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Every day is a great day for STEM, but November 8th stands out as National STEM Day in the U.S. Established in 2015, this day gives teachers the opportunity to spotlight the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math, and to show students just how rapidly these fields are evolving. Find fresh ideas for celebrating STEM with engaging decorations and hands-on challenges designed for all ages.

Introduce National STEM Day to your classroom

Inspire a few future scientists, engineers, or tech wizards with STEM projects for kids. Whether it’s through eye-catching door and bulletin board displays or a fun caregiver handout, start the day off by spotlighting what STEM is and why it matters. Then, you can inspire students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in exciting new ways.

Decorate for National STEM Day

Go all out to turn your room into an innovator’s paradise for the day, the week, or even the entire month! Get students excited about STEM through colorful displays and posters. 

STEM Bulletin Board for STEM / STEAM / STREAM Posters / Classroom Decor
By Erintegration – Technology for Creative Teachers
Grades: Not specific

This resource includes six engaging posters, letters, and labels, available in both color and black-and-white options, that highlight STEM, STEAM, and STREAM (science, technology, robotics, engineering, art, and math). It’s an eye-catching way to spark curiosity and celebrate innovation in your classroom.

Get caregivers involved in the celebration

Many caregivers may recognize the acronym STEM, but they may not realize why it has its own holiday. Providing them with an informational packet can offer background on the celebration as well as highlight the importance of STEM careers to spark discussions at home. 

What is STEM? A Parent Handout
By Science and STEAM Team
Grades: Not specific
Standards: NGSSK-2-ETS1-3; NGSS3-5-ETS1-3, S1-1

Teachers receive an informational packet about STEM and its importance, available in both color and black-and-white options. This two-page PDF is perfect for National STEM Day, open houses, and STEM family nights.

Kick off curiosity with a STEM opener

Start your celebration by breaking down what each letter in STEM stands for — and why you might also see STEAM or STREAM. This opener works great as a bell ringer or as an introduction to a STEM challenge.

STEM Activities Introduction Booklet What is STEAM Let’s Explore STEM
By Miss Tech Queen STEM
Grades: 2nd-5th
Standards: CCSSW.1.5, 1.8, 2.8

This resource includes 10 printable pages available in both English and Spanish. It also features a digital slide version that explains the meaning of each letter in STEAM. The colorable sheets offer an engaging overview of various STEAM careers and processes, making it a perfect introduction for young learners to discover the exciting world of STEAM.

Blast off into STEM careers to celebrate

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are projected to grow 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, far outpacing most other careers. Engage in discussions about STEM careers with students to deepen their understanding of how vast the field is. 

Play games to expand STEM career knowledge

Whether you’re teaching elementary students about STEM or looking for STEM activities for middle school, games make career discussions more engaging. They work well as a quick introduction to the importance of STEM or as part of a larger holiday celebration.

STEM Careers BINGO Game! (Middle & High School)
By Vivify STEM
Grades: 5th-12th

Discover fun facts and descriptions for 48 different STEM careers with themed Bingo boards, plus a Google Slides companion featuring a photo of each career. This low-prep activity includes 40 bingo boards. 

Challenge student thinking with STEM activities

Introducing STEM and the careers related to it opens the door to the real fun of the holiday: STEM day activities. Challenges, games, and experiments show students the true potential of STEM and how it can change the world. Beyond meeting NGSS (NGSS) for multiple grades, these activities spark critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Jumpstart the fun with easy STEM challenges

Want to add a little fun to your National STEM Day without pulling out all the stops? Quick and easy is the name of the game with these challenges!

8 Paper STEM Challenges- No Prep Needed!
By Wild Littles and Middles
Grades: 4th-8th
Standards: NGSSMS-ETS1-2

This activity is designed to be completed in 10 to 40 minutes and can be easily modified based on how much preparation time you have. It includes eight different paper-based projects, such as paper chains and paper airplanes.

Back to School STEM Challenges | 4 STEAM Task Cards | No Prep | STEM Night
By Teach to Dream
Grades: 3rd-6th
Standards: NGSSK-2-ETS1-2, 1-1; NGSSMS-ETS1-2

Change it up by giving students four different STEM task cards. The resource also includes other materials needed, student reflection sheets, and foldable interactives. 

Ignite excitement with STEM challenges that go beyond the holiday

Some STEM challenges extend beyond the holiday and require more prep, but they fully engage students in the design process. These tasks encourage creativity, iteration, and collaboration to build real-world solutions. 

STEM Challenge Bucket Towers Elementary Problem-Solving Easy Prep Project
By Teachers Are Terrific – STEM Activities
Grades: 3rd-5th
Standards: NGSS3-5-ETS1-1, 1-2, 1-3

Designed for elementary students, this resource includes a materials list, teacher’s guide, and scoring rubric. It also features photographs and two versions each of the constraints list and lab sheet. 

Roller Coaster Physics – Force and Motion STEM Project
By The Trendy Science Teacher
Grades: 7th-10th
Standards: NGSSMS-PS2-2, 2-4; NGSSHS-PS2-2

Show students how exciting force and motion can be by having them engineer a roller coaster prototype. This resource includes an eight-day guided lesson plan, video analysis, planning phases, a schedule of events, and a rubric. A distance learning option is also available.

Design creative STEM experiences for all ages

National STEM Day brings with it a world of experiments for kids — with minimal prep required. Just watch students engineer something fabulous using what’s on hand. These activities are easy to adapt for any grade level by adding circuits, design challenges, or other objectives.

• Create a Wearable Gadget: Give students random classroom materials and challenge them to design a wearable gadget.
• Improve an Everyday Object: Have students plan how they would improve an everyday object they use at home or school.
• Design a Wind-Powered Vehicle: Provide wheels and other materials for students to design a car powered by blowing air. You can even hold races!
• Build a Maze: Younger students can design a simple paper maze, while older students create a 3D maze for a ball to navigate.
• Draft a Moving Sculpture: Use paper, cardboard, and found objects to design a sculpture with moving parts, like a mobile or wind chime.
• Investigate the Magnetism of Pennies: Test whether pennies are magnetic by trying to attract them through different materials.
• Construct a Paper Robot: Create a robot using only paper. For older students, challenge them to make one that balances on a finger.
• Assemble a Found Object Machine: Design a purpose for a machine, then challenge students to use found objects to create it. 

Launch National STEM Day into orbit with TPT resources

Highlight the importance of science and engineering on National STEM Day, but make sure the excitement and learning don’t end in November. Continually inspire students with STEM careers and concepts throughout the year. Explore TPT’s wide range of STEM resources for all ages to keep the momentum going and enrich every STEM lesson.