Spider STEM Activities

Spiders are full of things kids can test, build and count, from eight legs to sticky webs. These Spider STEM Activities bring together science experiments, engineering challenges and math activities with a spider theme.

If you’re planning a bigger spider study, see my list of fun spider activities for kids for more crafts and printables.

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What Will You Find in This List?

This list includes 15 spider activities that cover science, engineering and math.

• Science experiments: A fizzing spider experiment, magnet spiders and a test to see which materials help a spider stick.
• Building challenges: A spider parachute and a spooky spider web challenge.
• Math activities: Spider web counting mats, a roll and count game and Halloween math ideas.
• Hands-on extras: Spider web slime, marble painted webs, a sensory activity and a spider life cycle craft and worksheet.

Why Use Spiders for STEM?

Spiders give kids a real-life example of science, engineering and math all in one animal.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Kids can count a spider’s eight legs, look at how a web is shaped and test materials to see what holds up best. That’s a lot of learning packed into one small creature kids already notice in the fall.

As a mom, I’m always on the hunt for fun and engaging ways to teach my little ones about the world around them.

Recommended Spider Books

These spider books pair well with a week of spider STEM.

Spider! (Shout Fear Out)Spiders: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature (Our Amazing World Series)Are You a Spider? (Backyard Books)The Very Busy SpiderI’m Trying to Love SpidersPete the Cat and the Itsy Bitsy Spider

 

Recommended Spider Toys and Games

These spider toys and games add more hands-on play to your spider week.

Rubber Realistic Spider – Halloween Squishy Toy – Big Soft Stretchy – Prank BugsHasbro Yellies! Lil’ Blinks; Voice-Activated Spider Pet; Ages 5 & UpRyan’s World Springin’ SpidersHYmoso 4 Pack Halloween Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3, Halloween Toys for Kid ToddlersFun Spider Dart Board Game with 6 Balls Using Hook-and-Loop Fasteners | Learn Numbers and Colors as You PlayInflatable Spider Toss Game for Kids Total 10 Piece Halloween Inflatable Toss Game

 

Spider STEM Activities to Try

Pick one or two activities for the week, or work through the list as part of a spider unit.

Keep the Learning Going

If your kids want to keep learning about spiders, these resources from my shop are the next step.

• Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Spiders for preschool and kindergarten
• Junior Scientist Science Study: Spiders for grades 1 to 3
• Bats and Spiders Bundle for learning about bats and spiders together this fall

For hands-on science all year, the Young Learners Science Club is a monthly science membership for homeschool families. Each month brings a new Science Adventure built around one topic, with hands-on investigations, STEAM challenges, crafts and games that use common household supplies.

What Other Free Activities Can You Try?

Here are more spider activities to add to your lessons:

• Spider Science Activities for Preschoolers
• Parts of a Spider Worksheets
• Spider Identification Chart
• Simple Spider Craft
• Paper Plate Spider Craft
• Spider Books for Kids
• Counting Spider Eyes Spider Math Activity from Homeschool Preschool
• Spider Life Cycle Handwriting and Coloring Pages from 3 Boys and a Dog

FAQs

These Spider STEM Activities give kids a hands-on way to explore spiders through experiments, building and math. Pick one to try this week and see where your kids’ questions take you.