3 Fun STEM Activities for Kids This Valentine’s Day
3 Fun STEM Activities for Kids This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is all about love, but it’s also a wonderful time to show children just how much you value their creativity, curiosity, and love of learning. This year, why not combine your child’s love for exploration with the fun of Valentine’s Day crafts? Za Za Scents™ has put together 3 STEM activities for kids that will not only ignite your child’s imagination but also strengthen their love for learning—no screens required!
These simple, yet exciting creative activities for kids are designed to spark creativity, foster problem-solving skills, and encourage scientific thinking, all while celebrating the heart of Valentine’s Day. Best of all, they’re the perfect way to enjoy quality time together while avoiding screen overload. So, gather the supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to show a little one in your life the love of learning!
1. Build a Love-Themed Marble Run
What you’ll need:
Paper towel rolls or cardboard tubes
Tape
Scissors
Marbles
Construction paper (red and pink)
How to do it:
Challenge your child to design and build a Valentine’s-themed marble run using paper towel rolls, cardboard tubes, and construction paper. Let them decorate the pieces with hearts and Valentine’s Day patterns. Then, watch in awe as the marble races down the run!
Why it works:
This STEM activity is a fantastic way to teach children about engineering, gravity, and problem-solving. It encourages them to think about how different materials and angles affect the marble’s speed and direction. Plus, it’s a great way to integrate creativity and design with scientific thinking.
2. Explore Symmetry with Paper Hearts
What you’ll need:
Construction paper
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler (optional)
How to do it:
Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. Help your child draw half of a heart on one side, making sure to focus on symmetry. Then, have them cut along the lines to reveal a perfect, symmetrical heart. Discuss how symmetry is found in nature and in art, and challenge your child to cut out different shapes or designs using the same method.
Why it works:
This activity teaches symmetry, an important concept in both math and science. It’s a fun and creative way to explore how balance and repetition can be found everywhere—from the wings of butterflies to the petals of flowers. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for strengthening fine motor skills.
3. Build a Heart Tower
What you’ll need:
Marshmallows or gumdrops
Toothpicks
Construction paper (to create a “base” for the tower)
How to do it:
Give your child a stack of marshmallows or gumdrops and toothpicks. Challenge them to build a heart-shaped tower using these materials, emphasizing balance and structure. You can even make it a race to see who can build the tallest, most stable heart tower in five minutes! Once done, let your child proudly show off their creation.
Why it works:
This engineering challenge introduces children to basic principles of structure and design, such as balance, stability, and load-bearing. It’s a fantastic way to tap into your child’s natural curiosity while fostering teamwork and problem-solving.
Bonus: Encourage Learning with a STEM Gift
If you're looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift that keeps on giving, our Fragrance-Themed STEM Activity Set combines fun, learning, and creativity into one delightful package. With engaging activities that explore the science of scent, this set is designed to nurture curiosity and encourage hands-on learning. It's a fun way to engage your child in STEM while sparking their imagination.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day, show your little one that learning is an act of love and offline learning can be fun! Whether you're building marble runs or experimenting with scents, these STEM activities are not just fun—they’re also a great way to encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in your child. These hands-on experiences will deepen your bond and ignite their passion for learning, all while celebrating the season of love.
Need more ideas? Don’t forget to check out our STEM books and activities that bring the magic of learning to life, one discovery at a time. After all, the best way to show love is through shared experiences—and learning together is a gift that keeps on giving.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
