STEAM Projects
At Gabi Childcare, we do more than provide care—we create hands-on learning experiences. Our exclusive seasonal STEAM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) are designed to help caregivers & children bond through discovery and play. Unlike traditional childcare services, we offer interactive activities that grow with the seasons, keeping learning fresh, fun & engaging.
Each project is thoughtfully adapted to fit every child’s age, abilities, & needs—ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, can take part and succeed. Caregivers & children work side-by-side to explore new ideas: making predictions, observing results, and sharing discoveries. These projects spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving & strengthen connections.
Families can choose from a variety of activities & we’ll provide a full supply list. Families may supply their own materials or request that a caregiver bring them. With Gabi Childcare, every project is inclusive, meaningful, and an opportunity for both learning and lasting memories.
Science Projects
Projects for 6 months +
Nature Texture Hunt ~ 6 months+
Nature Texture Hunt develops sensory awareness and descriptive language. Caregivers guide children to feel textures of bark, leaves, and acorns.
Leaf Color Lab ~ 18 months+
Leaf Color Lab introduces children to the science of chlorophyll and fall colors. Caregivers guide kids through a hands-on activity with leaves, alcohol & coffee filters—perfect for sensory play and science discovery.
Pumpkin Sink or Float ~ 18 months+
Pumpkin Sink or Float introduces density and buoyancy. Caregivers guide children as they test different pumpkins in water for a playful science lesson.
Seed Sorting & Counting ~ 18 months+
Seed Sorting & Counting combines math and sensory learning. Children organize pumpkin, apple, or sunflower seeds while building sorting and counting skills.
Projects for 2 years old +
Pinecone Weather Watch ~ 2 years old+
Teach kids simple weather science with Pinecone Weather Watch. Caregivers help children observe pinecones opening and closing, showing nature’s way of predicting rain.
Apple Oxidation Test ~ 2 years old+
Apple Oxidation Test teaches children about oxygen reactions. Caregivers guide them through testing lemon juice and water to see which prevents browning.
Acorn Rolling Race ~ 2 years old+
Acorn Rolling Races teach incline and motion. Children experiment with speed and angles in this simple fall activity.
Pumpkin Volcano ~ 2 years old+
Pumpkin Volcano introduces chemical reactions through safe, foamy fun. Perfect fall STEAM activity.
Shadow Play with Fall Sun ~ 3 years old+
Shadow Play helps children observe how the sun’s position affects shadows. Great outdoor STEAM activity for fall.
Leaf Press Science ~ 3 years old+
Leaf Press Science helps children explore preservation while observing how leaves dry and change. Caregivers can turn science into art.
Projects for 5 years old +
Fall Weather Station ~ 5 years old+
Fall Weather Station teaches data collection and seasonal science. Children chart daily temp, rainfall, and wind for hands-on learning.
Apple Tower Challenge ~ 5 years old+
Apple Tower Challenge develops engineering and balance skills. Children use apples and toothpicks to build creative towers.
Pumpkin Decomposition Journal ~ 5 years old+
Pumpkin Decomposition Journal teaches natural science. Children record daily changes as pumpkins decompose, learning about bacteria and cycles.
Solar Oven with Leaves ~ 5 years old+
Solar Oven teaches renewable energy. Children build a shoebox oven lined with foil to warm food while learning heat absorption.
Fall Bridge Builder ~ 5 years old+
Fall Bridge Builder introduces engineering concepts using natural materials. Children test balance, weight, and design.
Technology Projects
Projects for Newborn +
Light & Shadow Sensory ~ Newborn+
Families love our Light & Shadow Sensory activity for newborns. Using a simple flashlight and fall leaves, infants track moving shadows, building early visual focus and curiosity.
Musical Rattle Circuit ~ 6 months+
Musical Rattle Circuit introduces infants to early technology play. Each shake produces fun sounds, teaching cause and effect while boosting sensory development.
Texture Touch Tap App ~ 1 year old+
This activity blends technology with sensory play. Children touch digital textures on a screen and hear sounds, strengthening early tech literacy.
Color Changing Flashlight Play ~ 1 year old+
Children use colored flashlight covers to explore red, yellow, and orange light, building early color recognition.
Projects for 2 years old+
Digital Storytime ~ 2 years+
Digital Storytime uses animated e-books to engage toddlers. Caregivers guide as children listen and interact, building vocabulary and early literacy skills.
Button Press Sound Board ~ 2 years old+
Children press big buttons to play fall sounds like rustling leaves and owls. Builds hand-eye coordination and introduces soundboards.
Fall Leaf Scanner ~ 3 years old+
Leaf Scanner introduces kids to digital magnification. Using a tablet or scanner, children zoom in on veins and colors, linking tech to nature.
Build A Pumpkin ~ 3 years old+
Children press a simple switch that connects to an LED inside a pumpkin. Builds cause-and-effect learning and intro to circuits.
Weather Sensor Jar ~ 4 years old+
Using a jar, thermometer, and moisture strip, kids observe weather changes. Builds early STEM and data recording skills.
Projects for 5 years old+
Mini Robot Parade ~ 5 years old+
Mini Robot Parade introduces programming and teamwork. Children decorate small robots and guide them in a fall parade, learning sequencing and creativity.
Pumpkin LED Carving ~ 5 years old+
With caregiver support, children learn about circuits and light while creating a glowing pumpkin masterpiece. A fun, hands-on way to celebrate fall with technology.
Coding a Fall Animation ~ 6 years old+
Using Scratch Jr or similar, children drag coding blocks to animate falling leaves. Encourages logic and creativity with seasonal fun.
Leaf ID App with Camera ~ 7 years old+
Leaf ID teaches kids how to use mobile apps for science. They snap photos and apps reveal tree types—linking tech and nature.
Build a Solar Bug ~ 8 years old+
Solar Bug Project teaches renewable energy. Children assemble a small kit bug that moves when exposed to sunlight, connecting engineering and sustainability.
Mini Weather Station with Sensor ~ 9 years old+
This project introduces environmental science and coding. Using thermometer and humidity sensors, children record daily data for a week, learning STEM inquiry.
Engineering Projects
Projects for newborn+
Rolling Pumpkins ~ Newborn+
Rolling Pumpkins is a sensory-friendly fall engineering project for all children especially infants. With caregiver support, babies explore how objects roll, wobble, and stop. Builds early motor skills and curiosity.
Cup Tower Build ~ 1 year old+
Cup Tower Build introduces children to stability and balance. Using safe plastic cups, children experiment with stacking, knocking down, and rebuilding. Toddlers love this activity!
Leaf Rake Patterns ~ 18 months+
Leaf Rake Patterns teaches children cause-and-effect. Using mini rakes, children create paths and shapes with leaves, exploring patterns and motion.
Stick & Block Bridges ~ 2 years old+
Stick & Block Bridges is an easy children engineering activity especially for toddlers. Using natural sticks and toy blocks, children build bridges to support small toys.
Cardboard Ramp ~ 2 years old+
Cardboard Ramp introduces children to engineering basics. Using a piece of cardboard, children build ramps to roll toys down, learning about slopes, motion, and gravity.
Acorn Balancing ~ 2 years old+
Acorn Balancing introduces children to stability and focus. Children place acorns on bottle caps or egg cartons, practicing hand-eye coordination.
Straw Tunnel Build ~ 3 years old+
Straw Tunnel Build teaches children about structure and space. Using straws and tape, children create tunnels for cars and marbles.
Paper Plate Wheel ~ 3 years old+
Paper Plate Wheels introduce children to rotational movement. With simple plates and a brad fastener, children build and spin their own wheels.
Projects for 4 years old+
Water Pour Race ~ 4 years old+
Water Pour Race builds hand-eye coordination. Children transfer water between cups using funnels, learning precision and flow.
Pumpkin Balance Test ~ 4 years old+
Pumpkin Balance Test teaches stability and weight. Children compare pumpkins of different sizes to see which balance easily.
Lego Gear Spinners ~ 5 years old+
Lego Gear Spinners introduce children to mechanics. By connecting gear blocks, children watch how one gear turns another.
Pulley Basket Lift ~ 6 years old+
Pulley Basket Lift introduces simple machines. Children use pulleys and rope to lift a basket safely.
Marshmallow Catapult ~ 7 years old+
Marshmallow Catapult introduces physics. Children build catapults from sticks and rubber bands, launching marshmallows safely indoors.
Mini Windmill ~ 8 years old+
Mini Windmill teaches renewable energy. Children design blades from paper or cardboard, attaching them to a stick to watch the wind turn them.
Popsicle Stick Towers ~ 9 years+
Popsicle Stick Towers challenge older children to build tall, stable structures. They test balance, design, and structural strength.
Art Projects
Projects for newborn+
Fall Color Sensory Painting ~ Newborn+
Fall Color Sensory Painting is perfect for all children. With paint sealed inside a bag, children safely press and squish to explore colors blending together. Perfect activity for infants!
Leaf Rubbing Art ~ 1 year old+
Leaf Rubbing Art introduces children to textures. By coloring over leaves, children reveal beautiful patterns hidden in nature.
Apple Stamp Prints ~ 18 months+
Apple Stamp Prints combine art and nature. Children dip apple halves into safe paint and stamp unique designs onto paper.
Pumpkin Collage ~ 2 years old+
Pumpkin Collage lets toddlers piece together fall art. Using orange scraps, children create pumpkins while learning shape and color recognition.
Handprint Turkeys ~ 2 years old+
Handprint Turkeys teach children about Thanksgiving traditions. By tracing hands and decorating feathers, children create colorful keepsakes.
Leaf Crown ~ 3 years old+
Leaf Crown combines art and nature. Children collect autumn leaves and glue them onto paper strips, creating wearable crowns that celebrate the season.
Fall Shape Mosaics ~ 3 years old+
Fall Shape Mosaics help children recognize colors and shapes. By gluing paper squares into pumpkin, leaf, or tree outlines, children strengthen fine motor skills and creativity.
Projects for 4 years old+
Acorn Painting ~ 4 years old+
Acorn Painting combines movement and art. Children dip acorns in paint, roll them across paper in a tray, and create fun, abstract designs.
Nature Mobiles ~ 4 years old+
Nature Mobiles teach balance and design. Children collect outdoor materials and string them onto a stick, creating a moving art piece to hang indoors.
Pumpkin Face Masks ~ 4 years old+
Pumpkin Face Masks inspire fall fun. Children decorate pumpkin cutouts with crayons, glitter, or stickers and wear them with elastic.
Tissue Paper Stained Glass ~ 5 years old+
Stained Glass Art teaches layering and light. Children glue tissue onto wax paper and hang their designs in windows for sunlight to shine through.
Popsicle Stick Scarecrows ~ 6 years old+
Popsicle Stick Scarecrows spark fall creativity. Children glue sticks into shapes, decorate with felt hats and markers, and design their own scarecrow characters.
Watercolor Leaf Resist ~ 7 years old+
Watercolor Leaf Resist teaches color blending. Children draw leaf outlines with crayons, then paint watercolors on top to see leaves emerge.
Fall Clay Sculptures ~ 8 years old+
Fall Clay Sculptures strengthen creativity and design. Children mold clay into pumpkins, acorns, or bowls, then paint once dry.
NYC Skyline Collage ~ 9 years old+
NYC Skyline Collage connects art and community. Children cut and layer paper to recreate New York City’s skyline in autumn hues.
Projects for newborn+
Pumpkin Counting Basket ~ Newborn+
Pumpkin Counting Basket introduces infants to numbers and quantities using mini pumpkins. Caregivers guide touch and counting, helping children build number awareness in a fun fall activity.
Leaf Size Sorting ~ 1 years old+
Leaf Size Sorting helps children begin comparing objects by size. By collecting and sorting leaves into ‘big’ and ‘small,’ children start building early math vocabulary and classification skills.
Acorn Shake & Count ~ 18 months+
Acorn Shake & Count introduces toddlers to rhythm and numbers. By shaking acorns in a jar, children hear sounds and match them to counting words, strengthening math through play.
Apple Pattern Stamps ~ 2 years old+
Apple Pattern Stamps help children recognize and repeat patterns. With red, yellow, and green paint, children stamp apple prints on paper to build sequencing and design awareness.
Pinecone Number Hunt ~ 2 years old+
Pinecone Number Hunt turns outdoor walks into math play. Children gather pinecones, count them aloud, and compare quantities, reinforcing early number sense.
Scarecrow Shape Match ~ 3 years old+
Scarecrow Shape Match combines creativity and math. Children use cut-out shapes—circles, triangles, squares—to assemble a scarecrow, reinforcing geometry and matching.
Pumpkin Seed Counting Tray ~ 3 years old+
Pumpkin Seed Counting Tray teaches children to match numbers with quantities. Using seeds and a sectioned tray, kids build counting skills while exploring fall textures.
Leaf Number Line ~ 3 years old+
Leaf Number Line introduces sequencing with numbers. Children collect fall leaves, write numbers, and arrange them in order, building early math recognition.
Math Projects
Projects for 4 years old+
Apple Tower Balance ~ 4 years old+
Apple Tower Balance blends math with physics. Children stack apples while counting, testing balance and learning about numbers and stability.
Harvest Basket Sorting ~ 4 years old+
Harvest Basket Sorting helps children classify and count. By separating apples, gourds, and pinecones, children learn grouping and comparison skills.
Pumpkin Measurement Station ~ 5 years old+
Pumpkin Measurement Station teaches math through comparison. Children measure pumpkins’ height and circumference with rulers and string, practicing estimation and recording.
Leaf Graphing Chart ~ 6 years old+
Leaf Graphing Chart introduces data collection. Children gather fall leaves, classify by color, and record numbers in a bar graph to visualize results.
Apple Fractions ~ 7 years old+
Apple Fractions brings fractions to life. By slicing apples into halves, thirds, and quarters, children see how one whole divides into equal parts.
Acorn Estimation Jar ~ 8 years old+
Acorn Estimation Jar teaches number sense. Children guess totals, then count acorns to compare predictions, strengthening estimation and accuracy.
Harvest Budget Game ~ 9 years old+
Harvest Budget Game teaches children about money, addition, and making choices. Using play money and fall items, children practice staying within budget while ‘shopping.