OVERVIEW

THIS BOOK PROVIDES 52 art-forward science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) projects perfect for countertops, desks, grass, and sidewalks.

Each lab contains an easy-to-understand explanation of The STEAM Behind the Fun to introduce vocabulary and other ideas related to the topic you're exploring. The labs are set up to make exploring STEAM as simple as following a recipe, with sections detailing the following:

Materials: lists all the ingredients you'll need to conduct each project

Safety Tips and Hints: provide common sense safety guidelines and hints for making things go smoothly

Protocol: (a scientific word for “instructions”) takes you step by step through the lab basics

Creative Enrichment: gives you variations or ideas for taking the project a step or two further, ideally inspiring curiosity, invention, and problem-solving

The STEAM Behind the Fun: offers simple explanations and cross-disciplinary related topics

Whether you’re exploring art or biology, experiences and ideas are made memorable by immersion. Kids should be encouraged to get their hands into a project, creating a physical connection. The processes of experimentation and invention are as important as the results, and it’s essential to allow kids the freedom to dive in without fear of failure. Measuring, scooping, stirring, making mistakes, and troubleshooting should be part of every STEAM experience.

Many of these labs utilize items you probably have on hand, but the technology labs may require some advance planning. All of the supplies can be ordered online and most are relatively inexpensive. Duct tape, kitchen twine, a hot glue gun and glue sticks, rubber bands, paper, markers, paint, and glue will all come in handy. Tech projects may require small toy motors, alligator clip test leads, AA battery holders, battery snaps, and LEDs, so we've included a resources section in the back of the book to help you find what you need.

My kids and I have tested all these experiments, and they should work if you follow the protocol. However, at times, projects will require tweaking, practice, or innovation. Patience also comes in handy when you’re learning to do something new. Don’t be afraid to take things apart and start over. For example, if an LED isn’t lighting up, you may have it hooked up backwards (see Lab 11, Light-Up Creature).

Remember, mistakes and troubleshooting are far more educational than perfection, and many scientific blunders have led to great discoveries.