Preschool STEM Challenge Pack: Reading Companion

Page 1: Preschool STEM Challenge Pack

WONDERKIDSTOY

A FREE FAMILY AND CLASSROOM RESOURCE

Preschool STEM Challenge Pack

Eight adult-guided investigations with reusable drawing and observation sheets

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 1

Simple materials. Real observations. Room to try again.

For preschool children with an adult nearby throughout. Use the cards as invitations, not tests. Children can point, draw, speak or ask an adult to write their words. No purchase, account or checkout is needed to use this pack.

Includes 8 challenge cards + 4 reusable record sheets

Added diagram description: The cover has four small decorative line drawings: a folded-paper bridge over two supports, an alternating circle-square pattern, three upright rectangles of increasing height, and an opened paper fan pointing toward a small square.

Page 2: A small setup and a clear question

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

A small setup and a clear question

Read this page before choosing a challenge.

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 2

Choose a comfortable activity

Read the whole card first. Adapt to the child's interests and abilities. Stop if the child is tired, frustrated or putting materials in their mouth. There is no fixed time requirement.

Keep an adult present

Adult supervision is required throughout. Adults check materials, prepare folds and tape, and stabilize ramps or objects. Use large pieces, low structures and a clear work area. Keep younger siblings and pets away.

Change one thing at a time

Ask what might happen. Try it. Notice what happened. If comparing two setups, keep the other parts as similar as possible. Real household materials do not always behave the same way.

Record without a writing test

Use the blank sheets on pages 11-14 as often as needed. Drawing, pointing and adult-written dictation all count. Do not correct a child's observation just because it differs from your prediction.

MATERIALS TO GATHER

Paper • thick washable crayon • two closed books • large foam block (optional) • sturdy cardboard panel • large adult sock • flat cloth • adult-prepared paper tape

No tiny counters, magnets, batteries, chemicals, heat or special toy purchase required.

Page 3: Bridge the gap

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CHALLENGE 1 OF 8

Bridge the gap

ENGINEERING | Shape and support

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Gather

Two closed books of equal height; two paper sheets of the same size and type; one large, light foam block (optional).

Adult setup

Adult: place the books flat on the floor with a narrow gap. Use the same gap for both trials.

Ask

Does changing the paper shape change how the bridge holds up?

1. Lay one sheet flat across the gap. What do you notice?

2. Adult and child fold the other sheet back and forth like a fan, then open it slightly. Span the same gap.

3. Compare sagging. If both bridges hold themselves, gently place the same large foam block at the center of each. Stop if it falls.

Make a fair comparison

Keep the books, gap and test block the same. Change only the paper shape.

Notice and talk

Draw the two bridges. Show where the paper bends. A folded bridge may bend less, but your paper and gap affect the result.

Care: Keep books low. Never stand or climb on a bridge. Skip the block if no suitably large, light one is available.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: Two rectangular book supports have a gap between them. A straight horizontal line represents flat paper across the gap; a separate zigzag line represents folded paper. This is a concept illustration, not a scale construction plan.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 4: Make a paper tower

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CHALLENGE 2 OF 8

Make a paper tower

ENGINEERING | Balance and structure

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Gather

Two equal-size sheets of paper for comparison; one spare sheet; adult-prepared strips of paper tape.

Adult setup

Use a level floor or low table. Adult dispenses the tape; no scissors or tape cutter in the child's workspace.

Ask

What kind of base helps your paper tower stand?

1. Try making one sheet stand without holding it. You can fold or roll it.

2. Use one sheet for the second tower too, but try another shape. Stand both on the same surface.

3. Let go gently. Watch for a slow count of five. If a tower falls, reshape its base and try again.

Make a fair comparison

Try a wider base while keeping the amount of paper the same. Do not test by climbing or balancing objects overhead.

Notice and talk

Sketch one tower that stood and one change you tried. A fallen tower is information, not a wrong answer.

Care: Keep towers below the child's shoulder height. Avoid leaning over a tall structure.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: Three outlined upright rectangles increase in height from left to right. They are an illustrative tower symbol, not prescribed dimensions or tested designs.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 5: A gentle sock ramp

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CHALLENGE 3 OF 8

A gentle sock ramp

PHYSICAL SCIENCE | Motion

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Gather

A smooth, sturdy cardboard panel with adult-checked edges; one closed book; one large rolled adult sock.

Adult setup

Adult sets a low ramp on a clear floor, resting one end securely on the book. Keep a wall or soft barrier beyond the runout.

Ask

What changes when the same sock starts lower on the ramp?

1. Place the sock at a marked starting spot near the top. Release without pushing.

2. Watch where it stops. Mark the spot with a large sheet of paper, not a small counter.

3. Repeat from a lower starting spot. Compare the stopping places.

Make a fair comparison

Keep the ramp height, floor and sock the same. Change only the starting place.

Notice and talk

The sock may roll, slide or stop. Record what it actually does; it does not have to reach the floor.

Care: Adult stabilizes the ramp. This is for the sock, never for riding, walking or launching objects.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: An inclined line rises toward a rectangular support at the right. An oval sock shape sits near the higher end. This illustrates a low sock ramp; follow the adult setup and care text.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 6: Compare two surfaces

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CHALLENGE 4 OF 8

Compare two surfaces

PHYSICAL SCIENCE | Surface contact

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Gather

The low ramp and large rolled sock from Challenge 3; a flat cloth large enough to cover the ramp.

Adult setup

Adult secures the cloth flat over the ramp so it cannot bunch or slip. Keep the ramp at the same low height.

Ask

Does the sock move in the same way on both surfaces?

1. Release the sock from the marked spot on the bare ramp. Watch its movement.

2. Cover the ramp with the cloth and release the same sock from the same spot.

3. Try each surface once more. Describe any differences, including no movement.

Make a fair comparison

Keep the sock, start and ramp height the same. Change only the ramp covering.

Notice and talk

Draw or describe rolling, sliding, stopping or wobbling. Do not assume one surface will always be faster.

Care: Use no loose rugs in a walking path. Adult removes the ramp and cloth when finished.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: Two horizontal surface lines are shown, each with an oval sock shape. The upper line has short diagonal texture marks; the lower line is plain. The activity text specifies a secured cloth and the same low ramp.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 7: Trace a daylight shadow

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CHALLENGE 5 OF 8

Trace a daylight shadow

PHYSICAL SCIENCE | Light and shape

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 7

Gather

A large block or cardboard shape that can stand; paper; a thick washable crayon.

Adult setup

Choose a patch of daylight indoors on a low surface. Adult positions the object so its shadow falls on the paper.

Ask

Can one object make more than one shadow outline?

1. Look at the shadow on the paper, not at the sun. Adult holds the object steady while you trace or draw it.

2. Turn the object a little without changing its place. Look at the shadow again.

3. Compare the outlines. If daylight changes or disappears, pause and try another time.

Make a fair comparison

Keep the object in the same place. Change only the direction it faces.

Notice and talk

A shadow shows an outline where light is blocked. Not every turn produces an obvious change.

Care: Never look directly at the sun. Stay away from hot windows, cords, blinds and unsafe ledges. No lamps or electricity are needed.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: A circle at left represents daylight, with short horizontal rays toward an upright rectangular object; an oval shadow lies to the right. The drawing is schematic. Never look directly at the sun.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 8: Move paper with a fan

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CHALLENGE 6 OF 8

Move paper with a fan

PHYSICAL SCIENCE | Moving air

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 8

Gather

One full sheet of lightweight paper; a second sheet folded into a hand fan by an adult.

Adult setup

Work on a clear table or floor away from faces, food and fragile objects. Use full sheets, not loose paper scraps.

Ask

Does the fan distance change what you notice?

1. Place the flat sheet on the surface. Hold the fan beside it without touching it.

2. Fan gently toward the paper. Observe whether it moves, lifts or stays put.

3. Start again in the same place. Try holding the fan a little farther away.

Make a fair comparison

Keep the paper and surface the same. Try a near and a farther fan position. Fan as similarly as you can.

Notice and talk

Draw an arrow showing where the paper moved. Small differences in fanning can change the result.

Care: Keep paper and fans away from eyes and mouths. Do not blow into another person's face.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: An open fan shape points by a right-facing arrow toward a small outlined square representing paper. It illustrates moving air, not a promised travel distance.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 9: Build a repeating road

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CHALLENGE 7 OF 8

Build a repeating road

MATHEMATICS | Repeating patterns

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 9

Gather

Six or more large paper cards showing two different shapes; adult draws them on whole or half sheets.

Adult setup

Make three circle cards and three square cards. Use whole or half sheets. Keep cards out of mouths and stop if the child mouths materials. No cutting is needed if using whole sheets.

Ask

Which part of your road repeats?

1. Lay down circle, square, circle, square. Say the pattern together.

2. Choose the next two cards. Explain what repeats.

3. Make your own two-shape pattern. Ask an adult to continue it and check together.

Make a fair comparison

Try a different repeating unit, such as circle, circle, square. Make enough cards to repeat it twice.

Notice and talk

For the first road, circle then square comes next. Your own pattern can have a different rule.

Care: Use the cards on a table or beside a clear walkway, not as slippery stepping stones.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: Six shapes appear in order: circle, square, circle, square, circle, square. The next shape under this starting rule is a circle, as stated in the activity text.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 10: Sort and change the rule

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CHALLENGE 8 OF 8

Sort and change the rule

MATHEMATICS | Grouping and attributes

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 10

Gather

Eight large paper cards: two large and two small circles, plus two large and two small squares. Draw each shape on a separate full or half sheet.

Adult setup

Adult draws the shapes. Small refers to the drawing, not the card size. Use two large spaces on a table or floor as groups.

Ask

Can the same card belong in a different group when the rule changes?

1. Sort the cards by shape: circles together and squares together.

2. Mix the cards. Now sort by the size of the drawing: large together and small together.

3. Point to one card. Explain why it belongs in its new group.

Make a fair comparison

Keep the same eight cards. Change only the sorting rule.

Notice and talk

Each shape group has four cards. Each size group also has four. Children can point, speak or draw their explanation.

Care: Keep cards out of mouths. Use floor space only where nobody needs to walk.

MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS

Added diagram description: Two outlined grouping boxes are shown. The first contains one large and one small circle; the second contains one large and one small square. This illustrates grouping by shape, not the complete eight-card inventory.

Worksheet layout: The page ends with a blank outlined space labelled “MY QUICK SKETCH OR ADULT-WRITTEN WORDS”. Use separate paper or any preferred means of recording; this HTML contains no data-entry or saving function.

Page 11: My plan

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REUSABLE RECORD SHEET

My plan

Choose any challenge. Draw or tell an adult what you want to try.

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 11

My question

What I think might happen

What I need and how I will set it up

Worksheet layout: The labelled prompts above identify separate blank outlined response areas for drawing, speaking or adult-written words. No example answers are filled in. This companion does not collect or save responses.

Page 12: What I noticed

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REUSABLE RECORD SHEET

What I noticed

Record the result, even if it was surprising.

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 12

Challenge and date

My drawing of what happened

My words or words an adult wrote for me

Worksheet layout: The labelled prompts above identify separate blank outlined response areas for drawing, speaking or adult-written words. No example answers are filled in. This companion does not collect or save responses.

Page 13: Compare two tries

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REUSABLE RECORD SHEET

Compare two tries

Keep other parts the same. Show what changed and what happened.

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The one thing we changed

Try one

Try two

Same or different What did we notice

Worksheet layout: The labelled prompts above identify separate blank outlined response areas for drawing, speaking or adult-written words. No example answers are filled in. This companion does not collect or save responses.

Page 14: Try one change

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REUSABLE RECORD SHEET

Try one change

An idea can change after you test it.

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My first idea

The change I want to try

What happened after my change

Worksheet layout: The labelled prompts above identify separate blank outlined response areas for drawing, speaking or adult-written words. No example answers are filled in. This companion does not collect or save responses.

Page 15: Show someone what you tried

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TALK ABOUT YOUR DISCOVERIES

Show someone what you tried

A child can point or draw while an adult listens.

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One thing I noticed

One thing I changed

One question I still have

Try asking: What makes you think that? What could we keep the same next time? Would you like to show me?

Avoid judging an activity by whether a tower stands or a sock rolls. The useful part is noticing what your particular setup did.

Worksheet layout: The labelled prompts above identify separate blank outlined response areas for drawing, speaking or adult-written words. No example answers are filled in. This companion does not collect or save responses.

Page 16: Use the pack again

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FOR ADULTS AND EDUCATORS

Use the pack again

Practical notes and permission to print

FREE PRINTABLE | Adult-guided play | wonderkidstoy.com 16

Adapt the invitation

Offer one card at a time. Demonstrate a fold or hold an object if helpful. A child can choose between two pictures instead of giving a spoken answer. Skip any material or movement that is not a good fit.

There is no performance score

The open-ended investigations have no single correct design. The pattern and sorting cards give their specific starting-rule answers on the cards. Different paper, surfaces, daylight and movement can produce different results.

Use a simple observation record

Write what the child did or said, rather than interpreting it as a developmental score. These play activities are not assessments, therapy or a promise of learning outcomes.

Print and reuse

Designed for US Letter paper at actual size. Black-and-white printing is suitable. Print only the cards and sheets you need. An adult can fold a page to cover unused sections. Do not laminate if sharp corners or mouth contact could be a concern.

Permission for this original resource

WonderKidsToy permits families and educators to print and copy this pack for free personal, classroom and library activity use. Keep the WonderKidsToy attribution. Please share the original resource-page link rather than reselling, paywalling or claiming authorship of this pack. This permission applies to this pack only, not to other products or third-party materials.

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Resource page: wonderkidstoy.com/blogs/news/stem-activities-for-preschool Original activity wording, worksheets and line illustrations prepared for WonderKidsToy. Version 1.0 • 25 October 2026.