Provide a fun science activity in preschool or kindergarten with this summer sun loose parts STEM. Gather small parts for kids to plan and build a bright summer sun.
Privacy Policy for information on use of cookies and affiliate links
This summer sun loose parts STEM activity is a great way to welcome summer, but it can be enjoyed any day of the year. The activity engages fine motor and creative skills that can be supported with science in daily play.
- STEM and STEAM activities provide age-appropriate challenges for kids to think like little scientists. Kids can have fun experimenting with materials, and observe outcomes and interactions as the play proceeds.
In this activity, your preschooler will interact with various everyday craft items to make a sun. Different shades of yellow and a variety of textures will help make this a hands-on learning through play experience.
The activity supports cognitive, sensory, and imaginative play as kids plan and build a bright sun.
Related: Glittery Cardboard Sun Craft
This sun craft is sure to get you and the kids singing “You are my sunshine” as kids play!
Summer sun STEM activity
Gather together any craft supplies and other small parts that are shades of yellow. We included some fluffy cotton to resemble clouds, as added inspiration.
Display the items in a divided tray to help kids make choices from the different materials.
Sun STEM supplies
Cotton stuffing or cotton balls
Container lids
Felt and craft foam circles and other shapes (aff. links)
- You can include any other items you have on hand, such as tissue paper, construction paper, or baking cups.
- Color plain wooden sticks with crayons or markers as part of the activity. These could be craft sticks, clothespins, or wooden sticks from ice cream treats.
- You can prepare some items ahead of time, such as cutting out circles from craft foam and felt. Kids can also cut out their own small parts, especially from paper and craft foam.
Invitation to summer sun loose parts STEM
Let’s make a bright summer sun.
How many different ways can you build a sun?
Encourage preschoolers to explore the materials, by choosing assorted parts and mixing them together in different ways.
Loose parts can be sorted, stacked, lined up, and trimmed. Items can be mixed and matched to create patterns and designs.
There is no one result expected from this challenge. Every sun will be unique!
Here’s one example of a sun kids can build.
This craft stick sun was made by stacking loose parts.
How many layers did it take to build this sun? Can you add more layers?
Summer STEM challenge
Invite preschoolers to engage in independent play by having the materials available on a shelf during free play time. You could also provide this activity in a scheduled small group session.
Kids will benefit from this child-led activity whether playing alone or side-by-side with others in a small group. The resulting sun creations are only limited by kids imaginations.
Enjoy singing “You Are My Sunshine” as kids play!
