10 STEM Projects To Try Out At Home

By Macy Bayern

1. Build a battery with spare change

Whether it's burning time during quarantine or just looking for upcoming summer pastimes,
these activities are great for STEM-lovers of all ages.

With a few simple materials including pennies, sand paper, and vinegar, you can easily build a
battery with spare change. The battery can power a small calculator or LED bulb.

SEE: Virtual hiring tips for job seekers and recruiters (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

Image: TheKingofRandom
2. Create a solar-powered phone charger
ASCAS on Instructables.com takes you through the steps of how to create a solar-powered
phone charger for only $5. Using a USB charger and solar panels, you can charge your
smartphone via sunlight.

Image: ASCAS
3. Configure an automatic plant watering system
With the Arduino automatic plant watering kit, you can both take care of your plant babies and
dabble in DIY. The kit features a pump, soil moisture sensors, water switch, and more. It can
deliver the right amount of water for up to four plants.

Image: Elecrow
4. Construct a model motorcycle or car

A fun option to do with kits, this construction kit from Engino helps users build 14 models
including a tractor, car, or motorcycle. With wheels, axles, and inclined planes, you can build a
bevy of structures.

Image: Amazon/Engino
5. Run your own film
This wooden kit from RoWood provides all the pieces to build your own film projector. Once the
intricate projector is assembled, users can then watch films by rotating the hand crank.

Image: Amazon/Rowood
6. Extend your Wi-Fi range

Using a tin can, you can make your own at-home Wi-Fi antenna. If your Wi-Fi modem ever goes
out, you have a backup that you engineered yourself.

Image: shtfpreparedness/mattparkinson
7. Create your own USB charging station
Beginning with a standard wall outlet, anyone can create a four-port USB charger. The USB
charging configuration can be purchased from a hardware store, and then it's time to put your
electrical skills to the test. Check out the step-by-step guide to learn how to properly get
charging.

Image: Drivenbydecor
8. Make a lava lamp
Another fun idea to do with kids is to create a temporary lava lamp. With vegetable oil, water,
Alka Seltzer tablets, and food coloring, lava lamps become cool again.

Image: Mominspiredlife
9. Build a robot buggy
Using Raspberry Pi 3, a motor controller board, some cardboard, and more, creating a self-
driving buggy isn't that difficult. The exercise is a great beginner lesson for Raspberry Pi users,
and creates a fun little device to program.

Image: Raspberry Pi
10. Erupt a volcano
In all honesty, building a volcano is fun at any age. With a kit from National
Geographic, constructing the volcano is fun and easy. You can even bring your artistic side out
by painting the volcano to make it more realistic.

Also see

 Dark Web: A cheat sheet for professionals (TechRepublic)

 Top IT certifications to increase your salary (free PDF) (TechRepublic download)
 Checklist: Employee Termination (TechRepublic Premium)
 Remote working 101: Professional's guide to the tools of the trade (ZDNet)
 5 best standing desk converters for 2020 (CNET)
 The 10 most important iPhone apps of all time (Download.com)
 Tech history: Check out our coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)

Image: Amazon/NationalGeographic