Summer is the perfect time for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) activities to spark creativity, curiosity, and problem solving. When STEAM activities are combined with real-world topics like climate change, energy use, and sustainability, the learning becomes even more meaningful. Whether you’re running a camp, leading a community program, or just looking for hands-on learning to try at home, these activities are designed to engage young minds through fun, interactive, and environmentally focused STEAM challenges. This blog compiles a list of free, ready-to-use resources that bring these topics to life in exciting, fun activities that are perfect for making your summer both engaging and meaningful!
In this activity, learners work together to design and build their own solar ovens using accessible materials. Throughout the process, they will follow construction steps, and test how well their oven heats up food or water using the power of the sun. In the design process, learners will explore different elements, like the colour of the baking chamber. They will record their observations and end the activity with a tasty treat made from their ovens!
Build a Hydroelectric Generator
Learners can build their own hydroelectric generator model and evaluate the effectiveness of their design. The material list and construction tips are provided to help campers evaluate their design choices. In the process, learners will discover more about clean energy and answer questions related to it.
Build an Electric Vehicle Model
In this activity, learners will enhance their STEM skills by designing and building a model of an electric vehicle. Using the provided construction plan as a starting point, they are encouraged to get creative with their designs! This activity will provide learners with a deeper understanding of the concepts that are explored in the Electric Vehicle Unit of our Re-Energy Program.
Learners will use art and writing to create their own eCard, a tool that empowers youth to take climate action by learning about environmental issues, crafting informed messages, and sharing them with decision makers. Students can draw their artwork by hand or design their eCard images digitally. eCards combines creativity with advocacy, allowing learners to express what they have learned and what matters most to them. Click here for some inspiration!
Microplastics in the Environment Experiment
In this experiment, learners will collect water and/or sediment samples to investigate the presence of microplastics in the environment. Using density separation techniques, they will isolate plastics from their samples and conduct a visual inspection under a microscope to identify the different types and colours of plastic present. Learners will explore the issue of plastic pollution through a hands-on analysis.
In this activity, learners will explore the physical and chemical properties of common household plastics through a simple experiment. Learners will develop a deeper understanding of how different types of plastics behave, be able to accurately record their observations, and communicate their results. They will also be encouraged to think critically
about their findings in the context of the environment and a circular economy.
Take Action: Build a Rain Garden
This hands-on activity will encourage learners to explore the benefits of rain gardens as natural solutions for managing rainwater runoff and supporting local ecosystems. Learners will get their hands dirty by building a rain garden. The activity guides learners through all of the key steps including planning and construction, to the ongoing maintenance of their garden. Learners will develop a deeper understanding of how nature-based solutions can make positive impacts on the environment.
Perfect for indoor days, in this activity, learners take on the role of President of their own Board of Directors, leading a presentation on energy conservation strategies tailored to their household or camp. This activity gives learners a chance to apply what they have learned about energy and the environment in a creative and meaningful way.
In this activity, learners will observe and investigate a self-contained ecosystem using a bottle biosphere model. They can either help build the ecosystem or investigate a pre-made one. The activity encourages learners to make connections between the miniature environment inside the bottle, and the Earth’s ecosystem as a whole. Even if their ecosystem doesn’t thrive, they can spark conversation about the balance that is needed to sustain life.
Climate Justice and Action Through Art
This activity invites learners to explore climate justice through the lens of art, by blending creative expression with environmental awareness. Learners will deepen their understanding of texture, while exploring outdoor environments to make their own 3D art pieces. Along the way, they will make connections between art, and climate change by using natural and unnatural materials to help reflect on the state of our land and waters.
In this hands-on activity, learners will build a simple ammeter using a compass and magnet wire, giving them a firsthand look at the relationship between magnetism and electricity. By comparing different battery types, they will observe how varying currents affect the strength of a magnetic field and the direction of a compass needle. This activity is a great way to introduce core concepts in physics through simple materials and observation.
This activity will aid learners in exploring the basics of circuits and switches by designing and building their own simple burglar alarm. After testing out a pre-made example, learners can choose their own materials and construct their own alarm that responds to movement or contact. With guided instructions, they can test their creations, troubleshoot any issues, and brainstorm new ways to improve their designs.
In this activity, learners can investigate which materials allow electricity to flow and which ones do not by testing various everyday items. Using a simple circuit setup, they’ll explore the difference between conductors and insulators with their own experiments. Learners will identify which materials conduct electricity and record their observations.
Demonstrating Electrical Induction
In this experiment-based activity, learners explore the concept of electrical induction by participating in four hands-on challenges that prompt them to make predictions and test their ideas. Through guided experimentation, they’ll examine how different factors, like number of wire turns, or magnet strength, affect the generation of electricity. As they analyze their setups, they will deepen their understanding of manipulated and responding variables while discovering how electrical induction plays a vital role in everyday technologies.
This activity aids learners in exploring the important role that fuses play in electrical safety. Learners will construct and test a simple working fuse using basic materials like copper wire and steel wool. They will observe how their fuse functions within a circuit. Along the way, learners will record their observations, evaluate how well their designs worked and identify improvements they could make.
These STEAM activities offer more than just fun, they also empower learners to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make connections to real world scenarios. Each activity encourages youth to engage with science, technology, engineering, art, and math in meaningful ways. By incorporating sustainability and environmental themes throughout, these projects also help learners understand their role in shaping a more sustainable future. So whether you’re planning for a week of camp or just looking for impactful activities to try with youth, these activities will inspire learning that lasts far beyond the summer.