Jelly Bean STEM Activity
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!
We love doing STEM activities in our house. 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 it is or what season it is, there is always time for STEM activities to happen.
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!
Be certain to check out our Heart Jellybeans STEM structure challenge too.
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.
Jelly Bean STEM Activity
Have I mentioned that I really like easy STEM activities for kids? They’re just such a simple way to have the kids be active easily at the drop of a hat.
There are certain days when the kids want to be creative but don’t really feel like doing art work or crafts or anything like that. And when those times hit, this is when this STEM activity is perfect.
And the best part? All you really need are two simple supplies to get started – jellybeans and toothpicks! It’s really as simple as that!
What does STEM stand for?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math but that doesn’t mean that every activity has to have all those aspects.
STEM projects are learning-based that encourage kids to use their hands and minds in a way that will help them be creative while learning at the same time.
STEM is really being focused on in schools and is a great way for kids to learn confidence as well as exploring the different ways to use their minds in different subjects.
At home, we try and use STEM learning in any way that we can to showcase just how fun and easy learning can be. When you combine fun with learning, great things really do start to happen and this is exactly what this STEM experiment is all about.
How does STEM build confidence?
My kids LOVE STEM activities like this Jelly Bean STEM activity because it’s something that they can easily 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 the kids to branch out and try something new that they maybe wouldn’t have tried before.
And the more that they try STEM, the more that their confidence is certain to grow!
I’ve been doing STEM with the kids for years and their confidence is always high once they’re done with a completed activity like this. They love to be able to take charge of situations and build things on their own all while having you right there with them to see the progress that they’re making.
And it’s important on your part too to make certain that you’re there with them and showing them that 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.
Jelly Bean STEM activity supplies
The only supplies that you need to create this STEM activity are jelly beans and toothpicks. 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 and have them try to create something with food and then create something else and see which ones are stronger and easier to build.
This will lead into a conversation about size of the food, weight, structure build, etc.
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 be aware of, just in case!
The kids can even take turns making objects and then having you try and guess what they are! There are so many fun ways that you can be a part of this Jelly Bean STEM activity, too! Great family learning fun!
Have fun with this project. It’s a great way to use up those leftover Easter jelly beans and to help the kids see that using items around the home can be great for learning fun!
More Fun STEM activities
If you’re looking for more simple and easy STEM activities, add these to your list. They’re a great way to get the kids creative and motivated to do their best and learn and make new things!
Famous Women In STEM Worksheets
STEM Activities for Summer Camp
STEM Activities for Kindergarten
Thanks for the share, these Stem activities are neat!