problem solving lessons for middle school students

20 STEM Projects That Are Great for Middle School

Krystal DeVille

August 24, 2024

STEM projects allow middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and hands-on ways. Check out these middle school STEM projects and activities designed to enhance STEM education by engaging students in hands-on learning.

Pick which middle school STEM activities you want to try first.

Simply click the title of each lesson in the list to get the full lesson plan for these great STEM challenges that align with the lessons they are working on.

Alongside these projects, we also offer a variety of easy STEM challenges that can serve as introductory activities for beginners.

I’ve gone through all the educational subscription boxes for teenagers and put together the best ones in this resource, teenagers’ top STEM subscription boxes .

Table of Contents

STEM Activities for Middle School Students

1.  i breathe what.

Students can improve their problem-solving skills and understanding of the scientific method by exploring air quality through pollen, dust, and particulates using their homemade ‘pollution detectors.’

They will hypothesize what causes the differences and explain why engineers look at the particulate matter when they observe air quality.

2. Design a Bridge

This is a classic to add to your middle school STEM activities.

It’s a fun way of using simple machines and various materials, students design bridges that can hold 100 pennies for 30 seconds without collapsing, teaching them fundamental principles of physics.

Review engineering concepts such as load and force with your classes before they get started. Consider using craft sticks as one of the materials, which are great for learning about weight distribution and structural integrity.

3. Spaghetti Soapbox Derby

In this science experiment, pairs of students design, build, and test model vehicles made from dry pasta and hot glue. The goal is to roll along a ramp and coast as far as possible. This STEM activity focuses on using somewhat challenging materials in the best possible ways.

For an added challenge, students can use rubber bands to enhance the propulsion of their pasta vehicles.

4. Trail Planning Using Topographic Quadrangle Maps

This earth science activity first calls for familiarity with US Geological Survey quadrangle maps. Working within set guideline requirements, students then use these maps to design a good route for a new recreational trail.

5. Bikini Bottom Genetics

Students apply an understanding of genetics in an analysis of sea creature genotypes that live in SpongeBob SquarePants’ neighborhood. Using Punnett squares, they predict the traits of offspring.

6. Design a Wristwatch for the Visually Impaired

Help your students review the engineering design process. They will then research, model, test and evaluate wristwatches for individuals with visual impairments as an exercise in applying engineering skills in the areas of bioengineering and biomedical engineering.

Take a look at our review of Groovy Lab in a Box . It’s hard to convey, but after reviewing about a dozen educational STEM subscription services, Groovy Lab Box has the most well-thought-out lesson plans!

7. Use Your Shoe!

Teachers collect shoe size data from the class.

As a group, they use the data to determine the mean, median, and mode. Students then use that information to make inferences about average shoe size and broader populations.

This STEM activity provides a review of how to calculate mean, median, and mode, along with methods to make inferences based on the sample.

While this article focuses on middle schoolers, we also recommend fun and educational STEM projects suitable for elementary students .

8. Mission to Mars

Following a storyline, task your students with completing various STEM challenges, including understanding chemical reactions through a Coke and Mentos experiment as part of a Mars emergency.

Teamwork, engineering design, and the use of science topics in real life are all addressed.

9. Snack Time!

Using nutritional information labels from various packaged foods, students will organize and describe that info to show the data in a box-and-whisker plot, bar graph, and pie chart.

This activity touches on both math and science standards.

10. No Valve in Vain

Teams of students employ the engineering design process to use tape and plastic tubing to create heart valve models. For this activity, the class reviews the engineering design process and the workings of a one-way valve.

For older kids, particularly high school students looking for more advanced challenges, please check out our article, The Best Science Sets for Teens .

11. Marble Speed Traps with Lego Mindstorms

Students review the formula for velocity . Using drag and drop programming, they code the speed traps to measure the distance between the sensors and time it takes the marble to travel between them.

They design the course, write the code, convert units, evaluate, and make changes as needed.

12. The Million Dollar Project

Students imagine inheriting and spending 1 million dollars with specific guidelines of how they may use that money. They research on the internet, record all purchases, learn to write checks, and track all their spending, which reinforces various mathematical concepts.

13. Explore the Law of Inertia using a Fidget Spinner

Review the equations for torque and inertia with students. By removing lights (weight) from spinners, they can explore how the amount of time the device will continue spinning is affected by the mass.

14. Backyard Weather Stations

Working in groups, students describe the current weather and predict future conditions by observing cloud formations. They design backyard weather stations that could gather data for actual forecasting. Technologies for forecasting would be explored, along with weather basics.

15. Leaning Tower of Pasta

Review compression and tension in structure stability with your class. Students use math and engineering concepts to design and build structures with long, dry spaghetti and marshmallows, to find which ones can withstand the largest amount of load.

16. Cleaning the Great Lakes

What better way to understand environmental science than by having students use limited materials to discover how to filter pollutants from dirty water? Teachers may use this challenge activity along with earth science units about water pollution or those concerning local lakes.

17. Soil Biosolarization: Sustainable Weed Killer

Serving as agricultural engineers, students explore the effectiveness of this sustainable weed control technique that uses organic waste instead of poisons.

By using seed starter pots, they plant “weeds” and test the use of organic matter, like oatmeal, to see if it kills the weeds, assessing the impact of products and systems.

18. Renewable Energy: Power Your School

In pairs, students use real data to assess the possible use of solar or wind power generation at their school.

Using science, math, and engineering concepts, they explore the differences between these two methods, use maps for an analysis of potential, and look at factors related to the feasibility of renewable energy at their location.

19. Generate Your Own Ocean Currents!

Encourage critical thinking and understanding of real-world applications as students design and construct ocean models to study wind-driven currents.

Through this challenge project, they will explore circulation patterns, the Coriolis effect, and the transfer of heat from the global ocean convection cycle.

20. Scaling Up Candy Wrappers

Students bring in their favorite candy bar wrappers, choose a scale factor (larger than 5), and enlarge their wrappers to that scale in a drawing on grid paper.

Scaling up candy wrappers is not just educational, but also a lot of fun, teaching kids about the math concept of scale factor. They can then color and display their finished projects!

21. Rube Goldberg Machines

What is a rube goldberg machine.

A Rube Goldberg machine is a deliberately complex contraption in which a series of devices perform simple tasks linked together to produce a domino effect, ultimately accomplishing a simple goal in a highly complex manner.

Named after the American cartoonist Rube Goldberg, these machines are fantastic tools for teaching students about physics, engineering, and critical thinking.

Why Include Rube Goldberg Machines in Middle School STEM?

• Encourages Creative Thinking : Building these machines requires students to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems.
• Teaches Basic Physics Principles : Concepts like energy transfer, motion, and simple machines come to life in a Rube Goldberg project.
• Enhances Teamwork and Collaboration : Students often work in teams, learning to communicate and collaborate to design and build their machines.
• Develops Problem-Solving Skills : Students learn to troubleshoot and iterate, key skills in any STEM field.

Implementing Rube Goldberg Machine Projects

• Introduce the Concept : Start with a brief history of Rube Goldberg and show examples of Rube Goldberg machines, either through videos or illustrations.
• Define the Project Scope : Set clear goals and parameters. For example, each machine must have a minimum number of steps or complete a specific task.
• Materials : Encourage creativity by allowing a wide range of materials, from household items to recycled materials.
• Documentation : Have students document their design process, challenges, and solutions. This can be in the form of a journal, video, or presentation.
• Presentation and Reflection : Allow students to present their machines to the class. Encourage them to discuss what they learned and how they overcame obstacles.

22. Egg Drop Challenge

What is the Egg Drop Challenge? An engaging physics experiment for middle schoolers, the Egg Drop Challenge involves designing a device to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a height. It’s an excellent way for students to apply concepts of gravity, impact force, and material properties.

Why It’s Beneficial:

• Encourages creative problem-solving.
• Demonstrates physics principles like momentum and shock absorption.
• Promotes teamwork and collaborative skills.

Implementing the Challenge:

• Materials: Offer materials like straws, balloons, and craft sticks.
• Design and Build: Students design and construct their egg-protecting devices.
• The Drop: Test the devices by dropping eggs from a set height.
• Analysis: Discuss the outcomes, focusing on physics concepts and design strategies.

Curriculum Alignment: This challenge complements the middle school physics curriculum, applying theoretical concepts practically.

23. The Index Card Tower Challenge

What is the Index Card Tower Challenge? The Index Card Tower Challenge is a straightforward yet engaging activity that introduces students to basic principles of physical science and engineering. Using only index cards, students are challenged to build the tallest possible tower.

This activity is the best way to demonstrate concepts like balance, gravity, and kinetic energy, making it perfect for kids of all ages, including younger kids.

Why It’s Essential in STEM Curriculum:

• Introduces Physical Science Concepts: Focuses on basic principles like stability and kinetic energy.
• Encourages Creative Problem-Solving: Challenges students to think innovatively using simple materials.
• Accessible to All Ages: Easily adaptable for different age groups, making it suitable for both younger kids and older students.
• Prepares for Future Careers: Develops foundational skills useful in various STEM fields.
• Materials: Provide students with a stack of index cards.
• Build the Tower: Students experiment with different construction techniques to build their towers.
• Discussion on Physical Science: After the activity, discuss how forces like gravity and kinetic energy influenced their designs.
• Real-World Connection: Relate the activity to real-world structures and engineering challenges.

How It Fits Into STEM Courses: The Index Card Tower Challenge is a versatile activity that can be integrated into various STEM courses. It encourages students to apply scientific principles and think critically about engineering challenges, making it a valuable addition to any STEM curriculum.

How To Make The Most Of These Fun STEM Activities for Middle School Students

Whether in STEM labs, at home, or in the classroom, engaging students with discussion questions throughout these hands-on activities is vital.

To connect with students’ interests, some of these STEM activities offer different ways, including the design or analysis of simple video games, blending technology with creativity.

We rounded up these projects specifically because they align with learning objectives and lessons for 6th to 8th-grade students. Ask how this applies to what they’re currently learning in class? What did the project demonstrate?

Let us know in the comments what your favorite Middle School STEM projects! We’d love to hear them.

2 thoughts on “20 STEM Projects That Are Great for Middle School”

I taught bridge building to sixth grade students. The only thing I taught them was information and diagrams about trusses. They had to take notes for their own use during construction. Gave them the materials, formed groups and gave them them help without interfering with their own ideas. The amount of enthusiasm I have seldom seen in middle school. They were so excited they told their other teachers about the project. The bridges were beautiful and so strong. It was great to see the application of the trusses! I am all for STEM activities!

These are some great activities thanks for sharing and I’ll use them at my school.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

most recent

Activities and Games , Toy Gift Guides

Best stem subscription boxes for kids: hands-on reviews.

Toy Gift Guides , STEM Holiday Deals

Amazon prime day stem toy deals – 2024.

Science , Engineering , Math , Technology

Kiwico vs mel science: a complete breakdown.

Best Chemistry Kits for Kids (for Every Age!)

Teach Kids to Code , Activities and Games , Technology , Toy Gift Guides

11 best coding robots to teach kids to code (for all ages).

Activities and Games , Math

Engineering

6 projects for learning about simple machines.

STEM Education Guide

[email protected] STEM Education Guide 9125 SVL BOX Victorville, CA 92395

Your Compass for STEM Discovery

© 2024 STEM Education Guide

Want a daily email of lesson plans that span all subjects and age groups?

Subjects all subjects all subjects the arts all the arts visual arts performing arts value of the arts back business & economics all business & economics global economics macroeconomics microeconomics personal finance business back design, engineering & technology all design, engineering & technology design engineering technology back health all health growth & development medical conditions consumer health public health nutrition physical fitness emotional health sex education back literature & language all literature & language literature linguistics writing/composition speaking back mathematics all mathematics algebra data analysis & probability geometry measurement numbers & operations back philosophy & religion all philosophy & religion philosophy religion back psychology all psychology history, approaches and methods biological bases of behavior consciousness, sensation and perception cognition and learning motivation and emotion developmental psychology personality psychological disorders and treatment social psychology back science & technology all science & technology earth and space science life sciences physical science environmental science nature of science back social studies all social studies anthropology area studies civics geography history media and journalism sociology back teaching & education all teaching & education education leadership education policy structure and function of schools teaching strategies back thinking & learning all thinking & learning attention and engagement memory critical thinking problem solving creativity collaboration information literacy organization and time management back, filter by none.

• Elementary/Primary
• Middle School/Lower Secondary
• High School/Upper Secondary
• College/University
• TED-Ed Animations
• TED Talk Lessons
• TED-Ed Best of Web
• Under 3 minutes
• Under 6 minutes
• Under 9 minutes
• Under 12 minutes
• Under 18 minutes
• Over 18 minutes
• Algerian Arabic
• Azerbaijani
• Cantonese (Hong Kong)
• Chinese (Hong Kong)
• Chinese (Singapore)
• Chinese (Taiwan)
• Chinese Simplified
• Chinese Traditional
• Chinese Traditional (Taiwan)
• Dutch (Belgium)
• Dutch (Netherlands)
• French (Canada)
• French (France)
• French (Switzerland)
• Kurdish (Central)
• Luxembourgish
• Persian (Afghanistan)
• Persian (Iran)
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Portuguese (Portugal)
• Spanish (Argentina)
• Spanish (Latin America)
• Spanish (Mexico)
• Spanish (Spain)
• Spanish (United States)
• Western Frisian

sort by none

• Longest video
• Shortest video
• Most video views
• Least video views
• Most questions answered
• Least questions answered

A street librarian's quest to bring books to everyone - Storybook Maze

Lesson duration 08:44

40,810 Views

How the US is destroying young people’s future - Scott Galloway

Lesson duration 18:38

5,983,936 Views

This piece of paper could revolutionize human waste

Lesson duration 05:35

2,956,624 Views

Can you solve the magical maze riddle?

Lesson duration 04:51

509,980 Views

How to clear icy roads, with science

Lesson duration 06:13

194,755 Views

How to make smart decisions more easily

Lesson duration 05:16

1,428,594 Views

Can you solve a mystery before Sherlock Holmes?

Lesson duration 05:17

543,077 Views

Can you solve the secret assassin society riddle?

Lesson duration 05:01

959,140 Views

How to overcome your mistakes

Lesson duration 04:52

1,107,474 Views

What the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know - Al Gore

Lesson duration 25:45

759,661 Views

Can you solve the cursed dice riddle?

Lesson duration 04:31

822,808 Views

How the water you flush becomes the water you drink

Lesson duration 05:23

405,874 Views

The growing megafire crisis — and how to contain it - George T. Whitesides

Lesson duration 10:42

57,400 Views

Can you solve the time traveling car riddle?

Lesson duration 05:18

716,095 Views

4 epidemics that almost happened (but didn't)

Lesson duration 06:26

398,528 Views

The return of Mongolia's "wild" horses

Lesson duration 04:53

214,988 Views

Whatever happened to the hole in the ozone layer?

Lesson duration 05:13

560,627 Views

The most important century in human history

Lesson duration 05:20

360,776 Views

This one weird trick will get you infinite gold

Lesson duration 05:08

1,198,887 Views

How to quit your job — without ruining your career - Gala Jackson

121,005 Views

How to design climate-resilient buildings - Alyssa-Amor Gibbons

Lesson duration 14:12

46,928 Views

The case for free, universal basic services - Aaron Bastani

Lesson duration 19:09

82,913 Views

Can you steal the most powerful wand in the wizarding world?

852,303 Views

How college loans exploit students for profit - Sajay Samuel

Lesson duration 11:49

230,131 Views

10 Critical Thinking Skills Middle School Students Should Master

Adaptability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a crucial skill that empowers middle school students to navigate the complexities of their rapidly changing environment. Think of adaptability as the chameleon of skills — able to shift colors to fit its surroundings. For middle schoolers, mastering this ability means being open to new ideas, adjusting to shifting social dynamics, and embracing the unexpected. As they encounter new experiences, adaptability becomes essential for effective collaboration and problem-solving. Dive into a variety of engaging activities designed to emphasize the top critical thinking skills middle school students should develop to set themselves up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Building Adaptability in Middle School

Adaptability is being open to new ideas and willing to change perspectives based on new evidence or insights.

Now, think about being a chameleon, changing your colors to fit in with your environment—that’s the essence of adaptability! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is vital as they encounter new experiences and shifting social dynamics. It encourages them to embrace change, think on their feet, and collaborate effectively with others. By learning to adjust their strategies and perspectives, they become more flexible problem-solvers. Here are some targeted activities to enhance adaptability skills for middle school learners.

Adaptability Activities for Middle School

Group Problem-Solving Assign students a group challenge that requires them to adapt to unexpected changes (like a shift in resources or time constraints) and find a solution together. This collaborative effort not only fosters adaptability but also enhances their teamwork and communication skills.

Technology Integration Have students complete a project using a new technology or app they haven’t used before. Encourage them to explore and adapt as they learn to navigate the new tool. This hands-on experience with technology not only builds adaptability but also prepares them for a digital world.

Debate with a Twist Organize a debate where, halfway through, students must switch sides. This forces them to adapt their arguments and understand opposing viewpoints, promoting critical thinking and empathy. For more resources on debates, dive into these materials .

Analyzing Skills for Middle Schoolers

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Think of tackling a challenging puzzle and breaking it into bite-sized pieces—that’s a skill every middle schooler should cultivate! It’s all about recognizing patterns and relationships that help clarify the bigger picture. For middle school students, honing analysis and critical thinking skills is essential; it empowers them to ask deeper questions, tackle real-world problems, and develop independent thinking. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help middle school learners strengthen this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s dive in!

Analysis Activities for Middle School

Current Events Analysis Assign students to read a news article and identify the main argument, supporting evidence, and any potential bias. They can present their analysis to the class, fostering discussion and critical thinking. You can find a variety of current event resources to use in the classroom here .

Case Studies Present students with a real-world case study related to a subject they’re studying. They should analyze the situation, identify key issues, and suggest potential solutions based on their findings. This connects analysis to practical applications. 

Character Analysis In literature, have students choose a character and analyze their motivations, actions, and growth throughout the story. They can create a character trait chart to visually represent their findings. This activity encourages deeper engagement with the text and fosters critical thinking about character development.

Collaborative Learning for Middle School

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Picture middle school students as dynamic team players, each bringing unique talents to the game—that’s the essence of collaboration for this age group! Developing collaboration skills is crucial as students learn to navigate group dynamics, share responsibilities, and support one another. By enhancing their ability to collaborate, middle schoolers prepare for more complex teamwork in high school and beyond. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen collaboration skills in middle school learners.

Collaboration Activities for Middle School

Project-Based Learning Groups Assign students to work in small groups on a project that requires them to research a topic, create a presentation, and share their findings with the class. This promotes collective problem-solving and fosters accountability within the group. Read this to get tools and ideas on how to group students.

Peer Teaching Pair students to teach each other a concept or skill they have mastered. This encourages collaboration, as they must communicate effectively and support each other’s learning.

Group Design Challenge Present students with a design challenge, such as creating a prototype for a new product or solution to a problem. Working in teams, they must brainstorm, plan, and execute their ideas, enhancing their collaboration and creativity skills. Dive into 16+ Engineering Projects for Middle School .

Bonus: We Have to Save Fred!

Communication Skills for Middle School

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.  Picture middle school students collaborating on a project, sharing ideas, and debating viewpoints—that’s the essence of communication for this age group! Developing strong communication skills is crucial as students learn to articulate their ideas, collaborate with peers, and navigate complex discussions. By enhancing their communication skills, middle schoolers prepare for high school and future professional interactions. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen communication skills in middle school learners.

Communication Activities for Middle School

Group Presentations Assign students to work in groups to research a topic and create a presentation to share with the class. This activity encourages them to practice public speaking, actively listen to feedback, and collaborate effectively.

Fishbowl Discussions Set up a fishbowl discussion where a small group of students discusses a topic in the center while the rest of the class observes. Afterward, have the observers share their thoughts on the communication styles and ideas presented. This activity helps students practice articulating their ideas and enhances active listening skills.

Communication Games Organize games that focus on communication skills, such as “Telephone” or “Charades.” These fun activities help students understand the importance of clear expression and active listening in conveying messages accurately.

Creativity Development for Students

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Creativity in middle school is all about exploring deeper concepts and embracing collaboration. Think of it as mixing colors on a palette to create something entirely new—that’s how middle school students can express themselves! As they develop their creative abilities, they learn to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and critical thinking. This stage is crucial for encouraging them to brainstorm innovative solutions and articulate their ideas confidently. Here are some dynamic activities designed to help middle school learners enhance their creativity skills. Let’s explore!

Creativity Activities for Middle School

Creative Marketing Campaign Have students choose a product, service, or social cause they are passionate about and develop a creative marketing campaign for it. They can create posters, social media content, and even short video advertisements to showcase their ideas. This activity encourages them to think creatively about how to attract an audience and convey a message effectively. By combining visual design, persuasive writing, and innovative strategies, students will enhance their creativity skills while learning to communicate their ideas in engaging ways. 

Visual Journals Encourage students to maintain visual journals where they can combine sketches, collages, and writing. This practice helps express thoughts creatively while exploring various artistic techniques, beneficial for developing creative expression.

Role-Playing Scenarios Organize role-playing activities that require students to improvise solutions to hypothetical situations. This enhances their ability to think creatively and adapt, crucial skills for real-world problem-solving.

Bonus: Google Templates for Students

Fostering Decision-Making in Middle School

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Now, picture yourself as a team leader, weighing different strategies to achieve a goal—that’s the essence of decision-making! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is vital as they encounter more complex problems and social dynamics. It encourages them to analyze information, consider various perspectives, and make informed choices. By developing strong decision-making skills, they enhance their critical thinking and become adept at navigating challenges in school and life. Here are some targeted activities to strengthen decision-making skills for middle school learners, preparing them for successful futures.

Decision-Making Activities for Middle School

Socratic Seminars Organize seminars where students discuss a text or topic, encouraging them to ask questions, challenge ideas, and support their arguments with evidence. This method not only fosters deep critical thinking but also allows students to practice articulating their thought processes in a collaborative environment.

Debate Teams Have students engage in debates on current issues, requiring them to research, analyze various viewpoints, and develop coherent arguments. This activity sharpens their decision-making skills as they learn to weigh evidence and articulate their positions effectively. Check out these resources for engaging your students with current events.

Critical Thinking Journals Encourage students to keep journals where they reflect on daily events, analyze their thoughts, and draw conclusions based on their observations. This practice promotes self-awareness and helps students understand their decision-making processes. Utilize these self-reflection strategies for students, teachers, and leaders to enhance their learning experience.

Bonus: Responsible Decision-Making Activities for the Classroom

Evaluative Thinking for Middle School Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Now, think of yourself as a reviewer, critiquing a book or a movie—this is what evaluation is all about! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is essential as they start to encounter more complex information and varying perspectives. It empowers them to assess arguments, differentiate between fact and opinion, and make evidence-based judgments. By practicing evaluation, they enhance their critical thinking and become more adept at navigating information in today’s digital world. Here are some targeted activities to strengthen evaluation skills for middle school learners, preparing them for informed decision-making in the future.

Evaluation Activities for Middle School

Peer Feedback After completing a project, students can participate in a peer review session where they evaluate each other’s work based on specific criteria. This collaborative process helps them learn how to provide constructive feedback while also developing their own evaluative skills. 

Media Analysis Have students analyze a commercial or advertisement, evaluating its effectiveness and the techniques used to persuade the audience. They can present their analysis to the class, fostering discussion and critical thinking about media literacy and the messages they encounter daily.

Debate Evaluation After a debate, students can evaluate the arguments made by both sides, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each position while reflecting on their own performance. This activity encourages them to think critically about reasoning and evidence, enhancing their evaluative capabilities.

Bonus: Peer Feedback: An Essential Skill to Teach

Inference Skills in Middle School

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions based on evidence, a vital skill for navigating complex texts and situations. For middle schoolers, developing these inference skills enables them to engage more deeply with texts and discussions, enhancing their critical thinking and analytical abilities. Here are some interactive activities designed to help students connect the dots and discover deeper meanings.

Inference Activities for Middle School

Textual Evidence Provide excerpts from a story and have students infer character traits, motivations, and themes based on the text. They can support their inferences with quotes or examples, which not only strengthens their analytical skills but also deepens their engagement with the material. Explore this strategy for teaching text-evidence to enhance understanding.

Observation and Inference Show students a video clip or a series of images and ask them to make inferences about what’s happening, the characters’ emotions, or the context. Encourage them to explain their reasoning, fostering a discussion that sharpens their observational skills and critical thinking.

Inference in Science Conduct a simple science experiment (like observing a chemical reaction) and ask students to infer what might happen next based on their observations and prior knowledge. This hands-on activity makes inference relevant and applicable to real-world situations, enhancing their scientific thinking. 

Bonus: A Powerful and Easy Strategy for Teaching Text Evidence

Building Problem-Solving Skills in Middle Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Now, imagine facing a tricky situation and brainstorming creative ways to tackle it—that’s the essence of problem-solving! For middle schoolers, developing this skill is crucial as they encounter more complex challenges. It encourages them to think critically, collaborate with classmates, and adopt a growth mindset when facing obstacles. By learning to analyze problems and explore various solutions, they build the confidence necessary to navigate real-world issues. Here are some targeted activities designed to enhance problem-solving skills for middle school learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Middle School

Escape Room Activities Design a classroom escape room with clues and puzzles that require students to work together to solve challenges and “escape” within a set time. This immersive experience not only fosters teamwork but also sharpens their problem-solving abilities. Don’t have time for a physical escape room? Consider a digital breakout instead! You can learn more about them and find a list of ideas here .

Real-World Scenarios Present students with hypothetical real-world problems (like environmental issues or community challenges) and have them brainstorm and propose solutions. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the importance of addressing real-life challenges. Read here to learn about how one school successfully tackled a real-world challenge. 

Project-Based Learning Assign a project where students must solve a problem (e.g., creating a product or service to address a need in their community) and develop a plan, prototype, or presentation. This hands-on approach allows them to apply their problem-solving skills in a practical context while promoting creativity and innovation. Here are 10 examples to explore.

Research Skills for Middle Schoolers

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Picture middle school students diving into fascinating topics, exploring resources, and uncovering hidden gems of knowledge—that’s the essence of research for this age group! Developing research skills is crucial as students learn to evaluate sources, synthesize information, and communicate their findings effectively. By enhancing their research skills, middle schoolers prepare for high school and future academic challenges. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen research skills in middle school learners.

Research Activities for Middle School

Digital Research Projects Assign students to select a topic of interest and conduct research using digital tools and databases. They can create a multimedia presentation to share their findings with the class, practicing critical evaluation of sources and effective communication.

Research Scavenger Hunt Create a scavenger hunt that requires students to find specific information from various sources, such as books, articles, and websites. This activity encourages them to explore different types of resources and enhances their ability to gather relevant data. You can find templates for scavenger hunts on Canva .

Collaborative Research Magazine Project Have students work in small groups to create a classroom magazine using Google Slides. They can choose a theme or topic, conduct research, and design articles and visuals for their magazine. This project not only fosters teamwork but also enhances their ability to evaluate and synthesize information while practicing digital literacy. For a ready-to-use lesson on this project, check out this resource .  

Critical Thinking Skills for Middle Schoolers

As students transition to middle school, honing critical thinking skills becomes even more vital for their academic and personal growth. Encouraging these skills not only prepares them for future challenges but also boosts their confidence in problem-solving and communication. It’s an exciting time for educators to inspire curiosity and analytical thinking. What strategies do you use to foster critical thinking among your students? I’d love to hear your insights in the comments!

Sara Qualls

Sara Qualls is the Digital Marketing Specialist at TCEA. She has been in the world of digital marketing since 2008. She is passionate about helping businesses communicate their ideas and stories through social media and all forms of digital marketing including SEO, email marketing, automation, content marketing, analytics, advertising, and more.

Celebrate Digital Citizenship Week October 14-18, 2024

Ai chatbot file compatibility for educators, you may also like, 10 critical thinking skills for elementary learners, responsible ai adoption, top 20 technotes articles of 2023, how to teach typing in upper elementary and..., responsible decision-making activities for the classroom, three fall-themed classroom activities, summer activities for teens: from geocaching to stargazing, six simple sel strategies for a joyful classroom, three cybersecurity priorities for schools and districts, earth day digital breakout, leave a comment cancel reply, you've made it this far.

Like what you're reading? Sign up to stay connected with us.

*By downloading, you are subscribing to our email list which includes our daily blog straight to your inbox and marketing emails. It can take up to 7 days for you to be added. You can change your preferences at any time.  

You have Successfully Subscribed!

By subscribing, you will receive our daily blog, newsletter, and marketing emails.

• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Learn WordPress
• Members Newsfeed

20 Critical Thinking Activities for Middle Schoolers

• Middle School Education

Introduction:

  Critical thinking is vital for middle school students, as it helps them develop problem-solving skills, make informed decisions, and understand different perspectives. Integrating critical thinking activities into classroom learning experiences can greatly enhance students’ cognitive abilities. The following are 20 engaging critical thinking activities designed for middle school students.

1. Brain Teasers: Use age-appropriate puzzles to challenge students’ cognitive abilities and encourage them to find creative solutions.

2. Socratic Circles: Divide the class into groups and encourage them to participate in a philosophical discussion on a given topic, asking questions that stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding.

3. Compare and Contrast: Assign two similar but different texts for students to compare and contrast, analyzing similarities and differences between each author’s perspective.

4. What-If Questions: Encourage children to think critically about hypothetical scenarios by asking what-if questions, such as “What if the internet didn’t exist?”

5. Debate Club: Organize a debate club where students are encouraged to research and defend differing viewpoints on a topic.

6. Mind Mapping: Teach students how to create a mind map – a visual representation of their thoughts – to help them brainstorm complex issues effectively.

7. Mystery Bag: In small groups, give students a bag containing several random objects and ask them to invent an innovative product or story using all items in the bag.

8. Critical Thinking Journal: Have students maintain journals where they analyze their thought processes after completing activities, promoting self-reflection and metacognition.

9. Moral Dilemmas: Present students with moral dilemmas, requiring them to weigh pros and cons before making ethical decisions.

10. Fact or Opinion?: Give students various statements and ask them to differentiate between fact or opinion, helping them build critical thinking skills when handling information.

11. Research Projects: Assign project topics that require deep research from multiple sources, developing students’ abilities to sift through information and synthesize their findings.

12. Think-Pair-Share: Have students think individually about a complex question, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally share with the class.

13. Art Interpretation: Display an artwork and ask students to interpret its meaning, theme, or message, pushing them to look beyond the surface.

14. Reverse Role Play: Assign roles for a scenario where students exchange positions (e.g., teacher-student, parent-child), fostering empathetic understanding and critical thinking skills.

15. Critical Evaluation of Media: Analyze news articles, commercials, or social media posts by asking questions about their purpose, target audience, and accuracy.

16. Six Thinking Hats: Teach students Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats” technique to improve critical thinking by exploring diverse perspectives when solving problems.

17. Analogy Building: Encourage students to create analogies from one concept to another, enhancing abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities.

18. Current Events Analysis: Keep track of current events and have students critically evaluate news stories or blog posts to encourage informed decision-making in real-world contexts.

19. Brainstorming Sessions: Hold group brainstorming sessions where students invent solutions for complex problems while practicing active listening and critical thinking.

20. Reflection Activities: Use reflective writing prompts at the end of lessons or activities to foster metacognition, self-awareness, and the development of critical thinking skills.

Conclusion:

Critical thinking activities are vital for middle schoolers as they foster intellectual growth and prepare them for future learning experiences. By incorporating these 20 activities into your classroom curriculum, you can help students develop essential critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond.

Related Articles

Starting at a new school can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience…

Introduction: As middle schoolers transition into more independence, it's crucial that they…

1. Unpredictable Growth Spurts: Middle school teachers witness students entering their classrooms…

Pedagogue is a social media network where educators can learn and grow. It's a safe space where they can share advice, strategies, tools, hacks, resources, etc., and work together to improve their teaching skills and the academic performance of the students in their charge.

If you want to collaborate with educators from around the globe, facilitate remote learning, etc., sign up for a free account today and start making connections.

Pedagogue is Free Now, and Free Forever!

• New? Start Here
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Are you sure you want to delete post?

This post cannot be restored anymore.

• Registration

Don't you have an account? Register Now! it's really simple and you can start enjoying all the benefits!

We just sent you an Email. Please Open it up to activate your account.

I allow this website to collect and store submitted data.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

• Classroom Ideas
• Teacher’s Life
• Deals & Shopping
• Privacy Policy

Critical Thinking Activities For Middle Schoolers: PBL, Outdoor Ideas, Discussions, Games, And More

January 17, 2024 //  by  Lesa M.K. Bullins, EdS

Critical thinking is the process of using higher-order thinking skills in which students observe, conceptualize, apply, evaluate, and synthesize information that they learn in order to solve problems and make decisions effectively. Critical thinking is crucial for middle school students to be equipped to respond to academic, social, and emotional challenges successfully.

As an educator, developing critical thinking in students is paramount. Critical thinking skills are built through exploration, inquiry, questioning, discussion, and collaboration. Below are my top 20 classroom activities to transform your middle school students into critical thinkers!

1. Service Projects

Service projects support the development of global-mindedness in addition to building creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Service projects allow students the opportunity to engage their interests, apply learning to real-world situations, and actively problem-solve. Service projects could relate to classroom topics, holidays, or community areas in which students have concerns.

Learn More: Kid Activities

2. Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning builds creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving while creating opportunities for student motivation and engagement. You can learn about how to execute project-based learning here.

Learn More: PBL Works

3. Problem-Based Learning

The other “PBL” of education is problem-based learning. Problem-based learning activities are critical to the development of problem-solving skills. You can learn how to implement problem-based learning approaches here.

Learn More: Educators for Social Change

4. Get Outside the Classroom

Take learning outside the classroom. Applying learning to the world around them will support students in making crucial connections that build critical thinking. Check this video for ways to bring the outdoors to your classroom!

Learn More: Edutopia

5. Promote Inquiry

Inquiry-based learning is a cornerstone of critical thinking skills that creates in students an avid thinker of creative solutions. Instead of giving students the questions and then the answer, flip it! Give students information and have them build questions from their own thinking, or give students questions then allow them the space needed to find comprehensive solutions. Inquiry builds analytical skills.

Learn More: Taylor & Francis Online

6. Incorporate Turn and Talks

Turn and talks allow students to briefly share, review, and make connections to things they are learning. It is one of the top critical thinking resources when executed effectively in the classroom. Turn and talks allow for the exploration of an array of topics.

Learn More: Smekens Education and The Thinker Builder

7. Group Work Galore

While group work teaches cooperation, it also provides an opportunity for building critical thinking attributes like task deconstruction, planning, and explanation of thinking.

Learn More: Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

8. Bring Centers Back

Centers are not just for elementary students. Centers create a diverse learning interaction that allows opportunities for students to be more expressive in the learning process. Critical thinking skills come out of such active learning. It is also a great way to leverage resources, especially teacher one-on-one time!

Learn More: Rachel Mccollum

9. Revive Reader’s Theatre

Using a reader’s theatre gives students a more enriching reading comprehension experience due to the highly engaging and interactive approach. Read more here about why you should use this reading approach to support critical thinking.

Learn More: Mrs. Beers

10. Hold Debates

Debate is an opportunity for individuals to consider, discuss, and analyze a controversial topic. Middle school students have ideas that they want to express and discuss. Giving them healthy opportunities for expression not only builds their critical thinking but also their confidence and sense of self.

11. Provide Creative Choices

Choice prompts critical thinking because it allows students to practice in a safe learning environment. Student choice can enhance the learning environment through deeper interest and engagement as well. Providing choice is a very effective opportunity for differentiation, and can even support metacognitive development.

Learn More: The Modern Classrooms Project

12. Promote Invention and Innovation 

Creating inventions and innovations involved analyzing situations, considering outcomes, developing processes, and making connections to prior and related knowledge. Innovation and invention are essentially complete critical thinking activities.

Learn More: Invention and Education

13. Make Opportunities for Students to Teach

The deepest learning occurs when we teach others. Your kids will really be able to tap into their critical thinking skills in this exercise where you’ll invite them to play teacher! It’s a fantastic way to deepen their understanding of concepts as you’ll encourage them to reteach learning material to their peers.

Learn More: ASCD

14. Always Make Time for Reflection

Reflection is indispensable to the critical thinking process. Reflection empowers students as learners and prompts deeper thinking. Reflection allows students to tackle higher levels of thinking resulting in better consciousness of self and learning. You can provide opportunities for silent reflection, exit tickets, journals, etc.

Learn More: Responsive Classroom

15. Create Mysteries

Critical thinking hinges significantly on students interpreting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions. Mystery activities are exciting ways to engage these elements of critical thinking in a variety of subjects! Check out the example of a classroom mystery lesson here to inspire the use of mysteries in your own classroom subjects.

Learn More: Engaging Effective Teaching

16. Create Escape Rooms

It is not just mysteries that present logical thinking challenges and encompass the elements of critical thinking for practice in the classroom! Escape rooms are exceptional critical thinking activities. For some ideas on how to create escape rooms for different subjects in your class, check here.

Learn More: 23 Escape Room Games for Kids of All Ages

17. Prompt Class Discussions

Class discussions are the most naturally occurring critical thinking resources, so just harness the power by guiding and building skills for class discussion processes in your classroom. Class discussion fosters enhanced articulation, deep thinking, stronger connections to prior knowledge, deeper connections across content, and much more!

Learn More: University of Waterloo

18. Create a Job Board

Application of critical thinking skills in real-life scenarios like work is essential. Having classroom jobs is a practical way to put skills into practice. Classroom jobs can build a sense of community and responsibility in the classroom culture. I suggest using a job board approach and incentives for taking jobs such as free choice activities, extra time, etc. instead of assigned jobs. You can also make the job board a game similar to the popular Among Us game (minus the killing of course), to grab student interest.

Learn More: The Literary Maven

19. Encourage Habits of Mind

Habits of Mind are the same skills that make up the critical thinking concepts. Habits of Mind prompt analytical thinking, build strong learning habits, and sufficiently change patterns of thinking for students to truly become critical thinkers.

Learn More: Increasing Autonomy with Habits of Mind

20. Push a Growth Mindset

In conjunction with the skills of habits of mind, a growth mindset also presents students with an avenue to build lasting change in thinking patterns to become skillful critical thinkers. Students with a strong growth mindset have the power of resiliency.  Resilience is a crucial aspect of critical thinking as it helps us to manage stress and adapt to change. Analyzing and solving problems requires adaptability.

Learn More: In Control Middle School SEL