STEM Sub Plans
When you’re teaching, life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Whether it’s a sudden illness, a family emergency, or an unexpected school event, there are times when you simply can’t follow your regular lesson plan. That’s where emergency STEM sub plans come in. Think of them as your safety net—a ready-to-go set of engaging, hands-on activities that keep students learning even when you’re not in the room.
Having a STEM Sub Tub prepared now means you won’t be scrambling later. It gives you permission to set aside your original plan without guilt and trust that your students will still be engaged in meaningful work. The peace of mind you’ll gain is worth the upfront effort.
Why You Need Emergency STEM Sub Plans
Unexpected situations happen—sometimes with no warning. When they do, the last thing you want is to spend your sick day creating lesson plans or fielding calls about what your students should be doing.
Emergency STEM sub plans are designed so any substitute teacher can step in, understand the activity, and get students engaged right away. These activities are hands-on, adaptable across grade levels, and require minimal prep. Preparing them in advance alleviates future stress and ensures your students keep learning through creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
How to Set Up a STEM Sub Tub
A STEM Sub Tub is a labeled bin or box that holds your emergency STEM plans and materials. To set one up:
Choose a sturdy container that’s easy to find and clearly label it “Sub Tub.” Download a Free Label Here
Print and organize lesson plans for each grade level, placing them in protective sleeves or a binder.
Include all necessary materials or clearly list what’s available in the classroom.
Add multi-level activities like bingo cards or building task cards for flexibility.
Store it in a visible location so substitutes (and teammates) can find it quickly.
By assembling your STEM Sub Tub now, you’ll be ready for anything—from a planned absence to those unpredictable mornings when life happens.
STEM Sub Binder
A STEM Sub Binder is the perfect companion to your Sub Tub, keeping all your lesson plans, class procedures, and helpful information in one easy-to-find place.
Inside, include the printed sub plans for each grade level, organized with tabs so substitutes can quickly find what they need. Add class rosters, daily schedules, seating charts, safety procedures, and any classroom management tips that will help a sub feel confident leading hands-on activities. The binder also works as a year-round reference for you—making it easy to swap in updated lessons or add new activities as the year progresses. A well-organized STEM Sub Binder saves time, reduces confusion, and ensures a smooth day of learning, no matter who is in your classroom.
Plan Your Emergency STEM Sub Plans
Decide which activities will work best for each grade level and gather all the materials ahead of time. Keep clear, easy-to-follow instructions so a substitute teacher can jump right in without needing extra guidance. Consider including both single-grade and multi-grade activities so you’re ready for any class configuration. By thoughtfully planning now, you’ll create a system that’s simple to maintain and ensures your students get a meaningful STEM experience, even in your absence. The following activities show examples of grade level specific activities to include as well as activities that you can prep ahead of time that can be used with multiple grade levels.
Pre-K STEM Sub Plans: Build a Tower
In this challenge, Pre-K students are tasked with building the tallest tower they can using simple materials like cups, craft sticks, or blocks. They’ll explore balance, stability, and creative problem-solving while following the Engineering Design Process—ask, imagine, plan, create, test, improve, share. Perfect for little hands and growing minds.
Kindergarten STEM Sub Plans: Pattern Block Coding
Kindergarteners will love this activity that combines pattern recognition with early coding concepts. Using pattern block templates, students “code” sequences by arranging shapes in a specific order. This builds spatial awareness, sequencing skills, and attention to detail—all while sparking curiosity about how coding works.
First Grade STEM Sub Plans: Design a Bug Hotel
First graders design and build a bug hotel to provide shelter for insects. They’ll think about what bugs need to survive, then use materials like wood planks, cardboard, and natural items to create a welcoming habitat. This project combines engineering skills with life science concepts.
Second Grade STEM Sub Plans: Build a Paper Tower
In this engineering challenge, students build the tallest free-standing tower they can using only paper and tape. They’ll experiment with different shapes and supports, learning about structural strength and stability in the process.
Third Grade STEM Sub Plans: Build a Paper Bridge
Third graders design and construct a paper bridge that can hold the most weight. They’ll test their designs with small objects, evaluate performance, and improve their builds. This activity emphasizes experimentation, measurement, and iteration.
Fourth Grade STEM Sub Plans: Invent a Tool
This creativity-based challenge invites students to solve a wacky problem by inventing a new tool. They’ll brainstorm ideas, sketch their inventions, and (if materials allow) build a simple prototype. This activity blends problem-solving, design, and storytelling.
Fifth Grade STEM Sub Plans: Engineer a Hat
In this activity, students design and build a hat that meets specific criteria—whether for style, function, or both. They’ll work through the Engineering Design Process to bring their vision to life, testing and refining their designs.
STEM Sub Plans: Bingo & STEM Task Cards
Your Sub Tub can also include STEM Bingo and Science Tools Bingo, which work well with mixed-age groups. For hands-on building, LEGO STEM Task Cards and KEVA Plank Challenge Cards are perfect for sparking creativity with minimal instructions. These activities require little to no prep and can be easily pulled out for early finishers or as main lessons.
Ready to Set Up Your STEM Sub Tub?!
We hope these activity ideas inspire you as you prepare your own STEM Sub Tub. Looking for more support to make your sub plans stress-free? Check out our STEM Sub Tub Planning Resource! It includes all of the grade-level activities featured in this post, plus a detailed organization guide and printable labels to keep everything neat and ready to use. With your STEM Sub Tub stocked and ready, you’ll have everything you need for engaging, hands-on STEM learning—no matter what surprises the day brings!
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