STEAM Archives - JDaniel4s Mom

April 2024 STEAM Calendar

March 29, 2024 By Deirdre

April is such a fun month to explore! It features fun holidays and themes that children will love. Lima Bean Respect Day and Morse Code Day are celebrated in April.

April Holidays Celebrated on the April STEAM 2024 Activities Calendar

April 1st April Fool’s Day

April 2nd National Picture Book Day

April 3rd Find a Rainbow Day

April 4th International Carrot Day

April 5th Read a Road Map Day

April 6th National Walking Day

April 8th National Zoo Lovers Day

April 9th National Unicorn Day

April 10th Golfer’s Day

April 11th National Submarine Day

April 12th Big Wind Day

April 13th Make Your Lunch Count Day

April 14th National Look Up and the Sky Day

April 15th World Art Day

April 16th National Bean Counter Day

April 18th National Animal Crackers Day

April 19th Wear Pajamas to Work Day

April 20th Lima Bean Respect Day

April 21st National Kindergarten Day

April 22nd Earth Day

April 23rd St. George’s Day

April 26th Richter Scale Day

April 27th Morse Code Day

April 28th Super Hero Day

April 29th National Arbor Day

April 30th Raisin Day

Downloading the April 2024 STEAM Calendar

The April STEAM activity calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

April STEAM 2024 Activity Calendar Download

First, you will need to download the set.

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Books and Activities Based on the April Holidays

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Children can use prisms and other optics on Find a Rainbow Day with this science kit.

For National Walking Day it would be fun to read the book Why Should I Walk? I Can Fly. It includes STEM activities!

Lima Bean Respect Day could be celebrated by starting a vegetable garden with this kit.

St. George’s Day could be celebrated by doing the STEAM activity on the calendar and reading a book about St. George.

More STEAM Activities

The Best Coin to Use in a Coin Spinner

Tin Foil Boat Ideas for the STEM Penny Challeng

Tin Foil Penny Challenge

September 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar Featuring September Holidays

August 31, 2021 By Deirdre

Summer is coming to an end! Fall is on its way! Here are some STEAM experiments your children can work on as summer ends and fall begins. This September 2021 STEAM Activities Calendar celebrates tons of September holidays and activities. Some of the September STEAM activities come from right here on JDaniel4’s Mom. There are a number of activities that come from some of favorite blogs. I hope you will enjoy all of them.

The September holidays on the calendar are:

1st World Letter Writing Day
2nd Spalding Baseball Day
3rd Skyscraper Day
4th Eat Extra Dessert Day
5th National Cheese Pizza Day
6th Great Egg Toss Day
7th Neither Rain Nor Snow Day
8th Star Trek Day
9th Teddy Bear Day
10th Swap Ideas Day
11th National Programmers Day
12th National Day of Encouragement
13th National Positive Thinking Day
14th National Coloring Day
15th Make a Hat Day
16th National Play-Doh Day
17th National Pet Bird Day
18th World Clean Up Day
19th International Talk Like a Pirate Day
21st Miniature Golf Day
22nd First Day of Fall
24th National Blue Bird of Happiness Day
25th International Rabbit Day
26th Johnny Appleseed Day
27th National Family Day
28th Read a Child a Book Day
29th Inventors Day
30th National Chewing Gum Day

Downloading September Holidays Calendar

The September 2021 STEAM Calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Exploring the Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the August hyperlinks. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions.

Some of the activities offer free printables or recording sheets. You can use what they have for you to download or create your own versions of the activities if you like. Remember the idea was to inspire you to explore STEAM activities with your children. You know what they can handle and how they like to explore concepts and activities.

A variety of different types of STEAM activities have been included on the calendar. You may find that some are more appropriate for older children while others are great for children of all ages. I think that some of them could be done with a partner or parent. However, some of you may have children that want to complete them on their own.

Books Based on the September Holidays

The links below are affiliate links.

How to Write a Friendly Letter with an Algorithm Set

August 28, 2021 By Deirdre

This How to Write a Friendly Letter with an Algorithm set was created to celebrate World Letter Writing Day on September 1st. What a great day to learn about how to write a friendly letter! People don’t write letters as often as they used to. This set will walk children through each step in the letter writing process. While your children could work through this on their own, it would be best to work through it with them.

Getting Started

Building Background

Books are a great way to introduce children to a new concept. They help them to build background knowledge. Books also help children learn why letter writing it important. After reading one of the books below, your children will know a lot of letter writing.

The links below are affiliate links.

Downloading the How to Write a Friendly Letter Set

The How to Write a Friendly Letter with an Algorithm set is in a PDF format. When you download it, you will need to open it with a PDF reader. Acrobat Reader is a popular reader that you can download to use. You probably have it on your computer already.

Looking Through the How to Write a Friendly Letter Set

The How to Write a Friendly Letter set includes the following:

First, there are two algorithm pages. The first page features words and pictures. The second page features just words. (You can decide which one you want to use with your children.)
Second, a small poster of the parts of a letter.
Third, a chart of words you can use to close a letter.
Finally, there are directions for how to use the set.

Look through the whole set. After that decide which parts of the set you want to use.

What is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is a coding term. It mean a series of steps needed to complete a task. Children learn about using an algorithm and why the steps need to be in order by working offline on coding activities.

More Coding Activities Available

The activities below are available on my blog. I have several more coding sets available on my TPT store.

Building Egg Carton Algorithm Activities

Magical Creatures STEM Coding Algorithm Drawing Activity

Drawing a Cat with a Looping Algorithm

Otter Learn About Coding Algorithm Gameboards

July 21, 2021 By Deirdre

Children can learn about coding and building algorithms with this set of otter-themed coding gameboards. They will create a path that connects the word Start to the word End on each gameboard. The boxes will be connected with arrows. The set contains arrows you can print and cut out. Your children can also draw the arrows needed for the coding algorithm path. Although there is more than one way to complete some the algorithm game boards, only one path is shared on the answer key.

Getting Ready for the Coding Algorithm Activity

Printing Out the Otter Coding Algorithm Game Boards

This set of Otter Learn About Coding Algorithm Game Boards has been saved in PDF format. After downloading the set, you will need to have a PDF reader on your computer to open them. You will find that the coding algorithm boards have colored graphics. They don’t have to be printed out in color. After selecting print, you will need to select grayscale as your printing preference.

Building Background

The links below are affiliate links.
You may want to read your children a book about otters. I was recently sent the books Archer Otters and Archer Otters: Megalodon Outbreak. They would be fun to read to your children. Below you will find links to those books and a few more books about otters.

Exploring the Otter Game Boards

You will find that some of the game boards offer a number of ways that your children complete the game boards. Here is how you could introduce your children to the game boards.

First, you can work through a part of a game board with your children. It will help them understand how to place the arrows in the boxes. Remember that the arrows should point in the direction they will need to go to move from the box they are in into the next box to get around the otters. They need to begin at the word Start and finish in the box that will lead them to the End box.
Second, you can give your students the answer key and see if they can replicate it on their own board.
Third, children can work with a partner to complete the gameboard. They can take turns placing the arrows in the squares.

More Algorithm Activities to Explore

A number of algorithm activities exist here on my blog and on my Teachers Pay Teacher shop. Below you will see a few of them.

Halloween Words on Algorithm Game Boards

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Disclaimer: I was sent the Archer Otters book along with a Woodrow & The Bees book to review. I really enjoyed all of the books and decided to create algorithm game boards based on the otter books.

August 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar Filled with August Holidays

July 17, 2021 By Deirdre

We are nearing the end of summer. Here are some STEAM experiments your children can work on during this final month of summer. This August 2021 STEAM Activities Calendar celebrates wonderful activities that explore August holidays, activities that feature the Olympics. While some of the August STEAM activities come from right here on JDaniel4’s Mom, there are a number of activities that come from some of favorite blogs.

The August holidays on the calendar are:

1st Friendship Day
2nd National Coloring Book Day
3rd National Watermelon Day
4th National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
5th Work Like a Dog Day
6th National Wiggle Your Toes Day
7th National Lighthouse Day
8th National Dollar Day
9th World Book Day
10th Lazy Day
12th World Elephant Day
13th National Kool-Aid Day
14th Bowling Day
16th National Tell a Joke Day
17th Black Cat Day
18th Bad Poetry Day
19th Aviation Day
20th World Mosquito Day
21st National Honey Bee Awareness Day
22nd National Tooth Fair Day
23rd Ride Like the Wind Day
24th International Strange Music Day
27th Just Because Day
28th Race the Mouse Day
29th International Bat Day
30th Frankenstein Day
31th National Trail Mix Day

Downloading August Holidays Calendar

The August STEAM Activity Calendar 2021 is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Exploring the Activity Calendar

Books Based on the August Holidays

The links below are affiliate links.

Previous 2021 STEAM Calendars

January 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

February 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

March 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

April 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

May 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

June 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

July 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

May 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

April 19, 2021 By Deirdre

May is filled with cool holidays and celebrations. This May 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar celebrates wonderful activities that explore May holidays, activities that fly and the sun. While some of the May STEAM activities come from right here on JDaniel4’s Mom, there are a number of activities that come from some of favorite blogs.

The May holidays on the calendar are:

4th- May the 4th Be With You
5th- Cinco de Mayo
8th- Space Day
9th- Mother’s Day
13th- Jumping Frog Day
16th- Drawing Day
17th- Baking Day
18th- Museum Day
19th- Vegetable Garden Day
20th- Pick Strawberries Day
21st- Talk Like Yoda Day
22nd- Sherlock Holmes Day
23rd Turtle Day
24th Scavenger Hunt Day
26th Airplane Day
31st Memorial Day

Building Background Before Starting an Activity

Books That Celebrate May Holidays

The links shared below are affiliate links.

Downloading the Calendar

The May STEAM Activities Calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Exploring the May STEAM Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the May hyperlinks. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions.

January 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

February 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

March 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

April 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

March 20, 2021 By Deirdre

We were so ready for spring to start at my house. I bet you were too! This April 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar celebrates wonderful activities that explore spring. Along with spring-themed activities, you will also find explorations and experiments that explore April holidays. While some of the April STEAM activities come from right here on JDaniel4’s Mom, there are a number of activities that come from some of favorite blogs.

The April holidays on the calendar are:

1st- April Fool’s Day
6th- Kid’s Yoga Day
8th- Draw a Picture of a Bird Day
10th- Library Day
14th- National Dolphin Day
15th- DaVinci’s Birthday
19th- Bicycle Day
2oth- Look Alike Day
22nd- Earth Day
25th- World Penguin Day
26th- Pretzel Day
27th- Arbor Day
28th- Super Hero Day

Building Background Before Starting an Activity

Books That Celebrate April Holidays

The links shared below are affiliate links.

Downloading the Calendar

The April STEAM Activity Calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Exploring the April STEAM Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the April hyperlinks. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions.

Previous 2021 STEAM Activity Calendars

January 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

February 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

March 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar

February 22, 2021 By Deirdre

What fun it will be to explore the winter-themed STEAM activities feature on this March STEAM calendar. Along with winter-themed activities, you will also find explorations and experiments that explore March holidays. While some of the March STEAM activities come from right here on JDaniel4’s Mom, there are a number of activities that come from some of favorite blogs.

The March holidays on the calendar are:

2nd- Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
6th- Oreo Cookie Day
12th- Plant a Flower Day
14th- Pi Day
17th- St. Patrick’s Day
19th- Poultry Day
20th- First Day of Spring
21st- World Poetry Day
22nd- World Water Day
26th- Purple Day
30th- Pencil Day

Building Background Before Starting an Activity

Books That Celebrate March Holidays

The links shared below are affiliate links.

Downloading the Calendar

The March 2021 STEAM Activity Calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Exploring the March STEAM Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the March hyperlinks. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions. Some of the activities offer free printables or recording sheets. You can use what they have for you to download or create your own versions of the activities if you like. Remember the idea was to inspire you to explore STEAM activities with your children. You know what they can handle and how they like to explore concepts and activities.

Coordinate Map Activity- Leprechaun’s Hiding Places

February 20, 2021 By Deirdre

Leprechauns need to change the hiding spot of their pot of gold often. There always seems to be someone trying to find it. This fun set called Leprechaun’s Hiding Places- Coordinate Maps Activity invites children to record the locations of various hiding spots a leprechaun could use.

Coordinate Map Activity Set

There are several versions of this activity that you can have your children use. Let me tell you a little about them.

Black and White Version Locate the Coordinates

This page invites children to find the location of each hiding place. Then they will record it on the chart. If you want to print this out and have each child work on this on their own, this would be a great sheet for them to do.

Color Version of Locate the Coordinates

Once again, your children will be invited to find the location of teach hiding place. After finding them, they will record their coordinates on the chart. After printing out the color set, you will want to laminate it so your children can use it over and over again in a center.

You Draw the Hiding Places on the Map

The chart on the worksheet displays the pictures and the descriptions of the objects that need to be on the map. Children will draw a picture for each hiding place on the map. Then write the coordinates for each of your pictures beside its picture and description below. They can place them anywhere they would like on the map. You may want to encourage them to draw small pictures. That will allow them to have one specific set of picture location coordinates to record on the chart.

Create Your Own Map

Finally, your children can create their own pictures and map. You will want them to record their pictures of the objects they want on their map on the chart. Then children can record a description of what that object is. Next, they will draw pictures of their objects on the map. Finally, they will record the location of their object on the map. You may want to encourage them to draw small pictures. That will allow them to have one specific set of picture location coordinates to record on the chart.

Getting the Coordinate Map Activity Set

You will need to download your copy of Leprechaun’s Hiding Places – Coordinate Map Activity to your computer. It is a PDF. You will need to have a PDF reader to open the set. I use Acrobat Reader.

Building Background on Mapping Skills

The books below feature mapping and map skills.

The links below are affiliate links

Ways to Explore Each Coordinate Map Activity

On Their Own
In a Center
With a Partner
As a Whole Class

More Mapping Activities

Valentine’s Day Quilting Activity

Frog Pond Mapping Activity

Drawing Five Little Pumpkins Based on an Algorithm Worksheet

October 24, 2018 By Deirdre

Your children probably love the book the Five Little Pumpkins. (It is one of my son’s favorite book of all time.) If your children are like him, they have already memorized the book. This Five Little Pumpkins drawing activity invites your children to create their own illustration of the rhyme. It also introduces your children to coding. The worksheet asks them to draw various parts of the illustration by following the algorithm’s steps.

The link below is an affiliate link.

If your children haven’t heard the book or the rhyme before, you will want to read them the book. The Five Little Pumpkinsis a great one to share. The illustrations are a lot of fun. Your children will love each of the pumpkin’s facial expressions.

Downloading Your Five Little Pumpkins Worksheet

The Five Little Pumpkins Based on an Algorithm Worksheet worksheet can be downloaded for free. You will need to open it with Acrobat Reader.

The “when run” blocks gray coding looks great when printed out on a black and white printer.

Exploring the Five Little Pumpkins Algorithm

If you have explored coding with blocks or used another one of our coding worksheets like the Magical Creatures Coding Drawing Activity, your children may be ready to do this on their own. If this is the first time they explored coding, you will want to do this together.

You will want to start by telling them that the “When Run” block means this is where the algorithm starts. If this was written for a computer, it would mean go.

Then you will want to walk them through each block. Make sure they do what each block says to do before they move to the next.

When they get to the draw the background block, you may want to brainstorm what kinds of things can be drawn in the background. They might want to add any of the following: