Below is a list of items that the STEAM Lab can use that you might already have at home and don’t need. We use a lot of recycled items for our engineering builds. For the 2019-2020 school year, I will be incorporating some activities from the books “Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons: K-2 and 3-5” & “Even More Picture-Perfect Science Lessons: K-5.” The lessons incorporate some pictures books to stimulate learning. Right now I have 3 projects posted on DonorsChoose for the books. I will also post supplies needed for the lessons.
How to Help the STEAM Lab
- Donate to my teacher page on DonorsChoose or directly to one of my projects listed on there. OR send a gift card to be used on their site.
- Support our “Engineering Emporium” through Adopt -a-Classroom. This site allows me to shop with donated funds.
- Check out wish list items on Amazon.
- Check out Teacher’s List for items as well.
- Look for the items we need below.
DonorsChoose is the main way that I received supplies for the STEAM Lab for the 2018-2019 school year. Foundation was the next main source – and is typically the only source. San Diego Unified School District does not fund the STEAM Lab supplies, aside from the standard office supplies (pencils, paper). I will post projects when there is a match offer that it will qualify for. This means that if you donate $20, the sponsor of the match offer will also chip in $20. Sometimes there will be larger matches than 2x, but those are more rare.
Animal Habitats
The STEAM Lab often houses some interesting live specimens for observation. Some are residents, some may be temporary. We currently have a bearded dragon named “Gemini” and two fire belly toads. We have a fish tank, but no fish at the moment.
General Classroom Supplies
- Colored pencils – sets of 50 (need 6) (listed on Teacher’s List)
- Masking tape (lots of this!!)
Picture-Perfect STEM/Science Supplies
- coming soon
Engineering Emporium Supplies (Makerspace)
- Paper towel rolls
- Craft sticks (large and small)
- Cardboard or heavy poster board
- Ceramic tiles
- Screws, nuts, bolts
- Old keys
- Foam board
- Plastic rings from empty tape dispensers
- Building sets (Lincoln logs, Tinkertoys, etc.)
- Buttons
- Beads
- Basic tool sets (screw drivers, pliers, etc.)
- Condiment containers (Smart & Final)
- Playdoh and/or clay
- Watercolor paint
- Paintbrushes
- Hot glue guns and glue (cool temp)
- Film canisters (35mm film)
- PVC pipe
- Paper plates
- Pie tins