
Summer & End of Year STEM Activity:Keep it Cool / Make it Melt

Perfect for end-of-year science fun, summer school, or summer camp, this challenge will have students exploring conductors, insulators, states of matter, and physical changes while building their own devices.
Whether they’re cooling down ice or chocolate or speeding up the melting process, students will love discovering how materials transfer heat in a fun, interactive way.



End-of-Year Science Fun: Conductors & Insulators Summer STEM Challenge!
Wrap up the school year with an exciting Summer STEM Activity that combines hands-on science, problem-solving, and real-world applications.
In Keep it Cool / Make it Melt, students design & build devices to explore conductors and insulators as they try to make chocolate (or ice) melt or keep it cool!
What’s Included?
Everything you need to implement seamless and engaging STEM activities:
Teacher Support
- Video walk-through of the challenge to make prep a breeze
- Tips for adjusting difficulty for grades 2-8
- Post-design extension ideas to deepen learning
- NGSS-aligned standards
Editable Student Handouts:
- Criteria & constraints lists
- Analysis templates
- Observation log templates to track melting changes
- Reflection & discussion questions
Bonus Extensions
- Process flow maps to guide student thinking
- Math extension templates for creating problems based on designs
- States of matter research log templates for deeper exploration
Perfect for:
End of Year STEM & Science Centers
Summer School & Enrichment
Summer Camp Fun Challenges
States of Matter, Energy & Heat Transfer UnitsMaterials Needed:
- Chocolate or ice
- Assorted craft supplies & recyclables
Why You'll Love This Activity:
Flexible & Adaptable: Ideal for grades 2–8, with adaptable materials and instructions
Teacher-Friendly: Video walk-through with tips & modifications for easy prep.
Perfect for End of Year Activities: A fun, engaging way to wrap up the school year.
NGSS Aligned: Supports important science standards on energy, states of matter, and material properties


