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STEM does not have to be expensive.
In fact, #STEMontheCheap solutions require more imagination, creativity, innovation, and invention than the shiny, expensive STEM things out there. This page highlights our favorite #STEMontheCheap resources from specific lessons to websites with hundreds of #STEMontheCheap ideas.
$1 Laser Pointer Macro Lens Hack
Learn how to take apart a $1 keychain laser pointer from Family Dollar and turn it into a macro lens for either a cell phone or tablet. It basically turns your device into a low-powered ...
$1 Solar Garden Light Hack
Hack this $1 Solar Garden Light to get a solar panel, high-intensity LEDs, a rechargeable battery, battery holder, and sometimes a switch ...
Balloon-Powered Car
These #STEMontheCheap balloon powered cars are another engineering design challenge that allows for iteration through the engineering design process ...
Binary Number Trick
There are four versions of the binary number trick below. To perform the trick, print out the binary number cards double-sided and cut them out along the dotted lines. Then, have someone think of a ...
Buzz Off, from RAFT
Buzz Off, when whirled around, makes a sound like an insect. A fantastic project for engineering the way it performs by making modifications to the original design ...
Constellation Boxes
These #STEMontheCheap models can be used to teach perspective and vantage point. Challenge students to model actual constellations ...
Fourto
Fourto is a hack of the game Quarto. Learn how to make your own pieces for either $2 with dollar store pieces, the cost of copies of the 2D pieces, or use the template to ...
Gobblet: Hack it! Make Cubelet!
Based on the concept of Tic-Tac-Toe, Gobblet takes strategy to the next level. This game takes just seconds to learn but a lifetime to master. It develops strategic thinking, problems solving skills and memory. Gobble up, line up ...
Pepper’s Pyramid Projecter
Turn your cell phone or tablet into a 3D hologram-like projector using plastic you would normally recycle ...
Physics Ring and Chain Trick
NOT MAGIC! Can you master the physics ring and chain trick? Check out this document for directions and info about where to get your own ring and chain - or 100s of them! ...
RGB Color Light Show Video
Do you know the REAL primary colors? With just a few supplies from your local hardware store, you can recreate this STEMAZing demonstration of the REAL primary colors of light and color addition in your ...
RGB Light Show Worksheet
Do you know the REAL primary colors of light? Use this worksheet along with red, green, and blue flood lights to demonstrate the REAL primary colors of light and the principle of color addition. Find ...
Set Up for RGB Color Light Show Video
Video with tips about how to set up the RGB Light Show if you have your own set of red, green, and blue flood lights. Click on the title here, Set Up RGB Color Light ...
Shalors
Shalors (Shapes and Colors) is a $2 hack of the game Qwirkle. Using supplies from online and the dollar store, you can make all 108 pieces of this game for just a couple dollars AND ...
STEMAZing Journal Hack
Make graph paper STEMAZing journals that require no staples or tape, using an old bookbinding trick ...
The $1 Pocket Microscope
Explore the microscopic world around you with this $1 3D printed microscope. Looking at insects, plants, and even dirt close up can be fascinating! ...
Tongue Depressor Harmonica
Create this #STEMontheCheap harmonica using large craft sticks, rubber bands, and some other inexpensive materials ...