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Moon Phases STEM Project

Moon Phases STEM Project

Learn more about how moon phases work with this orbit activity. Create a model to demonstrate how the moon orbits Earth and where it’s located for each moon phase using these templates and worksheets to guide the activity. 

Materials Needed for this Moon Phases STEM Project:

Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

Watch the video on how to make this Moon Phases STEM Project

 

Let’s slow it down with step-by-step directions on how to make this easy moon phases STEM Project for kids.

Step 1:

1. [Ask a grown-up to help] Using the thumbtack, carefully punch a hole in the middle of each paper plate.

Tip: If you don’t have two different-sized paper plates, trace and cut out a big and small circle on thin cardboard.

Step 2:

Stack the plates with the smallest on top, and poke the brad fastener through the holes to secure

Step 3:

Cut out these Moon Phase images and glue them clockwise around the small plate in order of when they happen.

Step 4:

Using the air-dry clay, create an Earth and Moon model. Use the markers to color the clay while it’s wet or dry (both will work!)

Tip: Don’t have clay? Use these printable templates instead. 

Step 5:

When the clay dries, tape or glue the Earth in the center of the small plate. Attach the Moon to the edge of the large plate. Draw an arrow next to the Moon pointing counterclockwise. 

Step 6:

Rotate the outer plate counterclockwise to demonstrate the Moon orbiting the Earth and the sequence of moon phases throughout the month. Use this model to help you make observations at night and see which of the Moon Phases is happening. Draw your observations on this worksheet. 

 

Want the templates seen here? You can grab them here in my TpT shop!

If you are looking for…

  • A Low-prep STEM lesson & easy-to-find materials
  • An engaging, hands-on activity that has guided directions
  • Opportunities for students to add their creativity
  • A quick, one-day STEM lesson for after-school clubs, homework extensions, homeschool projects (and more!)

Then this resource is PERFECT FOR YOU!

 

This product includes:

  • Easy project with simple materials
  • Digital & Printable
  • Written & video directions
  • Content-specific vocabulary
  • Science behind the project
  • Resources to explore the topic more
  • Experiment to test the design

 

Grab the full lesson HERE!

Related Podcast Episodes/Blog Posts:

More About The Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. She has over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate.

She offers a variety of resources to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

Hands-On Constellation STEM Activity with Geoboards

Hands-On Constellation STEM Activity with Geoboards

Looking for a low-prep, high-engagement activity that blends science and engineering? My Constellation Geoboard STEM Station is the perfect addition to your elementary STEM classroom. Whether you’re teaching a full lesson or running stations, this hands-on activity helps students explore space science in a creative, tactile way.

Let me give you a peek behind the scenes so you can see how it works and how easy it is to bring into your own classroom!

 Constellation STEM Activity: What’s the Challenge?

Students will build constellations using rubber bands and geoboards. They’ll explore real constellations, learn about stars, and make connections through video content and vocabulary support. It’s a great blend of science, technology, and engineering that makes abstract space concepts feel real.

Materials You’ll Need for this Constellation STEM Activity

Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

To get this STEM station up and running, here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.

These simple materials make it easy to set up a reusable station that students will love rotating through again and again.

How to Set It Up

If you’re using the printable version, here’s all you need to do:

  • Print the constellation cards and place them on binder rings for easy flipping (laminating optional).

  • Print the student checklist and slide it into a page protector. Add dry-erase markers so students can track their progress.

  • Gather rubber bands and geoboards—enough for the number of students at the station.

  • Print or share digitally the key vocabulary words and student reflection pages.

Introduce the Constellation STEM Activity with Video

Kick off the activity with two short videos about stars and constellations. I recommend watching them together as a class and this gives you a few moments to set up the station if you haven’t already.

After each video, students respond using the choice of two student response sheets included in the resource. It’s a great opportunity for discussion, curiosity, and building background knowledge.

To make vocabulary accessible, you can hang the printed words near your station for a visual reference during the hands-on challenge.

Why Teachers Love  this Constellation STEM Activity

Teachers have shared that this activity:

  • Encourages creative, hands-on learning

  • Works well for early finishers or small group rotations

  • Makes abstract astronomy concepts more concrete

  • It’s easy to prep and even easier to manage

Whether you’re running STEM stations, planning for a space unit, or just need a meaningful activity that blends learning and play, this resource has everything ready for you.

Ready to Launch It in Your Own Classroom?

This Constellation STEM Station is available HERE in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. It includes:

  • Printable and digital constellation challenge cards

  • Student checklists and reflection sheets

  • Vocabulary cards with optional audio

  • Video response pages

  • Teacher slides, setup notes and tips

Let me take the prep off your plate—so you can focus on the fun of learning with your students.

👉 Grab it here and make your next STEM station out of this world!

Related Podcast Episodes/Blog Posts:

More About The Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

Easy Paddle Boat Craft for Kids

Easy Paddle Boat Craft for Kids

This paddle boat craft for kids helps them learn more about potential and kinetic energy and how it relates to power a small boat. By using a rubber band, power a small paddle boat in the water while making observations and connections with these worksheets.

 

Materials Needed for this easy paddle boat craft for kids:

Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

Watch the video on how to make this easy paddle boat craft for kids:

 

Let’s slow it down with step-by-step directions on how to make this easy paddle boat craft for kids.

Step 1:

Print out these worksheets to write down your observations. Then, secure lid on container.

 

Step 2:

Tape/glue two popsicle sticks evenly on the side of the container.

Step 3:

[Ask a grown-up for help.] Break another popsicle stick in half.

Step 4:

Tape/glue half of the broken popsicle stick in between the two regular sticks on the container. This will help the two sticks stay straight when the paddle is going.

Step 5:

Loop the rubber band around the two ends of the regular popsicle sticks.

Step 6:

Place the other broken half of the popsicle stick inside of the rubber band.

Step 7:

While holding the rubber band in place, twist the popsicle stick up and around so it adds tension to the rubber band. Talk about the difference between kinetic and potential energy shown in the rubber band. Use these teaching slides and worksheets to help you. 

Step 8:

With the paddle boat in the water, release the twisted popsicle stick and watch the boat move! Write down your observations and try these other tests here. 

 

Want the templates seen here? You can grab them here in my TpT shop!

If you are looking for…

  • A Low-prep STEM lesson & easy-to-find materials
  • An engaging, hands-on activity that has guided directions
  • Opportunities for students to add their creativity
  • A quick, one-day STEM lesson for after-school clubs, homework extensions, station rotation (and more!)

Then this lesson is PERFECT FOR YOU!

 

This product includes:

  • Easy project with simple materials
  • Digital & Printable
  • Written & video directions
  • Content-specific vocabulary
  • Science behind the project
  • Resources to explore the topic more
  • Experiment to test the design

 

Grab the full lesson HERE!

 

Related Podcast Episodes/Blog Posts:

More About The Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

No Borax Safe Slime for Kids

No Borax Safe Slime for Kids

This slime recipe teaches you more about the States of Matter and non-Newtonian fluids. Make the slime and use the tests provided to determine whether it represents a solid, liquid, or gas. Use these worksheets to learn more about the states of matter properties and how they relate to slime.

 

Materials Needed for this no Borax safe slime for kids:

Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

Watch the video on how to make this no Borax safe slime for kids:

 

Let’s slow it down with step-by-step directions on how to make this no Borax safe slime for kids.

Step 1:

In a small bowl or cup, mix with the popsicle stick ⅛ cup of glue, and ⅛ cup water.

Step 2:

[Optional] Mix in the glitter

Step 3:

Mix in ¼ teaspoon of baking soda

Step 4:

Slowly add in 1 teaspoon of saline solution & stir FAST!

Step 5:

Pick up the slime as you see it harden and squish with your hands. Store in a plastic bag or container when not using. Use these worksheets to test the slime to decide what properties of solids, liquids and gases that it has. 

 

 

Want the templates seen here? You can grab them here in my TpT shop!

If you are looking for…

  • A Low-prep STEM lesson & easy-to-find materials
  • An engaging, hands-on activity that has guided directions
  • Opportunities for students to add their creativity
  • A quick, one-day STEM lesson for after-school clubs, homework extensions, station rotation (and more!)

Then this lesson is PERFECT FOR YOU!

 

This product includes:

  • Easy project with simple materials
  • Digital & Printable
  • Written & video directions
  • Content-specific vocabulary
  • Science behind the project
  • Resources to explore the topic more
  • Experiment to test the design

 

Grab the full lesson HERE!

 

Related Podcast Episodes/Blog Posts:

More About The Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with Naomi Meredith: