After 15 years in STEM education, I’ve discovered something surprising: some of the most valuable STEM supplies aren’t actually “STEM supplies” at all! These are the everyday items that have become absolute game-changers in my classroom. I’ve compiled this STEM supplies list to help make your teaching life easier.
Want to skip straight to the good stuff? Grab my FREE Complete STEM Supplies Guide at the button below! It includes everything you need to know about stocking your classroom, plus templates for donation request letters.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
Let’s dive into my top 9 must-have items:
1. Storage Containers: Your STEM Lab’s Best Friend
First, STEM teachers need all the storage containers. I use these more than anything else in my STEM lab. Seriously.
They’re perfect for:
- Organizing supplies for each project
- Quick clean-up between classes
- Storing ongoing projects (pro tip: use masking tape for labels!)
- Keeping cabinet contents organized (clear containers are best for this)
You can find these types of bins at the dollar store, or ask for them on your back-to-school supply lists! If each student brings in one clear shoe-size container, you’ll be set for the year.
2. “Good” Paper Towels: Because Real Messes Need Real Solutions
Let’s be honest – those brown paper towels from school just don’t cut it. Having quality paper towels in your STEM lab is a must for quick clean-ups and real messes.
Why invest in the good stuff?
- Faster clean-up time
- More effective absorption
- Less frustration for everyone
- Fewer paper towels used overall
This is another easy supply you can put on a back-to-school supply list or ask to be donated to your lab space. It will truly make your day-to-day better!
3. Plastic Utensils: The Unexpected STEM MVP
Plastic utensils are so handy in STEM. These humble tools are the second-most used items in my STEM lab, right behind storage containers. They’re incredibly versatile for:
- Building structures
- Scooping materials
- Stirring solutions
- Measuring ingredients
- Cutting soft materials
Sustainability note: While plastic might not seem eco-friendly, buy one durable set and wash/reuse them for years. It’s more sustainable than disposables!
4. Tap-and-Dot Glue Caps
This might be my favorite classroom hack of the past year! These ingenious caps have completely transformed how we use glue in our STEM projects.
Why they’re amazing:
- No more endless glue puddles
- Perfect-sized dots every time
- Less mess and waste
- No more glue-peeling entertainment!
Trust me, these caps will change your relationship with classroom glue forever! These are the real deal. You gently press down on the paper and lift and get a small, perfect glue dot left behind.
5. Electric Cardboard Cutter
Ok, I don’t know why it took me so long to learn about electric cardboard cutting tools, but they are life-changing. The days of aching hands struggling to cut cardboard shapes with scissors are gone. This tool makes short order of any cardboard you feed it.
Benefits of electric cutting:
- Quick and efficient
- Safe for students
- Perfect for upcycling projects
- Reduces hand fatigue
- Makes cardboard construction actually fun!
I’m sorry to all my former students who didn’t get to experience the magic of this tool right here. I hope your hands are OK.
6. Tool Box: Your STEM Lab Emergency Kit
I’ve collected a variety of tools through the years and keep them inside my desk for when the need arises. I’ve used them to repair chairs, remove cupboard doors from lab tables (to prevent kids from leaving trash inside LOL), fix microscopes, replace batteries, and the list goes on!
My STEM lab toolbox includes a screwdriver with like 10 different attachments, hex keys of various sizes, a hammer, a hole punch, a box cutter, an electric cardboard cutter, pliers, and wire cutters.
7. Colorful Masking Tape
Washi tape, masking tape, painter’s tape, I’m not sure what the difference is between these but I always need to have some version of colorful tape on hand… anything that you can use to easily apply, label, and later peel off is so helpful!
Creative uses:
- Labeling ongoing projects
- Identifying class materials
- Quick notebook organization
- Design challenge materials
- Temporary construction bonds
Teaching hack: Pre-cut pieces and wrap them around supply bins for easy student access!
8. Clear Packing Tape
Clear packing tape is what STEM dreams are made of… You can use it for sooo many things. I always stock up at the beginning of the year and use it for everything.
Why it’s amazing:
- Super durable
- Great for permanent labels
- Perfect for cardboard construction
- Emergency “laminating” solution
- Strong enough for wall displays (depending on what your walls are made of)
Stock-up tip: Buy in bulk at the beginning of the year – you’ll use more than you think!
9. Cups: The Ultimate Versatile Supply
Cups of all different shapes, sizes, and materials are great to have on hand. I use larger cups for team building and cup-stacking challenges. Smaller cups for quickly prepping and distributing materials. Cups of all sizes for STEM challenges. Sometimes cups are even used for popcorn during a STEM movie day!
This is another material I often find by sourcing Buy Nothing groups and neighborhood listservs. People cleaning out their cupboards and basement are more than happy to donate some cups to a classroom in need!
Transform Your STEM Lab Today!
Stop wondering what supplies you need or how to afford them! I’ve created the ultimate FREE STEM supplies guide that will help you:
- Build your perfect STEM supply collection
- Save money through strategic donations
- Get your community involved
- Access ready-to-use donation request letters
What’s Inside Your Free Guide:
- Comprehensive list of basic STEM supplies
- Strategic shopping and donation tips
- Two customizable donation request letters
- Money-saving secrets from 15 years of teaching
- Where to find FREE materials in your community
Don’t start another school year without this essential resource!
What must-have STEM supplies did I miss?
Are there other supplies you consider must-have in STEM? What are they? Leave a comment below!
3 Responses
I love the hints. Moving to CTE with focus on engineering I needed help organizing.