problem solving activity for high school students

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Problem-Solving Activities for High School Students

Table of contents:.

Problem-solving activities are a great way to engage high school students in critical thinking. These activities can range from simple puzzles and games to complex group projects and challenges. They help students develop important skills such as communication, creativity, and decision-making. By participating in problem-solving activities, high school students can learn to approach problems in a structured and systematic way and to work effectively with others to find solutions.

The Importance of Problem-Solving Activities for High School Students

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for high school students to develop because it prepares them for the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives. By engaging kids in problem-solving activities as early as possible, they learn to approach problems in a structured and systematic way and to work effectively with others to find solutions.

The benefits of problem-solving activities for high school students are numerous. These activities help students develop critical thinking skills , which are essential for making informed decisions and solving complex problems. Group problem-solving activities also promote engagement and collaboration, as students work together to find solutions to challenges. By participating in problem-solving activities, high school students can improve their decision-making abilities and become more confident and independent thinkers.

Ideas for Problem-Solving Activities

Here is a list of different types of problem-solving activities that teachers and schools can use to promote problem-solving, collaboration, creative and critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills among students:

• Escape room puzzle challenges: These challenges involve students working together to solve a series of puzzles in order to “escape” from a simulated scenario.
• Brainstorming sessions: In these sessions, students work together to generate ideas and solutions to a given problem.
• Debates: Debates involve students arguing for or against a given topic. This activity promotes communication and decision-making.
• Role-play simulations: In these simulations, students take on different roles and work together to solve a simulated problem.
• Creative problem-solving tasks: These tasks involve students using their creativity to find solutions to problems.
• Collaborative project-based learning: In this approach, students work together on a project that involves solving a complex problem.

Another way to develop problem-solving skills is by using technology . However, it remains important to be aware of the negative influences of technology on child development. Therefore, it’s crucial to set some rules for technology at home . You can also use a parental control app like Safes to protect your child from online harm. With features like app monitoring and web filter, you can monitor their app and internet usage. You can download Safes for iOS , Android , Windows , and MacOS .

Tips for Teachers and Schools

Here are some tips on how teachers and schools can use problem-solving activities effectively to promote high school students’ problem-solving skills:

• Encourage teamwork: Problem-solving activities are most effective when students work together to find solutions. Teachers can encourage collaboration by assigning students to work in groups and by providing opportunities for students to share their ideas and solutions with one another.
• Offer feedback and encouragement: Teachers can help students develop their problem-solving skills by providing feedback on their performance and by offering encouragement and support. This can help students feel more confident in their abilities and more motivated to continue improving.
• Use real-world problems and scenarios: Problem-solving activities are most engaging when they involve real-world problems and scenarios that students can relate to. Teachers can incorporate current events, local issues, or other relevant topics into their problem-solving activities to make them more meaningful and engaging for students.
• Incorporate a variety of activities to keep students engaged: To keep students engaged and motivated, teachers can incorporate a variety of different problem-solving activities into their lesson plans. This can include puzzles, games, debates, simulations, case studies, and more.

By following these tips, teachers and schools can use problem-solving activities effectively to promote high school students’ problem-solving skills. If you want to use technology but are wary of the negative effects, you can use Safes School . With the great collection of features, you can monitor what your students are doing online and even block inappropriate content.

In summary, problem-solving skills are crucial for high school students to develop as they prepare for academic and professional success. By engaging in problem-solving activities students can improve their critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Teachers and schools can effectively promote problem-solving skills among their students by incorporating these activities into their curriculum. By doing so, they can help prepare their students for the challenges they will face in college and in the workforce.

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10 Problem Solving Activities for High School Students

Published on march 15, 2017 at 12:01 am by ethan jacobs in lists , news.

Why should we care about problem solving activities for high school students ?  What’s the fastest way to get to and from work? How can I complete a task more efficiently? What should I have for lunch today? No matter the size, scale, or ramifications, we all encounter scenarios every day that require the very best of our decision-making abilities. The approaches that we employ to solve these problems can be every bit as diverse as the problems themselves.

Sometimes we crowdsource, other times we decide using trial and error, and in a pinch, we solicit the unerring wisdom of Siri. What happens though, when there simply is no collection of experts to whom we can appeal and we’re devoid of the familiar technology that helps make our decisions for us? Computers do an excellent job of automating processes, but are incapable of the initial pattern recognition required to identify the most efficient solution available. What’s more, in a time crunch, trial and error won’t stand you in good stead; you’ll have to decide in an instant. This need for self-reliance in decision-making scenarios makes critical thinking, the ability to use facts, knowledge and data to successfully solve problems,​ absolutely indispensable. This is further reflected by the ​ recent trend​  of rapid growth in demand across industries that seek talent with considerable problem-solving abilities, as well as the increased use of problem solving activities ​in the workplace​ to continue employee development.

Marijus Auruskevicius/Shutterstock.com

In order to best set the next generation up for success in this regard, it’s critical to begin fostering these skills from an early age. Beginning in high school or earlier, problem solving enables students to apply what they’ve learned as opposed to merely recalling information that they have been spoonfed, equipping them with an arsenal of tools and approaches to tackle issues that may have previously seemed uni-dimensional. This ability, in turn, transforms the rigors of academic learning into that something that’s applicable at a professional level, simultaneously silencing the familiar “when will I ever use this?” chorus to which educators have become so accustomed. Whether carried out in individual or group settings, problem solving activities help students develop critical skills such as leadership, teamwork, creativity, persistence, and incremental improvement through repetition.

And if you are looking for more brain thinking activities we have a similar read –  10 Best Team Building Problem Solving Activities .

In addition to discovering new, useful techniques with which to tackle problems, students that are immersed in problem solving endeavors learn effective ways to present their findings once all is said and done, providing them with valuable written and oral skills in addition to those included in the aforementioned list. In short, when teachers​ present students with problems and task them with finding a solution, teachers can ensure that their students are prepared for challenges that they will encounter after graduation. We searched the web looking for the best problem solving games, and took the  recommendations from various sources, such as Concordia , and  Stanford  to name a few. Here is a list of 10 problem solving activities for high school students to help them sharpen their skills.

10. Protto: Problem Lotto

Played individually, or with partners, this competitive game involves creative thinking and teaches students that problems often have more than one solution, and that sometimes one solution can be used for more multiple problems.

Overview: Students divide one sheet of paper into four quadrants by drawing one vertical and horizontal line. Each quadrant represents a problem that the students have selected from a designated list of problems. The teacher may randomly draw cards or have students draw blindly from a set of cards that have solutions printed on them. If a solution fits a problem listed in one of the students’ quadrants, they may write the solution in that quadrant. If the solution fits for more than one problem quadrant, the student may write it in each quadrant where it applies. The first student to fill out all four quadrants and shout ‘Protto!’ is the winner. The teacher serves as the games judge. And now, let’s see what else we have in our list of problem solving activities for high school students.

9.​ ​Pulling Pockets

The next one in our list of problem solving activities for high school students is played with an entire class divided into teams of equal size, this activity targets students’ ability to think quickly, cooperate, and collaborate to come up with as lengthy a list as possible. Using “pockets” (anything that can be closed, such as a bag, jar, envelope, etc.) that contain problem scenarios within them (on a slip of paper or card), teams compete by taking turns providing viable solutions to the problem contained in the pocket over a 60-second span. For example, if a pocket’s problem is “I forgot my homework,” each team, starting with the team that selected the pocket, will provide a solution to the forgotten homework problem. A panel of independent judges will decide whether a proposed solution is viable. The round ends when the 60 seconds ends or when no more new solutions can be produced.

ThefotosoloNo1/Shutterstock.com

8. Solution Bee

Played with an entire class divided into teams, this game is similar to a spelling bee with respect to its round-by-round guessing elements, and encourages students to broaden their innovative thinking capabilities. Although it certainly has elements of luck, this activity also relies heavily on creativity. One at a time, students blindly select one card from a fanned deck that the teacher is holding. On the card that the student picks will be a problem, which the teacher will read aloud, as well as a solution to that problem, which is meant to be kept secret. The competing teams will take turns guessing the ‘best’ solution to the problem read by the teacher until one side guesses the correct answer and earns a point for their team. The process is then repeated with another student selecting a new card. A follow-up discussion can be had among the students after each round about whether the written solution actually represents the best method of solving the problem.

7.​ ​Brainstorm Bonanza

This problem-solving activity that ranks 7th in our list of problem solving activities for high school students is applicable across all academic disciplines and is a great way to help students further develop their understanding of a particular topic. For example, if a literature class is discussing a book, which was not a resounding success, or was poorly-received by readers, students may brainstorm ways that the author could have created a more effective piece. The brainstorming process can take place individually or in groups, using paper or a whiteboard.

Copyright: jezper / 123RF Stock Photo

6. Group Therapy

A class can collaborate to design and decorate a locked box with a slot cut into it at the top. Into this box, students can anonymously jot down and submit problems that they may be having in their lives, be they in your class, another class, or entirely outside of school that they are having trouble solving on their own. Every now and again, a student or teacher can draw a problem slip from the box, read it to the class, and solicit suggestions from everyone. The entire class can brainstorm solutions and discuss their merit as a group.

5. Survivor Scenarios

Create an imagined circumstance that involves students working together in order to survive. One such scenario might involve being trapped in a remote area, such as a mountain range, with limited supplies and no way of communicating with the outside world. Students must prioritize the items that they have at their disposal, and discuss how they will use one another’s strengths and weaknesses to gather necessary resources and establish lodging to survive an indefinite period of isolation until help is able to arrive and rescue them. More ideas for problem solving activities for high school students are coming, just click on Next.

YUTTANA HONGTANSAWAT/Shutterstock.com

4. Moral Dilemma

We are continuing with the number 4 in our list of problem solving activities for high school students – brainstorm a number of issues with potential moral grey areas that your students might face on a day-to-day basis, jot them down and place them in some kind of container. Draw a scenario from time to time and present the issue to the students to promote brainstorming of potential solutions and discussion of solution merits. One such dilemma might involve life-saving: Two people are trapped in a car hanging on the edge of a cliff. Pulling one person from the car will cause a weight imbalance that causes the car to fall off of the edge of the cliff. You must save one person, or the car will fall and both will die. Who will you save?

Stokkete/Shutterstock.com

We are continuing our list of problem solving activities for high school students with “Amoeba” that is a straightforward activity that can serve as a trust exercise, warm-up, or group problem-solving activity. It involves movement, and is a great way of breaking the ice. Using a large rope or some form of webbing, create a loop and place it on the floor. Have all students step into the enclosed loop and pick it up at waist level so that it encloses everyone. Tell students that they may not drop the rope and must collectively move to a given point in the room. The smaller or tighter the loop, the more difficult the activity becomes, and the more teamwork is required. Obstacles can be added at the teacher’s discretion to make the activity particularly difficult. Once the activity has concluded, debriefing discussions about working as a team, considering the needs of others, and effectively communicating can be held.

2. ​ Quarto

This two-player logic game ranks second in our list of problem solving activities for high school students. It closely-resembles Connect Four, and uses a 4×4 board and 16 different pieces with no two pieces that are exactly alike. The pieces are either dark, light, tall, short, square, rounded, hollow, or solid. The objective of the game is to form a line in which all pieces have something in common (i.e. a line of all dark pieces, a line of all short pieces, etc.). The trick to this game is that there is a pick your poison element involved in that a player’s opponent has to pick the piece that the player must use on each turn, rather than the player getting to choose their own piece.

Ballda/Shutterstock.com

1. What can you do with ______?

Bring in a collection of everyday household items and select one to present to the class. Allow students to examine the item closely and determine the various functions that the item could perform, encouraging innovation, creativity and in-class discussion. Students may be given a defined period of time in which to brainstorm and write down the uses that they have thought of. For example, if a crate is brought in, students might suggest functions such as: ​carrying vessel; flower bed/ pot; chair/ seating device; book rack, etc. Points may be awarded for the most creative answers.

Kellis/Shutterstock.com

 The importance of using critical thinking skills on a day-to-day basis will only continue to grow over time.  Trying out these problem solving activities for high school students in your next class is a sure-fire way to sharpen your students’ skills in a way that’s sure to keep everyone engaged.

Slideshow List XFinance Survivor Scenarios Problem Lotto group activity Quarto critical thinking game amoeba problem solving activity activities to improve creativity Protto critical thinking exercise What can you do with this activity Group Therapy brainstorming exercise activities to improve teamwork skills Solution Bee critical thinking exercise Pulling Pockets problem solving activity Moral Dilemma critical thinking exercises Brainstorm Bonanza critical thinking activity 10 Best Team Building Problem Solving Activities brainstorming activities for high school students problem solving activities for high school students critical thinking exercises for high school students 10 Problem Solving Activities for High School Students activities to improve persistence in high school students Show more... Show less

Educationise

11 Activities That Promote Critical Thinking In The Class

52 Critical Thinking Flashcards for Problem Solving

Critical thinking activities encourage individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to develop informed opinions and make reasoned decisions. Engaging in such exercises cultivates intellectual agility, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues and honing problem-solving skills for navigating an increasingly intricate world. Through critical thinking, individuals empower themselves to challenge assumptions, uncover biases, and constructively contribute to discourse, thereby enriching both personal growth and societal progress.

Critical thinking serves as the cornerstone of effective problem-solving, enabling individuals to dissect challenges, explore diverse perspectives, and devise innovative solutions grounded in logic and evidence. For engaging problem solving activities, read our article problem solving activities that enhance student’s interest.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a 21st-century skill that enables a person to think rationally and logically in order to reach a plausible conclusion. A critical thinker assesses facts and figures and data objectively and determines what to believe and what not to believe. Critical thinking skills empower a person to decipher complex problems and make impartial and better decisions based on effective information.

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Critical thinking skills cultivate habits of mind such as strategic thinking, skepticism, discerning fallacy from the facts, asking good questions and probing deep into the issues to find the truth.

Importance of Acquiring Critical Thinking Skills

Acquiring critical thinking skills was never as valuable as it is today because of the prevalence of the modern knowledge economy. Today, information and technology are the driving forces behind the global economy. To keep pace with ever-changing technology and new inventions, one has to be flexible enough to embrace changes swiftly.

Read our article: How to Foster Critical Thinking Skills in Students? Creative Strategies and Real-World Examples

Today critical thinking skills are one of the most sought-after skills by the companies. In fact, critical thinking skills are paramount not only for active learning and academic achievement but also for the professional career of the students. The lack of critical thinking skills catalyzes memorization of the topics without a deeper insight, egocentrism, closed-mindedness, reduced student interest in the classroom and not being able to make timely and better decisions.

Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills in Education

Certain strategies are more eloquent than others in teaching students how to think critically. Encouraging critical thinking in the class is indispensable for the learning and growth of the students. In this way, we can raise a generation of innovators and thinkers rather than followers. Some of the benefits offered by thinking critically in the classroom are given below:

• It allows a student to decipher problems and think through the situations in a disciplined and systematic manner
• Through a critical thinking ability, a student can comprehend the logical correlation between distinct ideas
• The student is able to rethink and re-justify his beliefs and ideas based on facts and figures
• Critical thinking skills make the students curious about things around them
• A student who is a critical thinker is creative and always strives to come up with out of the box solutions to intricate problems
• Critical thinking skills assist in the enhanced student learning experience in the classroom and prepares the students for lifelong learning and success
• The critical thinking process is the foundation of new discoveries and inventions in the world of science and technology
• The ability to think critically allows the students to think intellectually and enhances their presentation skills, hence they can convey their ideas and thoughts in a logical and convincing manner
• Critical thinking skills make students a terrific communicator because they have logical reasons behind their ideas

Critical Thinking Lessons and Activities

11 Activities that Promote Critical Thinking in the Class

We have compiled a list of 11 activities that will facilitate you to promote critical thinking abilities in the students. We have also covered problem solving activities that enhance student’s interest in our another article. Click here to read it.

1. Worst Case Scenario

Divide students into teams and introduce each team with a hypothetical challenging scenario. Allocate minimum resources and time to each team and ask them to reach a viable conclusion using those resources. The scenarios can include situations like stranded on an island or stuck in a forest. Students will come up with creative solutions to come out from the imaginary problematic situation they are encountering. Besides encouraging students to think critically, this activity will enhance teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills of the students.

Read our article: 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

2. If You Build It

It is a very flexible game that allows students to think creatively. To start this activity, divide students into groups. Give each group a limited amount of resources such as pipe cleaners, blocks, and marshmallows etc. Every group is supposed to use these resources and construct a certain item such as building, tower or a bridge in a limited time. You can use a variety of materials in the classroom to challenge the students. This activity is helpful in promoting teamwork and creative skills among the students.

It is also one of the classics which can be used in the classroom to encourage critical thinking. Print pictures of objects, animals or concepts and start by telling a unique story about the printed picture. The next student is supposed to continue the story and pass the picture to the other student and so on.

4. Keeping it Real

In this activity, you can ask students to identify a real-world problem in their schools, community or city. After the problem is recognized, students should work in teams to come up with the best possible outcome of that problem.

5. Save the Egg

Make groups of three or four in the class. Ask them to drop an egg from a certain height and think of creative ideas to save the egg from breaking. Students can come up with diverse ideas to conserve the egg like a soft-landing material or any other device. Remember that this activity can get chaotic, so select the area in the school that can be cleaned easily afterward and where there are no chances of damaging the school property.

6. Start a Debate

In this activity, the teacher can act as a facilitator and spark an interesting conversation in the class on any given topic. Give a small introductory speech on an open-ended topic. The topic can be related to current affairs, technological development or a new discovery in the field of science. Encourage students to participate in the debate by expressing their views and ideas on the topic. Conclude the debate with a viable solution or fresh ideas generated during the activity through brainstorming.

7. Create and Invent

This project-based learning activity is best for teaching in the engineering class. Divide students into groups. Present a problem to the students and ask them to build a model or simulate a product using computer animations or graphics that will solve the problem. After students are done with building models, each group is supposed to explain their proposed product to the rest of the class. The primary objective of this activity is to promote creative thinking and problem-solving skills among the students.

8. Select from Alternatives

This activity can be used in computer science, engineering or any of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes. Introduce a variety of alternatives such as different formulas for solving the same problem, different computer codes, product designs or distinct explanations of the same topic.

Form groups in the class and ask them to select the best alternative. Each group will then explain its chosen alternative to the rest of the class with reasonable justification of its preference. During the process, the rest of the class can participate by asking questions from the group. This activity is very helpful in nurturing logical thinking and analytical skills among the students.

9. Reading and Critiquing

Present an article from a journal related to any topic that you are teaching. Ask the students to read the article critically and evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the article. Students can write about what they think about the article, any misleading statement or biases of the author and critique it by using their own judgments.

In this way, students can challenge the fallacies and rationality of judgments in the article. Hence, they can use their own thinking to come up with novel ideas pertaining to the topic.

10. Think Pair Share

In this activity, students will come up with their own questions. Make pairs or groups in the class and ask the students to discuss the questions together. The activity will be useful if the teacher gives students a topic on which the question should be based.

For example, if the teacher is teaching biology, the questions of the students can be based on reverse osmosis, human heart, respiratory system and so on. This activity drives student engagement and supports higher-order thinking skills among students.

11. Big Paper – Silent Conversation

Silence is a great way to slow down thinking and promote deep reflection on any subject. Present a driving question to the students and divide them into groups. The students will discuss the question with their teammates and brainstorm their ideas on a big paper. After reflection and discussion, students can write their findings in silence. This is a great learning activity for students who are introverts and love to ruminate silently rather than thinking aloud.

Read our next article: 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

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22 Cognitive Activities For High Schoolers

May 31, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Stimulate critical thinking with a variety of cognitive activities that have been specifically designed for high school students. These activities are designed to enhance problem-solving and creative thinking skills, all while making learning enjoyable. Let’s dive right in and discover 22 creative cognitive activities that will engage and challenge your high school students!

1. Socratic Seminars

Encourage deep thinking and discussion by conducting Socratic seminars where you engage your students in thoughtful dialogue on a given topic; getting them to share their perspectives and support their arguments with evidence.

Learn More: We Are Teachers

2. Case Studies

Why not get your learners to analyze real-life scenarios or case studies so they apply their knowledge to solve complex problems, foster critical thinking, and develop strong decision-making skills.

Learn More: CRPE

3. Debate Club

Organize a debate club where students will have opportunities to research and debate various topics; allowing them to develop persuasive arguments, analyze different perspectives, and enhance their communication skills.

Learn More: Love to Know

4. Scientific Investigations

Take a deep dive into the world of scientific discovery with a host of investigations! Engage your students in scientific investigations that require hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. In doing so, you’ll be promoting critical thinking as well as scientific reasoning!

Learn More: Science Buddies

5. Design Thinking Challenges

Did someone say STEM challenges? Challenge your students to engage in design thinking challenges that require them to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and prototype innovative ideas; fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Learn More: STEM Activities for Kids

6. Current Events Analysis

Assign students to analyze and critically evaluate current events articles, encouraging them to examine multiple sources, consider different viewpoints, and form informed opinions.

Learn More: The Learning Network

7. Mind Mapping

Introduce mind mapping as a visual tool for organizing and connecting ideas, allowing students to enhance their critical thinking, note-taking, and information synthesis skills. This skill is sure to prove helpful when it comes to learning new content and revising like a pro!

Learn More: Ayoa

8. Logic Puzzles

Provide logic puzzles such as Sudoku, crosswords, or jigsaw puzzles that challenge students’ deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities, encouraging them to think analytically and develop strategies to arrive at solutions.

Learn More: Fun With Puzzles

9. Data Interpretation

Engage students in activities that involve interpreting and analyzing data sets, graphs, and charts, helping them develop essential skills in data analysis and drawing conclusions.

Learn More: Question Pro

10. Research Projects

Assign research projects that require students to conduct independent investigations, analyze data, and present their findings, to the class fostering critical thinking, information literacy, and research skills.

Learn More: College Essay Guy

11. Ethical Dilemma Discussions

Present ethical dilemmas for students to discuss and debate, encouraging them to consider different perspectives, make informed judgments, and articulate their reasoning. Furthermore, by engaging in this activity, learners will be prompted to consider their very own moral compass and hopefully be more inclined to act in an ethical manner.

Learn More: Prezi

12. Creative Writing Prompts

Here’s a cognitive activity that’s perfect for integration into your next English class!  Provide creative writing prompts that challenge students to think imaginatively, develop complex storylines, and craft compelling narratives, promoting creative thinking and storytelling skills.

Learn More: Elite Writings

13. Problem-Based Learning

Implement problem-based learning activities that present authentic, open-ended problems for students to solve collaboratively, allowing them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Learn More: Forbes

14. Virtual Simulations

This activity is perfect for learners who are more technologically inclined and enjoy working online. Utilize virtual simulations or educational games that immerse students in simulated real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a virtual environment.

Learn More: Labster

15. Philosophy Discussions

Engage your students in philosophical discussions by exploring thought-provoking questions, encouraging them to analyze and evaluate different philosophical perspectives.

Learn More: Teaching Times

16. Literature Analysis

Assign literature analysis tasks that require students to critically analyze and interpret literary works, examining themes, symbolism, character development, and authorial intent.

Learn More: Edutopia

17. Coding Challenges

Calling all coding boffins! Introduce coding challenges that require students to think logically, problem-solve, and debug code, fostering computational thinking and algorithmic reasoning skills.

Learn More: Create & Learn

18. Historical Simulations

Engage students in historical simulations that recreate historical events or periods, allowing them to analyze multiple perspectives and understand the complexity of historical contexts.

Learn More: History Simulation

19. Media Literacy Analysis

Guide students in critically analyzing media content; helping them understand biases, evaluate sources, and develop critical media literacy skills. They can explore media texts such as advertisements, news articles, or films.

Learn More: Study.com

20. Problem-Solving through Robotics

Integrate robotics activities into Engineering spheres and have your learners design and program robots to solve specific challenges; promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills.

Learn More: The Edvocate

21. Philosophical Debates

Philosophy is one of the time-honored subjects in the debating realm! So, why not organize philosophical debates where students engage in thought-provoking discussions on philosophical concepts and ethical dilemmas?

Learn More: Owlcation

22. Collaborative Research Presentations

Assign group research projects where students collaborate to research, analyze data, and create presentations, developing their critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills.

Learn More: Granite State College

15 Problem-Solving Activities for Kids & Teens: Critical Thinking

What is one of the most important skills all students must learn? Is it math or coding? Reading? Writing? While all these skills are indeed vital to success, the one skill that underlines all disciplines is problem solving. All lines of work need great problem solvers to find tomorrow’s solutions, and students of any age can be honing their problem-solving skills. Check out some of these fun problem-solving activities for kids and teens below!

Problem-solving activities for elementary school kids (ages 5-10)

From traditional paper-and-pencil activities to online tools, below are some great activities for kids ages 5-10.

1. Coding Courses for Kids

It’s never too early to start learning the foundational concepts of computer programming! There are a number of courses appropriate for young students to start building their problem solving skills, including the award-winning Scratch Ninja course . For the uninitiated, Scratch is a user-friendly colorful drag-and-drop coding tool developed by MIT for making awesome games and animations while learning important coding logic. Or, for students who are visual learners, try a Minecraft Redstone Engineering course to find out how to build awesome inventions! There are many free coding classes to start with, to find your child's interests.

2. Tower Building

Turns out that kindergartners might be better engineers than grownups (at least according to this experiment)! The challenge was as follows: given 20 pieces of spaghetti, a yard of tape, and a yard of string, build the tallest possible tower that can support 1 marshmallow on top. After various groups of people tried it from Stanford and other universities, kindergartners ended up beating them for creating the tallest tower. Challenge your student to see how tall they can make their tower too!

3. Crosswords

Whether taken out of the newspaper or off of the web, crosswords are a useful logic puzzle for kids to work on. Crosswords encourage students to use context clues, as well as their reasoning skills by eliminating possible options as they progress. Plus, it’s easy to vary the difficulty of the puzzles, as well as find fun, themed crosswords for different holidays! There's even a Thanksgiving crossword for your student to try.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

There’s nothing like a good, ole’ fashioned puzzle to challenge the mind. Each person takes a different approach to puzzle solving, whether they organize their pieces first, find all the corners, or do something totally different. Exploring different strategies for solving puzzles is an effective introduction to independently creating strategies for problem solving. This is a solid choice for students who are visual learners.

An age-old classic, LEGOs are a fantastic way to combine creative skills with problem solving. Students need to follow sequential steps and visualize to create their LEGO designs. It’s even better when students go beyond the kit instructions to create their own LEGO build, as students will have to learn to utilize limited resources while coming up with a structured plan for designing their idea. LEGO Mindstorms is a popular starting point.

Problem-solving activities for middle school tweens (ages 11-13)

Middle schoolers (ages 11-13) will want to be challenged more with their activities, and these are some effective activities for encouraging growth.

6. Middle School Coding Courses

By the time they reach middle school, students will be ready to take on more advanced coding concepts, regardless of their prior coding experience. For those who have no prior coding experience, the Accelerated Scratch course is an excellent option, as it will introduce students to basic coding concepts while allowing them to make their games and animations. Students with some prior coding experience may want to try the Minecraft Code to Mod course, builds upon basic coding concepts like loops, conditionals, and more while building students' creativity and critical thinking.

7. Birthday Ordering

An activity commonly done at summer camps, the silent birthday lineup is an excellent problem-solving activity for groups. The goal is for students to line up in chronological order based on their birthdays, without talking at all. Working in total science requires students to think outside the box to accomplish their goal, and to prioritize teamwork. Try timing the students to see how quickly they can get it done, then let them reflect on the activity afterwards to see what strategies worked and what didn’t.

8. Event Planning

Have students plan their own event, like a fundraiser, a social, or a competition for their coding club . This will require students to collaborate by delegating tasks, coordinating supplies, budgeting, and more. Even planning something as simple as a pizza party still requires some logistical planning, and students will benefit from struggling through the process. Plus, they can get to enjoy the results of their work when the event finally arrives!

Arduino circuit boards are an excellent choice for children interested in engineering. Because Arduino is widely-popular, there are countless tutorials demonstrating its capabilities, such as creating a controller, custom RGB lighting, robotics, or more. Once students learn the basics, they can use Arduino boards to come up with creative solutions to their own problems. This is an excellent idea for highly-motivated kids who like to work by themselves.

Sudoku is an excellent number puzzle and a great problem-solving exercise. It requires students to evaluate multiple possible options as they try to fill in the puzzles, so students need to be able to create an organized approach to be successful. There are various difficulty levels for sudoku, so students can start easy, then advance as they become proficient at solving the puzzles.

Problem-solving activities for high school teens (ages 14+)

High school (14+) is a good time to incorporate group work into the activities, as students will need to learn to work collaboratively for their future in college and beyond.

11. Coding for Teens

Once reaching high school age, students are ready to tackle the complexities of text-based coding. This is where students can focus on their interests, whether it be web design , AI, app design , and more. Create & Learn’s Python for AI course is a good option, as Python is one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. Students interested in game design might try the Roblox Studio course , which teaches students how to program their own Roblox games (or try the Beginner Roblox Game Coding course if they have limited previous coding experience.)

12. Robotics Club

Many different school programs offer robotics teams and robotics competitions , using tools such as VEX robotics . Robotics is a great way to combine computer science, mechanical engineering, and problem-solving skills. If there is no robotics team at your student’s school, consider trying a robotics kit such as the Makeblock mBot Ranger .

13. Egg Drop

This classic experiment is a lot of fun for students, and makes for a good competition as well. Students must build some sort of structure that will prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height (like the top of a staircase). It works best when students are restricted with the resources they can use; for instance, define a “ budget ” for parts that they can’t exceed, or give everyone the same materials to work with .

14. Debate Club

Whether deciding public policy or the best ice cream place in town, having the ability to engage in meaningful debate is critical. Debate forces students to self-analyze, listen, and think critically before making decisions. These skills benefit students’ futures by making them strong, independent thinkers. Check out these speech and debate competitions . And here are some tips for starting a debate club .

15. Science Fair

Science fairs pose an excellent opportunity for exploring the scientific method, both through creating personal projects and checking out other students’ presentations. By encouraging students to come up with their own projects, they must identify some question or problem and find a way to solve it. This can be the most challenging kind of problem-solving, as it requires the student to take initiative in finding their own ideas, but also can be the most rewarding. Try the Google Science Fair Competition .

Enjoy problem-solving activities for kids

And there you have it: problem-solving activities for students from elementary through high school age. Of course, there are many more ways to build critical-thinking abilities like problem-solving. For more ideas, check this list of awesome after-school enrichment activities !

Written by Create & Learn instructor Dominic Occhietti. Dominic is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he studied music performance and computer science. He thoroughly enjoys teaching, whether that be coding classes, French horn lessons, or even downhill skiing lessons!

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Kami Blog > Engaging Activities for High School Students

Inspiration

Engaging activities for high school students.

Student engagement strategies and active learning are key to learners bringing their best selves to the classroom. It’s important to use diverse fun activities in your lesson plan to maintain active learning. We’re here to help you make sure you don’t run out of ideas. Check out our engaging activities for high school students:

Here are 5 icebreakers to start the lesson

Have a daily riddle that the class solves before the lesson starts. They can break into small groups to brainstorm or call out answers for the whiteboard. Check out a collated list here to help you with riddle ideas.

Foster the habit of writing by giving a visual stimulus, such as an interesting photo, and asking your students to write something about it. Use this image generator to inspire the entire class and give them specific parameters about what you want to explore. Do this every day to develop their writing skills.

3. Discussion

Add all the questions you want to cover with your students to this editable spin wheel and give it a spin to start the class discussion.

4. Flash fiction

Flash fiction is about broad storytelling. Give your students a challenge to write a 6-word story. They can use any topic but stick to the parameters to introduce an idea, plot, and character. There are some fantastic examples here to get those creative juices flowing.

5. Human knot

This is a physical and fun activity to develop problem-solving skills. Ask the students to stand in a circle and join hands with two random people in the circle. This creates a human knot, and the goal is to untangle it. Make it competitive with larger groups by dividing students into smaller groups or pairs and seeing who can get untangled the fastest using those critical thinking skills!

10 Classroom activities to engage students

Now that everyone has warmed up review the below teaching strategies to spice up some learning activities with these ideas.

1. Host a Jeopardy quiz!

If you’re a fan of the tv show then put that fandom to good use and host a quiz on the topic you’re studying. This activity is ideal for when high school students need to get ready for a big test. Studies have shown that students that are quizzed are more successful. They can revise with index cards so they are really familiar with the topic beforehand. Divide the class up into two teams and draw a Jeopardy-style game on the board with titles based on the topics that will be covered in the test and quiz. Just like in the television show, each category should have points for each level of question. Keep it simple with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-point question levels. Give each team a buzzer from a board game or a bell for answering. The teams should consult with each other before buzzing in with an answer.

2. Play Guess Who

Learning who is who from history can get overwhelming so use this teaching strategy to help. Put those problem-solving skills to good use in history class (or others!). Describe a time, place, or person from history with only three clues. The entire class has to try to figure out who or what you are referring to, then race to the whiteboard to write the answer. The students can use their history books or clues around the room if they need to.

3. Journalling

Develop creative writing skills by asking each student to write a journal entry from someone else’s perspective. There are many famous diarists who provide key insight into life through history. You could allocate a different diary entry for each student and then ask them to read it in front of the class. For example, if studying the civil war you could allocate students to write as if they were soldiers, civilians, politicians, etc.

4. Entry tickets …and exit tickets

Put a stack of index cards next to your classroom door and write a question on the board. When your students come into class, hand out index cards, write down an answer to the question and hand it in —as their “entry ticket” to class.

The question should be something related to the day’s lesson, like “after last night’s homework assignment, what do you think about X?” or “after studying the material for today’s class, what are some areas you still need clarification on?”

Not only does this activity get your students engaged and interacting from the minute they walk into the classroom, but it also gives you valuable insights you can use to guide the day’s lesson plan.

When your students are getting ready to leave for the day, have them do the same thing—just with exit tickets (use Kami’s templates).

The same concept applies. Ask them a question about the day’s lesson, any questions they might have, or overall feedback—then collect their ticket before they head home. Reviewing their exit tickets will help you figure out where to adjust your lesson plan for the following day.

5. Brainstorming

Group brainstorming sessions are a great way to bring your students together to engage with whatever they’re learning. Instead of thinking about the topic alone at their desk, they get to expand their ideas with other students in small groups, which will help them be more engaged and gain a new perspective on the lesson. This is a fun way to develop helpful skills for high school students, especially around class discussion. Use Kami’s brainstorming worksheets for this activity idea.

6. Debate-style activity

Most students will have a view of what you’re learning. Use this to your advantage and create a school activity of debating the merits or detractions of whatever you are learning about. This is a good way to engage critical thinking skills as the best debaters will anticipate what the other person might say and be prepared. Get them to write down their main points on pieces of paper ahead so they can practice and be prepared for the debate. This can be done in front of the whole class and you can change the debaters each week.

7. Thumbs up / thumbs down

Thumbs up / thumbs down is a hands-on fun way to monitor if your students are following a story. Tell students to put their thumbs up if they agree with a statement or to put their thumbs down if they disagree. When students have a low energy level (maybe right after lunch?) Stand Up/Sit Down may be a better alternative.

8. Create a video lesson plan

Social media is a part of students’ lives, and those skills in making videos can be really helpful. Flip the tables and ask the students to put together a lesson on the specific topic. Ask the students to put together a video, and perhaps instigate a challenge to include certain vocabulary words you’re written on the whiteboard. This is a fun hands-on activity that could produce some great learning resources.

9. Think pair share

Think pair share can be used for a variety of topics; math problems, science processes, and reading. If you ask an open-ended question ask the students to think about it, then put them into small groups and let them discuss. Then ask all the students to contribute to the classroom discussion and share their thoughts in front of the class.

10. Roll the dice

High school students really respond to their learning when they feel engaged and part of it. Why not write down all the activities that you might have planned and number them? Then ask a student to roll the dice. Whatever number they roll is the activity you do for that lesson. You provide students with some potential impact on how they learn.

Student engagement strategies are a fun way to get the students learning and keep them engaged as their attention span might wane through the day (as might yours). It’s great to have lots of varied ways to engage the brain, body, and spirit. Please let us know on socials how you get on!

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Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to get students prepped and ready to solve real problems in real life scenarios. Whether in school, work or in their social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and then prepare a workable solution is one of the most valuable skills one can acquire in life.

Educating your students about problem solving skills from an early age in school can be facilitated through classroom problem solving activities. Such endeavors encourage cognitive as well as social development, and can equip students with the tools they’ll need to address and solve problems throughout the rest of their lives. Here are five classroom problem solving activities your students are sure to benefit from as well as enjoy doing:

1. Brainstorm bonanza

Having your students create lists related to whatever you are currently studying can be a great way to help them to enrich their understanding of a topic while learning to problem-solve. For example, if you are studying a historical, current or fictional event that did not turn out favorably, have your students brainstorm ways that the protagonist or participants could have created a different, more positive outcome. They can brainstorm on paper individually or on a chalkboard or white board in front of the class.

2. Problem-solving as a group

Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box “The Problem-Solving Box.” Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can’t seem to figure out on their own. Once or twice a week, have a student draw one of the items from the box and read it aloud. Then have the class as a group figure out the ideal way the student can address the issue and hopefully solve it.

3. Clue me in

This fun detective game encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and cognitive development. Collect a number of items that are associated with a specific profession, social trend, place, public figure, historical event, animal, etc. Assemble actual items (or pictures of items) that are commonly associated with the target answer. Place them all in a bag (five-10 clues should be sufficient.) Then have a student reach into the bag and one by one pull out clues. Choose a minimum number of clues they must draw out before making their first guess (two- three). After this, the student must venture a guess after each clue pulled until they guess correctly. See how quickly the student is able to solve the riddle.

4. Survivor scenarios

Create a pretend scenario for students that requires them to think creatively to make it through. An example might be getting stranded on an island, knowing that help will not arrive for three days. The group has a limited amount of food and water and must create shelter from items around the island. Encourage working together as a group and hearing out every child that has an idea about how to make it through the three days as safely and comfortably as possible.

5. Moral dilemma

Create a number of possible moral dilemmas your students might encounter in life, write them down, and place each item folded up in a bowl or bag. Some of the items might include things like, “I saw a good friend of mine shoplifting. What should I do?” or “The cashier gave me an extra $1.50 in change after I bought candy at the store. What should I do?” Have each student draw an item from the bag one by one, read it aloud, then tell the class their answer on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

Classroom problem solving activities need not be dull and routine. Ideally, the problem solving activities you give your students will engage their senses and be genuinely fun to do. The activities and lessons learned will leave an impression on each child, increasing the likelihood that they will take the lesson forward into their everyday lives.

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16 Powerful STEM Activities for High School Students

By: Author Charlene Hess

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

You might think that STEM activities for high school students are difficult to come by, but if you’re willing to look a little deeper, there are plenty of fun STEM activities and projects for you to choose from.

Is your teen interested in STEM and looking for ways to explore, experiment, and build at home?

You don’t need an engineering lab of fancy equipment to experiment with engineering and science at home. All you need are some simple materials and a little time to explore!

Trust me – you definitely want to engage your teens in STEM lesson plans. Or perhaps even a full-on STEM curriculum . Let’s take a look at the activities I love to use!

Scientific Method Worksheets – Free Download

Before you move on, we’ve got some free scientific method worksheets for you to download and enjoy. These printable worksheets are useful for any science experiment, science project, STEM challenge, or STEM projects your students might be engaging in.

Turn every science project and STEAM activity into a thought-provoking STEM challenge. Plus give left brain and right brain kiddos alike a chance to utilize their strengths and improve their weaknesses. Get yours now!

Fun and Educational STEM Activities for High School Students

Here are some excellent STEM activities for high school students that you can try today.

And of course they are appropriate for mature middle school students as well, should you so choose.

1. DIY Electric Pencil Sharpener

Learn how to build your own electric pencil sharpener with this project kit from KiwiCo. Designed for ages 12 and up, this design kit comes with everything you need to construct the core, add the battery, and wire your sharpener up.

Put your engineering skills to the test and create something you’ll really use – an electric pencil sharpener of your own design!

With step-by-step instructions, you can construct the core, power it up, and wire everything together.

Then explore how far technology has come – from exploring the story behind its invention to discovering fascinating features like limit switches which automatically turn on when they sense that a pencil is in place! Unleash all your creative potential with this fun project.

You can get the Electric Pencil Sharpener project kit from KiwiCo by clicking this link.

Want to learn more about KiwiCo? Check out this article.

2. Homemade Archery Bow

Does your teen love Hunger Games or Lord of the Rings ? If so, there is a good chance they’re interested in archery.  

With a half-inch PVC pipe, an inexpensive heat gun, a handsaw, and some polypropylene string, you and your teen have all the craft supplies you need to make a fully-functional bow at home. You will plan out the shape and grip, measure, and cut. In about an hour, your child will have a light-weight, custom-built archery bow.

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• Included :1 * Bow, 9 * Safety Fiberglass Arrows, 4 * Target Faces Paper, 1 * Arm Guard, 1 * Arrows Quiver, 1* Pin Sight , 1* User Manua

Of course, you’ll also want to have a conversation about archery safety and boundaries for use. But there’s no doubt your young engineer will get a kick out of the project.

You can find full information on how to make a homemade bow out of PVC pipe here. This is a wonderful STEM challenge that teens and educators alike will remember for years.

3. Multi-Colored Fire

Have your high schoolers ever made multi-colored fire? Teenagers love fire and what better way to allow them to combine adventure with education than by enjoying a multi-colored flames science experiment?

In this dragon-themed STEM activity, high schoolers will get to experiment with various chemical elements as they determine what color of flame each element will create. This science activity opens up a fun discussion on chemical reactions, physical reactions, and of course, fire.

Learn more about this fun dragon fire science experiment now! Trust me – this will be a STEM activity your high schoolers will not soon forget.

4. Aquaponics Project

If your high school student is interested in biology and the environment, consider helping them build a miniature ecosystem at home.

Aquaponics combines a hydroponic indoor garden with a fish aquarium. This is a wonderful STEM activity for high school students, combining tech, engineering, and earth science which of course makes it one of the best real-world science activities on this list.

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• Siphon Oxygen Supply & Thermostat Equipped: The tank comes equipped with a siphon system and a water level at the top of the tank keeps the water in a tidal-like fluctuation which not only keeps the plants roots immersed, but also keeps them regularly oxygenated; A natural oxygen supply circles every 2 minutes, offering your lovely fish a more natural existence; The included thermometer reads water temperature instantly, helping maintain a constant comfortable environment
• Self-Cleaning Function: The hydroponic system helps make dirty water clean; The mini pump draws dirty water into the tray on the top, the fish waste in the water is converted into plant fertilizer, and then the filtered clean water is returned into the tank for the fish
• Suitable for Various Hydroponic Plants: Our VIVOSUN fish tank aquarium is suitable for use with over 150 hydroponic vegetables and plants, like green dill, asparagus, pocket coconut, mint, basil, and rosemary, to name a few; A great gift for foodies and aquaponic grow lovers
• Value Pack Includes Compatible Aquarium Heater and More: The complete pack includes 1x fish tank, 1x transparent tube, 1x aquarium cover, 1x siphon cover, 1x connecting adaptor, 1x flow pump, 1x pack of ceramsite, 1x pack of white stones, 1x additional thermostat, and 1x color manual; Suitable for the VIVOSUN 50W submersible heater which can provide consistent heating for your aquatic creatures

To begin, you and your student will plan together what fish and plants will thrive in the space available. Next, you assemble the main components: a tank, pump and filter system, grow-bed, and light. Once everything’s built, you can add plants and gilled friends.

An aquaponics project will provide both a construction activity and ongoing care and maintenance opportunities for your STEM-focused youngster.

We have plenty more information and resources on classroom aquaponics as a fun and educational science activity.

5. Soda Mentos Rocket

No matter the high schooler, they will love the idea of a little at-home combustion.

This activity is a fun, safe way to engage in rocket propulsion. Plus, they’ll learn something in the process. This STEM activity will teach your high school student about chemical reactions and physics. It lets you get outside and work with simple tools and materials.

Besides soda and a roll of Mentos mints, you will need two 2-liter bottles, a small length of PVC pipe, a single adapter, a ball valve, and some epoxy glue. The only tools are a saw and some sandpaper. You can buy everything at Lowes for less than twenty dollars.

4M Water Rocket Kit, DIY Science Space Stem Toys, For Boys & Girls Ages 8+

• Pump not included.
• Kit contains 1 plastic bottle, 4 fins (One for spare), 1 fin support, 1 bung, 1 bung connector, 1 pump connector, 1 extension plastic pipe and detailed instruction.
• Recommended for children ages 14+
• Construct your own rocket
• See how the rocket flies, Blasts over 30 feet
• Mechanics kits are innovative, inspiring and full of action
• Kit includes all required parts and instructions
• Educational kit that demonstrates a science principle

From there, you and your teen can create your two-chamber rocket setup at home. In the process, your student will learn how acidic and base elements combine to produce carbon dioxide and what happens when that gas builds up.

Be sure to make a video of the explosive results! The full step-by-step guide for this DIY soda bottle rocket STEM project is here. This is a STEM challenge that combines science experiments with engineering challenges. You could even throw in some technology if your teen was ambitious enough.

6. Edible DNA Model

High schoolers, even those with a strong interest in STEM, sometimes find genetics abstract and difficult to grasp. The terminology and rules governing DNA can seem impenetrable.

One surefire way for you to enliven DNA learning in life science is with a three-dimensional visual aid. Even better, you can construct it from your child’s favorite sweet treats and enjoy an edible science experiment .

As you may or may not remember, there are four nitrogen bases that sequence to form a unique DNA strand: Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine. They arrange according to certain rules.

Use Twizzlers (or Red Vines, if you prefer) as the phosphate backbone of the strand, and either gumdrops or colored marshmallows as the nitrogen bases. You can even have younger siblings sort the colors!

From there, using a DNA strand plan coded to the candy colors, your student forms base pairings on toothpicks. Once all the pairings are set and sequenced, you can spear them in a “ladder” formation with the Twizzlers. With one twist, you’ll have a lovely, tasty double helix DNA strand.

You can find all the DIY edible DNA project details here. Enjoy this life science STEM activity in your homeschool or in a public school setting.

7. Bath Bombs

Have your teens ever made homemade bath bombs?

This STEM experiment is great for showcasing chemistry at its finest. Work with chemical reactions, learn about citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), baking soda (NaHCO₃), and how they react when they combine (3NaHCO3 + C6H8O7 → C6H5Na3O7 + 3CO2 + 3H2O).

Learn about catalysts and why they are important. You could even take this adventure further and dive into teenaged entrepreneurship!

It’s all very complicated and extremely fascinating.

Plus when you’re done, you’ll have some fun bath bombs to enjoy! Go enjoy your own DIY bath bomb science experiment now!

8. Crystal Egg Geodes

Growing salt or Borax crystals on pipe cleaners might be too juvenile for high school teens, but have your students ever grown crystals inside of eggshells?

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This STEM activity combines the simplicity of crystal growing with the complexity and delicacy of eggs. Eggs are very fragile and your students will have to use extreme patience in order to get every scrap of the membrane off of the eggshells.

Once that is done, they will have to pay close attention to the clock so they catch their crystal egg geodes before the crystals cement the eggshells to the bottom of the jar.

This is a project that combines science, engineering, art, and even a little bit of math. Perfect for some high school STEM fun! Take a closer look at crystal egg geodes now!

9. The Science of Cookies

High school students are plenty old enough to be able to invent their very own chocolate chip recipe. This is a fun STEM activity that will really test their knowledge of chemistry, science, and baking.

But first, they must learn how each ingredient in a cookie recipe reacts with each other and how they affect an overall recipe. Learn the science of cookies with this fun STEM activity for high school students and then challenge your students to write their very own recipe.

10. Edible Stained Glass

Do your teens have a passion for art? Are you looking for a STEM activity that is appropriate for high schoolers but still easy and tons of fun? What about edible stained glass?

This is one of our favorite STEM project ideas.

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When your kids enjoy an edible stained glass STEAM activity, they will get to experiment with chemistry while making (or melting) their hard candy. They will work with geometry while making their stained glass templates and determining how much of each colored candy they will need.

Students can take this project further by researching how glass is made or the history of stained glass through time. Use this project in math class, art history class, or just as a fun, hands-on STEAM activity. Your students will love it.

Learn more about edible stained glass now.

11. Dry Ice Experiments

Let your teens experiment with dry ice! First, have your students build their own smoking dragons. This is a simple way to introduce them to the basics of dry ice.

Then, when they’ve mastered that (which should be simple at this age), let them see if they can make a contraption that blows bubbles out of dry ice. This is a STEM fun activity your high school students are not likely to forget. Go read more about smoking dragons and dry ice experiments now.

12. Dragon Paper Airplanes

Can your students take a regular paper airplane concept and transform it into a dragon-shaped piece of origami that flies? High school students will enjoy making dragon paper airplanes and learning the history of this Japanese art form.

POWERUP 4.0 The Next-Generation Smartphone RC Controlled Paper Airplane Kit. Easy to Fly with Autopilot & Gyro Stabilizer. For Hobbyists, Pilots, Tinkerers. STEM Ready with DIY Modular Kit

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Take the learning even further by having your teens get into some data statistics, graphing, and charting. They can even experiment with making graphs and charts in a computer software such as Excel or something similar and you’ve got a full-on high school-appropriate STEM activity on your hands!

13. Regrowing Kitchen Scraps

This activity focuses on regrowing food from kitchen scraps. Your teens will be able to learn about sexual vs asexual reproduction in plants. Did you know there are several kinds of asexual reproduction? What method do onions and lettuce plants follow?

Your teens will be able to tell you all about the 4 methods of plant reproduction by the end of this earth science activity. Plus they’ll have some applicable life skills that will keep them in delicious and healthy food for the rest of their lives! It’s a win-win! Go learn more about regrowing food from kitchen scraps now .

14. Paper Mache Dragons

Have you ever made paper mache with your students? Making paper mache is a great example of a fun STEM project idea for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike.

Kids can learn to think like an engineer while also solving a multitude of problems and getting very messy. This is a multi-day project, making it perfect for older students such as middle schoolers and high schoolers.

Go learn how to make your very own paper mache dragon now!

15. DIY Composting Bin

Composting is a great way to reduce your waste and help the environment.

Did you know that you can do a composting STEM project with your teenager? It’s easy, and it’s a fun way to learn about science and recycling.

These DIY composting bin instructions will walk you and your students through the science behind a compost bin, how to build a successful composting bin, and how to keep the learning going for many weeks and months to come! This is a STEM project your high school won’t soon forget.

16. Saltwater Electrical Current

This one requires closer supervision, but it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about electrical currents.

For this activity, you need a light bulb and socket, plus some four pieces of insulated copper wire. You can find these at any hardware store. Most of the other items are probably already in your house: a plastic food storage tub, popsicle sticks, aluminum foil, a 9V battery, and electrical tape.

Attach a wire to each diode on the battery and each screw on the socket. Connect one diode wire to one screw, then tape the other two wires to popsicle sticks wrapped in foil. Touching these foil electrodes will close the circuit and light up the bulb.

Then, submerge the electrodes in water in the plastic tub, and add salt. Guess what? The bulb lights up!

This STEM activity will demonstrate to high school students how a closed circuit works and how sodium ions transmit electricity. Pretty cool!

Everything you need for this DIY saltwater electrical current activity is here. This activity brings problem-solving and critical thinking into the mix in addition to other STEM education lessons.

There is no need for your child to leave STEM exploration and experimentation behind when they aren’t at school. With these STEM activities for high school students, you can bring that scientific curiosity home!

The Benefits of High School STEM Activities

By doing STEM activities, students learn a number of important hard and soft skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

These activities offer more than just an opportunity to explore scientific concepts; they equip students with essential skills and attributes that are increasingly crucial in our technologically driven world.

• Hands-On Learning: STEM activities provide a hands-on approach to learning, allowing students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and experience the practical application of STEM concepts. .
• Problem-Solving Skills: STEM activities inherently involve problem-solving. Students learn to analyze complex issues, break them down into manageable components, and develop creative solutions. These skills can go a long way in helping them navigate real-world situations.
• Critical Thinking: STEM activities encourage critical thinking by fostering inquiry and exploration. Students learn to ask questions, gather and evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.
• Collaboration: STEM activities often involve teamwork . Students work together on projects, learning to communicate and collaborate with one another effectively.
• Creativity: STEM activities encourage creative thinking by challenging students to think outside the box to make their experiments work.
• Career Readiness: High school STEM activities offer a way to get kids ready for the future. Exploring STEM topics in high school will give them an edge when they enter college or the workforce.

Monthly STEM Project Ideas Sent to Your Inbox

For more fun, hands-on experiments and captivating high school STEM activities (and projects for all age groups), check out our  STEM Made Easy Digital Subscription .

Every month, carefully curated STEM activity blueprints and a collection of accompanying worksheets and resources will arrive in your inbox, helping you create fun-filled learning tasks in no time at all and ensuring you always have activities and projects lined up.

Inspire, Create, Discover: Expertly Curated STEM Projects!

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💡 Spark creativity! Get 5 curated hands-on STEM project blueprints each month 😅Stress-free, no planning required. Just gather materials and get started 📚Supplemental worksheets, games, and materials to reinforce STEM learning

More STEM Resources for High School Students

• The Ultimate Collection of STEM Activities
• Quick STEM Activities
• More STEM Activities for Teenagers
• Educational Board Games Collection
• Homeschool STEM Curriculum
• Valentine’s STEM Activities
• The Best Online STEM Classes for Kids
• The Benefits of STEM Education
• Pi Day Activities
• DIY Anemometer STEM Activity
• Ocean Zones in a Jar Project
• DIY Jack in the Box STEM Project
• STEM Night Activities
• LEGO STEM Activities
• Recent Posts

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Tuesday 5th of October 2021

These are awesome ideas! I can't wait to pick one of these STEM activities out and satisfy my nerdy loves.

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MATH PROBLEMS & WORKSHEETS

- Numeracy Worksheets

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COOL MATH GAMES

We have a large selection of cool math games for teaching high school math concepts and logical thinking. Check out the Cool Math Games section.

Math Games & Puzzles Worksheets

games & puzzles > math games & puzzles worksheets

Below are a number of printable worksheets of math games and puzzles for high school students.

Math puzzles and games can be very unusual and entertaining. They're great as a classroom warmup or post exam activity. Use them as mind-stretchers and a way of developing the logic side of the brain.

High School Teachers - you're welcome to copy these worksheets for classroom use. Parents - if you'd like to help your child learn math we suggest you start with our math tutorial section before returning to use these worksheets.

Click on any heading to view the worksheet. All worksheets are printable, either as a .gif or .pdf.

Guiding Students to Be Independent Problem-Solvers in STEM Classrooms

Teaching high school students how to plan to solve a problem in science, technology, engineering, and math is a crucial step.

Teaching students to become independent problem-solvers can be a challenging task, especially with virtual teaching during the pandemic. For some students, solving problems is not intuitive, and they need to learn how to think about solving problems from a general perspective. As experts, teachers often do not realize that there are implicit skills and ways of thinking that may not be obvious or known to our students.

5 Strategies to Explicitly Model and Teach Problem-Solving Skills

1. Model hidden thinking involved in solving a problem. When solving a problem, I talk about every aspect of what I am doing out loud. In fact, I over-talk, providing reasoning for every step. For example, when solving a dimensional-analysis problem, I will include descriptions like, “OK, I am going to look for any numbers that I can cancel. I know I can cancel or reduce if I see a number in the numerator and another number in the denominator that have a common factor.”

I will even include moments of vulnerability and model the fact that I don’t always know what to do, but I will discuss my options and my decision process. I sometimes intentionally make mistakes and then use methods to check my work to correct my errors. It’s essential that we explicitly show students this internal dialogue to model problem-solving.

2. Facilitate student talk during problem-solving. I do my best to never solve problems for students, even if they ask me. This includes whole-class lessons and working with students in small groups or individually. Using the Socratic method, I ask many questions of the students. The questions can be as simple as “What do we do next?” or “What are options of what we can do?”

Once during a classroom observation, I was told that in a span of 10 minutes, I asked more than 72 questions. This models the questions that the students can use in self-talk to guide them in the problem-solving process. After the first test, many students say that they could hear my voice asking them the same questions over and over, but what they’re really learning are advanced problem-solving skills they can extend to future contexts.

We can also provide deeper understanding with questions such as “Why do we do that?” These provide reasoning and value to the actions of each step in the problem-solving process, further solidifying the students’ understanding of the concepts and skills.

3. Include discussion for planning for each problem. Teachers instinctively plan problems. Students, as novice learners, often do not know how to plan a problem. They look at a problem, see it as foreign, and don’t know where to begin. They give up.

Research shows that planning how to solve the problem is an essential step for novice learners. Provide a structure or protocol for students. It can include the following: identify and write the data with units for a problem, identify equations to be used, identify and write what they’re trying to solve for, draw a relevant vector diagram, and brainstorm possible steps.

4. Emphasize the process, not final answers. Often, when checking individual work, we ask for the final answers. But what if instead of asking who has the answer, we ask who has the method to solve it? When students ask for correct answers, it’s natural to provide an immediate response. Instead, we should reply with guiding questions to facilitate the process of their solving the problems for themselves.

Often, I don’t even calculate the answer in the final step and ask if we all agree on the steps. The conversation is especially valuable when different methods are volunteered, and we can analyze the advantages of each. I want the students to check our work and not look at a simple result at the end of the problem to confirm their work. This shifts students’ attention to look at the details of the steps and not glance at the end of the work for the final answer. Further, grading can include points for steps and not the final solution.

5. Teach explicitly problem solving. After solving problems, students can create their own problem-solving strategy that they write on a note card. Collect responses from students and create a class protocol that you post on your learning management system or in your physical classroom space. Scaffold further with a two-column approach. In the left column, students show the work, and in the right column, they explain and justify what they did and why. The act of adding a justification will make students think about their actions. This will improve the connection between conceptual ideas and the problem-solving itself.

These are only a few strategies to get your students intentionally thinking about problem-solving from a general perspective beyond focusing on specific problems and memorizing steps. There are many ways to model and teach the skill of problem-solving that encourage them to think about the process explicitly.

12 SEL Activities for High School Students

High school teachers are masters of juggling very busy schedules. Between balancing core instruction, administering assessments, grading homework, and ensuring students are prepared for college and career, these educators have a lot on their plates. SEL can make your jobs easier!

Students with strong social-emotional skills are more motivated, engaged, and better understand the value of their learning. SEL also helps reduce disruptive behavior and office referrals, which allows teachers to spend less time on behavior-management and more time on their instruction. Additionally, SEL can improve high school students’ college and career readiness and help them set goals for life after high school.

SEL is not just “one more thing on a very full plate.” It improves academic preparedness and achievement, and it is easy to integrate in your core instruction. Here are 10 activities and lesson ideas for high school students — organized by subject area — to help you get started.

Do you teach primary grades? Be sure to check out our blog,   10 SEL Learning Activities for Grades K–8 .

Spark SEL in Math Class

Social-emotional learning is very relevant in math class . Skills like a growth mindset, perseverance, risk-taking, relationships, and attitude are important as students interact with math curriculum’s processes and expectations. Visit this site for tips, strategies, and activities to strengthen your math instruction with SEL.

Design and Launch Soda Bottle Rockets

STEM projects are a natural fit for SEL because they require students to work together, communicate their ideas effectively, problem-solve, and overcome obstacles. This bottle rocket activity encourages older students to practice these important skills while trying not to get a soda shower! 

Integrating SEL and Engineering in Science Class

In science lessons, engineering activities are a terrific opportunity for students to grow social-emotional skills in low-stakes, high-engagement environments. This activity integrates SEL skills like collaborate, creative problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork while learning and practicing engineering tasks.

Social Studies, Civics, and History

Sel activities that promote global learning.

Teaching SEL alongside global learning can deepen students’ interpersonal skills while increasing their knowledge and awareness of world issues. Global learning (sometimes referred to as global citizenship instruction) and SEL both help students develop respect, collaboration, and responsible decision-making while helping learners become responsible and active global citizens. Use these activities with your high school students to improve their global learning.

Seed Keepers – Native American Agriculture

Teaching students the farming traditions of Native Americans can be a fun way to reinforce social and emotional and 21st century skills. In this FutureFit™ project, students explore the “three sisters” growing technique and how to save heirloom seeds. 

SEL and Civics: Document Analysis Worksheets

Civics and SEL go hand-in-hand . This activity teaches students to think critically about the content of primary sources. It also helps students develop organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and a deeper awareness of our society.

Language Arts

Developing social-emotional skills through literature.

Literature is a natural fit for exploring and developing social and emotional competence. Novels and short stories are filled with emotions. As we read along, we also experience emotions — both about the characters and the story and about ourselves. Use these guiding questions, tips, and prompts to make the connection between SEL and analyzing literature. 

Writing Prompts for Teen SEL

Daily writing prompts can be a fun and effective way to practice SEL. This site provides free writing activities to address self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 

What Goes Around Comes Around

If students exhibit a pattern of negative language and actions , this can be a great activity to help them understand the consequences of their negative and positive thoughts. You can teach this as a standalone lesson, or it can easily be integrated into Language Arts, i.e. as a character analysis or writing prompt.

Physical Education and The Arts

4 ways to use athletics to promote sel and character development.

Healthy athletic competition is a natural vehicle for building students’ social and emotional competencies. Here are four ways you can help students learn teamwork, cooperation, goal-setting, and confidence in Physical Education classes and school athletic programs.

Smithsonian Folk Ways Recordings

Music can be a fun way for students to explore other cultures and customs . By learning about different musical traditions, students learn to accept differences in others and celebrate diversity. Have fun exploring music from around the world with this wonderful resource that includes lesson plans for a range of age groups.

High School Art Lessons

Giving students the ability to express themselves and explore their emotions through artistic expression is an excellent way to build social and emotional competence. This site has many art lessons for high school students, and many can be adapted around SEL. Try “ Life Documentation Through Design ,” “ Your Eye From a Mirror ,” “ Where is Your Refuge? ,” and more!

7 Fun Mystery Activities For High Schoolers

Ahoy there, mystery enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the world of intrigue, riddles, and clues? If so, then you’re in for a treat! For high schoolers, mystery activities are a fantastic way to exercise the brain, challenge your problem-solving skills, and most importantly, have a blast! 

Whether you’re a budding detective, or just enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush out of solving mysteries, these mystery activities are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. At the same time, who doesn’t have the point of having some fun in the last years of school on their bucket lists ? So, let’s lace up our Sherlock Holmes boots, don our magnifying glasses, and get ready to crack some cases!

Enthralling mystery activities for high school students

Did you just indulge in a career exploration activity, and discover that all you wish to be in life is a detective, or have something to do with solving mysteries? Well, then here are a bunch of activities especially curated for you, to help you navigate through the adventures of mystery: 

1. Mysterious Artifacts

Get ready for a journey like no other as you embark on the ultimate quest for “The Mysterious Artefacts!” This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to use their analytical skills, creativity, and curiosity to uncover the secrets of some of the world’s most fascinating relics.

Each student will be given an artifact to research and analyze, delving into its history, origins, and purpose. They will explore the artifact’s cultural significance, examine its intricate details, and search for hidden meanings and symbols. With the help of cutting-edge technology and research resources, students will be able to uncover the mysteries of their artifacts and uncover their place in history.

The Mysterious Artefacts activity is more than just a research project. It’s an adventure through time, a journey through history, and a quest for knowledge. Whether you’re a history buff, a puzzle-solver, or just looking for a challenge, this activity is guaranteed to engage, inspire, and amaze you. So gather your classmates, sharpen your minds, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

2. Mystery Book Club

Step into the world of mystery and intrigue with the “Mystery Book Club” experience! This activity is designed to bring high schoolers on a journey through the thrilling world of mystery novels and to challenge their critical thinking and deduction skills.

Students will start by reading a classic mystery novel, such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle. They will delve into the plot, characters, and themes, exploring the motivations and suspects, and discussing their theories and observations with their classmates.

It can also feature interactive simulations, virtual reality adventures, and live actors, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. So why not gather your book club, sharpen your minds, and get ready to solve the mystery of the century!

3. Cold Case Investigation

Uncover the truth and solve the mystery with the “Cold Case Investigation” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to unravel the secrets of real-life cold cases.

Students will be presented with a real-life cold case, such as a missing person case, or an unsolved theft case. They will have access to a wealth of information and resources, including police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. Using this information, they will work together in teams to research and investigate the case, analyzing the facts and developing their own theories.

This experience is unlike any other, featuring interactive simulations, virtual reality adventures, and live actors, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. So why not gather your team, sharpen your skills, and get ready to solve the case of the century!

4. Mystery Guest Speaker

Gear up for a mystery-filled adventure with the “Mystery Guest Speaker” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers’ critical thinking and deduction skills in a unique and engaging way.

Invite a mysterious guest speaker to address the class, and let the guessing game begin! The guest speaker will arrive incognito, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and the students will be tasked with using their critical thinking and deduction skills to determine their identity and purpose.

As the guest speaker presents their talk, the students will be on high alert, analyzing their mannerisms, speech patterns, and background information. They will work together in teams, exchanging information and observations, and using their deduction skills to unravel the mystery.

5. Mystery Tour

Uncover the hidden secrets and legends of your school or community with the “Mystery Tour” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to use their research, creativity, and communication skills in a unique and engaging way.

Students will plan and lead a mystery tour of their school or community, introducing visitors to the history, legends, and mysteries of the area. They will conduct research, gathering information and uncovering hidden gems and obscure facts about the location.

The students will use their creativity and communication skills to craft a captivating and educational experience, highlighting the hidden secrets and intriguing stories of the area. The tour will feature interactive simulations, virtual reality adventures, and live actors, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for the visitors.

The Mystery Tour is a great way for students to showcase their research and communication skills, as well as to engage with the community and share their knowledge of the area. So why not gather your classmates, sharpen your research skills, and get ready to take your visitors on a journey through the unknown!

6. Mystery Writing Workshop

Unleash your inner detective and put your creativity and imagination to the test with the “Mystery Story Writing” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to develop their writing and storytelling skills in a unique and engaging way.

Each student will have the opportunity to write their own mystery story, complete with unique and interesting characters, settings, and plots. They will have the chance to let their imaginations run wild, and craft a captivating tale that will keep their peers on the edge of their seats.

After the stories are written, students will have the opportunity to share their work with the class for peer review and feedback. This is a great opportunity for students to receive constructive criticism and suggestions, as well as to get a sense of what works and what doesn’t in their stories. This activity is a fun and creative way for students to develop their writing and storytelling skills, and showcase their talents to their classmates. 

7. Secret Society Scavenger Hunt

Embark on an epic journey with the “Cryptic Scavenger Hunt” experience! This activity will challenge high schoolers to use their critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity skills in a thrilling and engaging way.

Students will be divided into teams and given a series of cryptic clues that lead them to different locations within the school. Each clue will test their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they work together to uncover the next location. The final clue will lead them to the secret society meeting place, where they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and teamwork skills.

This activity is a fun and creative way for students to work together, showcase their skills, and develop a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

So why not gather your team, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and get ready to embark on an epic journey through the halls of your school! The secret society meeting place awaits!

In conclusion, mystery activities are a truly exceptional way for high schoolers to flex their mental muscles, exercise their critical thinking skills, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Hence, these can be great life-skill activities too. Whether you’re a seasoned detective, a first-time problem solver, or simply looking for a new adventure, these mystery activities are guaranteed to provide hours of fun and excitement. From challenging escape rooms to captivating murder mysteries, there’s a mystery experience waiting for everyone.

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

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