What Is a STEM Lab? A Guide for Elementary and Middle Schools

In today’s fast-moving, tech-powered world, it’s more important than ever for kids to build real-world skills early. That’s where STEM labs come in.

You might’ve heard the term mentioned at school, but what exactly is a STEM lab? And why are more and more elementary and middle schools placing such a big emphasis on them?

Let’s break it down.

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What Is a STEM Lab?

A STEM lab is a learning space where students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through active projects, experiments, and challenges. These labs are typically led by a specialized STEM instructor who teaches across multiple grade levels, adapting lessons to meet the developmental needs of each group.

STEM labs can look different from school to school. In some cases, there’s a dedicated classroom set up as a STEM lab where students rotate in during designated times of the week. In other models, the STEM lab is mobile, with the instructor traveling from classroom to classroom, bringing all the supplies and materials directly to each group of students.

No matter the setup, the focus is always the same: teaching students about science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on projects and experiments.

What Happens Inside a STEM Lab?

A lot of exciting things.

STEM labs are filled with tools and materials that invite students to experiment, tinker, and create. Depending on the age group and program, kids might:

• Build and program a robot
• Design a bridge and test how much weight it can hold
• Code a basic video game
• Use 3D printers to bring their inventions to life
• Explore chemical reactions with safe, kid friendly experiments

These labs rely on project based learning. That means students solve real problems in creative ways, just like real scientists and engineers.

Why STEM Labs Matter (Especially for K–8 Students)

Even though STEM labs are generally aligned with NGSS and state standards, they serve a distinct purpose from traditional classroom instruction. They are designed to help students think critically, solve problems, and collaborate in a hands-on environment with their peers.

Here’s why they matter:

• Active learning builds deeper understanding and stronger engagement
• Group projects help kids improve communication and teamwork
• Early exposure boosts interest and confidence in science and technology fields

Kids who get involved in STEM at a young age are more likely to stick with STEM subjects later in school. They’re also more likely to feel capable and excited about these topics.

Examples of STEM Lab Activities

Here are a few examples of activities you might see in a STEM lab:

• 🔋 Solar Powered Cars – Kids design and test cars that run on sunlight
• 🧪 Chemical Reactions – Safe, hands-on science experiments that make things pop, fizz, heat up, or change color
• 💡 Build a Flashlight – Learn about circuits by constructing a working flashlight
• 🦾 Mini Robot Challenge – Program a robot to move, turn, or complete a maze
• 🎮 Game Design 101 – Use block coding to build a simple video game

These activities and experiments introduce students to STEM in a way that is engaging and memorable. The ultimate goal is to get them thinking like scientists and engineers from an early age.

How STEM Labs Compare to STEAM Labs

Today, STEAM vs. STEM is used pretty interchangeably, but when it comes to STEAM labs vs. STEM labs, there is a key distinction. A STEAM lab incorporates the arts into the mix. These labs often resemble maker spaces that emphasize art, drawing, crafts, and creative expression.

Art definitely has a place in education, but sometimes the "A" in STEAM can overpower the STEM focus. This can result in activities that don’t offer the same level of academic rigor or technical skill development that we want students to be exposed to.

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Where You’ll Find STEM Labs

STEM labs aren’t limited to fancy schools or tech campuses. You can find them in a variety of settings:

• Public and private schools
• After school enrichment programs
• Libraries and community centers
• Seasonal camps like summer or winter break
• Mobile or traveling STEM programs that come to schools

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How to Launch a STEM Lab at Your School

If your school doesn’t have a formal STEM lab, there’s a lot you can do to set one up (or bring one in). The key is finding a solution that doesn’t add to your already full workload. Look for organizations that specialize in setting up and managing STEM labs for you.

Here are a few steps to get started:

• Assess your school’s goals and needs
  Determine whether you want a dedicated STEM space or a mobile lab that can rotate between classrooms.
• Find a trusted program provider
  Look for an organization that can help set up and run a STEM lab, providing the curriculum, supplies for every student, and experienced instructors.
• Secure funding or use existing budgets
  STEM labs often qualify for grant funding, ELOP funds, PTA support, and district innovation budgets.
• Schedule STEM time consistently
  Work with your school or team to integrate STEM lab sessions into the weekly or monthly schedule for each grade level. It’s also a great way to provide teachers with an extra prep period.
• Communicate with families
  Let parents know about the new lab, what students will be learning, and how it connects to real-world skills and future careers.

At All Things Science, we bring the full STEM lab experience directly to schools. We set up and launch a STEM lab on your campus and manage it year-round. With over 100 NGSS and state aligned lessons covering 12 different STEM subjects, we offer a wide variety of activities and experiments to keep your students engaged throughout the entire school year.

Bring the STEM lab to your campus →