STEM Starters provide students with essential tools to complete hands-on projects. When combined with everyday items, these materials can be used to design and execute a project using creative exploration and the engineering design process. By approaching a problem or a challenge with this thought process, children are able to make educated guesses, problem-solve, and learn without the fear of making a mistake. Perfect for individuals or small groups.

This activity challenges students to create their own fidgets. Common fidget elements like key rings, foam cubes, velcro strips, water beads, marbles, a mesh tube, metal washers, and buttons are provided; it’s up to the young scientists to determine the best combination of materials to design their own creation. Incorporating common household or classroom materials makes endless personalized fidget opportunities. Using the engineering design process, students will create, evaluate, and redesign their fidgets until their objective is met. An eight-page guide for parents and teachers includes an overview of the engineering design process, follow-up questions, extension ideas, and links to additional online resources. Includes enough materials to begin more than 10 different fidgets. 62 total pieces.