technology education projects for middle school

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.

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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.

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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.

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50 Best STEM Projects for Middle School Kids

Science Activities for Middle Schoolers

Technology activities for middle schoolers, engineering activities for middle schoolers, math activities for middle schoolers.

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STEM projects for middle school are an excellent way to engage young minds and spark their curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math. Research supports that STEM activities positively impact the scientific creativity of middle school students. These exercises give students an enjoyable learning experience and promote critical thinking and problem-solving abilities .

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Additionally, middle school STEM programs help foster interest in these subjects, develop skills, improve future job prospects, encourage creativity and innovation, and promote diversity and inclusivity. However, before delving into the exciting projects, it’s essential to understand why STEM programs in middle school are crucial for a student’s academic journey.

5 Essentials Of Middle School STEM Programs

In the modern work market, STEM education has increased. Students in middle school are at a pivotal point in their development, and exposure to STEM education can greatly impact how they grow academically and professionally. The following justifies the necessity of STEM programs in middle schools.

1. Fostering Interest in STEM

Middle school STEM programs offer an interactive and immersive approach to STEM education by providing hands-on opportunities for students to engage in projects and experiments, which can lead to deeper comprehension and enthusiasm for these subjects. The Journal of Pedagogical Research suggests that a STEM-focused learning environment can positively influence academic achievement in science. Moreover, STEM education provides students with practical applications of these topics in the real world, which fosters a heightened curiosity and drive for learning. 

2. Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities are emphasized in STEM education. Students’ minds are still developing throughout middle school. Thus, STEM education can aid in the development of the abilities necessary for success in the real world. 

3. Improving Future Job Prospects

Middle school STEM education can provide students with the essential abilities and skills necessary to pursue high-paying professions in the rapidly-growing STEM sectors of the contemporary economy. 

4. Encouraging Creativity and Innovation

Middle school STEM programs have been known to be a catalyst for fostering creativity and innovation among students. This is because these programs equip students with the necessary skills to design, build, and test their projects, which can be quite perplexing. By undertaking middle school STEM programs, children can develop the courage and aptitude to take risks, think outside the box, and solve problems in novel and unexpected ways.

5. Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

The benefits of STEM education extend beyond just individual development, as it can also promote diversity and inclusivity among students. Regardless of background, all students have equal opportunities to learn and succeed in STEM. By introducing students to a wide range of STEM occupations and showcasing the achievements of underrepresented groups in these industries, middle school STEM programs can inspire kids from diverse backgrounds to pursue their interests in these disciplines.

What Does STEM Education for Middle Schoolers Look Like?

Middle school STEM education is a way of teaching that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s exciting and interactive, aiming to help students become skilled in these subjects. The main goal is to give students the knowledge and abilities they need to handle the many challenges of our ever-changing technology-driven world.

“STEM education is not just about learning scientific concepts and principles; it’s about developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will benefit students throughout their lives.” – Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education.

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of STEM disciplines in middle school through practical, project-based learning . They investigate the scientific method, study the fundamentals of engineering and design, and become aware of the wonders of math and technology.

Middle schoolers can develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity through STEM education. Research suggest that STEM activities effectively develop positive views toward interdisciplinary education and 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By engaging in STEM activities , students can also improve their science process skills, STEM career interests, motivation, and views about STEM education. 

50 Best STEM Activities for Middle School Kids

Engaging in STEM activities for middle school kids, students can gain valuable skills and knowledge that will assist them in success in high school, college, and beyond. So, without further ado, let’s explore these best STEM activities for kids!

“STEM learning is vital for the future success of our students and our country. By engaging students in hands-on projects and encouraging their curiosity, we can inspire the next generation of innovators.” – Mae Jemison, former NASA astronaut and founder of the Jemison Group.

Science is essential to STEM education and can be incredibly engaging and exciting for middle schoolers. Here are some science-related STEM activities for middle school kids that can inspire young minds to discover the world around them.

• Chemical Reactions: Mix baking soda and vinegar to observe the fizzy reaction. Try other combinations like lemon juice and baking soda.
• Solar Oven: Cut a flap in a cardboard box and line it with foil. Place food inside and keep it in the sun to cook.
• Egg Drop Challenge: Gather materials like straws, paper, and tape. Create a protective structure around an egg and drop it from a height.
• Rock Candy Experiment: Dissolve sugar in hot water and grow crystals on a string suspended in the solution.
• Volcano Eruption:  Build a clay volcano around a small bottle. Mix baking soda and vinegar inside the bottle for an eruption.

• Hovercraft: Glue a balloon to a CD, then inflate the balloon and place the CD on a smooth surface to create a hovercraft.
• Slime Making: Mix glue, water, and borax solution to create slime. Explore different ratios for varying consistencies.
• Bottle Rocket Launch: Fill a plastic bottle partially with water, then quickly attach a cork and pump air inside to launch the rocket.
• Sundial Crafting: Place a stick vertically in the ground, and mark the shadow cast by the sun at different times of the day.
• Plant Growth Study:  Plant seeds in pots with varying amounts of sunlight, water, and soil to observe their growth over time.

• Static Electricity: Rub balloons against clothing to create static charge. Test its effect on objects like paper and hair.
• Dissecting Owl Pellets: Purchase owl pellets and use tweezers to carefully dissect them, identifying the bones of small animals.
• Microscope Adventures:  Collect samples from ponds or leaves, place them on slides, and observe under a microscope to discover tiny organisms.

Now that we’ve explored some exciting science-related STEM ideas for middle school kids, let’s look at engaging technology activities to help students develop important coding, programing and digital literacy skills.

Technology activities for middle schoolers are designed to introduce students to coding, programing, and digital design basics. These hands-on activities are a great way to build technical skills while fostering creativity and innovation. Here are a few technology-related STEM activities for middle school kids.

• Coding Basics: Use online platforms like Scratch or Code.org to start learning coding concepts through interactive tutorials and projects.
• Robotics Challenge:  Provide robot kits with instructions and coding software. Students follow the instructions to assemble the robot and write code to make it perform tasks.

• App Design: Utilize app development tools or platforms like MIT App Inventor to design and prototype mobile apps. Students can create simple apps and explore different features.
• 3D Printing: Teach students how to use 3D modeling software to design objects. Then, print the designs using a 3D printer.
• Website Creation: Introduce HTML and CSS coding languages to build a basic website. Students can experiment with customizing their site.
• Video Game Design: Use game development software like GameMaker or Unity to design and create simple video games with characters, levels, and gameplay.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Exploration:  Explore AR technology using AR apps or platforms. Students can create interactive experiences by overlaying virtual objects on the real world.

• Green Screen Projects: Provide a green screen and video editing software. Students can record themselves against the green screen and use the software to replace the background with any image or video.
• Electronic Circuits: Use a circuit kit with components like LEDs, resistors, and wires. Students follow diagrams to build circuits and learn about electronics.
• Digital Storytelling: Use digital tools like PowerPoint or video editing software to create multimedia stories with text, images, and audio narration.
• Internet Research Challenge: Assign specific research topics, and guide students on using search engines and reputable websites to find relevant information.
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Conduct discussions and workshops on online safety, creating strong passwords, and protecting personal information from online threats.
• Virtual Field Trips: Utilize virtual reality headsets or online platforms with virtual tours to take students on immersive journeys to museums, historical sites, or outer space.

Now that we’ve explored some exciting technology-related STEM projects for middle school kids, let’s shift our focus to engineering. These activities are designed to introduce students to engineering and design principles and provide hands-on opportunities to create and build.

Engineering activities are a great way for middle schoolers to explore design principles, problem-solving, and creativity. These activities help develop important skills that benefit students in all aspects of life. Here are a few engineering-related STEM projects for middle school kids that are both fun and educational.

• Popsicle Stick Bridges: Provide popsicle sticks and glue. Instruct students to design and build bridges using the sticks, aiming to make them sturdy enough to hold weight.
• Hydraulic Lifts: Provide syringes, plastic tubes, and water. Students build a hydraulic lift system using syringes and water to lift objects.
• Spaghetti Towers: Offer uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows as building materials. Challenge students to construct tall and stable towers using the two items.
• Water Filtration:  Teach students about water filtration concepts. Provide various materials like sand, gravel, and cotton balls for them to build their filtration systems and test their effectiveness.

• Egg Parachute Drop: Provide materials like plastic bags, strings, and cushioning materials. Have students construct a parachute to safely drop an egg from a height.
• Catapult Challenge: Gather materials like popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons. Instruct students to build a working catapult and launch small objects towards targets.
• Mini Wind Turbines: Provide students with materials like cardboard, straws, and small motors. Guide them in creating miniature wind turbines to generate electricity from wind energy.
• Simple Machines Exploration: Set up stations with different simple machines like pulleys, levers, and inclined planes. Allow students to experiment and learn how these machines work.
• Sustainable Building Designs: Introduce sustainable building practices to students. Let them design and sketch eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings or houses on paper.
• Bristlebot Robots: Provide toothbrush heads, small vibrating motors, and batteries. Show students how to assemble these components into tiny robots called Bristlebots that move around.
• DIY Waterwheel: Provide materials like popsicle sticks, cups, and a small water source. Students design and build a waterwheel to harness water energy.

While engineering activities focus on design and problem-solving, math activities for middle schoolers aim to build a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and practical applications. Let’s look at some engaging and hands-on math activities that middle schoolers can enjoy and learn from.

Middle school math activities are made to help kids develop a solid mathematical foundation while also exposing them to real-world applications of mathematics. Through these exercises, students can improve their ability to think logically, solve problems, and appreciate the beauty of mathematics. A few math projects and activities are listed below for middle school students to try out.

• Math Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of math-related items or problems for students to find and solve around the school or outdoors.
• Fraction Pizza: Use construction paper to create “pizza slices,” and have students color in fractions to represent different toppings.
• Math Board Games:  Introduce math-based board games like “Math Bingo” or “Math Jeopardy” to reinforce skills in a fun way.

• Math Art: Have students create geometric art using shapes, angles, and symmetry.
• Math Puzzles: Provide various math puzzles like Sudoku, logic puzzles, or tangrams to challenge problem-solving abilities.
• Real-World Budgeting: Assign students a hypothetical budgeting project to plan for expenses like groceries, entertainment, and savings.
• Data Analysis with Graphs: Present students with real data sets and guide them in creating different types of graphs to analyze the information.
• Math Escape Room: Design a math-themed escape room with puzzles and problems that students must solve to “escape.”
• Geometry Construction: Teach students how to use a compass and straightedge to construct geometric shapes and angles.
• Math Relay Race:  Divide students into teams and create a relay race with math problems they must solve to pass the baton.

• Mathematical Storytelling: Have students write stories or scenarios that involve math concepts and solve problems within the narrative.
• Measurement Olympics: Set up a measurement-based competition, like seeing who can estimate and measure the length of various objects most accurately.
• Math in Nature: Take students outside to explore the environment and find examples of math concepts like patterns , symmetry, and angles in nature.

Engaging in hands-on learning through math activities and projects can help middle school students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for mathematics. Having explored a variety of fun STEM activities for middle school, it’s worth considering how we can integrate STEM learning into other aspects of a student’s daily experience, including during recess or on the playground.

4 Ways To Integrate STEM Activities Into Middle School Playgrounds

Middle school is a pivotal developmental period for students, marked by a strong desire for knowledge acquisition and exploration. In this phase, students indulge in both physical activity and cognitive stimulation, and incorporating STEM projects for middle school can substantially enhance their educational experience. Thus, it is imperative to investigate why STEM activities should be included in the middle school playground, and one promising answer is through interactive learning stations.

1. Interactive Learning Stations

These learning stations offer a unique opportunity for students to learn while simultaneously enjoying themselves via experiential education. Specifically, students can engage in hands-on activities such as building miniature wind turbines or constructing solar-powered vehicles, which can enhance their problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of STEM concepts.

2. Outdoor Laboratories

Students may conduct experiments and gather data in outdoor laboratories because they are situated in a natural setting. Weather stations, gardens, and animal habitats can all be included as part of these laboratories. Kids can develop a passion for science and receive real-world experience by participating in these events.

3. Technology Enhanced Playgrounds

The utilization of technology-enhanced playgrounds represents a novel opportunity to combine fitness and STEM activities, thereby improving student engagement in the form of augmented reality activities, interactive displays, and sensory tools. The resultant learning experience is distinctive and enriching. By integrating technology into gardening , students can augment their digital literacy in a enjoyable and educationally valuable manner.

4. Innovative Equipment

Innovative tools can be utilized to design fun STEM projects for middle school that pushes kids to think creatively. Programable robots, 3D printers, and virtual reality headsets are a few examples of this equipment. With the use of this equipment, kids can enhance their creativity and problem-solving abilities while learning more about STEM principles.

The academic achievement, physical health, and general well-being of children can all be dramatically impacted by including STEM activities in middle school playgrounds. By giving children the chance to participate in practical STEM activities, we can help them acquire crucial abilities that will set them up for future success.

Middle school completion is an indispensable prerequisite for reinforcing students’ aptitude and mastery in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). STEM challenges for middle school students are boundless and varied. We must encourage them to face challenges and in order to ensure that students are equipped for future prosperity, we must proffer them with diverting, interactive, and engaging STEM-related activities. Integration of STEM education within the middle school curricula can be accomplished through various methods such as interactive learning stations, avant-garde tools, and outdoor laboratories.

By providing middle schoolers with the best STEM activities, we can encourage and kindle their passion, empowering them to create a better future. Let us, therefore, take the initiative and encourage our schools to allocate sufficient funding toward STEM education. This will help our children realize their full potential and have a transformative impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can middle school stem instruction aid pupils with learning disabilities.

STEM instruction can be modified to meet the needs of children with varying learning preferences and aptitudes. All pupils can benefit from the promotion of problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

At what age can you start STEM?

STEM education can start as early as preschool and continues through elementary, middle, and high school. Introducing STEM concepts early helps foster curiosity and lays the foundation for future learning and exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Does incorporating STEM activities into middle school playgrounds come with any risks?

When incorporating STEM activities into playgrounds, safety should always come first. It’s critical to correctly identify risks, train staff members and teachers, and maintain equipment.

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51+ Best STEM Project Ideas for Middle School Students

STEM education opens doors to a world of discovery and excitement for middle school students. It’s like unlocking a treasure chest of knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These projects aren’t just fun and games; they’re the secret sauce to boost critical thinking and set the stage for future careers in cool stuff like building robots, creating computer programs, and solving real-world problems. If you’re a parent or teacher wondering where to start, you’re in the right place! 

This blog is your go-to guide for the best, most awesome STEM project ideas for middle schoolers. Let’s dive into the world of STEM and ignite young minds with creativity and curiosity!

What is a STEM Project?

Table of Contents

A STEM project is a hands-on, interactive learning experience that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to solve real-world problems. It goes beyond textbooks, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. These projects nurture critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork, essential skills for future success in STEM-related fields. Whether building a robot, conducting scientific experiments, or coding a program, STEM projects engage students in experiential learning, fostering a deep understanding of core subjects and preparing them for the challenges of our technologically advanced world.

Why STEM Matters in Middle School?

Before we dive into the list of STEM project ideas for middle school, you need to know the factors about why STEM matters in middle school. Middle school is a transformative period where students begin to shape their academic interests and career aspirations. Introducing STEM projects during this time is instrumental in:

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

STEM projects require students to analyze problems, think critically, and devise creative solutions. This process cultivates a mindset of inquiry and problem-solving, crucial for academic and real-world challenges.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Engaging in STEM projects encourages students to think outside the box. It promotes innovative thinking, enabling them to approach problems with fresh perspectives and creative solutions.

Building a Foundation for Future STEM Careers

Early exposure to STEM projects lays the groundwork for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It sparks interest and passion, setting the stage for more advanced studies and professional pursuits.

Steps to Choosing the Right STEM Project

Selecting an appropriate STEM project is essential for ensuring students remain engaged and derive maximum educational benefits. Consider the following factors:

1. Considering Students’ Interests and Passions

Tailor STEM projects to align with the interests and passions of middle school students. Whether it’s robotics, environmental science, or computer programming, choosing projects that resonate with their curiosity enhances the learning experience.

2. Aligning with Curriculum Goals

Integrate STEM projects with existing curriculum goals. This ensures that while students explore exciting and hands-on projects, they are also meeting educational standards set by the school.

3. Availability of Resources

Assess the availability of resources, both in terms of materials and expertise. Opt for projects that are feasible within the constraints of the school’s resources to guarantee successful implementation.

STEM Project Ideas for Middle School Students

Here is a complete list of STEM project ideas for middle school students in 2024:

1. DIY Solar Oven

In this project, students build a solar oven using simple materials like cardboard, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. They learn about solar energy and how it can be harnessed for practical applications. The project explores concepts of heat transfer, insulation, and renewable energy sources. Students gain hands-on experience in designing and constructing a functional solar oven while understanding the importance of sustainable energy solutions.

2. Hydroponic Garden Design

This STEM project involves creating a hydroponic garden, allowing students to explore plant growth without soil. They learn about nutrient solutions, plant biology, and sustainable agriculture. This project encourages critical thinking as students design and build their hydroponic systems, fostering an understanding of how technology can revolutionize traditional farming methods.

3. Robotics and Coding Challenge

Students engage in a robotics and coding project where they design, build, and program a robot to perform specific tasks. This project introduces them to the fundamentals of robotics, coding languages, and problem-solving. By working on this project, students enhance their computational thinking skills, creativity, and teamwork, laying the foundation for potential future careers in STEM fields.

4. Water Filtration System

In this hands-on project, students design and construct a water filtration system using everyday materials. This project addresses water pollution issues and teaches students about the importance of clean water. They learn about filtration methods, environmental science, and engineering principles. Through trial and error, students refine their systems, gaining insights into real-world problem-solving.

5. Renewable Energy Model

Students create a model that demonstrates the principles of renewable energy, such as wind or hydropower. This project introduces them to sustainable energy sources, environmental conservation, and engineering design. By constructing a working model, students grasp the concepts of energy conversion, turbine mechanics, and the potential for harnessing natural resources to generate power.

6. 3D Printing Project

In this project, students explore the world of 3D printing by designing and printing objects using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding of technology, design principles, and precision manufacturing. The project also encourages creativity as students conceptualize and bring their ideas to life through the 3D printing process. However, this is one of the top STEM project ideas for middle school.

7. Microbial Fuel Cells

Students delve into microbiology and energy production by creating microbial fuel cells. This project explores the potential of microorganisms to generate electricity. Students learn about microbial processes, biochemistry, and sustainable energy. The hands-on aspect of building and testing microbial fuel cells allows students to connect theoretical knowledge to practical applications in the field of bioenergy.

8. Weather Station Construction

In this project, students build a weather station to monitor and record local weather conditions. They learn about meteorology, data collection, and instrumentation. This project fosters an understanding of climate science and the importance of accurate weather predictions. Students gain insights into how technology can be used to gather and analyze environmental data, contributing to their knowledge of Earth sciences.

9. Bridge Building Challenge

Students engage in a structural engineering project by designing and building bridges using various materials. This project explores principles of physics, geometry, and material science. Through experimentation and analysis, students learn about load distribution, forces, and the importance of structural integrity. The project encourages creativity and critical thinking as students aim to construct bridges capable of withstanding specified loads.

10. Electricity-Generating Bike

In this hands-on project, students convert a stationary bike into an electricity-generating device. They explore the concepts of energy conversion, electrical circuits, and sustainable transportation. As students pedal the bike, they generate electricity, providing a practical demonstration of human-powered energy. This project not only teaches the principles of electricity but also raises awareness about alternative and renewable energy sources, encouraging a sustainable mindset among students.

11. Solar-Powered Water Desalination

This project involves creating a solar-powered water desalination system. Students explore the challenges of providing fresh water in arid regions by harnessing solar energy to desalinate seawater. They learn about solar cells, heat transfer, and the importance of sustainable solutions to address global water scarcity issues. The project encourages students to think critically about the intersection of technology, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.

12. Biodegradable Plastics Investigation

In this STEM project, students investigate the properties of biodegradable plastics compared to traditional plastics. They learn about polymer chemistry, environmental impact, and waste reduction. Students design experiments to test the decomposition rates of different plastics under various conditions, promoting a deeper understanding of sustainable material choices and their implications for the environment.

13. Astronomy and Star Mapping

Students embark on an astronomy project where they learn about celestial objects and create their star maps. This project introduces concepts such as constellations, celestial coordinates, and observational astronomy. Through research and observation, students develop an appreciation for the vastness of the universe and the methods astronomers use to navigate and understand the night sky. Moreover, it is one of the best STEM project ideas for middle school. 

14. Wind Turbine Efficiency Optimization

This project focuses on designing and optimizing the efficiency of a wind turbine. Students explore aerodynamics, energy conversion, and the factors influencing turbine performance. They experiment with blade design, wind direction, and other variables to maximize energy output. The project provides hands-on experience in renewable energy engineering and highlights the importance of innovation in sustainable power generation.

15. Microcontroller-Based Smart Home Project

Students delve into the world of home automation by designing and implementing a microcontroller-based smart home system. They learn about programming microcontrollers, sensor integration, and network communication. The project encourages creativity as students develop solutions for automating tasks within a home environment, providing a practical introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology.

Other STEM Project Ideas for Middle School Students

Discover some other STEM project ideas for middle school students:

• Bio-inspired Robotics Challenge
• Water Rocket Launch
• Food Chemistry and Molecular Gastronomy
• Virtual Reality Exploration
• Magnetic Levitation System
• Green Roof Design and Implementation
• Arduino-Based Weather Station
• Ocean Exploration ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)
• 3D Printed Prosthetics
• Biodiversity Mapping with Drones
• Fermentation and Brewing Science
• Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Agriculture
• Energy-Efficient Home Design
• Quantum Computing Basics
• Wearable Health Technology
• Advanced Paper Airplane Design
• Portable Solar Charger
• Mathematics of Origami
• Edible Cell Models
• Exploring Virtual Labs in Chemistry
• Self-driving Car Simulation
• Eco-friendly Transportation Solutions
• Investigating Antibiotic Resistance
• Digital Art and Animation with Coding
• Sustainable Urban Planning
• Building a Miniature Satellite (CubeSat)
• Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System
• Mathematical Modeling of Epidemics
• Exploring Nanotechnology Applications
• Laser Cut Puzzle Design
• Fire Ecology and Controlled Burns
• Behavioral Psychology Experiments
• Advanced Microscopy Techniques
• Renewable Energy-Powered Car
• DIY Geiger Counter Construction
• Virtual Chemistry Experiments
• Plant Genetics and Hybridization
• GPS-guided Autonomous Vehicles
• Human-Powered Water Purification
• Investigating Microplastics in the Environment

In summary, weaving STEM project ideas for middle school education isn’t just about equations and experiments—it’s about nurturing the seeds of innovation. As we conclude this journey into the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, it’s evident that these projects are not just educational milestones but catalysts for lifelong curiosity. By introducing students to a spectrum of captivating projects, educators sow the seeds of intellectual enthusiasm, fostering not only academic excellence but also a love for deciphering the mysteries of the world. 

So, as you embark on this educational adventure, envision the countless possibilities that STEM offers, and witness the transformative power it has in shaping not just bright minds, but resilient, creative, and future-ready individuals. Embrace the marvels of STEM education, and witness your students bloom into the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow.

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Integrating Technology in Middle School

Creative educator lesson plans can help you provide your middle-school students with an engaging and creative approach to content learning..

Depending on your student's abilities, you may also want to explore sixth-grade lesson plans.

Design a Book Cover

Students create a new cover design for a book they are reading to demonstrate comprehension and explore character, plot, setting, symbolism, and conflict.

Do Judge a Book by Its Cover

In this lesson, students build visual literacy and engage in close reading as they investigate the text and imagery on book covers to evaluate whether they are worth reading.

Take Reading SERIESly

In this lesson, students investigate the potential of a book's characters, plot and themes and develop a proposal for turning it into a series.

Hero's Journey

Students will create an eBook identifying and explaining the events in a hero's journey in a text they are reading.

Character Scrapbook

Students will create a digital scrapbook that showcases the viewpoint of the main character.

Interview a Book Character

In this lesson, students craft an interview with a character from a book they are reading to demonstrate comprehension.

Create a Card Game

Students create a card game based on the storyline of a book they are reading.

Students will create a mock social network page from the viewpoint of the protagonist or antagonist in a novel they are reading.

Create a Visual Poem

Students will create a visual, or video, poem as they analyze the imagery in a text.

Publish a Digital Magazine

Students take the lead and design and create their own digital magazine.

The ABC’s of …

In this lesson, students create an alphabet book to share knowledge and information they have learned, organizing their writing using the ABC’s.

Vocabulary Trading Cards

In this lesson, students create vocabulary trading cards that use images to help other students master the meaning of new words.

Book Trailers

Students will develop a movie-style trailer for a book they have read.

Persuade with Emotional Appeals

Students will build persuasive skills and media literacy as they explore techniques of propaganda and develop commercials that persuade viewers.

Here's to Your Health

Students will research a health issue, write an essay, and transform their argument into a public service announcement.

Don’t Let the Earth Down

Students will write persuasively on a conservation issue and create a public service announcement to promote their cause.

Pop-up Plaza Proposal

In this lesson, students craft a proposal for a pop-up plaza or parklet where community members can relax, reflect and connect.

Persuasive and Presidential Writing

Students learn persuasive writing and presentation skills.

Save from the Flames

In this lesson, students share why they would save a specific book from the "firemen" in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.

Infographics

Students will create an infographic poster to share knowledge and data about an issue they are studying.

Plan an Event

Students will plan for an event and create a proposal demonstrating how the event might look and how much it would cost.

Tessellation Sensation

Students will create their own tessellations study the mathematical concepts of patterns, planes, symmetry, and translation.

Surreal Symmetry

In this lesson, students use symmetry to create bizarre creatures around a self-portrait and then write a poem about the image.

Fastballs, Free Throws and Physics

Students will create an animated video that showcases how physics concepts apply to their favorite sport.

Healthier School Lunches

Students will learn about nutrition and create a sample menu for a week of healthy school lunches.

Virtual Museum

In this lesson, students create an online museum for their community.

Commemorative Ceremonies

Students develop a ceremony to honor a person or commemorate an event in history.

The President's Team

In this lesson, students nominate literary characters for each seat in the President's cabinet.

Artifact Interviews

Students will research a historical person or event and retell the story as an animated interview with an artifact from that time or place.

Tourism Trade Show

In this lesson, students develop materials to promote a specific region they are studying and make their pitch for a visit to this location at a tourism trade show.

Video Biographies

Students complete research on a historical figure and create a video biography of that person.

Postcards from the Past

In this lesson, students will create a collection of postcards that demonstrate how different people in the past may have viewed a single event or culture and analyze the range of perspectives in all class postcards to gain a deeper understanding of history.

Set SMART goals

In this lesson, students set SMART goals for the coming school year, identifying action items they can complete to achieve them.

Create a Vision Board

In this lesson, students create a vision board to turn their goals into words and images that represent what life will look and feel like when they reach them.

Political Cartoons Then and Now

Students will analyze and share the history of a political cartoon and then create their own cartoon about a current event.

Not Your Average Portfolio

Students will learn about the life of a famous person and create non-fiction porfolio about the individual.

Historical Journal

Students will create a historical journal from a fictional character's point of view.

Ancient Cultures News Broadcast

Students create a news broadcast while studying ancient civilizations.

A Day in the Life

Students will create a daily newspaper edition to learn about the politics and culture of ancient Rome.

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10 Educational And Fun STEM Projects For Middle School

Categories Education/School

Getting middle school kids into STEM can seem like a challenge; however, if you can make their learning fun, you’ll find you have a lot more success. Kids at this age love hands-on learning that gets them out of their seats and learning by doing instead of listening.

None of these projects take a lot of preparation in order to set up, and they can all be done at home or in the classroom.

We’ve broken our projects down into the different subjects that make up STEM; however, before we get into it, let’s take a quick look at what STEM is and why it matters.

What Is STEM?

STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. If you want to incorporate some more creativity into your classroom, then you can practice “STEAM” activities, which simply add the Arts.

STEM is an educational policy that helps to address subjects and concepts that can often be overlooked in the classroom. Whilst it’s easy to incorporate science and math, technology and engineering are vital components to a kid’s learning that they might only be able to access through extra-curricular activities.

By developing a strategy to include STEM and STEAM activities in your classroom or home, you can ensure that your students or children have a more solid understanding of how scientific concepts can be applied in real-world situations.

Using STEM is also a great chance for your kids to work on their problem-solving skills and critical thinking for students, from kindergarten all the way up to high school.

Now that we’ve covered exactly what STEM is and why it’s important, let’s look at ten educational and fun STEM projects that your middle school students will love.

Using different materials and engaging with some key scientific concepts, your students can get involved with their science lessons in a more engaging way than just sitting at their desks and listening for an hour.

1. Solar Oven

Teaching your students how to create a solar oven is not only a practical survival skill but is also a super fun way for kids to learn about how solar heat and solar power work whilst you make something tasty to eat.

Using a small, reflective surface, you can use the power of the sun to heat up a cooking pot enough to cook food!

• Use a dark-colored cooking pot to maximize heat absorption.
• Cover the cooking pot tightly so that no heat escapes.
• Use your solar oven in an area that gets direct sunlight for most of the day.

2. Sedimentary Rocks Model

If you’ve been teaching your kids about different kinds of rock, then you should give these simple sedimentary rock models a try in your classroom.

By smashing together graham crackers, hard-shelled candy, and mini marshmallows, you can demonstrate how sedimentary rocks are formed.

Use pressure to smash the “rocks” together, which forces the candy and cookie pieces into the marshmallows whilst also melting the marshmallows so that everything sticks together.

This is an interesting (and tasty) way to demonstrate how sedimentary rocks are formed and should help your students retain the information more.

3. Coding With Scratch

Coding and computer fluency is such an important aspect of our lives now that teaching kids how to program whilst they’re still in school is not only really important but is also something that they’re likely to be interested in. Most kids play some kind of video game or engage with content online, so there’s going to be something that they want to create.

Using a site like Scratch introduces them to the idea of programming in an easily digestible format and allows them to play around with different coding concepts and see projects that other people or students have made, inspiring them and giving them ideas for their own projects.

4. Smartphone Projector

If you’re trying to figure out what to do with the cardboard overflowing from your recycling bin, then why not give this super easy and super interesting project a try?

Projectors are surprisingly simple bits of technology and one that you can easily recreate in the classroom without much preparation. In fact, all you need is a small cardboard box (a shoe box is perfect, along with some spare scraps for a phone stand), a magnifying glass, scissors, tape, and, of course, a smartphone.

Putting the pieces together isn’t super complicated and should be a totally age-appropriate challenge for your middle school students.

Engineering

5. optimized paper airplane.

Anyone and their grandma can make a paper airplane, but can they make the most optimized and aerodynamic airplane?

There are some really interesting and intricate designs that your students can copy and try to create. Challenge your kids to make the best paper airplane and test them out during class. See which plane can fly the furthest, the quickest, and whether any are able to do loops.

This gets your students practicing their critical thinking, ability to follow instructions, and their dexterity to actually make the folds.

6. Egg Drop Challenge

This one is a classic. Who hasn’t gone to school and performed an egg drop challenge? The concept is simple: your students are going to drop an egg from a predetermined height, and their challenge is to create a system that will prevent the egg from breaking.

Some children might try to pad the egg enough to break its fall, whilst others might attempt to slow the egg with a parachute.

Provide your students with some simple materials like paper, tape, and cotton balls for them to make their egg protectors, and let them figure out how they want to save their eggs.

7. Paper Rollercoaster

A lot of classes will get their students to create the best paper bridge. However, we prefer to do something a little different. This paper rollercoaster challenge gets your kids constructing a rollercoaster out of paper.

Admittedly, this project does require a lot more preparation and materials, so it’s best to get your students to work in groups so that you don’t have to bring so many different sets of material to class with you.

There’s a lot of cutting and folding involved, so you might have to lend a hand in some places; however, at the end of the project, your students will be engaged with key scientific concepts like kinetic energy and potential energy.

8. Geometric Heart

To bring holidays like Valentine’s Day into your math classes, you could try introducing your students to these geometric shape challenges. This particular set of instructions has you creating a heart. However, you can easily have your kids come up with some new designs that they can create using the same method.

With just string and pipe cleaners, you can create these adorable geometric hearts. Grab straws and pipe cleaners in as many fun colors as you can find to make the craft more interesting.

If your kids want to make their own design, you can make sure that they measure it carefully and calculate how many straws and pipe cleaners they’re going to need.

9. Surface Area Castles

This next craft might run over a couple of days, but it’s so fun and creative that you won’t mind. For this activity, your students will create, measure, and calculate both the surface area and volume of a 3-D model castle that they can then design however they like.

You can pick up the templates for free and encourage your kids to build the best castles they can by making it a competition.

10. 100-Cup Tower

The final activity on our list is another classic. The 100-cup tower challenge is set up to get your kids building the tallest (and steadiest) tower possible using 100-cups.

If that’s a lot of materials that you can’t provide, then why not make it a 10-cup challenge instead>?

You can add complexity by getting your students to measure, record, and compare the heights of each tower. Whose tower was the tallest? Whose tower was the most structurally sound? Were they the same tower, or was there some difference?

Final Thoughts

Introducing STEM activities to your classroom can be a great way to get your students engaged in activities that are teaching and demonstrating key mathematical and scientific concepts without them even realizing all the time.

Before each craft or project, you should discuss the activity with your kids and get their predictions on what they think will happen. Talk them through the project, explaining the different concepts that they’ll be exploring, and, most importantly, give them a time limit.

It can be difficult to keep excitable middle school kids on task during open-ended activities, so make sure they have a set deadline that they have to be finished by.

Which of these activities will you try? Happy teaching!

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Digital Citizenship | Google Apps | Coding and Programming | Technology Curriculum | Microsoft Office | Middle School | Lesson Plans | Digital Literacy

Middle School Technology Lesson Plans: Where to Find Them

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September 20th, 2022 | 8 min. read

Brad Hummel

Coming from a family of educators, Brad knows both the joys and challenges of teaching well. Through his own teaching background, he’s experienced both firsthand. As a writer for iCEV, Brad’s goal is to help teachers empower their students by listening to educators’ concerns and creating content that answers their most pressing questions about career and technical education.

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If you’re a new middle school computer applications teacher, you’re facing many choices for technology lesson plans for your students. Making the right choices for your classroom can seem overwhelming since learning basic computer and technology skills will set them up for later success.

Thankfully, finding the right resources isn’t as difficult as you might think. Four of the most popular topics taught in middle school technology classes are:

• Website Creation and Beginner Coding Lessons
• Digital Citizenship Lessons
• Google Suite Lessons
• Microsoft Office Lessons

In this article, you’ll find an example resource for each topic and where to find additional lesson plans so you can choose the most appropriate materials for your program.

1. Website Creation and Beginner Coding Lessons

Example: TechnoKids Intermediate Resources

An excellent resource for middle school technology lesson plans in coding and website creation comes from TechnoKids. TechnoKids publishes K-12 curriculum to help students understand key technology and computer science concepts.

While TechnoKids offers several different lesson options, middle school teachers will find their Intermediate resources the most appropriate for their students. Designed for learners in grades 6-9, the resources assist students in learning some of the most popular topics within a middle school technology class.

These materials are available individually or as an intermediate-level collection. The TechnoKids Intermediate lesson plan options include:

• Website Creation
• Entrepreneurship
• Personal Finance

One strength of the TechnoKids lessons is that it makes complex computer coding simple and accessible for students, so it’s great for middle schoolers who are just starting to learn these skills.

How Much Do These Technology Lesson Plans Cost, and Who Are They For?

If you only want a single TechnoKids project to use in your classroom, you’ll pay $40. You can also buy the entire Intermediate Curriculum Collection for $295, which includes access to more than a dozen projects.

TechnoKids is an excellent fit for instructors who want to emphasize computer coding and website creation since the resources make learning these skills accessible to younger learners.

Teachers who don’t think they’ll use all the materials in the collection may want to focus on one or two projects or look for a set of lesson plans that’s a better fit.

Related Resources to Teach Coding

• 5 Top Middle School Technology Curriculum Options
• Top 5 Free Middle School Computer Science Resources to Teach Coding

2. Digital Citizenship Lessons

Example: Common Sense Education

Technology teachers often look for lesson plans to teach digital citizenship and literacy skills. Addressing these topics in a middle school classroom is critical to ensuring students can safely, responsibly, and respectfully use technology going forward.

Common Sense Education is a nonprofit organization that helps students and families understand and responsibly use media. Their Digital Citizenship resources provide ready-to-teach lessons for K-12 teachers that were developed in partnership with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

The Common Sense digital citizenship lessons are divided into six categories:

• Media Balance and Well-Being
• Privacy and Security
• Digital Footprint and Identity
• Relationships and Communication
• Cyberbullying , Digital Drama, and Hate Speech
• News and Media Literacy

You’ll find a lesson for grades 6, 7, and 8 for 18 middle school digital citizenship lessons for each of these topics. You’ll also find take-home resources to share with families.

As a nonprofit organization, Common Sense Education provides its lesson plans for free.

You could easily supplement your existing materials with these resources if you cover one or more of the lesson categories in your technology classes.

However, consider additional materials to build a complete technology curriculum if you're covering these areas in more depth.

Related Resources to Teach Digital Citizenship

• What Is Internet Safety and Why Is It Important to Teach?
• 4 Best Digital Citizenship Lesson Plans for Middle School
• Top 4 Digital Citizenship Activities for Middle School
• The 5 Best Cyberbullying Resources for Middle School  

3. Google Suite Lessons

Example: Google Drive Bundle from Gavin Middleton

Because they’re easy to use and allow for quick, web-based collaboration, more and more teachers include the Google suite of applications in their middle school technology lesson plans. One example of a quality Google lesson plans provider is Gavin Middleton.

Gavin Middleton is a notable computer applications resource provider on Teachers Pay Teachers, the marketplace where instructors can buy, sell, and share classroom resources.

His Google Drive Bundle is a set of resources designed to help teach the Google Suite of applications for students in grades 6 and up.

These lesson plans cover all of the fundamentals of using Google applications, including:

• Files, Folders, and Sharing within Google Drive
• Google Docs
• Google Slides
• Google Sheets
• Google Drawings
• Google Forms
• Updates and Add-ons in Drive

When you use each lesson plan, you’ll be able to give your students a working knowledge of applications they’ll use for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and file sharing.

Gavin Middleton’s lesson plan bundle costs $19.95, a 40 percent savings over purchasing each of the resources individually.

If you cover the Google Suite in your technology lessons, there’s a high chance you’ll benefit from these materials. Considering the bundle contains over 500 pages of content, you’ll be able to teach many classes using just these resources.

Related Resources to Teach Google Apps

• How to Teach Google Docs in Middle School  
• Top 3 Google Docs Lessons for Middle School
• 3 Best Lesson Plans for Teaching Google Sheets in Your Middle School Classroom  
• 3 Places to Find Google Sheets Activities for Middle School Students
• Top 3 Google Slides Lesson Plans & How to Use Them

4. Microsoft Office Lessons

Example: Microsoft Office Mega Bundle from TechCheck Lessons

Microsoft Office lessons remain popular in many middle school technology classrooms because they introduce students to a suite of productivity tools they can use throughout their careers. A solid place to start is with TechCheck Lessons, another reputable seller offering lesson plans through Teachers Pay Teachers.

Designed for grades 7-11, TechCheck’s Microsoft Office Mega Bundle includes an incredible 856 pages of resources.

The bundle includes an extensive amount of Microsoft Office lesson plans and activities:

• 33 Word lessons
• 35 PowerPoint lessons
• 20 Excel lessons
• 9 Outlook activities

In the bundle, you’ll also receive other lesson plans to teach your students essential computer skills like keyboarding and digital citizenship.

The TechCheck Microsoft Office Mega Bundle is available for $45. With 856 pages of content, you should be able to teach an entire course on these computer applications. On the other hand, if you need just a few lessons on a specific Microsoft Office topic, you can purchase individual units from within the TechCheck Bundle.

These lesson plans are of great value for a teacher focusing on the Microsoft Office application suite and provide a wealth of content you can incorporate into your middle school technology classes.

Related Resources to Teach Microsoft Office

• 3 Top Places to Find Excel Lesson Plans for Middle School
• How to Teach Microsoft Word for Middle School
• The 4 Best PowerPoint Lesson Plans for Middle School
• 4 Best Microsoft Office Curriculum Resources for Middle and High School

Meet Your Technology Lesson Plan Needs with a Comprehensive Curriculum

Covering technology topics in a middle school classroom can often feel overwhelming. Whether you’re covering digital literacy or computer coding, you must give your students appropriate resources to help them learn and grow.

Depending on the subjects you need to cover, any of these technology lesson plans could be an excellent choice for your middle schoolers.

However, we’ve often heard from educators that students learn best when they have continuity in the learning process.

If this is true in your classroom, consider a comprehensive curriculum system, such as Business&ITCenter21 from AES. When you teach with a curriculum system, you’ll be able to cover a range of technology subject areas while providing consistency and continuity for your students.

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Fun back-to-school stem projects for middle school classes.

It’s that time of year again when students are readjusting to classroom life after a summer without semesters, report cards, or passing periods. For middle school students, the “summer slide” can distract them from engaging in classroom activities and discussions or losing interest in school subjects they may have thoroughly enjoyed before.

For educators, it’s important to help guide students through this back-to-school transition so they can thrive throughout the entire school year.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to help your middle school students reengage with STEM curriculum and different STEM projects you can bring to your classroom to kick off the school year.

Back to School Again: How to engage middle school students in STEM activities after the "summer slide"

For some students, the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can be especially daunting. Add in the pressure of a new school year, new teachers, and new classmates, and any middle schooler is prone to feeling overwhelmed.

That’s why it’s important to introduce fun and engaging STEM activities that middle schoolers can enjoy at the beginning of the school year. This back-to-school period is a great time to introduce reasonably challenging STEM projects that provide ample opportunities to support students’ positive STEM identities .

Here are some tips to help support your middle school students in your back-to-school STEM curriculum:

Keep Students at Their Learning Edge

The goal is to create an engaging learning environment for various STEM activities, projects, and challenges that keep middle schoolers at their learning edge . This is the Goldilocks zone, where a project is just challenging enough to be interesting but not too challenging that a student might withdraw.

Encourage Creativity

Before stepping back into rigid lesson plans, use this back-to-school period to let students experiment and apply their own creativity. STEM challenges are a great platform for this (and we have some ideas of STEM challenges for your class below!)

Get Hands-On

The middle school STEM activities you’ll find in this article are mostly hands-on. That’s because engaging middle schoolers is much easier when the curriculum involves more than rote memorization and reading assignments. Get your students excited about STEM early in the school year with fun, hands-on STEM projects they’ve never done before.

Pull in the Real World

Middle school students are transitioning back into the classroom from a summer of real-world experiences. What better way to bring them back to school than with STEM activities that connect them to the world outside the classroom? 

STEM curriculum at the middle school level includes so many great learning opportunities for students to get involved in real world problem-solving. For example, a group of students from Providence, North Carolina used their school’s 3D printer to create a prosthetic leg for their teacher’s dog whose leg was recently amputated. Through creative design, prototyping, and engineering, these students were able to practice the fundamentals of STEM outside of a structured step-by-step lesson plan.

Look for opportunities in your school for students to use their STEM skills to solve problems, design solutions, and contribute to their own community.

Meet the Varied Learning Needs of Your Students

Every student learns differently. One of the great things about STEM is that learning activities are accessible to many different learning styles. Introduce a variety of STEM projects to your class to create a balance of learning for all your students.

Back to School STEM Activities for Middle School (Grades 6-8)

In these STEM activities, you’ll be guiding your students through a structured process to learn or practice a new STEM concept. Middle school STEM activities are hands-on classroom experiences that combine instruction with activities. These back-to-school STEM activities can be used with or without a complete middle school STEM curriculum:

• 3D Printing: Students can design and prototype real-world solutions for nearly any kind of problem with your school’s 3D printer. Tackle a larger problem as a class such as designing a tablet or device stand, or creating a device that amplifies sound from a phone. Or, break students up into smaller groups to create a replacement part for an everyday item, allowing students to prototype their own solutions. 
• Basic Robotics: In programs like Kid Spark’s middle school STEM curriculum, students learn how to program a robot that can conduct a variety of functions. Middle schoolers tend to enjoy STEM activities where they can see the results of their newfound knowledge immediately, which is why robotics make a great back-to-school STEM activity to get them energized for the school year ahead.
• Create a Paper Chromatography: This quick classroom STEM activity explores the science of chromatography, mixtures, and solubility with everyday household items. Approachable with room for creativity, this chromatography experiment is a great activity to start the school year.
• Building Circuits: Connect STEM to the real world by introducing middle schoolers to the basics of electronic function. With simple circuits, students can learn how to power LED lights or build an operating buzzer.

STEM Challenges for Middle Schoolers Coming Back to School

A STEM challenge is a type of STEM activity that presents students with a problem to solve with their own STEM knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These often work well as quick exercises in the classroom or as additional activities at the end of a lesson to practice the skills they’ve just learned.

• Build a Straw Rocket: With three simple materials (paper, straws, and tape), students are challenged to create a rocket that will be propelled the farthest. This is a fun STEM challenge that allows students to explore their creative ideas in a hands-on way, while exploring the principles of aerodynamics.
• Pasta Bridge: Here, students work in groups to create a bridge out of pasta and glue to meet various design challenges that teach them about load distribution and structural integrity.
• Slope Stability Testing: Explore the effects of erosion on different landscapes with this slope stability STEM challenge . Students get to use their creativity to create different landscapes, and collaborate together to learn about erosion.

STEM Projects for Middle Schoolers

STEM projects tend to be more in-depth than STEM activities and challenges. Here, students will likely participate in multi-step processes and phases to investigate a problem and find a solution. 

• Weather Tracking : As middle schoolers transition back to school, have them track the transitions taking place in the weather, as well. Students can log and analyze the local weather patterns as summer transitions into fall, and bring their reports to class for various classroom activities.
• Egg Crystals: Introduce chemistry and crystal growth to start the school year by having students create their own egg geodes . With some basic household ingredients, students can grow their own colorful crystals and practice the scientific process by recording their growth and progress.
• Biodegradable Plastics : Tie in the real-world issue of sustainability by testing the biodegradability of different types of plastics. Students can see the environmental impact sustained over time in this middle school level STEM project .

With these 10 STEM activities, challenges, and projects for your middle school students, your school year can be off to a fantastic start. Each of these activities is designed to be hands-on, engaging, and within that learning edge of a middle schooler’s STEM competence.

With a few real-world tie-ins, space for individual creativity, and a variety of lesson styles, you can meet the diverse needs of your middle school students.

Middle School STEM Curriculum by Kid Spark Education

Kid Spark Education offers an all-in-one comprehensive curriculum for grades Pre-K through 8th. When the summer slide is high in middle school students, our engaging hands-on activities keep students at their learning edge and curious to learn more.

Middle schoolers will explore robotics, basic coding, simple and mechanical engineering, and much more.

For educators, you have everything you need for a successful STEM program geared specifically for middle school. In addition to complete lesson plans, design challenges, and curriculum tools, you’ll have all the reusable components for every STEM activity. We also provide professional development resources to familiarize yourself with the STEM concepts you’ll be teaching in class.

If you’re interested in learning more about bringing Kid Spark Education lab kits to your middle school, contact us today .

Topics: STEM Activities , STEM Education , middle school stem , middle school , 3d printing , 6th grade , 5th grade , STEM Challenges

Written By Jordani Sarreal

Would you like to receive more information about starting a kid spark stem program for your students , go beyond the buzzword with kid spark..

At Kid Spark Education, STEM isn't a buzzword: it's a powerful way to nurture students' natural curiosity; build confidence and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math; and foster abilities in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. You, their teachers, are our most important partner in achieving our mission of preparing all children for a lifetime of learning about science and technology. The Kid Spark Blog is written by educators, for educators to be a resource in your toolbox so you can feel confident and capable in teaching STEM to your elementary students. 

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150+ Engaging STEM Projects for Kids and Students

STEM projects, which encompass science, technology, engineering, and math, are the perfect way to ignite curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and have a blast while learning.

Are you looking for exciting and educational activities for your kids, students, or even the whole family? Look no further! STEM projects, which encompass science, technology, engineering, and math, are the perfect way to ignite curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and have a blast while learning. In this blog post, you’ll discover over 150 engaging STEM projects for young learners, elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, and even projects the whole family can enjoy together. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of STEM!

Key Takeaways

• Introduce young learners to STEM concepts with fun and easy projects!
• Encourage kids to explore technology, renewable energy, and water filtration through engaging projects.
• Inspire the whole family to learn about rocketry principles, meteorology & astronomy by creating DIY telescopes & backyard weather stations!

Fun and Easy STEM Projects for Young Learners

Young minds are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. Fun and easy STEM activities for kids, like creating homemade slime, building LEGO towers, and conducting homemade volcano experiments, are perfect for introducing young children to STEM concepts while keeping them engaged and entertained. These projects not only teach kids about science, technology, engineering, and math, but also help them develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Starting with basic supplies, most activities can be completed in just 15 to 30 minutes, making them perfect for classroom or home use. The hands-on nature of these projects allows kids to learn by doing, which is often the most effective way to teach and engage young learners. Now, here are some thrilling STEM projects that young learners can immediately embark on!

Creating Homemade Slime

A classic and fun STEM activity for kids is creating homemade slime. This gooey, slimy concoction not only provides hours of entertainment, but also teaches kids about chemical reactions and properties of matter. As they mix ingredients like glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution, they’ll observe how the combination results in a fascinating new substance with unique properties.

To get creative with slime, kids can:

• Experiment with different colors, textures, and even add-ins like glitter or small toys
• Follow instructions and ideas from online resources like Slime Design/Science Buddies and STEAM-Powered Family
• Make slime in various ways, with the range of choices being infinite

This promises endless fun with the egg drop challenge!

Building a LEGO Tower

LEGO bricks have been a popular toy for generations, and they’re also fantastic STEM resources for kids to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and engineering abilities. Building a LEGO tower is an exciting engineering challenge that encourages kids to think critically and strategically about how to construct the tallest tower possible.

This activity can be done individually or in groups, making it perfect for both classroom and home settings. Kids can experiment with different building techniques, materials, and styles, and even compete with their friends to see who can build the tallest tower. With this captivating STEM challenge blending enjoyment and education, there are no limits when it comes to stem stands!

Homemade Volcano Experiment

Who doesn’t love a good volcano eruption? The homemade volcano experiment is a classic science activity that introduces kids to chemical reactions and geology in a fun and exciting way. Using simple materials like baking soda, vinegar, and some food coloring, kids can create their very own volcanic eruption right in their own kitchen or backyard.

This hands-on science experiment not only provides a thrilling experience for young learners, but also helps them develop a deeper understanding of how chemical reactions work and the geological processes that occur within our Earth. This enjoyable activity ignites curiosity, motivating kids to delve into the intriguing world of science.

STEM Projects for Elementary School Students

Elementary school students, especially younger kids, are ready to take on more challenging STEM projects that help them develop their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and engineering skills. Activities like simple machine construction, solar-powered car design, and building water filtration systems are perfect stem ideas for engaging young minds and teaching them valuable STEM concepts.

By participating in these hands-on projects, elementary school students will not only develop a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math, but also gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creations. Let’s delve into some thrilling STEM projects suitable for elementary school students.

Simple Machine Construction

Simple machines are the building blocks of many complex devices we use in our daily lives. They make tasks easier by allowing us to use a single force to do work. Some examples of simple machines include:

• Inclined planes
• Wheels and axles

By understanding how these simple machines work, we can better understand and appreciate the technology that surrounds us.

By constructing their own simple machines, kids can gain a hands-on understanding of how these essential tools work and apply them to various tasks. To build a simple machine, kids will need to choose the type of machine they’d like to create, gather the required materials, and assemble the machine. This activity fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, while enhancing appreciation for the ease that simple machines bring to our lives.

Solar-Powered Car Design

Designing and building a solar-powered car is an exciting and rewarding STEM project for elementary school students. This activity combines engineering, design, and environmental awareness as kids learn about the power of renewable energy and create their own solar-powered vehicles.

To gather materials such as a small solar panel, a motor, wheels, and a lightweight body made from recycled materials, you can create an alternative energy vehicle, like a balloon powered car.

Kids can design, build, and test their cars to see how well they perform in various conditions. This project not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also cultivates an understanding of the importance of sustainable living and energy efficiency.

Water Filtration System

Clean water is essential for life, and understanding the science behind water filtration can help kids appreciate this vital resource. In this project, kids will create their own water filters using simple materials like:

• Plastic bottles
• Activated charcoal

By building their own water filtration system, kids will learn about the importance of clean water, the process of water filtration, and the effects of pollution on water sources. This practical activity not only imparts crucial STEM concepts, but also encourages kids to consider their actions’ environmental impact and the value of conservation.

Engaging STEM Projects for Middle School Students

Middle school students are ready to tackle more advanced STEM projects that challenge their critical thinking skills and creativity. Activities like coding challenges, bridge engineering, and circuit experiments provide the perfect opportunity for students to delve deeper into the world of STEM and apply their newfound knowledge to real-world problems.

These projects not only help students develop a strong foundation in STEM concepts, but also instill a sense of curiosity, determination, and resilience as they work through challenges and find innovative solutions. Let’s discover some intriguing STEM projects that middle school students can confidently undertake.

Coding Challenges

In today’s increasingly digital world, coding is a valuable skill that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. Introducing middle school students to computer programming through coding challenges and activities is a fantastic way to ignite their interest in this essential skill.

Platforms like Scratch and Code.org offer intuitive interfaces and engaging activities that make learning to code fun and accessible for students of all skill levels. Participation in coding challenges allows students to enhance their problem-solving skills, refine their logical thinking, and deepen their understanding of computer programming.

Bridge Engineering

Bridge engineering is an exciting STEM project that teaches students about engineering principles, materials, and construction techniques. By designing and building their own bridges, students can develop an understanding of the forces at play in bridge construction and the importance of strong, stable structures.

Using materials like toothpicks, popsicle sticks, or even newspaper, students can experiment with different building techniques and styles to create bridges that can support weight and span distances. This practical activity not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also instills a sense of achievement and pride in their creations.

Circuit Experiments

Electricity is a fundamental part of our daily lives, and understanding how circuits work is essential for students to grasp the principles of electrical engineering. Circuit experiments are a great way for middle school students to learn about electricity, components, and circuit design by building their own circuits using simple materials like batteries, wires, and light bulbs.

By creating and testing their own circuits, students can develop a hands-on understanding of how electrical components work together and the role of electricity in powering our devices. This captivating project not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also ignites curiosity, encouraging students to delve into the intriguing world of electrical engineering.

Advanced STEM Projects for High School Students

High school students are ready to tackle advanced STEM projects that challenge their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Activities like robot building, energy-efficient home design, and chemistry experiments provide the perfect opportunity for students to delve deeper into the world of STEM and apply their skills to real-world problems.

These projects not only help students develop a strong foundation in STEM concepts, but also instill a sense of curiosity, determination, and resilience as they work through challenges and find innovative solutions.

Let’s explore STEM projects that high school students can confidently undertake and discover captivating ideas through a fun stem challenge.

Robot Building

Robotics is an exciting and rapidly growing field, and introducing high school students to robot building is a fantastic way to ignite their interest in this cutting-edge discipline. Building robots not only teaches valuable engineering and programming skills, but also encourages creativity and innovation as students design their own robots using kits or DIY materials.

By constructing and programming their own robots, students can gain a hands-on understanding of how robotics technology works and the potential applications of robots in various industries. This captivating project not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also ignites curiosity, encouraging students to delve into the intriguing world of robotics.

Energy-Efficient Home Design

With growing concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable living, understanding energy-efficient home design is more important than ever. This project challenges high school students to design and build a model of an energy-efficient home, incorporating elements such as insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and renewable energy sources like solar panels.

By designing and constructing their own energy-efficient homes, students can develop an understanding of the importance of sustainable living and the role of energy efficiency in reducing our environmental impact. This practical activity not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness of the importance of conservation.

Chemistry Experiment

Chemistry experiments are an exciting way for high school students to explore the world of chemical reactions, properties of elements, and more. Hands-on experiments allow students to develop an understanding of the principles of chemistry and the role of chemical reactions in our daily lives.

By conducting their own chemistry experiments, students can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific method, develop critical thinking skills, and ignite their curiosity about the fascinating world of chemistry. This captivating project not only imparts essential STEM concepts but also encourages students to explore the marvels of science through engaging science experiments.

STEM Projects for the Whole Family

STEM projects aren’t just for kids! Engaging in STEM activities as a family is a fantastic way to bond, learn, and have fun together. Projects like homemade rocket launches, DIY telescope construction, and backyard weather stations are perfect for bringing the whole family together and sparking curiosity and creativity in everyone, regardless of age.

By participating in these family-friendly STEM projects, you’ll not only create lasting memories, but also instill a love for STEM in your children, setting them up for success in their future endeavors. So, gather the family and embark on some thrilling STEM projects that everyone can relish!

Homemade Rocket Launch

Launching homemade rockets is a thrilling and educational activity that’s perfect for the whole family. By building and launching rockets using simple materials like plastic bottles, baking soda, and vinegar, kids can learn about physics, aerodynamics, and the science behind rocket propulsion.

This practical activity not only offers a thrilling experience for the whole family, but also aids kids in developing a more profound understanding of rocketry principles and science’s role in powering our world. So, gather the family and prepare for lift-off with this enjoyable and educational project!

DIY Telescope Construction

Astronomy has fascinated humans for centuries, and building your own telescope is an exciting way for the whole family to explore the wonders of the night sky. Using simple materials like PVC pipes, lenses, and mirrors, kids can construct their own telescopes and learn about the principles of optics, astronomy, and the vast universe.

This practical activity not only offers an engaging learning experience for the whole family, but also fosters a sense of curiosity and awe about the universe. So gather your materials and set off on a starry journey with this DIY telescope project!

Backyard Weather Station

Understanding the weather is essential for everyday life, and building a backyard weather station is a fantastic way for the whole family to learn about meteorology and weather patterns. Using simple tools and materials, kids can create their own weather station that measures:

• Temperature

This practical activity not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also encourages kids to develop an appreciation for the environment and the natural world. So, assemble the family and begin weather tracking with your very own backyard weather station!

In conclusion, STEM projects offer a world of exciting and educational opportunities for kids, students, and families alike. From fun and easy projects for young learners to engaging activities for middle and high school students, there’s a STEM project out there for everyone. By participating in these hands-on activities, we can foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and math, setting our children up for success in their future endeavors. So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, dive into the exciting world of STEM and unleash your creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good stem project.

The Egg Drop Challenge, DIY kite-building, solar oven-making, landmark building, and bridge-building are all great STEM projects for learning and fun.

Unleash your creativity to build something amazing!

What does STEM project mean?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is a learning approach that integrates these fields. It allows students to develop problem solving, creative, and critical analysis skills, making it an important priority for U.S. job markets.

STEM education is becoming increasingly important in the modern world, as it prepares students for the jobs of the future. It encourages students to think critically and develop skills that are essential for success in life.

What is STEM project in high school?

STEM projects in high school give students the opportunity to develop their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a fun and engaging way.

These projects can help students gain a better understanding of the concepts they are learning in the classroom, as well as giving them the chance to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. They can also help to develop problem-solving skills.

What are some cool STEM projects?

Explore the exciting world of STEM with these 10 simple and fun activities for kids - from building volcanoes to constructing paper circuits!

Unlock your child’s creativity and develop their science, engineering, and technology skills today.

What age group is most suitable for the STEM projects listed?

The STEM projects listed are best suited for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as for the whole family.

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29 Technology Activities For Middle School: DIYs, Online Games, Coding Tasks, And Projects

March 12, 2024 //  by  Jill Webb

Technology isn’t just fun with computers, it also includes screen-free technology activities! The list below contains a variety of low and high-tech activities for your middle schoolers to try out! Whether they are interested in science, math, art, or even English, there are ways to implement technology into their lessons. So scroll down to find 29 of the most creative ideas for bringing more technological learning into your classroom!

1. Create a GIF

If middle schoolers had their own language- they’d be talking in GIFs! They’ll be totally stoked to have a lesson on how to make GIFs in Photoshop using animation. This is not only an engaging activity, but it’s a great skill for them to learn how to create digital art using Adobe.

Learn More: The Art of Education

2. Circuit Activity

Now here’s a simple, yet important lesson to teach your students about circuits! The video teaches them how to make an easy circuit, but you can also have them make more complex ones once they’ve gotten to grips with the basics.

Learn More: YouTube

3. Digital Storytelling Activity

Using technology to tell stories is a great skill for your kiddos to learn; especially as things become more technology-centered. Even your reluctant writers will be excited to try out this program! Book Creator will help them understand how to tell captivating, digital stories that can be read time and time again. 

Learn More: Book Creator

4. Technology Scavenger Hunt

Take your kids on a trip around the world from the seats of your classroom! Google Earth is an amazing resource for your kids to get a sense of travel by zooming into different locations in the world. For this scavenger hunt, you’ll combine geography with technology as they use Google Earth to explore different locations, using coordinates to navigate.

Learn More: Erintegration

5. StoriumEDU

StoriumEDU helps your kids write stories through the lens of video game play! It’s set up so that they can choose different characters and event cards that will prompt them to fill in the blanks and write a whole story. They’ll learn character development and story organization through the exciting gameplay!

Learn more:  Storium EDU

6. Flippity

Flippity is another cool digital resource that your kiddos will love! It’ll show them how to turn a Google Spreadsheet into a collection of games and flashcards. They’ll be able to make their own review games or study materials, all while learning some basic computer literacy skills.

Learn More: Flippity

We love this collaborative digital platform that can easily be implemented in your classroom. Your kiddos can use Sutori to create timelines, informative graphics, and much more. It’s an engaging way for them to express what they have learned through technology and you’ll love the feature where you can give feedback! 

8. Digital Whiteboard

How cool is this? It’s a student-friendly digital whiteboard that is great for storytelling or classroom presentations. Explain Everything is super easy to use and allows your kids to map out their learning by adding photos, images, video, audio, and drawing tools. It’s also a super resource for you to use in your teaching, or to use collaboratively as a class!

Learn More: Explain Everything

9. Virtual Field Trip

We love that technology has given kids all over the world access to a variety of virtual field trips! Discovery Education offers virtual field trips that come with lessons and activities for each virtual discovery. In this one, they’ll learn more about genomics- a branch of science that studies DNA!

Learn More: Discovery Education

10. Digital Breakout 

Get your learners excited to outsmart technology with digital breakouts! This digital content activity is similar to an escape room and your class will use different problem-solving and computer skills to “break out” of the room and win!

Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi

Here’s a game your kiddos will be begging to play every day! Unruly Splats is a coding game that gets them moving and coding at the same time. It uses simple codes to teach them these new skills through play.

Learn More: Unruly Splats

12. Type Racing

Typing is an obvious fundamental skill that your kiddies should be proficient in so we’ve added a great typing game for you to incorporate into your classroom routine! To play Type Racer they’ll compete in a car race as they try to accurately type as many words as they can to move the car along the track! The fastest fingers will win!

Learn More: Type Racer

13. Build A Calculator

Let’s introduce our students to the world of programming by making a simple calculator! This is a cool coding activity where they’ll learn how to make a functioning calculator using coding. Who knows, after teaching them the basics, you might even inspire them to explore coding as a future career choice! 

Learn More: Sphero Edu

14. Mosa Mack

Turns your kids into science detectives with this exciting resource and accompanying lesson plans! The fun videos will help you teach major science concepts and the interactive quizzes and digital worksheets help you to test knowledge. There’s also the opportunity for your kiddies to get hands-on, using real-life examples to demonstrate the concepts being taught.

Learn More: Common Sense Education

15. AI Machine Learning

AI is appearing rapidly and becoming the center of a lot of digital discussion and debate. This machine is a fun way for your middle schoolers to see first-hand how this innovative tech works! They’ll create and photograph a library of hand-drawn faces and use this as learning data to teach an AI how to determine moods based on facial expressions! Cool, right!?

Learn More: Science Buddies

16. Paper Circuit Card

Get crafty with this next tech activity. This video will help you teach your kiddies how to make a circuit card using a few simple materials including some wire, a battery, and a small light! Encourage them to get creative and make cute light-up images using their circuits!

17. Procreate for Kids

Calling all graphic designers! If your kids are interested in learning about digital drawing tools, then this is the activity for them! Bardot Brush has a variety of digital drawing lessons made specifically for kids! We suggest following her on YouTube so that you can access her additional lesson plans to go alongside the videos!

18. Book Trailer Project

Rather than ask your learners to fill out a traditional book report, why not utilize some tech and task them with making a digital book trailer? This site gives you a comprehensive lesson plan complete with a student checklist, a marking rubric, links to the national standards, as well as links to some examples to show to your kiddos!

Learn More: Read Write Think

19. Ancient Egypt Strategy Simulator Game

We’re sure you have some kids in your class who love video games, right? If they’re learning about ancient Egypt, this video game is perfect to add some tech time to their history lesson. The game is based on real facts from Egyptian times and challenges your learners to make strategic decisions to lead their citizens!

Learn More: Clarus Victoria

20. Lego Maze Coding

Lego mazes are a great way to introduce basic coding skills to students of all ages! All they need to do is build a maze using templates provided and legos. Then, it is their job to make a list of commands for their “character” to help them escape the maze. This knowledge can then be transferred to real computer coding in the future! 

Learn More: Research Parent

21. DIY Smart Phone Projector

In this simple yet super fun technology activity, your kids will cut a hole in a cardboard box and attach a magnifying glass to the inside. Then, they can build a resting spot for their smartphone inside the box- and voila! They have a mini projector to play their favorite YouTube videos.

Learn More: The Stem Laboratory

22. Podcasting Projects

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular as they’re an easily accessible form of entertainment or information on the go. This fantastic site will tell you all you need to know to get your kids podcasting like professionals! They’ll love this fun activity where they’ll get to grow their digital skills as they learn how to record and edit audio about some of their favorite topics.

Learn More: neaToday

23. DIY Projector Shadows

Cardboard projectors are a simple yet engaging project that can be done over and over again! You’ll need basic supplies including toilet paper rolls, plastic wrap, and a flashlight to get started, and have your middle schoolers draw pictures or write words on the clear end of the roll. Turn off the lights, have ‘em power up those flashlights! The results are a spectacular shadow show!

Learn More: Chalk Academy

 24. Pipe Cleaner LED Christmas Decorations

It’s time to make some Christmas decorations! Head to your craft drawer for some pipe cleaners, a small battery pack, and LED bulbs. Your kiddos will have a merry time shaping pipe cleaners into Christmas trees and Rudolph shapes! Explain how the metal in the pipe cleaner will act as a wire and once they connect it to the battery and light, they’ll have their own light-up decoration! 

Learn More: Instructables

25. Harry Potter Wands

A magical take on technology, join in some wand-making action with this Harry Potter-inspired tutorial! For this fun activity, your tech wizards need to stick copper tape along a few popsicle sticks and fasten a small LED light above. Once the battery is in place, their wand is ready to cast the “Lumos” spell!

Learn More: Steam Powered Family

26. Simple Homemade Robot Car

For under eight dollars, this homemade robot car is definitely worth a try, and your kids will be amazed at their robot-making skills! Skewers, foam, straws, and bottle caps will be the foundational materials for a new robotic friend while a small motor with batteries will bring him to life!

27. DIY Morse Code Machines

DIY Morse Code Machines are a great way to inspire your kids to stop texting and try a different way of communicating even if just for a couple of hours! Help them to follow the step-by-step directions to make a wooden box with wiring and battery connectors inside. They’ll have a great time using the buzzer to communicate in Morse code with each other!

Learn More: Surviving A Teacher’s Salary

28. Storyboard Creator

Storyboards are a great way for your students to practice summarizing stories they’ve read! Encourage them to focus on the main events and key story elements to create their own online comic! Storyboard Creator allows them to choose setting backgrounds, characters, and more to virtually bring their summaries to life!

Learn More: Storyboard That

29. Evaluating Websites

Learning to tell good quality online sources from bad ones is a vital skill nowadays. Checking for six criteria, this activity will give your learners practice evaluating websites and the information they present. This is both a helpful skill for school and the real world; it’ll help them decide which websites are quality sources and which ones can’t be trusted!

Learn More: Education World

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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9 Collaborative Technology Projects Your Students Will Love!

If your classroom is far from a 1:1 environment (more like 1:32), it can be hard to find great technology projects that really work.

If your classroom is far from a 1:1 environment (more like 1:32), it can be hard to find great technology projects that really work. Here are some simple tech tools students can use to create awesome projects. Students can work together in cooperative learning groups or independently depending on your access to technology in your school district. Bonus: They’re all free!

Inkle   is a fun digital storytelling tool for students. Rather than having students use Microsoft Word, change things up by having them create a digital book. Students will love adding images to make their story come to life! Cooperative learning idea: Students can collaborate and create a Choose Your Own Adventure story! Each child adds a paragraph to the story and at least two options for readers to choose from. They insert images by adding the link to an image they like online. This Web 2.0 tool is free and the children’s work can be saved and shared.

2. Story Bird

With Story Bird , kids can choose images and invent their very own unique story to go along with the pictures. Students must use their inference skills to depict an image. What is the character feeling? Where does the story take place (setting)? What’s the plot? It’s up to kids to decide after they carefully examine every detail of their image. There is no right or wrong answer.

Cooperative learning idea:  Have students share a computer and agree on an image. Then they go off and depict the image as they see it. The students can then compare and contrast their results.

3. Build Your Wild Self

New York Zoos and Aquarium / Wildlife Conservation Society has an interactive game called  Build Your Wild Self!  Students choose different body parts and limbs for their creature. Then, they choose a habitat. When they’re all finished, the site describes each attribute they chose. For example, orb spider eyes: “You have six eyes, but you can’t see very well. You use your keen sense of touch to track down prey.” 

Cooperative l earning idea:  Have students work together to build a “wild self” and write a paragraph describing what their animal would eat, their animal’s habitat, exceptional characteristics and talents, as well as their unique adaptations. You could also group students into teams to create a habitat that would be suitable for all of their animals!

4. Blabberize

Blabberize is a free tool that makes photos come to life! Students upload a photo, create a mouth and record whatever they would like their image to say!

Cooperative learning idea: Students can take turns talking. This tool can be used to give a history or science report. Students could describe an animal’s adaptations by making the animal they researched talk!

5. Little Bird Tales

Students can create digital books, add or draw photos and insert their very own voice with Little Bird Tales ! You could have each student create a page to create a class book. Click here for an example.

Cooperative learning idea: Older students can work in teams and create a digital book for a presentation. This is a great project for students who don’t enjoy giving oral presentations.

6. What if? Genie

If students aren’t feeling inspired, have them ask the story genie ! The genie randomly generates a “what if?” question for kids. The “what if?” questions are crazy and imaginative, ones kids would have a blast writing about! Hit the genie square to generate a question.

Cooperative learning idea:  Students can share a computer, generate a “What if?” question, then go off and write! Then they can compare and contrast their results.

7. Free Rice

Have students make a difference by practicing their math, chemistry, anatomy, geography, foreign language, vocabulary, grammar, humanities and even for the SAT. “For each answer they get right, 10 grains of rice is donated  through the World Food Programme to help end hunger.”

Cooperative learning idea: Students can go on Free Rice and calculate how much rice they donated as a group and create a graph to show their weekly results. This can be an ongoing project throughout the year. Groups can compare and contrast their results.

A free Animoto account lets students create 30-second videos, which can be challenging!

Cooperative learning idea: Have students explain something in 30 seconds through music and images. Above is an example of a water cycle video.

How many letters can you chain together to form a word? Point value: 3 or 4 letters = 1 point, 5 = 2 points, 6 = 3 points, 7 = 5 points, 8 or more = 11 points. Goal: Try to form as many words as you can before time runs out! Visit  Teacher Led  for a free letter generator!

Cooperative learning idea: Have students work in teams to create words. Then as a math project, they can create fractions (words created / how many times they rolled the dice) or graphs (compare/contrast the number of words created).

Erin Bittman is a designer turned teacher. Check out her blog E Is for Explore ! You can also find E Is for Explore! on Facebook and Pinterest .

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50 Activities for Middle School

Hands-on ideas to engage digital learners in meeting standards and learning goals.

Using a device to fill out a digital worksheet isn't any more compelling than using a pencil to fill out a paper version. Encourage students to show what they know and capitalize on their interest in technology by creating digital projects on classroom topics using media formats that abound in the world around them.

Explore fifty ideas for using a digital approach to help middle school students meet standards and learning goals, divided into sections for:

Language Arts

Social Studies

• Arts & SEL

Use a digital approach to engage middle school students in reading comprehension and provide authentic opportunities for listening, speaking and writing in narrative, informational and argumentative form.

1. Design a new book cover

Have students create a new cover design for a book they are reading to demonstrate comprehension and explore character, plot, setting, symbolism, and conflict.

Explore a Book Cover Design lesson plan

Small, but mindful, changes can move a task beyond remember and retell. For example, replace a typical character trait cluster assignment with the task of developing a coat of arms for a story's protagonist that represents traits of the main character.

Creating a coat of arms provides students with an opportunity to think about objects, colors, symbols, and mottos that reflect a character's personality, passions, strengths, and experiences.

Wixie has a Coat of Arms template that makes it easy to add color, text, and images to show comprehension.

Explore a Character Scrapbook lesson plan

4. Create a Book Trailer

Much like the movie trailers students are familiar with, ask students to create a short, fast-paced book trailer that shares information about characters and events in a way that would motivate others to read the book.

Share the book trailers with the rest of the class or play them on the morning announcements to encourage others to read the books.

Explore a Book Trailer lesson plan

5. Visual Poetry

Blackout Poems

To write a blackout poem, the author covers up words on a page of text until the leftover words form a poem. Digital tools, like Wixie, include blackout poetry templates that contain a page of text from Tom Sawyer ( template ), Shakespeare ( template ), Lewis Carroll ( template ), and more. 

Students read the text and circle words they find interesting, then read them again to hear the resulting poem. Students can circle additional words to fill out the idea and then blackout the rest of the words and add additional decoration.

Video Poetry

Poetry's purposeful word choice encourages close, careful reading. Have students create visual versions of poems to demonstrate their comprehension of the author's word choice and intent.

Ask students to create a project and then type a poem from their favorite poet or one they have written, adding stanzas to each page. Students can add illustrations and record themselves reading it.

Explore a Visual Poetry lesson plan

6. Modernize a Myth or Legend

Rather than merely retelling stories, ask students to adapt, extend, or create new versions of the stories they are reading. Students can modernize an ancient myth to make it more relevant to their lives today, comparing similarities and differences along the way.

7. Cool Word Vocabulary

Visuals help form connections to words and help students better remember the meaning of the word.

Digital tools make it easy to combine words and pictures and publish flash cards and posters you can use to improve vocabulary.

Explore a Cool Word Vocabulary lesson plan

8. Publish a personification story

Have students personify an object, and then use a digital tool like Wixie to write, illustrate and publish it as an eBook.

Students should brainstorm feelings the object would have to develop the conflict that will drive their story and begin writing. Scaffold their work further by asking them to identify character traits, determine setting, and codify the plot diagram or at a minimum the beginning, middle, and end.

Explore a Personification Stories lesson plan

9. Product: Fictitious Interviews

Creating a digital story in the form of an interview helps you engage students in writing and makes work with informational text come alive. Ask students to craft fictitious interviews between characters in a novel they are reading to demonstrate comprehension of the traits and behaviors.

Fictitious interviews are great ways to summarize and deepen comprehension for informational texts as well, making them perfect for science and social studies classrooms. For example, you can ask students to interview a figure from history, an animal, or even an artifact.

More ideas for conducting interviews

10. Product: Wanted posters

Creating a Wanted poster is a great way to get students thinking about the traits, experiences, and motivations of the characters in the stories they are reading.

It is often the antagonist that makes a story interesting or gives a plot direction. Have students create wanted posters for villains in the stories they are reading to evaluate comprehension and help them consider how they might craft a villain to add impact to their own writing.

Creating Wanted posters can also help students clarify their thinking about definitions related to math , atomic elements and molecules , and figures from history .

Digital tools can provide a platform for middle school students to apply mathematical thinking and engage in standards of mathematical practice as they practice procedures, create visual models, and solve problems.

11. Work with Ratio and Rate

Use word problems ( ratio and rate ) to give students a sense of the ways that ratio and rate connect to the world around them.

Ask students to extend their understanding by writing their own word problems and challenging peers to solve them using strategies like a double-number line .

12. Putt Putt Polygons

Measuring the perimeter and area of polygons requires knowing and applying formulas like the Pythagorean Theorem. Give students a fun context for practicing by asking them to design a hole for miniature golf!

13. Math Backgrounds

Math can be frustrating for some students, especially when erasing mistakes makes equations or coordinate planes unreadable. This problem only adds to the challenge of tackling complex equations and data.

Use backgrounds like grids , plots , or coordinate planes , and have students use paint tools to write equations, fill areas, or plot lines.

14. Design a Dream Home

Ratio and rate also apply to scale in architectural drawings. Even if they don't want to be an architect, most students would love to dream up a bedroom, a tiny house, or even a mansion design.

Have students use a grid to create architectural designs to scale.

15. Play with Probability

You can teach students the rule of probability, but they will retain the information more if they come up with the mathematical rules on their own.

Have students calculate experimental probability by using dice or a specific spinner to do a task 40 times. Have students tally their results and use the data to calculate the experimental probability.

After establishing experimental probability, challenge students to come up with the theoretical probability for other toys. Bonus if they can generate a mathematical model for predicting probability.

16. Collect, analyze, and showcase data

Using data to make predictions, analyze and communicate information is becoming an essential skill for future success. While there are other steps in the data science process, students need to know how to collect and display data in ways that make it easy to visualize and understand.

Wixie makes this process easy with its design tools and templates, whether students are creating bar graphs (categorical), histograms (numerical), or other data displays.

17. Explore Geometric Transformations Through Tessellations

Tessellations are geometric patterns that repeat forever with no gaps or overlaps. Squares can tessellate easily. The word tessellate comes from the Greek word tesseres, which means four.

Inspire students with the work of M.C. Escher or Islamic tiling, and then have them create their own rotation or reflection tessellations.

Explore a Tessellation lesson plan

18. Online Math Academy

Showcase student expertise by asking them to create tutorials to teach others how to calculate, measure, solve and more.

19. Product: Explainer Video

What can your students teach others? Procedural writing is an excellent way for students to become experts in a topic and feel confident about their ability to share the information with others. This process of deconstructing and reorganizing information helps students cement concepts and provides an opportunity for you to pinpoint misconceptions.

So whether students are sharing content, a process they struggled to understand, or something they are passionate about, a how-to assignment is the perfect task to cement learning and inspire others. 

20. Inform with Infographics

Have students research information, conduct surveys, or collect data on a topic. Then, students can create charts and graphs, analyze the information, and develop an infographic to display their findings.  

Explore a Creating Infographics lesson plan

Digital tools provide a fun way for students to share ideas and explain scientific understandings for Life, Physical, Earth and Space and Engineering concepts.

21. Body System Beats

Ask students to create a music video to inform others about how a body system works, its functions, and how it interacts with other systems for optimal health.

Explore an It's My Body lesson plan

22. Cell Function Similes

Evaluate student understanding of animal cells by asking them to compare how various cell parts, including the nucleus, cell wall, cell membrane, chloroplast, and mitochondria, function like elements on a farm or parts of a school .

By illustrating these comparisons, students not only gain a deeper understanding of cellular structures and their functions but also develop their ability to make meaningful connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.

23. Model Scientific Processes

Actively engage students in scientific exploration by creating simulations and visual representations that model chemical reactions and scientific processes.

By encouraging them to create visual representations, students can deepen their understanding of complex concepts.

24. Expert Interviews

Students can create expert interview videos that delve into scientific concepts and discoveries. By conducting interviews with scientists or experts in the field, students can explore complex ideas and present their findings in an engaging and accessible format; fostering a deeper understanding of science among their peers.

Don't have access to an expert? Craft a fictitious interview!

25. Write Informational Texts

Ask students to create informational science texts to inform or share learning with others. Through these books, students can convey their understanding of various concepts.

26. Terminology Journals

Students benefit from explicit vocabulary instruction, especially terminology linked to a specific discipline or topic. Collecting, defining and refining are easy with digital terminology journals.

27. Animate a Scientific Process

Labeling and diagramming are great, but modeling a process through animation can help students better understand the macro- and micro- scopic processes. For example, ask students to animate a chemical process or geologic cycle, illustrating the stages and processes involved.

Read more about Animating in Secondary Math and Science

28. Connect Physics to Fun

Help students see physics as more than rules and equations by connecting it to a favorite sport or physical activity.

Explore a Fastballs, Free Throws, and Physics lesson plan

29. Publish Informational Comics

The limited amount of space in a comic's panels requires students to choose key points in a process or important factors in chemical reactions as they work to design and illustrate them.

30. Raise Awareness of Environmental and Health Issues

Students in middle school are starting to have the capabilities and passions to change the world. Have students produce public service announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness, inform, and change behavior.

When developing a public service announcement (PSA), students have a chance to practice and apply persuasive writing skills in a real-world, authentic context. A short PSA targeted at a particular audience also encourages students to focus on writing organization, as well as voice and word choice.

Explore a Here's to Your Health lesson plan

Engaging middle school students in deep thinking about history and community helps to develop citizens who have powerful inquiry and critical thinking skills.

31. Biographies

Using a digital storytelling approach to biographies helps prevent their writing from becoming a list of unrelated facts. Having students combine their research results with imagery, sound, and other media can help them better combine aspects of narrative and informational writing for a more compelling script.

Biographies aren't always books, either. There are even entire cable television channels devoted to biographies. Consider having your students create video biographies, too.

Explore a Video Biography lesson plan

32. Historical Journal

To help students think deeply about how events, circumstances, culture, and leaders in the past affect the lives of human beings, ask students to create a series of fictional journal entries that indicate how events in the past might have affected the life and perspective of a specific person living during that time. ( template )

Explore a Historical Journal lesson plan

33. Make a Map

Have students use paint tools and text labels to create maps to show the geographic features, regions, and/or economy of an area, country, or civilization.

34. Produce the News

Our students have grown up watching shows, but not necessarily the news. Challenge your students to develop a news report they would actually want to watch based on the content they are learning.

Writing a news report requires students to organize and summarize information and use new vocabulary and terminology in context.

Explore a News Broadcast lesson plan

35. Interview a Community Leader

Ask students to interview a community member to expand their knowledge and experience, as well as encourage listening, curiosity, and empathy skills.

Encourage students to change the order of questions or the order of the answers shared so that the story " unfolds a lesson learned ." In other words, what is the moral of this person's story, or what can it teach the rest of us?

36. Explore the Issues

Students in middle school are idealistic and often passionate about current issues. While they may simply want to proclaim their ideas on a billboard , use this opportunity to ask them to back up their opinions with claims and evidence .

37. Develop a Virtual Museum

Have students design an online museum, displaying artifacts and stories to engage others in the heritage of their community or a specific region.

Explore a Virtual Museum lesson plan

38. Host a Tourism (Geography) Trade Show

To help students better understand the unique features of a place, have them develop materials for a virtual tourism trade show where students promote and pitch that location to attract visitors.

Explore a Tourism Tradeshow lesson plan

39. Publish a Historical Newspaper

Have students create a newsletter or newspaper to show what they have learned about the events, politics, and cultures of a different time in history.

Newspaper creation helps students better understand the perspectives of those in different times and cultures.

Explore a Day in the Life lesson plan  

40. It's a Postcard Point of View

After learning something new, have students tell someone else using a postcard! They could write a postcard from a specific time in history or a unique geographic or cultural destination.

Arts and Social-Emotional Learning

Wixie provides a canvas for students to set goals, explore emotions, and express themselves through art and music.

41. Set SMART goals

The simple act of writing down your goals makes you more likely to achieve them, so have students take some time to set personal goals to accomplish this school or calendar year. Developing goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely) can help even more.

Have students use the goals as a home screen on their devices so they see a daily reminder of what they are working to achieve.

Explore a SMART Goals lesson plan

42. Design a Vision Board

A vision board provides inspiration and motivation to reach dreams and goals. Students can choose a goal and add pictures of what they think achieving them looks and feels like.

Digital tools, like Wixie, make it easy to combine images. When vision boards are complete, print or export an image so you can post to a place you are everyday, like on a desk or phone lock screen, for a daily motivator.

Explore a Vision Boarding lesson plan

43. Create an Arcimboldo-inspired self-portrait

Giuseppe Arcimboldo is an Italian Renaissance painter known for his portraits of people that use objects like fruit and books. Challenge students to create Arcimboldo-style self-portraits by combining clip art images in an imaging tool.

Explore an Arcimboldo-Inspired Self-Portraits lesson plan

44. Play Music

While you may not be teaching music theory, expressing one's feelings and emotions through music is both fun and therapeutic. You can try the online keyboard below or give students options like:

• a xylophone
• percussion tubes

45. Write a Classroom Constitution

Involving students in creating a class constitution makes them part of the process of government, giving them a vested interest and responsibility in following and upholding the laws they have determined.

Explore a Classroom Constitution lesson plan

Inform students about surrealism. You might inspire them by reading a book like Pish, Posh, Hieronymus Bosch .

Have students use paint tools to illustrate bizarre creatures juxtaposed around a normal self-portrait and then write a poem about the way the surrealism makes them feel.

This example takes advantage of the mirror symmetry options for the paint brush in Wixie .

Explore a Surreal Symmetry lesson plan

47. Explore Collaboration Skills

In All in the Same Boat by Wilkie Martin, a greedy rat is shown how no one wins when success is achieved at the expense of others.

Discuss what makes a great teammate and then ask students to create their own Team Member ID Card to let future group members know a bit about how they work collaboratively.

48. Send a virtual compliment

Show your appreciation for a classmate, family member, or friend with a compliment card. This is a great idea for a random acts of kindness promotion.

Tools like Wixie let you print multiple copies or pages onto a single sheet of paper, making it easy to print, fold, and then drop in a classmate's lunch box or backpack.

49. Make a playlist for your future

Students likely already have playlists for their favorite songs, and many have playlists for different moods. Use this as a jumping-off point to ask them to "audiolize" what their future sounds like by creating a playlist .

Students can add songs they know or create new artists and bands and write descriptions for them.

50. Compose a melody

Use music production or notation software to have students compose their own music.

Have students record themselves singing their melody or playing their compositions on a recorder or keyboard.

Once they have experience with digital projects, let students choose the product or way they will demonstrate understanding… simply make them argue their case before they begin. No matter what you or they choose, transfer as much responsibility as possible to students to motivate and empower them to control their own learning.

by Melinda Kolk

Melinda Kolk ( @melindak ) is the Editor of Creative Educator and the author of Teaching with Clay Animation . She has been helping educators implement project-based learning and creative technologies like clay animation into classroom teaching and learning for the past 15 years.

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Popular Topics

Digital Storytelling

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• Hero's Journey Lesson Plan
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• Classroom constitution Lesson Plan
• Set SMART Goals Lesson Plan
• Create a visual poem Lesson Plan
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