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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

By Macy Bayern July 11, 2018, 5:59 AM PDT

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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

1. Wooden catapult

Image: Amazon/Abong

1. Wooden catapult

The summer days can get surprisingly slow. Here are 20 STEM projects–both easy and complicated–to help keep the creative juices flowing.

Play fetch with the dog or toss your friend the remote with a catapult! Here are some instructions on building your own catapult, from simple to more complex assembly. You can also order a kit here.

Image: Amazon/Abong
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

3. Portable charger

Image: Adafruit

3. Portable charger

Build a portable phone charger out of an Altoids box. I’d recommend eating the mints first, though. Find out what you need and how to build it here, or grab a kid from Adafruit!

Image: Adafruit
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

4. Slime

Image: CNET

4. Slime

Everyone loves some good homemade slime. Our sister site, CNET, has a whole recipe guide of borax-free slime that you can make with (or without) the kids! Some people have encountered some problems with borax-based slime in the past, so CNET found three recipes that ensure safe fun.

Image: CNET
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

5. Raspberry Pi

Image: Amazon/CanaKit

5. Raspberry Pi

Create your own mini PC with this Raspberry Pi starter kit. You can plug it into a TV or other display and run an internet browser or your office suite of choice. Here’s a quality, expansive starter kit.

Image: Amazon/CanaKit
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

6. AI assistant

Image: Matrix Labs

6. AI assistant

Build your own voice-controlled AI assistant using Raspberry Pi. While this option is on the more expensive end–just over $100–you can still create an AI assistant for much cheaper than a store-bought one. Whether via kit or individually purchased parts, a Raspberry Pi-powered assistant is a fun prospect.

Image: Matrix Labs
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

8. Soda can robot

Image: Amazon/4M

8. Soda can robot

With no Arduino or Raspberry Pi necessary for this little guy, the soda can robot is an easy and fun DIY project. Grab a DC motor and some household items, and soda can robot is alive and walking. Here’s how to make it and here is a kit to make it even easier.

Image: Amazon/4M
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

9. Crystals

Image: Amazon/4M

9. Crystals

Grow your own crystals! With only three ingredients–epsom salt, food coloring, and a bowl–you can grow crystals in your own kitchen! Or you can go here to make more advanced crystals.

Image: Amazon/4M
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Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

10. Lightsaber

Image: CNET/Lucasfilm

10. Lightsaber

Channel your inner Yoda with your own personal lightsaber! With a more complicated assembly, the lightsaber is powered by the Arduino MKR Zero. Here are written instructions, along with a video, to get your lightsaber up and running.

Image: CNET/Lucasfilm
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

11. Propeller car

Image: Amazon/4M

11. Propeller car

Propeller powered cars are fun for engineers of all ages. Race your cars against each other and try building with different materials! Here is a wood-based, easy design.

Image: Amazon/4M
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

12. Bottle Rockets

Image: iStockphoto/clavivs

12. Bottle Rockets

Bottle Rockets are a classic. Not the most sophisticated of projects, but extremely fun to watch. Here‘s how to make your bottle rocket take flight.

Image: iStockphoto/clavivs
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

13. Fossils

Image: iStockphoto/Ca-ssis

13. Fossils

Go for a fossil hunt! Regardless of the likelihood you find a fossil, going for a hike outdoors and studying ecology along the way never hurts. Here are some of the best fossil hunting spots!

Image: iStockphoto/Ca-ssis
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

14. Volcano

Image: babbledabledo

14. Volcano

Make a volcano out of lemons! This project will definitely need to be taken outside, but all of the fun colors make it a sight to see!

Image: babbledabledo
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

15. Pocket game console

Image: Adafruit

15. Pocket game console

Take games like Tetris and Snake anywhere. Using Adafruit Pro Trinket, you can put together your own pocket-sized gaming system! Here’s what you need and how to assemble it.

Image: Adafruit
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

16. Radio

Image: Amazon/Elenco

16. Radio

Use a circuit to build your own FM receiver. You can also build radios with an AM connection. Here are plenty of videos and step-by-step photos to get you started.

Image: Amazon/Elenco
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

17. Herb box

Image: DIY Network

17. Herb box

Grow your own fresh herbs in your kitchen. DIY Network‘s herb box uses a weather-resistant wood, if you want to keep it outside. You can also place your herb box right on your kitchen countertop or window sill.

Image: DIY Network
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

18. Dog food dispenser

Image: Sia Magazine

18. Dog food dispenser

Are you going to be out of the house for the day? If so, an automatic dog food dispenser may come in handy. Made out of cardboard, you can build this gadget right in your own home.

Image: Sia Magazine
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

19. Automatic watering system

Image: iStockphoto/Jurgute

19. Automatic watering system

Use an Arduino Uno and Genuino Uno to automatically water your plants! If you’re going on vacation during the summer, this DIY gadget can help keep your plants alive and well. Here are instructions on how to get started.

Image: iStockphoto/Jurgute
Photos: 20 STEM projects to try

20. Egg drop challenge

Image: lemonlimeadventures

20. Egg drop challenge

tThe egg drop challenge is always a fan favorite. The goal is to use various material to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a significant height. This game requires brain power and creativity, which are good to exercise at any age.

tWhat are your favorites? Tell us in the comments or on Twitter.

Also see

  • The best alternatives to the Raspberry Pi (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
  • What are the best Raspberry Pi alternatives? Everything you need to know about Pi rivals (ZDNet)
  • Raspberry Pi: A cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
  • Build a cheap computer for your kids with Kano OS and a Raspberry Pi (CNET)
  • Hone your Arduino skills with this e-book bundle (TechRepublic)
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By Macy Bayern
Macy Bayern is a former Associate Staff Writer for TechRepublic. She is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin's Liberal Arts Honors Program.
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