10 Fantastic Free Stem Activities For 4th Graders

Are you looking for exciting and stimulating STEM activities for 4th Graders?

Then look no further! 

STEM education refers to the integrated teaching and learning of the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It’s a multidisciplinary method that emphasizes the connection of these four subjects rather than teaching each one separately.

This method also teaches kids how these four subjects are used in real life. So no more wondering why they need to do ‘this and that’. Doing STEM activities will help them see how everything is connected and give them important skills they need for today’s world.

Maybe you’re a parent who has recently stumbled upon the wonders of STEM Education, or maybe you’re a dedicated parent who has been persistently introducing your child to STEM concepts since their kindergarten days.

Regardless of your journey so far, we are thrilled to have you here with us. It’s clear that you understand the immense value that STEM has on young learners. As a parent or educator, you’ll undoubtedly cherish the choice to nurture your child’s thirst for knowledge and passion for learning. Their curious little minds are eager to dive deep, explore more, and grasp the workings of the world through hands-on experiences.

We’re excited to share with you a few fantastic STEM activities and projects tailored specifically for 4th graders.

Whether you’re homeschooling or looking for project ideas for a traditional classroom, these STEM activities for 4th graders are designed to captivate their interest and deepen their engagement in learning, providing a foundation for a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Why Include 4th Grade STEM Activities in Your Lesson Plans?

Incorporating STEM into homeschooling lessons and traditional classroom activities is really important for a number of reasons.

When you think about STEM, it is like giving your child a toolbox filled with different ways to think and solve problems. These tools include the ability to think critically, solve problems, and be creative. These are very handy skills to have, especially in our world today which is always changing and full of technology.

By learning about science, technology, engineering, and math all together, kids can see how they all fit and work together in the real world

Kids love to explore and are always curious. Whether they are inside or outside, they always want to learn about the world. They like to look closely, ask questions, and find out why things happen.

When we teach our kids STEM subjects early on, we’re also setting them up for lots of great career opportunities later in life. It’s like giving them a head start in the race.

But STEM it’s not just about jobs and the future. STEM lessons, especially the ones where kids get to build or experiment hands-on, can make learning so much fun. Kids often get very excited and curious when they can touch, build, or see something in action. And whether you’re a parent teaching at home or a teacher in a classroom, that’s a big win. It turns learning into an adventure, making the whole experience more enjoyable and memorable for the kids. 

Lastly, and certainly my favorite reason — STEM activities give an opportunity for you and your child to spend great quality time together all while learning. It is the perfect blend of education, fun, and family time.

Simply put, the benefits of STEM education are absolutely massive, and with the activities we’re going to share with you today, you can start to enjoy them with your kid.

Before we get started with our activities for 4th Graders, don’t forget to check out our STEM Made Easy Digital Subscription where you can get exclusive project guides and resources delivered right to your email inbox every month…

10 Free Fun STEM Activities 4th Graders Will Love

Here are some of our absolute favorite 4th Grade STEM activities…

1. DIY Crystal Egg Geodes STEM Project

Here’s a super fun science activity where you can make amazing DIY crystals overnight. Making these crystals is simple, and it’s a great way for kids to learn more about rocks (Geology) and the magic of mixing things (Chemistry) by actually doing it themselves. What’s awesome about this STEM project is that it’s also an art project! You can choose any colors or designs you like, so everyone can make it in their own special way and have a lot of fun doing it.

Your child will absolutely be amazed and curious about how it all works. Plus, making these shiny crystals that glisten in the sunlight is super easy.

Get the full project: DIY Crystal Egg Geodes STEM Project

2. Amazing Aquaponics System

Ask your child if they have ever imagined fish and plants becoming best friends. Well, with an aquaponic system, that’s exactly what happens! It’s like a magical circle of life where the fish and the plants help each other out.

Fish, like all living creatures, produce waste. But plants think this waste is a yummy snack! When plants snack on fish waste, they actually clean the water, making it better for the fish. And as a big thank you, the fish make more waste to feed the plants. It’s like a never-ending dinner party!

So, if you and your 4th Grader make an aquaponic system, you will get to see fish and plants living together, helping each other out. It’s nature’s own recycling system!

Get the full project: Free Classroom Aquaponic Lesson Plan

3. Toothpick Bridge STEM Challenge

This challenge is a fun and STEM activity for a 4th Grader where they are tasked with building a bridge using toothpicks and other random materials like glue, marshmallows, or jelly sweets to hold the toothpick structure together.

The goal isn’t just to build any bridge, but to construct one that can hold weight without breaking. It’s kind of like building a puzzle, but instead of fitting pieces together, you’re creating a strong structure using tiny wooden sticks. This STEM challenge teaches kids about engineering principles, problem-solving, and patience. It’s also a fun way for them to see how something as simple as toothpicks can be used to create strong structures when combined in the right way.  This activity can be done every year and no two results will be the same.

Get the full project: Toothpick Bridge STEM Challenge

4. DIY Soda Mentos Rocket

Here at Hess UnAcademy, we love science, we love edible science experiments, and we really love experiments that go “BANG”.

So, have you ever thought of turning your backyard into a rocket launch station to amaze your child? With the Soda-Mentos Rocket experiment, you can do just that. When Mentos candies get in contact with the soda (usually a Diet Coke), it’s not just a fizz-fest, it’s a blast-off party.

By sealing the bottle after dropping in the candies and flipping it upside down, you can watch the Coke bottle soar into the sky. Not only will your 4th Grader be utterly fascinated, but it’s also a fabulous way to teach your child about reactions, pressure, and Newton’s Third Law – all while having a fizzy-fun time. Imagine the incredible photos and memories you’ll make.
3… 2… 1… Blast off!

Get the full project: Soda Mentos Rocket

5. Gingerbread Nativity Simple STEM Activity

Who wouldn’t enjoy an experiment where the results are totally delicious? Engage your 4th graders’ inner builder, allowing them to tap into their creativity and imagination as they craft their own exceptional gingerbread house.

Motivate your child to outshine the witch from the Hansel and Gretel tale by creating a structure sturdy enough to stand independently.

This is an enjoyable engineering activity that you can revisit annually. It’s a great way to track and celebrate the growth of your child’s problem-solving abilities, imaginative flair, and design skills by comparing their new creations to those from past years.

Get the full project: Ginger Nativity Simple STEM Activity

6. The Egg Drop Challenge For Kids

The egg drop challenge is like a super fun science adventure perfect for both little explorers and older adventurers. It’s all about using your creative genius to figure out the perfect way to protect an egg from a big fall. Imagine you’re an egg-saver superhero or that you are creating a cape for your egg to protect it.

You get to experiment with different materials to design your ultimate shock absorber – something that will keep that egg safe and sound when it takes a tumble. Will it be soft cushions, rubber bands, or maybe even a parachute made of paper? The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

So, grab your thinking cap and get ready to drop some eggs you become an expert in the art of egg protection. Who knew learning about physics could be so egg-citing?

Get the full project:  The Egg Drop Challenge

7. STEM Water Filtration Activity

Are you ready to take your 4th Grader on a splashy adventure? Dive into the thrilling world of water as we transform mucky, murky water into crystal clear H2O! Using everyday materials like sand, gravel, fluffy cotton, and even coffee filters, let’s see if you have the scientific touch to create the ultimate water-purifying object.  But that’s not all – you’ll also uncover the secrets of why clean water is so crucial for our planet in this thrilling journey through environmental science. Ready to make some waves? Let’s get filtering!

Get the full project: Water Filtration Activity

8. Rainbow Salt Circuit Engineering Project

So Mom, have you ever dreamed of combining the dazzling magic of rainbows with the thrilling world of circuits to teach your 4th Grader about electricity? Well, dream no more! Dive into a sparkling STEM adventure where radiant rainbow salt meets electric excitement. Get ready to light up your child’s creativity, sprinkle some science fun, and conduct a bright and colorful circuit masterpiece together. It’s not just an activity, it’s a glowing memory waiting to be made! So, grab your magic salt, and let’s create a rainbow roller-coaster of electric wonder!

Get the full project: Rainbow Salt Circuit

9. DIY STEM Paper Helicopter

How excited will your 4th Grader be to craft their very own helicopter out of paper and watch it twirl and dance through the air? Let’s embark on a whirling STEM journey, where you and your young aviator design and launch paper helicopters, unravelling the mysteries of forces in motion. As these lightweight copters spiral down, they won’t just bring giggles and wide-eyed wonder, they’ll also be teaching lessons on gravity, air resistance, and aerodynamics. So, grab a sheet of paper, gather your future engineers, and let’s turn your living room into a bustling helipad of learning and fun!

Get the full project:  DIY STEM Paper Helicopter

10. Celery Food Coloring Experiment

I hope you and your 4th Grader are ready to make science come alive in your kitchen. Dive with us into the mesmerizing world of biology along with your little explorer by trying out the fun and simple celery experiment!

It’s a hands-on adventure that reveals the secrets of how plants drink water. Using just a few everyday kitchen items, including some celery and food coloring, you can unravel the magic of capillary action together. It’s not only easy to set up but also kind on the wallet. Ready to turn your kitchen into a mini science lab and watch your kids’ eyes light up with wonder? Let’s get experimenting!

Get the full project:  Celery Food Coloring Experiment

Want STEM Project Ideas Delivered Right to Your Inbox?

For more exciting experiments and fascinating STEM activities for kids of all ages, sign up for our STEM Made Easy Digital Subscription. Every month, you’ll get an email with a collection of curated hands-on STEM project blueprints along with a bundle of accompanying resources and worksheets, helping you create exciting learning tasks in no time at all.

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Inspire, Create, Discover: Expertly Curated STEM Projects!

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More STEM Resources to Check Out

STEM Project Ideas by Grade Level:

• STEM Activities for Kindergarteners
• STEM Activities for 1st Graders
• STEM Activities for 2nd Graders
• STEM Activities for 3rd Graders
• STEM Activities for 5th Graders
• STEM Projects for Middle Schoolers
• STEM Activities for High School Students
• STEM Activities for Teenagers

Holiday & Seasonal STEM Activity Guides:

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• St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities
• Independence Day STEM Activities
• Halloween STEM Activities
• Thanksgiving Themed STEM Activities
• Christmas STEM Activities
• Summer STEAM activities
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General STEM Activity Guides:

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• Free STEM activities 
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• STEAM Activities for Elementary Kids
• No Prep STEM Projects