13 Exciting STEAM Art Projects and Ideas

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tissue and coloring butterflies as a STEAM art project idea

These exciting STEAM art projects and ideas are a fun way to incorporate STEM and art into your homeschool, or regular daily activities!

STEAM has gradually made its way to the top of most homeschoolers’ to-do list, and rightfully so.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to foster a love for both art and the STEM fields in our young learners. By combining these disciplines, we can encourage kids to think outside the box, experiment fearlessly, and explore the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of creativity and innovation.

These STEAM art projects are designed to captivate young minds, whether they’re budding artists or aspiring scientists. If you’re looking for STEAM art projects and ideas, you’re going to love this list!

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What is STEAM?

Close to its brother STEM, STEAM simply adds the art element into intentionally teaching science, technology, engineering, and math. When STEM first came about, it seemed like a genius idea, until a few teachers were concerned about the art aspect being left out.

From an academic perspective, art involves all things writing, reading, music, and the like. Teachers questioned if students would get a holistic education with so much emphasis placed on every other area, but not art. Truth be told, it’s kind of hard to have one without the other.

For example, within music, you can find the elements of engineering (use of the instrument), math (counting rhythm and beat), and science (the overall way the sound of music works). And with art, you can see elements of engineering, technology, and math. From the use of materials to the type of art created, those elements are all interwoven.

That’s why it’s such a great idea to find ways to incorporate art into the everyday classroom.

Not only does art create a sense of joy and exploration, but it also helps students to develop their creativity and critical thinking skills. Plus, it’s a great way to help students express themselves in ways they may not be able to with words.

Art can be used in almost any subject, such as math, science, history, or social studies, and kids of all ages can benefit from these kinds of projects. Add these activities to your list of STEAM Homeschool activities!

Top 13 STEAM Art Projects and Ideas

The following ideas definitely put a twist on art, but your kids will have a blast doing them! Try one of these STEAM art projects in your lessons today!

How to Crochet with Kids

Did you know learning how to crochet counts as a STEAM activity? This STEAM art project might not be as obvious a choice as others, but it still definitely counts!

Follow this simple tutorial and learn how to crochet with your kids today!

Paper Mache Dragon STEM and Craft Project Tutorial

Paper mache is a wonderful example of a STEAM art and craft project! Have you ever made paper mache with your students?

Whether your students are into arts and crafts, engineering, dragons, medieval times, or just getting their hands dirty, they are going to love this dragon paper mache dragon STEM project.

Learn how to make your very own dragon out of paper mache. Spend a few days drafting, creating, crafting, and assembling. It'll be an art project to remember!

How To Make Rock Candy - A Beautiful Science Experiment

Making rock candy is a great example of a STEAM art project. How beautiful are these sugar crystals? How can you make them even prettier? Rock candy is more than just a delicious treat after all.

Exploding Sidewalk Chalk Experiment

This exploding sidewalk chalk activity is the perfect example of a STEAM art project. Nothing says art quite like sidewalk chalk and in this experiment, you can make your sidewalk chalk explode! It's tons of fun for all ages and a good way to learn about chemical reactions.

Marbled Dragon Eggs

In this STEAM art project, your kids will get to make their very own marbled dragon eggs! Using materials you probably already have on hand, learn how to hydrodip eggs and create your very own unique works of art.

Edible Stained Glass Candy STEAM Activity for Kids

Stained glass is one of the most beautiful forms of art and this edible stained glass STEAM activity allows you to enjoy this artistic wonder from the comfort of your own home.

Homemade Spectroscope | Bring Light Refraction to Life!

Arts are crafts are always fun, but finding an arts and crafts project that is also educational can sometimes be an adventure. That's why we love this homemade spectroscope activity. Fun for kids to make and then when they're done building, they get to learn about light refraction and rainbows!

The Science of Slime

Homemade slime is a fun art project for little ones, and older ones can enjoy this STEAM art project when you throw some learning into the mix. Learn how we turned homemade slime into a full-on science experiment!

Gratifying Smoking Dragon STEAM Activity for Kids

These smoking dragons are another great example of a STEAM arts and crafts project. First your kids will make a homemade dragon's head, then they will learn about dry ice and the states of matter as they make their dragons smoke.

DIY Crystal Egg Geodes STEM Project (Dragon Eggs)

Next time you're looking for a STEAM art project, why not try your hand at crystal egg geodes (AKA dragon eggs)? Design and decorate your very own dragon eggs using crystals you grew yourself!

11. Sugar and Water Density

Littlepassports.com has this sugar and water density experiment that your kids will also enjoy. Learn about density while making a rainbow!

12. Walking Rainbow Experiment

This easy and fun walking rainbow experiment from steamsational.com is a simple way for kids to learn while making art.

13. Magnet Painting

LeftBrainCraftBrain.com shows us how to make our own beautiful works of art using magnets. This STEAM art project is a fun way to teach kids about magnetic attraction while having fun.

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STEAM Projects Explained

Similar to STEM, STEAM projects should contain a few key components:

Question. The project or activity should always aim to answer a question.
Research. Research will help your child explore the question and decide on what materials will be needed.
Experiment. This is when the testing happens. You can also do multiple experiments to get a variety of results (or the same).
Record/Analyze. Discussing the results and coming to conclusions wraps up the project.

These four steps will make for a well-rounded project/activity and give your child plenty to explore and discuss.

homemade slime and art pallet for STEAM art ideas and projects

How to Prepare for STEAM Art Activities

Some homeschooling moms hesitate to include STEM projects or STEAM art activities due to thinking the prep and execution are just too much work. I’m here to tell you that even with homeschooling multiple kids of varying ages, grades, and learning styles – it is doable.

The first thing you want to do is search for STEAM art activities or projects that either go with what your kids are already learning or something that you want to do as a stand-alone project. Most instructions you find online are easy to read, understand, and follow through. Read through the project and make a resource/supply list so you can have everything you need ahead of time.

The next task is to choose a day and time to do your STEAM project. It’s always worked well for me to plan ahead and write it on the calendar. This also helps to create some excitement and gives the kids something to look forward to.

Between the time you decide to do it and the actual STEAM project day, make sure you print off everything you need and have purchased any extra supplies. Depending on what you’re doing, you may even have some (or most) of the materials around your home.

Each of these art-inspired STEAM activities are low-maintenance and great ways to coast into incorporating STEAM art into your homeschool! Enjoy!

Which STEAM art activity are you going to try first? Let us know by commenting below!

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Jess Brooks

Jess is the managing editor for Hess UnAcademy. She is a former elementary school teacher turned homeschool mom (of three!). She can be reached at jess@hessunacademy.com.