Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities are everywhere! Just head outdoors for a few simple STEAM activities to help your budding scientist and mathematician.

Rock Stacking

Rock stacking is fun STEAM activity that uses easily found material.

Supplies Needed:

• A variety of rocks (different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors)
• Flat space to stack the rocks
• New Horizon Academy Rock STEAM Investigation Sheet
• Pencil, crayons, or markers
• Bag or container to collect rocks.

Instructions:

1. Go on a rock hunt. Collect a wide variety of rocks (different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors).
2. Place rocks in a pile on a work surface.
3. Encourage your child to stack and balance the rock. Discuss the importance of beginning with a strong foundation.
4. Use the New Horizon Academy Rock STEAM Investigation Sheet to help your child record their observations and document their learning.

Rock Sorting

Rock sorting is a wonderful activity to help your child work on foundational math skills and scientific observation skills.

Supplies Needed:

• A variety of rocks (different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors)
• Magnifying glass
• New Horizon Academy Rock STEAM Investigation Sheet
• Pencil, crayons, or markers
• Bag or container to collect rocks.

Instructions:

1. Go on a rock hunt. Collect a wide variety of rocks (different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors).
2. Place rocks in a pile on a work surface.
3. Once you have collected the rocks, ask your child to look at the rocks and see if they notice any differences. They may use the magnifying glass to look at and investigate each rock. Talk about the shape, color, texture, size, etc.
4. Ask your child to sort the rocks. They may choose to sort by size, shape, color, or texture.
5. Use the New Horizon Academy Rock STEAM Investigation Sheet to help your child record their observations and document their learning.