By creating and distributing STEM kits, STEM in a Box strives to
cultivate a passion for STEM within elementary school students living in low-income communities.
Ultimately, we are trying to encourage our youth to stay engaged and interested in STEM activities.
Each box contains 3 different
mini-projects.
Each project has a building aspect that relates to a science or math topic. The projects
range from difficulty levels 1 to 3.
Each project has instructions and pictures of examples, but ideally, the student will use their
creativity and imagination to make something on their own.
The instructions act as guidelines.
The primary receivers of the boxes are 5th graders.
The box itself is a shoebox!
The materials for the boxes are funded through donations.
The distribution of the boxes will depend on the situation with COVID-19. If in-person school resumes, we plan on distributing the boxes through schools. If school remains remote, we plan on distributing the boxes to houses ourselves or through partnered organizations.
This mini-project uses popsicle sticks and rubber bands to launch pom-poms.
It will demonstrate the science topics of potential energy and kinetic energy.
Materials:
- 10 jumbo popsicle sticks
- Rubberbands
- Pompoms (projectiles)
- Bottle caps
- Glue dots
- Instructions (including pictures)
By combining baking soda and vinegar, this mini-project will demonstrate the scientific topic of chemical reactions.
Materials:
- Water bottle
- 2-3 balloons
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Plastic bags
- Instructions (including pictures)
This mini-project will demonstrate the scientific topics of Newton’s cradle- energy and momentum!
Materials:
- Jumbo popsicle sticks
- 6 marbles
- String
- Scissors
- Hot glue
- Tape
- Instructions (including pictures)
Having worked with the IRC in the past to gather donations/supplies for refugee families, project head Bela is currently in contact with the Volunteer and Donations Coordinator. STEM in a Box plans on distributing at least 25 kits through the IRC.
Earn volunteer hours.
Inspire youth to pursue STEM.
Contribute to your community.
Project Head
16, California High School
San Ramon, CA
I started the STEM in a Box Project because I believe that everyone should have the
equal opportunity to be exposed to STEM early,
no matter where they’re from. I like playing soccer, reading, and learning about engineering
topics!