Start the school year outdoors! These five active, collaborative STEM and nature-based games for elementary from Educate Outside are perfect for building bonds with each other, getting excited about school—and getting kids moving!
1. The Floating Stone STEM Challenge
Start off the school year with this fun team science investigation. Students explore buoyancy by making a stone float using only natural materials, string, and tape. Working in small teams, they experiment, hypothesize, and test their creations—then reflect on what worked and why. It’s a creative blend of natural resources, physics, and critical thinking.
This challenge encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork, helping students break the ice and bond as they work toward a shared goal.
Download the activity pack here.
2. The Water Race STEM Challenge – Force & Motion
Teams compete to transport water from one place to another using gravity and whatever tools they have on hand. It’s a lively way to explore physics concepts outdoors!
It gets everyone moving, laughing, and communicating, while promoting a sense of friendly competition and collaboration.
Download the activity pack here.
3. Outdoor STEM Challenge: Stick Towers
Groups “buy” sticks and string with points and build the tallest tower they can in a set time. This challenge blends teamwork, planning, and creativity.
It encourages students to listen to each other, share ideas, and work together—key skills for a strong class community.
Download the STEM challenge here.
4. The Big Nature Scavenger Hunt
Teams race to find a variety of natural objects outdoors. This activity builds observation skills and a connection with the natural world.
It helps students get to know their classmates and surroundings, all while having fun and discovering new things together.
Download the printable here.
5. Quick Outdoor Games Reference Booklet
This handy booklet is packed with easy-to-run outdoor games, from icebreakers to energetic team activities—perfect for any moment you need a quick burst of outdoor fun.
It makes it easy to fill transitions or free time with engaging, cooperative games that build a sense of belonging and excitement for learning outside.
Download the cards here.
Starting the year with outdoor team-building isn’t just about having fun—it’s about setting the tone for a classroom community where everyone feels included, valued, and excited to learn together. Whether you try a STEM challenge or a classic outdoor game, these activities help students make connections that will last all year. So head outside, soak up the fresh air, and enjoy the magic of learning together this back-to-school season!
Start the school year outdoors! These five active, collaborative STEM and nature-based games for elementary from Educate Outside are perfect for building bonds with each other, getting excited about school—and getting kids moving!
1. The Floating Stone STEM Challenge
Start off the school year with this fun team science investigation. Students explore buoyancy by making a stone float using only natural materials, string, and tape. Working in small teams, they experiment, hypothesize, and test their creations—then reflect on what worked and why. It’s a creative blend of natural resources, physics, and critical thinking.
This challenge encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork, helping students break the ice and bond as they work toward a shared goal.
Download the activity pack here.
2. The Water Race STEM Challenge – Force & Motion
Teams compete to transport water from one place to another using gravity and whatever tools they have on hand. It’s a lively way to explore physics concepts outdoors!
It gets everyone moving, laughing, and communicating, while promoting a sense of friendly competition and collaboration.
Download the activity pack here.
3. Outdoor STEM Challenge: Stick Towers
Groups “buy” sticks and string with points and build the tallest tower they can in a set time. This challenge blends teamwork, planning, and creativity.
It encourages students to listen to each other, share ideas, and work together—key skills for a strong class community.
Download the STEM challenge here.
4. The Big Nature Scavenger Hunt
Teams race to find a variety of natural objects outdoors. This activity builds observation skills and a connection with the natural world.
It helps students get to know their classmates and surroundings, all while having fun and discovering new things together.
Download the printable here.
5. Quick Outdoor Games Reference Booklet
This handy booklet is packed with easy-to-run outdoor games, from icebreakers to energetic team activities—perfect for any moment you need a quick burst of outdoor fun.
It makes it easy to fill transitions or free time with engaging, cooperative games that build a sense of belonging and excitement for learning outside.
Download the cards here.
Starting the year with outdoor team-building isn’t just about having fun—it’s about setting the tone for a classroom community where everyone feels included, valued, and excited to learn together. Whether you try a STEM challenge or a classic outdoor game, these activities help students make connections that will last all year. So head outside, soak up the fresh air, and enjoy the magic of learning together this back-to-school season!
Adam