Best STEM Movies for Elementary Students Activities.pdf

Transform screens into science adventures! Dive into Geyer Instructional’s latest blog post: “Best STEM Movies for Elementary Students (Grades 1-5) & Engaging STEM Activities.”

1. BEST STEM MOVIES FOR
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
ACTIVITIES
(Grades 1-2)
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2. Looking for the best STEM movies for your classroom? Whether you’re
introducing science, engineering, or technology concepts, movies can be
a powerful way to engage students, spark curiosity, and encourage
problem-solving.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best STEM movies for Grades 1-2, with
mini synopses, why they’re great for STEM education, and hands-on
activities to extend learning beyond the screen!

3. Why Show STEM Movies in the Classroom?
Movies provide a visual, engaging way to teach STEM concepts while helping students:
✅ See STEM concepts in action – Science and engineering come to life!
✅ Develop problem-solving skills – Many STEM movies focus on characters who tackle challenges.
✅ Explore STEM careers – Representation matters, and movies introduce kids to STEM professionals.
✅ Get inspired to experiment and build – Movies encourage students to design, create, and innovate!
To maximize learning, pair each movie with hands-on STEM activities, experiments, and discussions.
Let’s dive into the best STEM movies for each grade level!

4. 9
Best STEM Movies for Each
Elementary Grade
(with Lesson Ideas!)
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5. At this stage, students are naturally curious about how the world works. These movies introduce basic
science and problem-solving in an engaging, age-appropriate way.
4
STEM Movies for 1st Grade
1. Sid the Science Kid: The Movie (2013) – Scientific Inquiry & Exploration
Synopsis: Sid and his friends visit a science museum, where they encounter a mystery that
requires scientific thinking to solve.
Why Watch? Introduces basic scientific inquiry, observation, and teamwork in a fun, engaging
way.
STEM Activity: Have students make predictions and test simple experiments (e.g., "Which objects
sink or float?").

6. 4
2. Wild Kratts (TV Series) – Biology & Animal Science
Synopsis: The Wild Kratts team embarks on exciting adventures, discovering the
fascinating world of animals, habitats, and conservation.
Why Watch? A fun introduction to biology, ecosystems, and animal adaptations.
STEM Challenge: Have students design their own imaginary animal, explaining its habitat
and survival adaptations.
3. Wall-E (2008) – Robotics & Environmental Science
Synopsis: A small, curious robot named Wall-E roams Earth, now covered in trash, until he
discovers the importance of taking care of the planet.
Why Watch? Teaches lessons about robotics, environmental responsibility, and
sustainability.
STEM Project: Build mini-recycling stations or create robots using recycled materials.

7. Second graders are developing critical thinking skills and can start to explore engineering, inventions,
and environmental science.
4
STEM Movies for 2nd Grade
1.The Lorax (2012) – Environmental Science & Sustainability
Synopsis: A young boy embarks on a journey to restore a once-thriving environment and bring
back the trees.
Why Watch: Highlights the importance of sustainability, conservation, and taking responsibility
for the planet.
STEM Extension: Plant mini-gardens or create recycling projects to reduce waste in the classroom.

8. 4
2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) – Engineering & Inventions
Synopsis: Flint Lockwood, an aspiring inventor, builds a machine that turns water into
food, but his creation spirals out of control.
Why Watch? Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and engineering thinking.
STEM Challenge: Have students design a food-making invention and explain how it works.
3. Magic School Bus (TV Series) – Science Exploration
Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her students go on exciting science adventures, exploring topics
like the human body, space, and weather.
Why Watch? Engaging and hands-on approach to science that gets kids thinking like
scientists.
STEM Activity: Create mini-experiments based on the episodes, such as making a simple
weather station.

9. 9
Final Thoughts
STEM movies are a fun and effective way to introduce young learners to science, engineering, and
problem-solving. Pairing movies with hands-on STEM challenges ensures students actively engage,
create, and innovate!
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10. THANK YOU
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