Creative Backyard Science and STEM Activities for Kids

We’re sharing Spring and Summer science and STEM activities for kids because there’s just something about Spring that makes learning feel a little more exciting. It might be that our children can run around outside in between reading and math work. Or they can make fun water “rockets” to launch outside after completing assignments. (We have a water rocket post linked below.) Spring is full of real-life science and math lessons just waiting to happen. The first thing we do at our house is put a little organic chicken manure in the raised beds and flowerpots. It became our first gardening science lesson, and it lasted several months. We typically end up with some VERY healthy vegetables and flowers.

Gardening and outdoor learning aren’t just fun—they’re really effective teaching methods.

Studies have shown that gardening can boost science achievement, improve attitudes toward learning, and even increase fruit and vegetable consumption in children (Blair, 2009). When children grow their plants or tend to a garden, they develop responsibility, patience, and a deeper understanding of life cycles, ecosystems, and food sources. Learning through gardening can also enhance math and literacy skills as kids measure growth, track observations, and engage in scientific inquiry.

These outdoor projects are a great way to slow down and let children observe how things grow and change over time. Whether they’re measuring plant height, tracking seed growth, watching pollinators, or tending to a compost pile (We have a post linked below on composting), kids naturally learn just by being in the garden.

If you’re looking for some easy ways to bring a little freshness into your lessons, we’ve got a bunch of Spring science and STEM activities ready to go. You’ll find a printable lesson on plants, another all about bees, a seed-starting log for little gardeners, and spring-themed math worksheets made especially for K–2nd grade. These are great for classroom teachers, homeschoolers, or any grown-up wanting to make the most of this season with hands-on learning.

Summer Science and STEM Activities for Kids

Solar Printing Science Activity for Kids

How Does the Sun Create Energy

I hold a master’s degree in child development and early education and am working on a post-baccalaureate in biology. I spent 15 years working for a biotechnology company developing IT systems in DNA testing laboratories across the US. I taught K4 in a private school, homeschooled my children, and have taught on the mission field in southern Asia. For 4 years, I served on our state’s FIRST Lego League tournament Board and served as the Judging Director. I own thehomeschoolscientist and also write a regular science column for Homeschooling Today Magazine. You’ll also find my writings on the CTCMath blog. Through this site, I have authored over 50 math and science resources.