When I search for STEM teaching tools, I expect to find STEM activities and lessons. These are helpful tools that I can implement in the classroom in a short period of time. I want intuitive resources to help me teach science, technology, engineering, and math in an awesome way. Not just STEM stuff, but STEAM stuff, too!

This post aims to bring together all the free STEM, STEAM, and MYP Design resources on VistaThink so you, the teacher, can access them in one place. These free STEM resources are mainly for upper elementary and middle school students, but even high school students can find them helpful.

Skip directly to the Free STEM Education Resources section for all of the STEM teaching tools shared on VistaThink over the years.

I will update this post with STEM-related teaching resources as I add new content to VistaThink.

What are STEM Teaching Tools?

These STEM teaching tools are free educational resources in the form of PDF documents and Google documents that cover STEM, STEAM, and MYP Design–nearly all are designed for printing. You will find a variety of materials, such as activity sheets, teacher instructional materials, project guides, and more. Teachers will find materials that align with different age groups, learning levels, and subjects within the STEM field.

I like to get the most out of what I have, and that’s how I design lessons. So, you’ll find lots of low-budget and zero-budget content. When students do experiments or create solutions using regular things, they start seeing how these things can do cool and interesting stuff to solve problems. Constraints produce innovations, and many teachers need and enjoy DIY, budget-friendly materials!

These STEM teaching tools encourage students to think creatively, like inventors. Plus, they learn something big – that even the simplest things can teach us important stuff. An appreciation for what we already have builds gratitude. Also, you’ll notice that these resources do not reference a lot of STEM apps–they are not screen-centric.

What are the 4 Components of STEM?

STEM goes beyond just science, technology, engineering, and math. The STEM components work like a team where all the parts function together to facilitate some improvement.

Science commits to an objective way of investigating and making sense of the world called the scientific method. Math’s ability to quantify physical phenomena creates measurable summaries of understandings. Using both domains can lead to practical problem-solving.

Now, engineering and technology? They’re all about finding the best solutions to simple and tricky problems. I like to think of STEM as looking through an engineering lens. Why? Because engineering brings together the most promising power of science, math, and technology–its sole purpose is to solve problems.

Engineering leverages the other STEM as needed components to improve our world.

What are the 4 Cs of STEM Learning?

The 4 Cs of STEM refer to critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. These Cs can be confused with the four components of STEM. Teachers generally don’t assess the four Cs but should implement them during STEM projects. These areas combine skills and abilities students can develop and enhance over time to become creative, competent, and empathetic problem solvers.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a commitment to asking questions, investigating problems, and finding solutions. When students think critically, they analyze information, weigh different options, and make well-informed decisions. Critical thinking is essential to be a better problem identifier, problem solver, and decision-maker.

Communication

Communication goes beyond speaking. It is the key to sharing ideas, thoughts, and discoveries with others in multiple ways. Good communication can be done through speaking, writing, visual media, cultural awareness–via various means.

In STEM, good communication helps students share and collaborate effectively. Skilled communicators empathize with others through active listening, resulting in a more impactful and meaningful exchange of ideas.

Collaboration

Communication and collaboration go hand-in-hand. Parts of the STEM process should involve rich discussion. For example, when working in a small group, students can brainstorm ideas to solve a STEM problem. A final evaluation of a STEM solution during field trials or performance testing should prompt collaborative discussion for improvement.

Creativity

Creativity is crucial in helping STEM students tackle problems. After researching a problem, brainstorming becomes a vital part of developing creative ideas using STEM resources. However, it’s essential to be mindful of constraints while brainstorming. These limitations can provide focus and direction to student ideas but might also limit the free flow of creative thoughts.

How is STEM used in Teaching?

STEM is used in teaching by solving problems. The problems can be challenge-oriented and short (e.g., one class period). Even better are long-term STEM projects that offer rich, authentic, interdisciplinary experiences. Integrating STEM into your curriculum can create engaging activities that challenge students to think about how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics work together in the real world.

What Does a STEM Classroom Need?

Almost any class can be a STEM classroom. STEM learning is a mindset committed to purposeful problem-solving by skillfully using resources. Every element of STEM does not need to be present for every learning moment, phase, or lesson. A dedicated STEM classroom may not even have a budget!

For example, newspaper and cardboard can be used to prototype models, make STEM-related posters, or create structural components for towers. Used office paper can be folded to build helicopters and airplanes. Rubber bands and used CDs can power up DIY toy cars.

It’s worth repeating: Even when your classroom is well-equipped with STEM resources, it’s essential to recognize the value of low-budget STEM projects. Using everyday items for STEM activities teaches us a crucial lesson: problem-solving does not require fancy equipment.

This cost-effective and innovative approach with STEM teaching tools helps students appreciate what they have and empowers them, especially those from backgrounds with limited resources. For example, students from high-poverty backgrounds can gain confidence knowing they can make a positive impact by using materials readily available in their homes and neighborhoods. It’s an important reminder that innovation and creativity don’t always depend on having a lot of money.

The Critical Sensitivity to Design Questions by Harvard’s Project Zero can be a starting point to help STEM learners slow down and see the value in everyday materials to solve problems.

How Do You Teach STEM Effectively?

Teaching STEM effectively can be a challenging task! However, the right strategies and techniques can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for the students and the teacher. STEM learning and problem-solving are inseparable. Even synonymous.

Teaching STEM effectively means there is a commitment to problem-solving. A sequential design process or engineering design cycle can successfully guide and support students through STEM learning experiences. These procedural steps can be an educator’s friend when starting STEM teaching or planning a long-term STEM lesson.

Make STEM Authentic

Authentic STEM challenges captivate students by giving them a role in solving real-world problems. Who benefits from their solutions? What professional shoes are they filling? Why is this problem significant to tackle?

Setting clear, attainable goals helps students understand what success looks like in STEM projects. It’s essential, however, to highlight that success is about more than just the end product working perfectly to solve the problem.

Real learning happens when students understand that successes and setbacks are valuable outcomes–these are essential steps in the process. For example, a paper helicopter that plummets too soon or is way off target (or both) isn’t a misstep—it’s a stepping stone toward figuring out how to keep it aloft as long as possible and descend as straight as possible.

Early success is a terrible teacher. You’re essentially being rewarded for a lack of preparation, so when you find yourself in a situation where you must prepare, you can’t do it. You don’t know how.

― Chris Hadfield

When students view failure as constructive feedback, they are provided opportunities to embrace the growth mindset necessary for systematic problem-solving and innovation. By documenting their journey through note-taking, videos, and photos, they create a portfolio of learning experiences. These crucial events in the STEM learning process showcase progress and provide landmarks to measure and showcase improvements.

STEM projects are not a collection of successful experiments. Effective STEM teaching embraces critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity–the four Cs of STEM. It teaches students that progress—rather than perfection—is the hallmark of valuable learning in STEM.

Free STEM Education Resources

This collection of STEM teaching tools reflects my journey in creating and sharing educational content, a journey I’m excited to share with you!

Check out these free STEM, STEAM, and MYP Design resources for your students. Available as user-friendly PDFs and Google documents, they include activity sheets, teacher instructional materials, and project guides to engage students across various age groups, learning levels, and STEM subjects.

This collection will evolve and grow as I continue exploring and blogging about new ideas in STEM, STEAM, and design education.

If you find these resources helpful and wish to support their ongoing development, I would love a cup of coffee (donation). Newest resources are first!

The Power of Storytelling in STEM

This post emphasizes storytelling to enhance STEM education. It highlights the GRASPS model (Goal, Role, Audience, Situation, Product, Standards for Success) for framing engaging, student-centered STEM activities. After reading Charlotte’s Web, students are tasked with designing and building parachutes to safely transport the baby spiders away from Charlotte and deliver them directly to Wilbur.

• STEM Storytelling GRASPS Scenario with Graphics (11 Slides)
• GRASPS Scenario with Graphics (11 Google Slides; makes a copy)
• 20 Small Baby Spiders (1 Page)
• 12 Medium Baby Spiders (1 Page)
• 4 Large Baby Spiders (1 Page)
• Wilber the Pig, Heart Target (1 Page)

MYP Digital Design

MYP Digital Design explores solving a community problem by focusing on 3D robot design in Peruvian culture. The unit covers each criterion of the MYP Design Cycle using tools like Tinkercad and Google Slides.

• MYP Digital Design GRASPS Scenario (PDF) (Google Doc)
• MYP Digital Design Help Resources (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Typography and Cultura Chicha Fonts (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Cultura Chicha Colors (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Mitsuku Chatbot Example Conversation (PDF)
• Concepts and Inquiry Statements and Questions (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Criterion A – Inquiring and Analyzing Student Document (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Criterion B – Developing Ideas Student Document (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Robot Prototype Dimensions (PDF)
• Robot Promotional Poster Example with Photoshop (PDF)
• Robot Promotional Poster Example with Google Draw (PDF)
• Criterion C – Creating the Solution Student Document (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Student Presentation Template (PDF) (Google Slides)
• Criterion D – Evaluation Student Document (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Criterion D Evaluator Notes (4 per page; PDF) (Google Doc)
• Presentation Logistics Example for 20 Students (PDF) (Google Doc)
• Evaluation Data Help – What is an Outlier? (PDF)

Upcycling Ideas for Students

How can students creatively reuse materials to make new products that add value? The message here emphasizes the educational value of noticing and seeing the value around us. The GRASPS model frames the purpose of the project. Upcycling fosters environmental awareness and creativity among students through hands-on activities.

• Upcycling GRASPS Scenario for Younger Students (1 Page)
• Upcycling Research Web Resources (1 Page)
• Upcycling Design Specifications (1 Page)

MYP Design Cycle Template

Teachers needing help with MYP Design can benefit by starting with an MYP Design Cycle Template as part of their unit planning. This post provides insights on constructing effective performance task scenarios using GRASPS, designing criteria documents using CRAP principles, and includes examples and practical tips for MYP Design teachers.

• Evaluating MYP Unit Plans by the IB
• MYP Design Criterion A Example (Google Doc, makes a copy)

MYP Design Project Ideas from Science

This blog post guides teachers on integrating science with the Middle Years Program (MYP) Design Cycle. This information is great for teachers new to MYP Design and explains how the scientific method and design process are similar and different. It provides tips for creating MYP design projects using science experiments.

• Science-to-design Paper Helicopter Illustrated GRASPS Scenario (7 Pages)
• Strand A.2 – Identify and Prioritize the Research Helicopter Flight Data (1 Page)

Paper Helicopter Experiment

Have you ever wondered how to turn simple paper materials into a fascinating science lesson? The Paper Helicopter Experiment blog post uses everyday materials to teach students about gravity, lift, and air resistance. These free resources include various types of paper helicopter templates. The complete Paper Helicopter Experiment lesson (purchase link) is available on Teacher Pay Teachers. Perfect for educators looking to engage students with easy hands-on STEM activities! Each document is one page in size.

• Paper helicopter template with instructions and labels
• Paper helicopter template with instructions (no labels)
• Paper helicopter template with minimal instructions
• Paper helicopter template no instruction (just cutting and folding lines)

Engineering Design Process Example

Are you looking for a way to introduce the Engineering Design Process (EDP) in your STEM classroom? The blog post Engineering Design Process Example breaks down the EDP into easy-to-understand steps, offering practical instructions for classroom implementation and project-based learning. Ideal for educators new to EDP or STEM, this guide helps engage students in hands-on, low-budget problem-solving activities.

• GRASPS Scenario for the Aluminum Watercraft Problem (12 illustrated slides)
• Vocabulary Terms and Materials List for the Aluminum Watercraft Problem (4 pages)
• Poster of the Engineering Design Cycle, 4 General Steps (1 slide, 8.5″ x 11″)
• Poster of the Engineering Design Cycle, 12 Specific Substeps (1 slide, 8.5″ x 11″)
• Engineering Design Process (EDP) Steps Explained for the Aluminum Watercraft Problem (1 page)

Water Tank Engineering with Newspaper (Part 1 and Part 2)

The Water Tank Engineering with Newspaper (Part 1 and Part 2) blog post details a hands-on MYP Design unit, which involves creating water tanks made from newspapers. The process goes through each criterion of the MYP Design Cycle, focusing on research, brainstorming, prototyping, and evaluating. These complete lesson resources benefit teachers looking to integrate practical engineering and problem-solving skills into their curriculum with an MYP approach. It’s a great way to start the school year with Year 1 students who are new to MYP Design.

• Watertank Engineering with Newspaper GRASPS Scenario (1 page)
• Engineering a Paper Water Tank Vocabulary Words (1 page)
• Statement of Inquiry with Factual, Conceptual, and Debatable Questions (1 page)
• Images of Various Water Tanks in Our World (16 slides)
• Criterion A – Definition and Research of a Design Problem (3 pages)
• Criterion B – Developing Ideas (5 pages)
• Criterion C – Creating the Solution (4 pages)
• Criterion D – Test and Evaluate (7 pages)
• Criterion D – Test Observer Notes (1 page, 4 copies)
• Student Tank Sketches, Final Tank Builds, Data Posters, and Data Analyses (17 pages)
• MYP Design Journal Version by Miller and Marzouk at CAC (16 pages)

Effective Habits of Learning

The Effective Habits of Learning blog post offers teachers strategies for developing students’ non-academic skills, essential for academic and personal growth. It focuses on the Middle Years Program (MYP) and covers crucial habits like time management, independent and active learning, inquiry-based learning, reflection, effective communication, and cultural awareness. These free resources are helpful for teachers who want to foster lifelong learning skills in their students, equipping them for success in an ever-evolving world.

• Organization (2 Pages)
• Collaboration (2 Pages)
• Communication (2 Pages)
• Self-reflection (2 Pages)
• HOL Presentation (5 Slides)

Paper Airplane Design, Data, and Discovery

Have you ever wondered how a simple paper airplane can turn into a fascinating science lesson or a warm-up to MYP Design? The Paper Airplane Design, Data, and Discovery blog post offers just that. It guides students in making and flying paper airplanes to travel as far and straight as possible to teach students about the MYP Design Cycle.

• Paper Airplane Flight GRASPS Scenario & Lesson Explanation (31 Google Slides)
• Criteria A, B, C and D (1 page)
• Student Flight Data (2 pages)

MYP Design Assessment Criteria Modified

This post gives teachers a revised approach to the MYP Design Assessment Criteria. It discusses changes to help learning like reordering achievement levels, using color coding, and adapting the grading scale. The modifications aim to enhance student understanding and achievement in design thinking, focusing on empathizing with audiences, brainstorming, planning, and evaluating solutions. These ideas are constructive for middle school teachers looking to assess and guide students in design projects effectively. Each PDF document is one page long.

• Criterion A Grading Rubric
• Criterion B Grading Rubric
• Criterion C Grading Rubric
• Criterion D Grading Rubric

STEM Teaching Tools Summary

In this blog post, I’ve compiled an extensive collection of free STEM Teaching Tools for my fellow educators, perfect for upper elementary through high school students. On VistaThink, you’ll find a variety of educational materials, including PDFs, Google documents, activity sheets, and project guides, all aimed at making teaching in STEM, STEAM, and MYP Design more engaging and effective.

These resources are designed to suit different learning levels and emphasize low-budget, DIY strategies to spark creativity and practical problem-solving in the classroom. I slowly and regularly update the site with fresh content, so watch for new tools!

If these resources help your teaching journey, I’d be psyched if you could support my work and buy me a cup of coffee (donation).

I’m excited to share these tools with you, hoping they’ll inspire your students to see the wonder in everyday materials and discover the joy of learning in STEM, STEAM, and MYP Design!