The kids are going to love this Jelly Bean STEM activity! They’ll have a blast putting together the jellybeans and toothpicks to create some really cool items!

Have I mentioned that I really like easy STEM activities for kids? They’re just such a simple way to get the kids active at the drop of a hat.

We love doing STEM activities at home. They’re a great way to combine learning activities with creativity, and the kids always seem to take to them, too. No matter what time of year or season it is, there is always time for STEM activities.

Since Easter isn’t that far, it just makes sense to put the jelly beans to good use, so I don’t sit around and eat them all! And if you’re anything like me, the more ways to use up all the candy for learning instead of eating is always a good choice!

a photo of finished Jelly Bean STEM Activity

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Why Kids Learn Through STEM Activities

Hands-on STEM projects give early elementary learners a simple way to test ideas, make changes, and see what happens right away. I liked this type of lesson when my older children were younger because it gave them room to think without needing a long lecture first.

They connect math and engineering: shapes, corners, balance, and structure all naturally appear during the build. It feels like play, but there is plenty of real learning happening.
They learn by doing: Some concepts make more sense once children can touch, build, move, and test real materials. A sweet building project turns abstract ideas into something they can see on the table.
They practice problem-solving: When a design falls over or looks different from what was planned, they have to decide what to try next. That trial-and-error process is one of the best parts of a simple STEM challenge.
They build confidence with science: A low-prep lesson helps younger learners feel like science is doable at home. There is no need for fancy equipment to make a meaningful homeschool moment.

There are days when the kids want to be creative but don’t really feel like doing artwork, crafts, or anything else. And when those times hit, this STEM activity is perfect. And the best part? All you really need are simple supplies to get started.

Recommended STEM Books

Looking for the perfect STEM Book that will help you teach your child about important STEM concepts? Grab one of these books and have fun with your child on awesome activities.

STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat! (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)100 Easy STEAM Activities: Awesome Hands-On Projects for Aspiring Artists and Engineers

How does STEM build confidence?

My kids LOVE STEM activities like this because they’re easy for them to do on their own. Being able to create with their hands gives them so much control.

The whole purpose of STEM learning is to encourage kids to branch out and try something new.

And the more they try STEM, the more certain they are that their confidence will grow!

I’ve been doing STEM with the kids for years, and their confidence is always high after completing an activity like this. They love taking charge of situations and building things on their own, all while having you right there to see the progress they’re making.

And it’s important on your part, too, to make certain that you’re there with them and showing them you’re paying attention to them, building. There are a lot of ways that you can be there to show your support like sitting by them or even doing the activities with them as well.

Simple Science Experiments for Curious Kids

If your child enjoys easy hands-on projects like this one, my simple science experiment ebooks are a great next step for your homeschool shelf. They give you ready-to-use ideas that make science feel less overwhelming and much easier to plan.

If you want to save money, grab this bundle for these two amazing ebooks. Simple setup, clear instructions, and guaranteed eye-catching results.

process on how to make the Jelly Bean STEM Activity

Jelly Bean Challenge Supplies

Jelly beans
Toothpicks
Plate (optional)

That’s literally it! The more that the kids do this activity, the more that they’re going to want to keep doing it!

Since these are simple items, don’t be scared to branch out and use this same concept using other fun items like marshmallows, grapes, or even raisins. Creating with food is always fun!

In fact, you can challenge the kids even more by having them try to create something with food, then create something else, and see which ones are stronger and easier to build.

This will lead to a conversation about the size of the food, weight, structure, build, etc.

What Kids Can Learn From This Activity

This hands-on STEM activity gives early elementary kids a chance to build, test, and rethink their ideas in a playful way. I always liked projects like this because my older children could work independently for part of the time while still showing me their creative choices along the way.

Creative thinking: Children get to look at basic supplies and decide what they can turn them into. This kind of open-ended work helps them move past one right answer and try their own design ideas.
Fine motor practice: Building with small pieces asks kids to slow down, line things up, and use careful hand movements. Those tiny adjustments are helpful for writing, cutting, and other school tasks.
Early engineering skills: Learners begin to notice why some structures stand while others tip or collapse. They can adjust their plan, test it again, and compare what worked best.

How to do this Jelly Bean STEM activity

This activity is so much fun! You can be a part of it easily, too. Before anything, you just need to make certain that you have your supplies. Once you have that, you’re ready to go!

All you have to do is give the kids jelly beans and toothpicks to get started. Then, give them something to make. A square, a house, a reindeer…literally anything that you want. (You can even write down some choices on pieces of paper and then have the kids draw them out to be more dramatic and to make it have more of a fun appeal. As the kids do this more and more, you can even time them and see how fast they can go!)

They then have to be creative and do their best to recreate it using their supplies. They’ll be able to really use their imagination and creativity and see what they can make.

Make certain to tell them to be careful, as they don’t want to push the toothpicks too hard and puncture their skin. The jelly beans should be soft enough for the toothpicks to slide right in, but it’s something to keep in mind, just in case!

The kids can even take turns making objects and then having you try to guess what they are. There are so many fun ways that you can be a part of this STEM activity, too. Great family learning fun.

How to Extend This Jelly Bean STEM Challenge

Once your child has finished the main project, you can stretch the lesson with a few simple add-ons. These ideas keep the learning going without turning your homeschool day into a giant production.

Try a themed structure challenge: Use this Heart Jelly Beans Structure STEM Challenge for a seasonal twist. It works well for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want a cute building task.
Add a launching project: This Catapult STEM Activity with Popsicle Sticks pairs well with a build-and-test lesson. Kids can compare structure, force, and motion in a very hands-on way.
Use task cards for extra challenge: Write simple prompts on slips of paper, such as house, tower, cube, bridge, or animal. Let children draw one and create that design with their supplies.
Use a STEM challenge journal: Add this STEM Challenge Journal so kids can record what they built, what worked, and what they would change next time. It is a simple way to add writing and reflection to the activity.

More Fun STEM activities

If you’re looking for simple, easy STEM activities, add these to your list. They’re a great way to get the kids creative, motivated, and doing their best, learning and making new things!

STEM Activities with Balloons
Famous Women In STEM Worksheets
STEM Activities for Summer Camp
STEM Activities for Kindergarten
STEM Activities for Preschoolers by Crystal and Comp.
Engaging STEM-Focused Themed Unit Studies for All Ages by 3 Boys and a Dog