Celebrating National Stem/Steam Day

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - In celebration of National STEM Day, Kosal Chea, Owner and Director of Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne, shares two fun, hands-on science and engineering projects that families can do together at home. These engaging experiments are perfect for inspiring curiosity and creativity in young learners.

Two Easy At-Home STEM Projects

1. Balance Bot

The Balance Bot is an exciting way to introduce kids to the basics of physics and balance. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials: Cork, skewers, and modeling clay
Instructions: Attach skewers on either side of a cork to act as arms, and add a small amount of modeling clay to the ends for weight. By adjusting the skewers and clay, kids can experiment with the bot’s balance and learn how distribution of weight affects stability.

2. Elephant’s Toothpaste

A classic science experiment, Elephant’s Toothpaste is a foamy explosion that illustrates the power of chemical reactions. Here’s how to make it:

Materials: Bottle, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and warm water
Instructions: Mix the yeast with warm water, and pour hydrogen peroxide into a bottle. When you add the yeast mixture to the bottle, a chemical reaction occurs, creating a massive foam that looks like “toothpaste” for an elephant! Kids will love the dramatic effect and will learn about catalysis in the process.

What is Idea Lab Kids?

Idea Lab Kids is an interactive learning center focused on STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Offering hands-on experiences designed to captivate and inspire, Idea Lab Kids fosters a love of learning in children of all ages through its diverse programs and activities.

Programs at Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne

Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne offers an impressive range of activities for families looking to spark their children’s interest in STEAM. Programs include:

After-School Programs
Seasonal Camps: Winter break, spring break, and summer camps
Preschool and Homeschool Sessions: Held every Tuesday and Thursday
Parent’s Night Out: Every 1st and 3rd Friday, where kids can enjoy fun activities while parents have an evening off
Birthday Parties
Holiday-Themed Events and Workshops

Each program at Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne offers hands-on activities that let kids explore, create, and experiment in a safe, fun environment.

Upcoming Event: Parent’s Night Out

Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne’s next Parent’s Night Out event will take place on:

Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne
Ticket Price: $35 per student, with free entry for families relocated due to Hurricane Helene

This Parent’s Night Out gives parents a chance to enjoy a few hours to themselves while kids participate in exciting activities designed to engage their minds and foster creativity.

For more details on upcoming events and programs, visit their website at www.idealabkids.com/ballantyne or check out their Facebook page at idealabkids.ballantyne.

Give your kids a chance to explore the wonders of science with Kosal Chea and the dedicated team at Idea Lab Kids Ballantyne!