11 STEM Activities That Will Foster Curiosity Even in ‘Uninterested’ Kids
11 STEM Activities That Will Foster Curiosity Even in Reluctant Learners
If you’ve ever worried that your child seems uninterested in science or math, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder how to spark that natural curiosity in children who haven’t yet found their spark in STEM. At The Ivy Academy, we see countless “light bulb moments” when previously unengaged children suddenly become fascinated by scientific discovery.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities offer the perfect opportunity to cultivate wonder in all children—especially those who might not initially show interest. These hands-on experiences transform abstract concepts into tangible adventures that engage multiple senses and learning styles.
Why STEM Exploration Matters for Every Child
Children are natural scientists from birth—observing, questioning, and experimenting with the world around them. STEM activities simply provide focused opportunities to channel this innate curiosity into meaningful learning experiences.
Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children shows that early exposure to STEM concepts helps develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive flexibility. These foundational skills benefit children regardless of their future career paths. Even more importantly, well-designed STEM activities build confidence and create positive associations with learning.
Here are 11 engaging activities that have proven successful at capturing interest from even our most hesitant explorers at The Ivy Academy:
1. Cloud in a Jar (Ages 3-5)
This activity makes weather science visible and tangible. By creating a miniature cloud inside a jar using hot water, ice cubes, and a small amount of hairspray, children can observe condensation forming before their eyes.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The transformation seems magical, drawing in children through visual engagement. One preschooler at our Geneva campus initially showed no interest until she saw the “cloud” forming—then couldn’t stop asking questions about how rain works.
STEM focus: Meteorology, states of matter, water cycle
Safety note: Adult supervision required for hot water and hairspray handling.
2. Oil Spill Cleanup Challenge (Ages 4-6)
This environmental engineering activity uses a shallow pan of water with cooking oil added to simulate an oil spill. Provide various materials (cotton balls, string, spoons, sponges) and challenge children to find the most effective cleanup method.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The combination of water play (always a hit) with a meaningful challenge creates multiple entry points for engagement. Children can measure their success visibly, providing immediate feedback and satisfaction.
STEM focus: Environmental engineering, problem-solving, material properties
3. Crystal Sun Catchers (Ages 4-6)
By dissolving Borax powder in hot water and submerging pipe cleaner shapes, children can grow stunning crystals overnight. Hang the finished creations in a window for a beautiful science-meets-art project.
Why it works for reluctant learners: This activity bridges science and art, appealing to creative children who might not initially identify as “science kids.” The dramatic transformation overnight creates anticipation and excitement.
STEM focus: Chemistry, molecular structures, crystallization
Safety note: Adult supervision is essential. Borax should be handled only by adults, and finished crystals should not be accessible to children who might put them in their mouths.
4. Building a Hand Crank Winch (Ages 4-6)
Using simple materials like cardboard tubes, spools, chopsticks, and ribbon, children can create a functional simple machine. This engineering project introduces mechanical advantage concepts through hands-on building.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The satisfaction of building something that actually works is immensely powerful. Children who enjoy construction but haven’t connected it to “engineering” suddenly see the relationship.
STEM focus: Engineering, simple machines, mechanical advantage
5. Pipe Cleaner Counting Game (Ages 2-4)
Create number-labeled pipe cleaners and provide colorful beads. Children string the corresponding number of beads onto each pipe cleaner, creating a tangible visualization of quantities.
Why it works for reluctant learners: This activity transforms abstract math into a concrete, colorful experience. The sensory component of handling the beads engages children who learn best through touch, and the finished product provides visual reinforcement of number concepts.
STEM focus: Mathematics, counting, one-to-one correspondence
Safety note: For children under 3, use larger beads and provide constant supervision to prevent choking hazards.
6. Stop-Motion Animation Video (Ages 5-6)
Using a simple smartphone app like Stop Motion Studio and small toys or clay figures, children can create short animated films by taking sequential photos with tiny movements between each shot.
Why it works for reluctant learners: Technology combined with storytelling creates a powerful hook for children who might not realize they’re learning sequencing, planning, and digital literacy skills. The creative component appeals to many children who don’t initially identify with STEM subjects.
STEM focus: Technology, sequential thinking, spatial reasoning
Family involvement opportunity: This makes an excellent weekend project where parents and children can collaborate on stories and filming.
7. Egg Drop Project (Ages 4-6)
Challenge children to design a container that will protect a raw egg when dropped from a height. Provide materials like straws, tape, cotton balls, and paper, then test the designs to see which successfully protect their precious cargo.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The dramatic testing phase creates built-in excitement, while the open-ended design process accommodates different approaches. Children who might be hesitant about structured activities often thrive with this type of creative engineering challenge.
STEM focus: Physics, engineering design, impact force
8. Light Refraction Experiment (Ages 3-6)
Draw an arrow on paper, then place a clear glass of water in front of it. When viewed through the glass, the arrow appears to reverse direction! This simple physics demonstration introduces the concept of refraction.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The “wow factor” of seeing something that contradicts expectations immediately captures attention. Children naturally want to understand the “trick,” opening the door to scientific explanation.
STEM focus: Physics, light properties, optics
9. Nature Scavenger Hunt with Measuring (Ages 3-6)
Create a scavenger hunt for outdoor exploration that incorporates mathematical concepts. Children might find “something longer than your hand,” “three smooth rocks,” or “five leaves of different shapes.” Bring measuring tools like rulers, string, or balance scales to analyze findings.
Why it works for reluctant learners: This activity takes learning outside and incorporates movement with discovery. Children who might resist sitting at a table for mathematical activities often engage enthusiastically when math is embedded in exploration.
STEM focus: Biology, classification, measurement, counting
Family involvement opportunity: This is perfect for weekend family outings to local parks or even your backyard.
10. Milk Fireworks Chemistry Experiment (Ages 3-5)
Pour a small amount of milk into a shallow dish, add drops of food coloring in different areas, then touch the center with a cotton swab dipped in dish soap. The colors will explosively swirl in beautiful patterns.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The dramatic visual effect happens immediately, creating instant engagement. Even our most hesitant preschoolers at our Elgin location can’t resist the excitement of this colorful reaction.
STEM focus: Chemistry, molecular interactions, surface tension
11. Straw Rocket Launches (Ages 3-6)
Create simple rockets using paper wrapped around straws. Children can decorate their rockets, then launch them by blowing through the straw. Measure distances and experiment with variables like rocket length or launch angle.
Why it works for reluctant learners: The combination of crafting and dramatic action appeals to different learning preferences. The immediate cause-and-effect relationship between breath force and distance traveled creates natural opportunities for scientific thinking.
STEM focus: Physics, aerodynamics, measurement
How We Foster STEM Curiosity at The Ivy Academy
At our preschool campuses in Geneva and Elgin, Illinois, STEM experiences aren’t isolated to special events—they’re woven throughout our curriculum. Our teachers understand that fostering curiosity requires:
- Asking open-ended questions that encourage children to predict, observe, and explain
- Providing ample time for exploration without rushing to conclusions
- Modeling curiosity by wondering aloud and demonstrating that adults are still learning too
- Celebrating unexpected outcomes as valuable learning opportunities, not failures
- Connecting concepts to children’s existing interests and everyday experiences
We believe every child is naturally curious—sometimes they just need the right invitation to engage. By offering diverse STEM experiences in supportive environments, we’ve seen countless children discover passions they never knew they had.
Tips for Fostering STEM Curiosity at Home
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing scientific thinking. According to research from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, family involvement significantly enhances children’s engagement with STEM concepts. Here are some strategies that complement what we do at The Ivy Academy:
- Follow your child’s lead. Notice what captures their attention naturally and build from there.
- Use everyday moments. Cooking involves chemistry, building blocks teach engineering principles, and gardening explores biology.
- Embrace the mess. The most engaging STEM activities often involve materials that spill or splash. Consider outdoor exploration when weather permits.
- Ask questions instead of explaining. “What do you think will happen if…?” invites participation better than lectures.
- Celebrate the process, not just results. Praise effort, questions, and creative approaches—even when experiments don’t work as planned.
Remember that small, frequent exposures to STEM concepts often have more impact than occasional elaborate projects. The goal isn’t to create future scientists (though that may happen!), but to develop curious, confident learners who approach challenges with creativity and resilience.
Join Us for STEM Exploration
At The Ivy Academy, we’re passionate about creating environments where every child’s natural curiosity can flourish. Our experienced teachers guide children through developmentally appropriate STEM experiences that build confidence along with knowledge.
If you’d like to see how we incorporate these engaging activities into our preschool program, we invite you to schedule a tour at one of our locations:
Geneva Campus: Schedule a Tour
Elgin Campus: Schedule a Tour
North End Campus: Schedule a Tour
Together, we can nurture your child’s natural wonder and set them on a path of joyful discovery that will serve them throughout life.