What is STEM? Comic and STEM Activity for Middle School and Upper Elementary

Help students answer the question What is STEM? with this engaging comic and hands-on STEM activity that introduces the core principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school learners, this resource uses visual storytelling and real-world connections to build interest and understanding.

Students will read a comic illustrating various aspects of STEM, including careers and problem-solving. They will reflect on the importance of creativity and innovation, and then put their knowledge into action with a low-prep, paper airplane design challenge.

Whether you’re introducing a STEM unit, kicking off a school-wide initiative, or just looking for meaningful STEM activities to boost engagement, this lesson is an ideal way to get your students thinking like scientists and engineers from the start.

The Paper Airplane STEM Activity challenges your learners to apply engineering and design skills to compete in a class competition. As a class, they will brainstorm to create a list of testable paper airplane qualities and then team up to create their best prototype. The activity includes visual, comic-style instructions and a lab sheet.

What is STEM? Comic and Activity contents-

Google Slideshow

Within the PDF, you will see a link to your own copy of Google Slides
The content comic is separated into individual slides, making it easy for you to teach the concepts before they plow through reading the comic
Editable
Shareable
Animated

What is STEM? Comic

Designed to lay the foundational understanding of STEM
Both color and black-line versions of each
Easy to print up and deliver to each student
Doubles as a science anchor chart poster
Reading the content can be FUN for everyone in your classroom!

Doodle Notes / Guided Notes

Words are removed from the comics, creating a fill-in-the-blank activity
Students can follow along as you utilize the Google Slides
Keeps learners involved in the learning process
Makes note-taking more enjoyable
Fun to color
Glue into interactive notebooks

Extension Worksheet

Designed to reinforce understanding and touch on STEM careers
Maintains the comic style
Another great addition to interactive notebooks
Can be used as classwork or homework
Provides additional support
Still fun to color!

Paper Airplane STEM Activity

Inquiry-based, hands-on, student-led activity
The comic lays out the steps using illustrations, making it more approachable to students who avoid reading
Includes a follow-up lab report worksheet

What is STEM Word Search

STEM Careers Scavenger Hunt

Students are prompted to conduct research in search of a STEM career for each letter of the alphabet
They are also expected to describe the career

Career Project

Build on the scavenger hunt and take a deeper dive into a specific STEM career
Students have the option to create a slideshow or poster
The project description page includes questions to help guide learners through the research

One-Pager Comic Template

Students are challenged to create their own one-pager about STEM
The one-pager template enables learners to make a comic
The process of drawing what they have learned will help solidify understanding

Easel Activities

As many aspects of this lesson as possible will be available in an Easel format (worksheets that involve drawing are omitted)
Upload assignments directly to your virtual classroom
Makes it easy to assign make-up work
Another great option for homework or substitutes