As the school year nears its end, it’s time to celebrate the achievements of our elementary students with interactive and fun end of year activities with STEAM. These hands-on experiences not only keep students excited about learning but also allow them to apply their knowledge in creative and imaginative ways.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a range of thrilling STEAM activities that are perfect for end-of-year fun in elementary school. To help celebrate the end of the school year, students will say, “Peace Out” with fun end of year activities, each using the phrase as an acronym.
- P-Play a Game with Me!
- E-Epic Roller Coaster Rides
- A– A Star is Born
- C– Camp with Me
- E– Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
- O-Out of this World
- U-underwater Fun!
- Take Me to the Ball Game
1. Build Your Own Game Board:
Let students unleash their creativity by designing and building their own game boards. Provide them with materials like cardboard, markers, dice, and game pieces. Encourage them to develop rules and strategies for their games. This activity combines art, design, and critical thinking, allowing students to explore their imaginations while reinforcing mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.
2. Create an Epic Roller Coaster:
Ignite students’ engineering skills by challenging them to create their own mini roller coasters. Using foam tubes, marbles, cardboard, and other materials, students can design and build thrilling coaster tracks. They’ll learn about concepts such as gravity, motion, and energy transfer while having a blast testing their coasters. Organize a roller coaster showcase where students can share and test their creations.
3. A Star is Born with Finger Puppets
Combine storytelling, arts, and technology by having students create finger puppets based on their favorite characters or original designs. They can use craft materials, felt, and googly eyes to bring their puppets to life. Encourage students to incorporate simple mechanisms such as levers or pulleys to add movement to their puppets. Students can then stage and perform their own puppet shows, enhancing their storytelling and presentation skills.
4. Camp with Me: Fun End of Year Activities
Transport students into the great outdoors with a paper campsite project. Provide them with construction paper, markers, scissors, and glue. Students can design and build a 3D campsite complete with tents, campfires, trees, and wildlife. Encourage them to think about the natural elements, ecosystems, and environmental considerations. This activity combines art, design, and environmental science, allowing students to appreciate and learn about nature.
5. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy: Create Your Own Lemon Juicer or Cup Stacking Tower
Combine science and engineering by challenging students to design their own lemon juicer or create a tall cup stacking tower using everyday materials like paper cups, cardboard, and tape. They’ll explore concepts such as simple machines, stability, and balance while enhancing their fine motor skills. Students can then test their lemon juicers or challenge each other to see who can build the tallest and most stable cup stacking tower.
6. Out of This World: Creating Balloon Rockets
Let students explore the wonders of space and physics by designing and launching their own balloon rockets. Using balloons, straws, string, and tape, students can construct rockets and experiment with different designs and propulsion methods. They’ll learn about Newton’s laws of motion and aerodynamics while having a thrilling time seeing their rockets soar. Organize a friendly competition to see whose rocket can travel the farthest or reach the highest altitude.
7. Underwater Fun: Sandcastle Building
Bring the beach indoors and encourage creativity with a sandcastle-building activity. Provide students with play sand, buckets, shovels, and water. Students can learn about the properties of sand, architecture, and teamwork as they construct their own sandcastles. Encourage them to experiment with different techniques and designs, fostering their problem-solving and collaborative skills.
8. Create a New Ball Game for some Fun End of Year Activities:
Engage students in physical activity while stimulating their creativity by organizing a baseball game with a twist. Encourage students to create their own unique ball game rules, incorporating elements of STEAM. They can design custom bats, modify the playing field, or add new rules that involve mathematics or physics. This activity promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation while fostering a love for sports and active play.
If you are interested in my “done for you” materials to support End of Year Activities for STEAM learning, you can grab them here in my TPT shop. Included in the resource are the following activities for each day:
- Reading Passage
- Writing Prompt
- STEM Partner/Group Activity
- Mini-ResearchActivity
- Movement Activity
- Culminating Activity
If you are short on time and would like a quick win for some fun end of year activities, read this blog post for suggestions.
Fun End of Year Activities Wrap-Up
As the school year comes to a close, end it with a bang by incorporating these hands-on, fun STEAM end-of-year activities for elementary students. These interactive experiences foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while also allowing students to apply their knowledge across multiple disciplines.
By engaging in these end-of-the-year STEAM adventures, students will not only have a great time but also develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them. So, let the learning and fun continue until the very last day!
-Melissa
If you’re looking for more ideas on creating a writing routine that works for your elementary-aged students, be sure to check out my Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays: Oh, my! E-book. You’ll love the tips, tricks, and activities to excite your students about writing!
