3 Water STEM Projects

Instead of just focusing on textbooks when teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), get your kids involved with the materials by using a hands-on approach. After all, it’s much more exciting to perform STEM experiments that make principles come to life than it is just to read about them.

Kids love learning when they are having fun, so we put together three water-based STEM project ideas that will get them involved in the material, help them understand and retain concepts more effectively, and encourage a passion for these essential subject areas.

1. Test the Properties and Safety of Water

   Testing water is a great at-home learning project that you can do any time of the year. You will need:

   • Water samples (collect water from a variety of places, including your faucet, pet bowls, water bottles and outdoor sources)
   • Water test strips
   • Microscope

   Once you gather all your water, have your kids test each sample using the water test strips to see the alkalinity, hardness and pH levels. Document those results and compare each sample. Discuss why the results might vary and which one is the safest to drink.

   Then, create some slides and take a peek at each sample under the microscope. Kids might be surprised at what they find living in some of the samples!

2. Create a Homemade Compass

   Kids will be fascinated to learn more about magnetic forces when they find out that they can create their own compass by using a few simple items from around the house. You will need:

   • Strong magnet
   • Large sewing needle
   • Cork
   • Medium to large bowl of water

   To create the compass, just follow these simple steps:

   • Stroke the needle down the length of the magnet around 50 times and take note of which side you use
   • Flip the magnet over and stroke the needle 50 times in the opposite direction to magnetize it
   • If you are using a large cork, cut it down so it becomes a disc of around 1 to 2 centimeters thick
   • Hold the cork disc by the edges and press the needle in like you’re making a lollipop, then push it all the way through so you can see metal on both sides
   • Fill your bowl with water

   Then, to see magnetic forces at work, place the cork and needle in the water. The needle should spin like a compass and point north.

3. Water Gun Engineering Challenge

   One of the most fun STEM projects for kids, the squirt gun boat engineering challenge will have them crafting a boat and testing its capabilities. For this challenge, you will need:

   • Materials to make a boat (cardboard scraps, aluminum foil, craft sticks, straws, hot glue gun, etc.)
   • Tub or trough of water
   • Water guns
   • Tape measure
   • Timer

   First, your kids need to craft their own boats. Once that is complete, you will divide up into teams, and each team will compete to see who can make their boat travel the farthest using the fewest water gun squirts in the fastest time.

   There will be three trials. For each attempt, note the distance, time and number of squirts. Then, average the results for each team to see who is the champion!

   Get the Revolutionary Kwik Fill System for Fun Water STEM Ideas

   The Kwik Fill Water Gun System will provide your kids with long-lasting learning and fun. With its pressurized fill system that connects to a standard garden hose, the Kwik Fill will let your kids refill their water guns in around six seconds — all they have to do is push down to fill up!

   So, if you are planning a water gun engineering challenge or another at-home learning project involving water, then check out our online retailers and get your liquid ammo station today.