James Webb Space Telescope: Investigating How Freezing Affects Materials

In this resource children investigate how the properties of different materials change when they are frozen. The two activities are based on a challenge scientists and engineers had when designing the James Webb Space Telescope: that the space facing side of the telescope needed to...

Beat the Flood STEM challenge

In this resource, suitable for Key Stage Two to Three (age 7-14), students use their STEM skills to help them design and build a model of a flood- proof house. Activities to help them with their design include testing materials (for strength and absorbency) and structures. Set on a fictitious island coping with the...

What is engineering?

This resource provides an introduction to engineering for primary children. It can be used for a whole school assembly with follow-on inquiry work, or with one class, and would be suitable for working with a STEM Ambassador.  The resource aims to break down preconceptions about engineering, looks at what...

Ditch the dirt

This challenge enables pupils to model and test filters as a way of making dirty water cleaner. It can also be used to explore ways of making water safe to drink.  Curriculum links include separation techniques and pure substances.

The challenge can provide a focus for National Science and Engineering Week,...

Born to Engineer - Angelo Grubisic

This video shows Angelo Grubisic, an aerospace engineer who combines his love of wingsuit BASE jumping with his engineering knowledge to develop the world's most scientifically engineered wingsuit.

"Angelo is developing the world’s most scientifically engineered wingsuit, capable of smashing records. For...

Ocean Grabber

This resource is part of the Polar Explorer Resource Collection https://www.stem.org.uk/polar-explorer-educational-resources.

Floating Garden STEM challenge

This challenge, from Practical Action, requires students to design and build a model structure that will enable farmers to grow crops even in an area that may become flooded. A floating garden, built on a base of aquatic weeds, is a cheap and sustainable way of allowing people to grow vegetables. The resource can...

Shelter for the World

This resource pack introduces the concepts of shelter and shelter deprivation around the world to students in Key Stage Two. It highlights the challenges people face in their daily lives when their homes do not provide adequate shelter. It linked to the curriculum areas of design and technology, geography and PSHE...

Wind power STEM challenge

From Practical Action, this challenge asks students to design a simple wind turbine capable of lifting a cup off the floor to bench height. The winning team will be the one producing a machine that lifts the most weight. The resource includes an instruction sheet, wind turbine images, links to videos and...

Squashed tomato STEM challenge

This Practical Action resource presents a fun hands-on and brains-on challenge for Key Stages Two to Five.

The problem: In Nepal many farmers living on the mountainside grow fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes. To earn a living they need to sell these at the local...