It’s almost time for another exciting school year can you believe it? As you start to look ahead for the year we’ve put together the following calendar of STEM holidays to help your planning. Make sure you also check out our guide on first day of school activities for more activity inspiration!
Download your full 2023-2024 STEM Calendar.
August STEM Events
August 19: National Aviation Day
On National Aviation Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements and advancements in aviation. It's a perfect opportunity for you to introduce your elementary students to the wonders of flight and the pioneers who made it all possible. You can discuss the history of aviation, famous aviators like the Wright Brothers, and how airplanes have transformed the way we travel and explore the world. Encourage your students to dream big and consider the possibilities of a future career in aviation.
August 24: Pluto Isn't a Planet Day
We grew up with Pluto as a planet. Sadly that isn’t the case anymore. But this makes for a great opportunity to teach your students about the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge. You can explore the concept of planets and the criteria that scientists use to classify celestial bodies. By discussing Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet, you can help your elementary students understand that science is a dynamic process and that new discoveries can lead to changes in our understanding of the universe.
Or, you can just start with talking about the rest of the planets if you’d like - but Pluto might feel a little left out...
September STEM Events
September 12: National Video Game Day
On the day after the Atari was initially released, we celebrate National Video Game Day! This is a chance for you to tap into your students' enthusiasm for gaming while promoting valuable learning opportunities. You can explore the history and evolution of video games, discuss the various skills involved in game development, and even engage in educational video games that can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Encourage responsible gaming habits and highlight the potential career paths in the gaming industry.
September 28: Ask a "Stupid" Question Day
Ask a "Stupid" Question Day encourages your students to embrace curiosity and ask questions without fear of judgment. This day is all about creating a safe and supportive classroom environment where every question is valued. You can emphasize that there are no stupid questions and that asking questions is an essential part of learning and discovering new things. Encourage your students to be inquisitive and foster a classroom culture that celebrates curiosity.
Looking for even more STEM activities for this time of year? Check out our guide on easy Fall STEM activities for your classroom.
October STEM Events
October 2: National Architecture Day
National Architecture Day offers a fantastic opportunity for you to introduce your elementary students to the world of architecture and design. You can explore different architectural styles, famous buildings and landmarks, and even engage in hands-on activities like designing and building structures using various materials. This day encourages creativity, spatial thinking, and an appreciation for the built environment that surrounds us.
October 4: Sputnik Launch
The launch of Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, was a significant event in human history. On this day, you can introduce your students to the Space Age and the beginning of space exploration. You can discuss the impact of Sputnik on scientific advancements, the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, and how it inspired future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
October 4-10: World Space Week
World Space Week is a week-long celebration of space exploration and its impact on our lives. During this week, you can engage your elementary students in various space-related activities. You can learn about the planets, the solar system, astronauts, and the incredible achievements of space missions. This is a great time to ignite the curiosity of your students about the vastness of the universe and the possibilities it holds.
October 6: Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day is a chance for you to highlight the importance of manufacturing and its role in our everyday lives. You can discuss how products are made, the process of manufacturing, and the various careers available in the manufacturing industry. Encourage your students to think about how things they use every day are produced and the impact of manufacturing on the economy and society.
October 10: National Metric Day
National Metric Day is an excellent opportunity for you to introduce your students to the metric system. You can explain the advantages of using metric units in everyday life and showcase how it is used in different countries around the world. By teaching your elementary students about metric measurements, you equip them with essential skills for scientific inquiry and global understanding.
October 8-14: Earth Science Week
During Earth Science Week, you can explore the wonders of our planet and foster an appreciation for the natural world. You can engage your elementary students in hands-on activities that promote understanding of earth processes, such as weather, rocks and minerals, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. This week provides an opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility for the Earth and inspire future environmental stewards.
October 15-21: National Chemistry Week
National Chemistry Week is a time to introduce your students to the fascinating world of chemistry. You can explore the basic principles of chemistry through interactive experiments and demonstrations. From exploring the properties of matter to understanding chemical reactions, this week provides a chance to spark curiosity and show how chemistry is relevant to our everyday lives.
November STEM Events
All Month: National Career Development Month
National Career Development Month encourages you to start thinking about your students' future career paths. Throughout the month, you can expose them to a wide range of professions, invite guest speakers from different fields, and engage in career exploration activities. By introducing your elementary students to different careers, you help them understand the importance of education and inspire them to set goals for their future.
November 8: National STEM/STEAM Day
National STEM/STEAM Day celebrates the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. On this day, you can engage your students in hands-on activities that integrate these disciplines and promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. By highlighting the real-world applications of STEM/STEAM, you can inspire your students to pursue careers in these exciting fields.
November 23: Fibonacci Day
Fibonacci Day is a fun and educational way to introduce your students to the famous Fibonacci sequence and its prevalence in nature and mathematics. You can explore how this sequence appears in the growth patterns of plants, the arrangement of leaves on stems, and the proportions found in art and architecture. This day provides an opportunity to spark curiosity about patterns, sequences, and the beauty of mathematics.
December STEM Events
December 4-10: Computer Science Education Week
Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science. In addition, this is a chance to advocate for equity in computer science education. Finally, we take this week to celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field of coding and computer science.
Personally, this is one of our favorite weeks of the year! If you’re new to computer science education or just want to dip your toes in the STEM waters, consider participating in the Hour of Code to give your students the chance to try coding for an hour!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joA8n3wFsIA
By teaching students about STEM, teachers have the power to inspire the next generation of innovators, inventors, and creative problem solvers.
January STEM Events
January 29: National Puzzle Day
National Puzzle Day is a perfect opportunity to engage your students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through puzzles and brainteasers. You can provide a variety of puzzles, from jigsaw puzzles to logic puzzles, and encourage teamwork and collaboration. This day promotes perseverance, patience, and creativity while making learning enjoyable and stimulating.
February STEM Events
February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the achievements of women in the field of science and inspire your female students to pursue careers in STEM. You can showcase the contributions of women scientists throughout history and present role models who have made significant scientific discoveries. This day is a reminder that science is for everyone, regardless of gender, and that diversity in STEM is crucial for innovation and progress.
February 18-24: National Engineering Week
National Engineering Week is a time to introduce your students to the exciting world of engineering. You can explore different branches of engineering, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace, and engage in hands-on engineering challenges. This week provides an opportunity to foster creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while showcasing the impact of engineering on society.
March STEM Events
March 10: First Telephone Call
The first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell is a landmark event in communication history. On this day, you can discuss the invention of the telephone, its impact on society, and how communication has evolved over time. You can engage your elementary students in activities that explore the history of communication devices and the importance of effective communication skills.
March 14: Pi Day
Pi Day is a mathematical holiday celebrating the mathematical constant pi (π). You can engage your students in fun activities that explore the concept of pi, its history, and its applications in geometry and beyond. From measuring circles to creating pi-themed art, this day provides an opportunity to make math enjoyable and relevant.
April STEM Events
All Month: Mathematics Awareness Month
Mathematics Awareness Month is a time to emphasize the importance of mathematics in our daily lives and careers. Throughout the month, you can engage your students in activities that highlight the practical applications of math, such as budgeting, problem-solving, and measuring. By showcasing the relevance of mathematics, you can foster a positive attitude towards the subject and inspire your students to pursue math-related fields.
April 6-13: National Robotics Week
National Robotics Week celebrates the exciting field of robotics and its impact on technology and society. You can introduce your elementary students to the fundamentals of robotics, coding, and automation through hands-on activities and challenges. This week provides an opportunity to promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while sparking an interest in robotics and engineering.
April 21: World Creativity and Innovation Day
World Creativity and Innovation Day encourages your students to think outside the box, embrace their creativity, and explore innovative solutions. You can engage in activities that promote divergent thinking, problem-solving, and brainstorming. By nurturing creativity and fostering an environment that values innovation, you empower your students to become lifelong learners and future innovators.
April 22: Earth Day
Earth Day is a global event that emphasizes environmental awareness and the importance of protecting our planet. You can engage your elementary students in activities that promote environmental stewardship, such as recycling, conserving energy, and learning about ecosystems. This day provides an opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility for the Earth and inspire actions that contribute to a sustainable future.
April 30: Arbor Day
Arbor Day is a day dedicated to tree planting and environmental education. You can engage your students in activities that emphasize the importance of trees, such as learning about different tree species, understanding their role in the ecosystem, and participating in tree-planting initiatives. This day provides an opportunity to foster a sense of environmental responsibility and appreciation for nature.
May STEM Events
All Month: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a time to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. Throughout the month, you can engage your students in various physical fitness activities, sports games, and discussions about the benefits of exercise. By emphasizing the importance of staying active, you help your students develop healthy habits that contribute to their overall well-being.
All Month: National Inventors Month
National Inventors Month celebrates the spirit of innovation and encourages your students to embrace their creativity. Throughout the month, you can engage your students in activities that inspire them to think like inventors and problem solvers. You can encourage them to identify and solve everyday problems, brainstorm inventions, and even create prototypes. This month provides a platform to nurture your students' imagination and entrepreneurial spirit.
May 7: National Space Day
National Space Day is a day to celebrate the wonders of space exploration and inspire your students to dream big. You can engage your elementary students in activities that explore the solar system, rockets, and astronauts. By fostering an interest in space, you encourage your students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
May 16: International Day of Light
The International Day of Light provides an opportunity to explore the properties and applications of light. You can engage your students in activities that demonstrate the phenomena of light, such as experiments with prisms, reflections, and refractions. This day encourages curiosity and highlights the importance of light in our daily lives, from technology to art and beyond.
May 26: National Paper Airplane Day
National Paper Airplane Day is a fun and engaging way to explore the principles of flight and aerodynamics. You can challenge your students to design and build their own paper airplanes, experimenting with different designs and flight paths. This day promotes creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning while having a blast with a classic childhood pastime.
June STEM Events
June 8: World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day is a day to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and marine life. You can engage your elementary students in activities that promote ocean conservation, such as learning about different marine ecosystems, discussing the impact of pollution, and brainstorming ways to protect our oceans. This day provides an opportunity to foster a sense of environmental responsibility and encourage actions that contribute to a sustainable future.
June 30: World Asteroid Day
World Asteroid Day raises awareness about asteroids and the potential hazards they pose to our planet. You can engage your students in activities that explore the solar system, asteroids, and space exploration. By understanding the science behind asteroids, you can inspire your students to think critically about Earth's place in the universe and the importance of scientific research.
July STEM Events
July 1-7: Clean Beaches Week
Clean Beaches Week encourages us to take care of our coastlines and promote environmental stewardship. You can engage your students in activities that raise awareness about the importance of keeping beaches clean, such as organizing beach cleanups, learning about marine ecosystems, and discussing the impact of plastic pollution. This week provides an opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility for our environment and the importance of sustainable practices.
July 20: Moon Landing
The Moon Landing represents one of humanity's greatest achievements in space exploration. On this day, we can commemorate the historic Apollo 11 mission and discuss the significance of the first human steps on the moon. You can engage your students in activities that explore the science behind the moon landing, the challenges faced by astronauts, and the future of space exploration. This event inspires your students to dream big and consider the possibilities of exploring new frontiers.
Download your full STEM calendar here.
Looking for more ways to include STEM teaching in your classroom or school? Create your free Kodable account today to help teach computer science to your students in a fun and engaging way.
Here’s to another great year full of STEM activities for elementary students!
