Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas
What are some great station rotation ideas? How can your planning be streamlined?
In previous blog posts, we discuss why you need a station rotation in STEM and tips for classroom management.
You can also grab a FREE STEM Rotation Planning Guide HERE
STEM Station Blog Series
- Part 1: Why You Need a Station Rotation
- Part 2: Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations
- Part 3: Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas (this post)
Tips for Planning STEM Stations
Keep station planning meaningful and purposeful. With the ideas listed below, students can experience many different STEM concepts within two, 45 minute classes.
With a 4-station model, plan around the acronym STEM. Have each station correspond with each letter; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Also, have a mixture of no-tech and tech options. This will help keep students’ interest while also not having students on a screen the whole time.
One of the stations can also be teacher-led. This is a great time to lead a small group and teach a skill, revise work from a project, or go deeper into a concept. Add a teacher-station in once classes are able to be independent during work time.
Below are ideas when getting started, for both primary and intermediate elementary students.
This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases.
Station Rotation Ideas | ‘S’ for Science
- Epic! Books create a book collection where students can read about the related science topic to bigger projects
- Make observations for a science experiment
- Test solutions for a science experiment
- Explore STEM concepts using Gizmos
- Code using cards related to science concepts (Example: predator & prey)
- Notice animal behavior & take notes using live web cams like San Diego Zoo
Station Rotation Ideas | ‘T’ for Technology
- Explore coding apps
- iPads (Primary)
- Hopster Coding Safari, Bee-Bot & Scratch Jr.
- Computer (Primary)
- Computer (Intermediate)
- iPads (Primary)
- Typing Practice/Touchpad Control
- iPads (Primary)
- Computer (Primary)
- Computer (Intermediate)
- Robot Simple Challenges
- Click here for a full list of best robots for elementary students I put together for you and ways to use them
Station Rotation Ideas | ‘E’ for Engineering
Primary Ideas
- Engineer Inspiration Boards
- Click here to read more about these no-prep, themed building inspiration
- Pixel Art/Bloxel Boards
- Run a Google Search ‘Pixel Art of____’ to get different ideas to print out to inspire students
- STEM & Stories
- Read the story to the whole group, students complete building challenge at this station
Intermediate Ideas
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- Time to work on a project that was started earlier in week
- Create 3D printing design in Tinkercad
- Click here for my student video tutorials
- Cardboard Makerspace Project
Station Rotation Ideas | ‘M’ for Math
- Tangrams
- Virtual or using manipulatives. Can Google Search different puzzles to use with students
- Osmo Genius Kit
- Tangrams, Words and Numbers challenges. There are different kits for iPad & Kindle Fire, so make sure to double check which one is being ordered before purchasing.
- Collecting measurements from a previous challenge
- Apply new vocabulary in a hands-on way
Station Rotation Ideas | Starter Kits
Want to get started with STEM Stations right away but short on time?
I’ve put together a STEM Starter Kit that you can use in your classroom. There is an option for primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5).
In each set, there is an activity that corresponds to each letter of STEM; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
As a bonus, you will also receive STEM vocabulary posters. There is also a digital version that can be used to type student names to keep track of who is at each station.
Primary STEM Station Bundle Activities
- Science
Intermediate STEM Station Bundle Activities
- Science
Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:
- STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Engineer Inspiration by Naomi Meredith
- Back to School STEM Activities Shopping Guide by Naomi Meredith
- Must Have STEM School Supply List by Naomi Meredith
- Best Robots for Kids for STEM & Technology Lessons by Naomi Meredith
What questions do you have about these activities? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
More About the Author, Naomi Meredith
Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.
With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.
She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!