Sometimes finding time for one more thing seems impossible. If your schedule is packed, here are three simple quick STEM activities you can complete in 20 minutes or less.
1. How to Make Butter
Materials you will need:
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- small jar with a lid
- optional: salt
Making butter is a one-ingredient food science STEM activity you can complete quickly – in less than 20 minutes. Pour heavy whipping cream into the small jar and tighten the lid. Shake the jar vigorously. Check progress as the liquid solidifies. As a solid ball of butter begins to form, pour off the buttermilk liquid (see below) and continue to shake. Remove butter from the jar and add salt to taste.
How did that happen? Heavy whipping cream contains liquids and fats. Shaking separates the solids and liquids. The solid is butter, and the liquid is buttermilk.
2. How to Color Flowers
Materials you will need:
- white flowers: carnations, daisies, roses, or hydrangeas
- tall narrow cups or vases
- liquid food coloring
- scissors
- measuring tape or ruler
- water
While daisies, roses, and hydrangeas all work, we are team carnations for this activity. Carnations are inexpensive and work well every time for this quick STEM activity. Set up takes less than 20 minutes.
Fill 1/2 of each cup with water. Add 9-12 drops of food coloring. Cut flower stems to 9 inches or less. Shorter stems allow water to absorb faster (see photos below).
Watch every few hours to note gradual changes. Colors fully appear in about 24 hours.
How did that happen? Like humans, plants “drink” water through a process called transpiration. You will see how water travels through flower stems.
3. How to Make Slime
Materials you will need:
- 4 ounces clear school glue
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons contact lens solution (use a brand containing boric acid)
- liquid food coloring
- bowl
- spoon
- optional: glitter, straw
This classic never gets old. Slime is fun to squish, feel, and stretch and is a gem for sensory play. This quick STEM activity will keep kids busy for hours.
In a bowl add glue, baking soda, and a few drops of food coloring and mix. Mix until the color is fully incorporated. If using glitter, add it now and mix well.
Next, slowly alternate between adding drops of the contact lens solution and mixing. Mix until the slime no longer sticks to the side of the bowl. Store in an airtight container or bag after each use.
Did you know? You can blow bubbles in slime. Give it a try. Lay the slime flat on a surface, insert a straw, and blow slowly.
What is it? Slime is a non-Newtonian fluid and polymer.
You may also like Soft Playdough: No Cooking Required.
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