Sensory + STEM
3 Fun STEM Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
Sensory play is a fantastic way to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts to toddlers in a hands-on and engaging way. By allowing little ones to explore different textures, materials, and reactions, you help them develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and early scientific thinking. Here are three easy and fun STEM-related sensory play ideas to try with your toddler!
1. Fizzing Rainbow Science (Chemistry + Sensory Play)
What You’ll Need:
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Food coloring
• Small cups or bowls
• A dropper or spoon
How to Play:
1. Fill small cups with baking soda.
2. Add a few drops of different food coloring to each cup.
3. Give your toddler a dropper or spoon filled with vinegar and let them pour it over the baking soda.
4. Watch as the mixture fizzes and bubbles, creating colorful reactions!
STEM Learning Benefits:
• Introduces toddlers to chemical reactions (acid + base).
• Encourages curiosity and experimentation.
• Develops fine motor skills with the dropper.
2. Building with Cloud Dough (Engineering + Sensory Play)
What You’ll Need:
• 2 cups flour
• ¼ cup baby oil or vegetable oil
• Large bin or tray
How to Play:
1. Mix the flour and oil together until you get a soft, moldable dough.
2. Encourage your child to build structures, shapes, or even tiny “sandcastles” with their hands or small molds.
3. Experiment by adding small toys or objects to see if they can build around them.
STEM Learning Benefits:
• Encourages early engineering concepts by testing different shapes and structures.
• Strengthens hand muscles and coordination.
• Provides a sensory experience with a soft, moldable texture.
3. Magnetic Treasure Hunt (Physics + Sensory Play)
What You’ll Need:
• A shallow bin filled with dry rice, sand, or kinetic sand
• Small magnetic objects (paperclips, washers, magnetic letters, etc.)
• A magnet wand or fridge magnet
How to Play:
1. Hide the small magnetic objects in the sensory bin.
2. Give your toddler a magnet and let them “hunt” for treasures.
3. Show them how the magnet attracts metal objects and explain why non-metal items don’t stick.
STEM Learning Benefits:
• Introduces toddlers to basic physics and magnetism.
• Enhances problem-solving skills.
• Encourages curiosity and discovery.
Final Thoughts
Sensory play is an excellent way to introduce STEM learning to toddlers in a way that feels like pure fun. Whether they’re watching a bubbly reaction, molding soft cloud dough, or exploring magnetism, they’re gaining valuable skills that will support their early development. Try these activities with your little one and watch their curiosity grow!
Do you have a favorite STEM sensory play activity? Share in the comments below!