Summer break offers students a much-needed pause, but it doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. In fact, some of the most exciting and impactful educational experiences happen outside the classroom. Outdoor STEM activities are an engaging way to keep curiosity alive, blending science, technology, engineering, and math with fresh air, hands-on experiences, and a sense of adventure. With the right mix of creativity and exploration, students can return to school in the fall with new knowledge, improved skills, and exciting stories to share.
1. Build and Test a Water Filtration System
This simple engineering challenge teaches students about environmental science and problem-solving. Using common materials like sand, charcoal, gravel, and plastic bottles, kids can design and test their own water filters. Then they can reflect on how clean water systems work in the real world.
2. Explore Pond Environments
Instead of just reading about aquatic environments, students can get up close with pond life, observing frogs, insects, algae, and water quality firsthand. This mirrors our Pond Ecology class, where students use nets, microscopes, and field journals to explore real aquatic environments. Encourage students to track water temperature or pH for a deeper science connection.
3. Learn to Navigate with a Compass
Students can learn the basics of navigation by using a compass and map to complete a fun outdoor course. They can plot points, follow directional clues, and problem-solve as they make their way to each checkpoint. This hands-on activity teaches real-world navigation skills while encouraging teamwork and critical thinking. For an added challenge, create timed races or include STEM trivia at each stop to keep the students engaged.
4. Rock and Mineral Field Study
Students can study geology by collecting and examining different rock and mineral samples from a local area, then classify them based on characteristics like color, hardness, and luster. They can also sketch a simple geological map showing where each sample was found, sparking discussions about how the land formed over time.
5. Design and Launch Bottle Rockets
Few activities get students more excited than launching something into the sky. Similar to our Rocketry class, students can learn concepts of force, momentum, gravity and vectors by creating rockets out of 2-liter bottles. Add in a countdown, track flight distance, and encourage teams to adjust their designs for improved performance.
STEM-Focused Outdoor Education at Wonder Valley
Outdoor STEM activities give students a chance to explore, experiment, and get their hands dirty. At Wonder Valley Outdoor Education, we integrate STEM learning into our outdoor programs to make it fun, accessible and memorable. Students leave not only with new knowledge, but also with the confidence to ask questions and find creative solutions. Looking for ways to keep your students learning? Contact us today.
