervene when children find tasks difficult. They also discuss how problem solving in the curriculum also helps to develop life skills.

Cards for Cubes: Problem Solving Activities for Young Children

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Claire Publications

This book provides a series of problem solving activities involving cubes. The tasks start simply and progress to more complicated activities so could be used for different ages within Key Stages One and Two depending on ability. The first task is a challenge to create a camel with 50 cubes that doesn't fall over. Different characters are introduced throughout the book and challenges set to create various animals, monsters and structures using different numbers of cubes. Problems are set to incorporate different areas of mathematical problem solving they are: using maths, number, algebra and measure.

Problem solving with EYFS, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two children

Quality Assured Category: Computing Publisher: Department for Education

These three resources, from the National Strategies, focus on solving problems.

Logic problems and puzzles identifies the strategies children may use and the learning approaches teachers can plan to teach problem solving. There are two lessons for each age group.

Finding all possibilities focuses on one particular strategy, finding all possibilities. Other resources that would enhance the problem solving process are listed, these include practical apparatus, the use of ICT and in particular Interactive Teaching Programs .

Finding rules and describing patterns focuses on problems that fall into the category 'patterns and relationships'. There are seven activities across the year groups. Each activity includes objectives, learning outcomes, resources, vocabulary and prior knowledge required. Each lesson is structured with a main teaching activity, drawing together and a plenary, including probing questions.

Primary mathematics classroom resources

Quality Assured Collection Category: Mathematics Publisher: Association of Teachers of Mathematics

This selection of 5 resources is a mixture of problem-solving tasks, open-ended tasks, games and puzzles designed to develop students' understanding and application of mathematics.

Thinking for Ourselves: These activities, from the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) publication 'Thinking for Ourselves’, provide a variety of contexts in which students are encouraged to think for themselves. Activity 1: In the bag – More or less requires students to record how many more or less cubes in total...

8 Days a Week: The resource consists of eight questions, one for each day of the week and one extra. The questions explore odd numbers, sequences, prime numbers, fractions, multiplication and division.

Number Picnic: The problems make ideal starter activities

Matchstick Problems: Contains two activities concentrating upon the process of counting and spotting patterns. Uses id eas about the properties of number and the use of knowledge and reasoning to work out the rules.

Colours: Use logic, thinking skills and organisational skills to decide which information is useful and which is irrelevant in order to find the solution.

GAIM Activities: Practical Problems

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Nelson Thornes

Designed for secondary learners, but could also be used to enrich the learning of upper primary children, looking for a challenge. These are open-ended tasks encourage children to apply and develop mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding and to integrate these in order to make decisions and draw conclusions.

Examples include:

*Every Second Counts - Using transport timetables, maps and knowledge of speeds to plan a route leading as far away from school as possible in one hour.

*Beach Guest House - Booking guests into appropriate rooms in a hotel.

*Cemetery Maths - Collecting relevant data from a visit to a local graveyard or a cemetery for testing a hypothesis.

*Design a Table - Involving diagrams, measurements, scale.

Go Further with Investigations

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Collins Educational

A collection of 40 investigations designed for use with the whole class or smaller groups. It is aimed at upper KS2 but some activities may be adapted for use with more able children in lower KS2. It covers different curriculum areas of mathematics.

Starting Investigations

The forty student investigations in this book are non-sequential and focus mainly on the mathematical topics of addition, subtraction, number, shape and colour patterns, and money.

The apparatus required for each investigation is given on the student sheets and generally include items such as dice, counters, number cards and rods. The sheets are written using as few words as possible in order to enable students to begin working with the minimum of reading.

NRICH Primary Activities

Explore the NRICH primary tasks which aim to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. Lots of whole class open ended investigations and problem solving tasks. These tasks really get children thinking!

Mathematical reasoning: activities for developing thinking skills

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: SMILE

Problem Solving 2

Reasoning about numbers, with challenges and simplifications.

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Department for Education

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Real World STEM Projects

Real world STEM projects are a great way for kids to develop and practice their problem solving skills. Learn how to set up real-world STEM challenges as part of a STEM or science curriculum in any classroom, group, or home. Use our handy free STEM challenge checklist to guide the process from identifying a problem, developing a solution to reflecting on the effectiveness of that solution. Let’s support our kids with STEM skills, to find and solve problems in their community!

Solve Real World Problems With STEM

Quick STEM challenges , easy STEM activities and even STEM challenges with paper , are lots of fun to set up in the classroom, at home, or in small group settings. In fact, it is a great place to start if your kids have not had much exposure to the problem-solving process we outline below.

The difference is that kids are given the challenge or question to investigate. For example, our egg drop project requires designing something that will stop eggs from cracking when dropped from a height. Kids are given a problem and then design and test a solution.

In contrast, real-world problem-solving requires kids to identify a problem in their local community or perhaps even a global issue, and then they come up with possible solutions. It requires flexibility, resilience, resourcefulness, and a certain degree of creativity!

Checklist For Completing Your Real World STEM Project

Want your kids to work on real world STEM projects? Here is a summary of the process you want them to follow. Use it as a guide! Grab the free checklist [here] .

1. Ask – Brainstorm a list of problems you would like to be able to solve.

2. Observe – Observe and list other solutions to your problem that already exist.

3. Design – Sketch or describe your design ideas.

4. Build – Build the solution or protype

5. Test – Record your methods and results.

6. Solve – Evaluate your solution. What worked well? What could you improve?

The Problem Solving Process

Engineering is all about problem-solving. Engineers use a process called the engineering design process to solve problems.

The process involves six steps: ASK, OBSERVE, GATHER, DESIGN, TEST, and SOLVE.

First, engineers ASK a question. They identify a problem that needs to be solved.

Next, engineers OBSERVE . They gather information by looking at how things work and taking note of what is already out there.

After that, engineers GATHER information. They do research to learn more about the problem and what has already been done to solve it.

Once engineers have enough information, they move on to DESIGN . They use their knowledge and creativity to come up with a solution to the problem.

After they have a design, engineers TEST it. They build a prototype of the solution and see how it works.

Finally, engineers SOLVE the problem. They take what they have learned from testing and improve their design until they have a working solution.

Engineers use this process to come up with creative solutions to real-world problems.

Get Your Printable Real World STEM Project Pack!

Are you looking for more than a simple checklist? How about a complete, done-for-you Real World STEN project outline for the kids to read through and fill in? It includes all the information you need to identify and solve a local challenge!

Perfect for elementary and middle school-age kids! Plus, I have added a bonus Island STEM Story with fun challenges based on the “real” problems the kids in the story need to find solutions for! It’s a great way to start with the idea of solving real-world problems on a smaller scale!

STEM Projects That Are About Real World Problems

Are you not sure where to start? These ideas below are based on real-world problems and are a starting point for getting kids thinking about an issue and developing possible solutions!

Beach Erosion Demonstration

Explore solutions for the problem of coastal erosion.

Earthquake Experiment

Some parts of the world frequently experience earthquakes. Have the kids come up with possible building designs that would withstand movement caused by earthquakes.

Oil Spill Experiment

Understand what an oil spill is and explore ways for it to be cleaned up before it damages the environment.

Soil Erosion

Explore the causes of soil erosion, why it is a significant problem and what can be done about it with this real world STEM project.

DIY Solar Oven

Investigate the most effective way to heat food without traditional energy sources. A significant issue in underdeveloped parts of the world.

Water Filtration

What can people do when they don’t have access to clean drinking water?

What Is STEM For Kids?

So you might ask, what does STEM actually stand for? STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. The most important thing you can take away from this, is that STEM is for everyone!

Yes, kids of all ages can work on STEM projects and enjoy STEM lessons. STEM activities are great for group work, too!

STEM is everywhere! Just look around. The simple fact that STEM surrounds us is why it’s so important for kids to be a part of, to use, and to understand STEM.

From the buildings you see in town, the bridges that connect places, the computers we use, the software programs that go with them, and to the air we breathe, STEM is what makes it all possible.

Interested in STEM plus ART? Check out all our STEAM Activities!

Engineering is an important part of STEM. What is engineering in kindergarten and elementary? Well, it’s putting together simple structures and other items and learning about the science behind them in the process. Essentially, it’s a whole lot of doing!

Tips For Real World STEM Projects

Depending on the age and level of your kids, continue to scaffold the task as appropriate. Grab our printable STEM project pack below to make that even easier! It includes a number of real-world problem-solving worksheets to guide your kids through the process, and can be used easily in the classroom or at home.

One way to scaffold is to provide the topic from which kids choose a problem. For example; environment, accessibility, water, education, buildings, cities, or rural areas. Cross-curricular topics, that is, they involve more than one area of learning, are great for real world STEM projects!

Working in small groups is also another great way to provide support to students with solving real world problems. Of course, giving kids a time frame for each part of the project (see the problem solving process further on) helps too!

Remember with real world STEM projects, having a go and engaging with the problem solving process is more important than the “correctness” of the solution. Perfection is not the goal!

Helpful STEM Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources to help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

Engineering Design Process Explained
What Is An Engineer
Engineering Words
Questions for Reflection (get them talking about it!)
BEST STEM Books for Kids
14 Engineering Books for Kids
Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar (Free)
Must Have STEM Supplies List

Printable STEM Pack for Kids

80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!

Full instructions with sample images
Activity-specific instruction sheets
Data Collection Sheets
Questions for Reflection
Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
Engineering vocabulary cards
Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

50+ Genius STEM Activities for Kids

With a name like The STEM Laboratory, it’s no surprise that we’re obsessed with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities for kids.

These 50+ STEM projects are sure to keep little scientists engaged, learning and well-prepared for their STEM-filled future.

Get inspired below and then sign up for our 5 Day STEM Challenge!

Not only will you learn exactly how to plan and teach STEM like a pro – but we’ll show you how to do it using supplies you already have in your storage closet. Score!

It’s never been simpler (or faster!) to get everything in place. Hop over and join right here!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

$50 genius STEM activities for kids! So many fun science, technology, engineering and math ideas in one spot. Perfect for preschool, kindergarten, first grade or second grade.$

Science Projects

There are countless science experiments for kids but these 14 projects are our hands-down favorites!

$50+ Genius STEM Activities for Kids. So many awesome science, technology, engineering and math activities in one spot.$

Make a mini model of the water cycle with just a Ziploc bag!

Turn your name into crystals!

Find out why the sky is blue. // Rookie Parenting

Test whether objects are magnetic . // The Measured Mom

Whip up some frothy, foamy toothpaste .

Pour ice that is warm to the touch but freezes.

Make one orange sink and another one float!

Pour a rainbow into a jar.

Capture fireworks in a jar using just a few common household supplies. // I Can Teach My Child

$50+ awesome STEM activities for kids. So many genius science, technology, engineering and math activities in one spot.$

Go fishing for ice.

Learn about color mixing when you make water walk! // Parenting Chaos

Catch a cloud in a jar.

Build a sand volcano that really erupts. // Growing a Jeweled Rose

Play with Magnetic Slime . // Frugal Fun 4 Boys

Technology Activities

Build robots that really walk, talk and “think”. // Amazon

Teach kids about coding !

Let kids have a little screen time playing 20 teacher-approved apps.

Program a set of kid-friendly robot friends: Dash and Dot . // Amazon

Or build a Kano computer! // Amazon

Engineering Projects

Solve a batch of LEGO challenge cards.

Fold paper into building blocks that really stack. // Babble Dabble Do

Use plastic cups and craft sticks to create four brilliant challenges . // Frugal Fun 4 Boys

Build with straws and tape. // Lemon Lime Adventures

Build structures with marshmallows and pretzels.

Awesome STEM activities for kids. So many fun engineering projects in this roundup!

Design a pom pom drop that guides the pom pom from one paper towel roll to the next. // Coffee Cups and Crayons

Learn about bridges and then build your own. // Carrots are Orange

Make a craft stick catapult that really launches!

Try a classic! Organize an egg drop challenge . Can you build a structure that will keep the egg from breaking?! // Buggy and Buddy

Build a batch of exploding boomerangs . // I Can Teach My Child

Test the strength of a piece of paper . // Creekside Learning

Make a moveable pulley! // Carrots Are Orange

Work as a team to build with pipe cleaners and aluminum foil. // Housing a Forest

Math Activities

$Super fun STEM activities for kids! There's a math activity for every age in this roundup.$

Practice counting with some truck playdough mats . // Pre Kinders

Or add googly eyes to monsters!

Teach kids about odd and even numbers with some hands-on activity sheets.

Clip 2-dimensional shapes. // The Measured Mom

Solve a batch of shape puzzles.

Use a Ziploc bag to solve addition problems on a number line. // Source unknown

Make a set of little math books. // Liz’s Early Learning Spot

Solve hands-on addition problems with LEGOS!

$50+ Genius STEM Activities for Kids$

Play a round of math fact Jenga.

Learn about fractions with some handy pizza clip cards.

Practice adding together a handful of coins.

Teach kids about AM and PM.

Learn about the multiplication rule of nine. // Shelley Gray Teaching

Now Let’s Take Your STEM Centers to the Next Level

If you’re ready to give your STEM centers a MAJOR boost, hop over and take our 5 Day Challenge!

Not only will you learn exactly how to plan and teach STEM like a pro – but how to do it using supplies you already have in your storage closet.

It’s never been simpler (or faster!) to get everything in place.

Hop over and join right here!

Beehive Spin and Add

12 Shape Games for Kids

The Ultimate Guide to STEM Boxes

Solar System Hats

Watermelon Multiplication Activity

Valentine’s Odd and Even Sort

How do i buy the 50 genius stem activities for kids? i did not see that in the shop thank you

All of the STEM activities are linked to free blog posts. Just click on the activity you’d like to try and you’ll automatically be taken to the page with all the details. 🙂

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