4 Super Cool STEM Project Kits For Middle Schoolers

Hands on learning can be one of the best ways to inspire, teach and reinforce concepts your child is learning at school. Simple projects that are fun to do make learning seem like...FUN! 

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) may sound a bit boring to your middle schooler but it doesn't have to be especially when they can make something cool all on their own! 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

Don't worry Momma, pulling together some easy STEM learning activities for your middle schooler doesn't require you to be an expert. Even if you don't consider yourself "math-y" or a science gu-ru you can enjoy these cool activities right along with your kid - you might even learn something too! 

Here is a little secret I discovered that helps me introduce STEM projects to my curious middle schooler - monthly subscription boxes! If you have never used a monthly subscription box before let me tell you our experience and encourage you to try one for your child too.

My oldest son gets a monthly STEM kit with a new project every month. The box is full of all the supplies needed to complete the project (except for things like water, if needed). In addition to the supplies there is an easy to follow instruction booklet that walks him step by step through the entire project or experiment. 

He is in 6th grade and is able to build or assemble most monthly projects on his own. The kit usually has a magazine specifically discussing how the STEM project he learned about is useful in everyday life. For example if he builds something with a circuit board then the magazine will highlight how circuit boards are used by engineers or scientists in the "real world". 

The kit always comes with video links for him to watch too so he can observe the project being assembled as well as other video clips to teach more about the specific topic he is learning about that month. 

The monthly kit has become a springboard for my son's curiosity and many times the kit also has some "on your own" experiments he can do in addition to the project he already built with the kit. This is the only time I might have to add a few items to my weekly shopping list so that he can work on the additional projects. 

By now you are probably asking yourself what is the best monthly subscription box to get my middle schooler? The good news is that there are so many options and most subscription box companies offer a one time purchase option so you don’t have to commit to a longer period of time in case the kit isn’t the right “fit” for your child.

I recommend giving a few different companies a try that way your child and you can get a good feel for how projects are presented and what works best for your child. 

I want to share with you my top 3 recommendations for monthly subscription box STEM kits we use for our homeschool and for fun. 

Hopefully this will inspire you to introduce STEM concepts to your children and encourage them to learn something new and exciting!

4 Super Cool STEM Subscription Box Projects For Middle Schoolers

1.    CREATION CRATE (ages 12+)

Build your own Tech! Each project teaches new lessons in electronics and C++ programming. Projects get more challenging as you learn new commands and components.

What You Get: 

All of the electronic kits are going to be different depending on the project, but the 3 main things you will receive are:

• An UNO R3 microcontroller, which is like a pocket-sized computer (and is also Arduino compatible)

• Various electronic components

• Access to online courses

Each kit encourages hands on learning experience with UNO R3 (arduino compatible) Microcontrollers, Breadboards, Piezo Buzzers, Light Emitting Diodes (LED), Ultrasonic Sensors, Accelerometers, 7-Segment Displays, LCD screens, Microphone Modules, Temperature Humidity Sensors, LED Matrix’s, Photoresistors, Buttons, and Jumper Wires.

Whew! Doesn't that sound like an amazing STEM kit? Great for a beginner and just as fun for anyone with some experience too. You won't go wrong with this subscription box.

2. TINKER CRATE (ages 9-16)

These STEM kits help develop learning and inspire the next generation of innovators - your child! All types of learners will benefit and have FUN from the concepts presented in each crate through enriching projects and activities. 

My kids love that each awesome project has a detailed step-by-step blueprint instructions they find easy to follow. The online tutorials contain many tips & tricks to help them along the way too! 

After the main project is completed the Tinker Zine (magazine) has additional science experiments and activities for your child to do. 

3. EUREKA CRATE (ages 14+)

 

Science + Engineering = Amazing Projects and that is exactly what your child will get each month with the Eureka crate by KiwiCo. This kit will encourage your tween/teen to think about the design and the engineering behind everyday objects and allow them to explore the science principles behind real-world problems. Enspire your young innovator to get busy building their next chapter with creative confidence!

4. Dexter Industries Robot Kit

Awesome robot kits for everyone!! This is the perfect robot kit for your middle schooler or high schooler who wants to experiment with robotics. Building and learning with this kit will inspire and encourage your child to go further with robotics.

Three different robots with three different levels of difficulty provide plenty of challenge for your child as they work their way through the curriculum.

STEM Kits - What Is Your Favorite?

I hope you now have some great STEM kit ideas for your middle schooler (or high schooler). These kits make great gift ideas for Christmas or birthdays too! I'd love to hear which kit your middle schooler loves - leave a comment and join the conversation.