Remember those epic pillow forts we used to build as kids? You know the ones – blankets draped over chairs, secret entrances, ‘NO GROWN UPS!’ scrawled across paper with crayon, and flashlights for late-night ghost stories. 

Those forts weren't just for fun - they were secretly building your brainpower! 

It turns out, a mind-blowing 79% of today's fastest-growing jobs need the skills you pick up from STEM-building activities. 

And guess what? 

Childhood building games like creating pillow forts totally count! They're a fantastic way to boost problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

 

Who knew building a pillow fort could be so powerful?

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But then all this begs the question, what other STEM activities can kids do at home? 

Sure, they might spend their days thinking up the next Mars rover design out of LEGO (Good Night Oppy is a great documentary if your kids love space), or they just love building things and lighting them up, but what else is there that’s a bit more structured and defined?

Creativity is nothing without those components! 

Well, we’re here to help as in this guide, we're getting fired up about:

• Awesome building projects for all ages - From simple creations to mind-bending challenges, we've got something for everyone.
• Tips for building success - Learn the secrets to turning ideas into reality, no matter your skill level.
• Everyday materials turned into extraordinary creations - You won't believe the amazing things you can build with stuff you already have around the house.

 

It's time to build, learn, and have a blast doing it!

 

Why STEM building activities matter

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Think of your brain like a muscle - it needs a good workout too! 

Just like hitting the gym strengthens your biceps, diving into STEM building activities gives your brain a serious boost.

These hands-on projects are like brain-training bootcamp:

• You'll be flexing your critical thinking skills as you analyze problems and brainstorm creative solutions.
• You'll develop spatial reasoning skills, visualizing how all the pieces fit together like a puzzle.
• Your problem-solving abilities will improve as you overcome obstacles and fine-tune designs.

 

Let's get this straight real quick: Your brain isn't actually a muscle. It's a tightly-packed ball of nerve tissue, mostly fat and water, with millions of neurons wrapped in a fatty coating called "myelin". 

This creates an intricate communication network, constantly sending and receiving signals throughout your body.

So, even though your brain isn't literally a muscle, engaging in STEM building activities gives it the workout it needs to thrive.

Of course, STEM building isn't just about pumping up your brainpower; it also sparks curiosity and a passion for learning that'll last a lifetime.

🚨 Did you know? Studies show that kids who get hands-on with STEM are more likely to pursue STEM careers later in life. So, you're not just having a blast building cool stuff, you're also giving yourself and your kids a serious head start towards a bright future! 

Whether your kids are dreaming of becoming an engineer, architect, programmer, or even astronaut, the skills they’re building now are paving the way.

But that’s enough of that, let's get stuck into some STEM building projects! 

 

Building activities for different age groups

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Enough chitter chatter, let's get this building party started.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of STEM, we've put together some projects that'll spark your imagination and challenge your skills, whatever your age. 

Most of the materials you'll need are probably hiding in your cupboards somewhere, but if you're feeling fancy and want to splurge a little, we've thrown in a few ideas for that, too.

For young builders (Ages 3-6)

• Block party: Gather your favorite building blocks and let your imagination run wild! Build towering castles, sprawling cities, or anything else your little heart desires. Don't be afraid to mix and match shapes and sizes – the wackier, the better!
• Straw-tastic structures: Grab a bunch of straws and some tape, and get ready to engineer some awesome creations. Can you build a bridge strong enough to hold your favorite toy car? Or maybe a sky-high tower that defies gravity? The only limit is your imagination!
• Cardboard creations: Raid the recycling bin and turn those cardboard boxes and tubes into something amazing. Build a cozy house, a spaceship ready for blastoff, or even tiny furniture for your dolls and action figures. You could even add your own designs with markers, paint, or stickers.

For the budding engineers (Ages 7-10)

• Marble mania: Design and build your own gravity-defying marble run using cardboard tubes, tape, and whatever else you can find around the house. Experiment with different slopes, curves, and obstacles to create a thrilling course for your marbles. Get ready for some epic marble races!
• Bridge building challenge: Put your engineering skills to the test by constructing a bridge that can support some serious weight. Use popsicle sticks, straws, or even spaghetti to build your masterpiece. How much weight can your bridge handle before it collapses? Time to find out!
• Wacky Robots: Tap into your inner inventor and build your own robot crew with the CircuitMess Wacky Robots. Our kits help you create quirky robots with unique personalities and abilities. Learn about electronics and coding while having a blast bringing your robotic creations to life.