Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so it’s time to give thanks for holiday STEM challenges!
This month, I have a new set of five challenges in store that follow the common needs the people have to meet to survive. These challenges comprise the Thanksgiving STEM Challenge Bundle.
I’ll include the following on this blog post:
- Links to the resources on Teachers Pay Teachers
- Video Overview of the 5 Thanksgiving STEM Challenges
- A pandemic makeover video of the entire set of challenges
- An overview and video walk-through for each individual Thanksgiving STEM Challenge Activity
Video Preview
Although the Pumpkin Picker and Corn Cultivator challenges could be interchanged, the recommended order is based on the following story line:
– Water Transportation (Mini Mayflower / Mini Mishoon)
– Build Shelter for Pilgrims and/or the Wampanoag (Protect the People)
– With shelter secure, it’s time to gather food (Pumpkin Picker)
– Better to plan for food with agriculture (Corn Cultivator)
– With food & shelter in place, there is time for fun (Turkey Transporter)
The basic premise:
Students work in partners or groups against criteria & constraints lists to design and build Thanksgiving-themed devices. Modification suggestions are included in the resources and the video walk-throughs to make these challenges engaging and productive for students in grades 2 – 8.
Materials
Materials for all challenges were found at the Dollar Tree except a large box of craft sticks (Michael’s) and a bag of candy pumpkins (CVS).I recommend one challenge per day or week leading up to Thanksgiving, or even all challenges in one day-long pentathlon! STEM challenges are always most beneficial when done in multiple iterations, but they can be treated as one-off activities as well.
Check out a few modifications for 2020:
Thanksgiving STEM Challenge 1: Mini Mayflower / Mini Mishoon
Thanksgiving STEM Challenge 4: Corn Cultivator
Click the title above or watch the video walk-through below for all the details.
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Resources
Print Version on TpT
Print Version on STEM Challenge Shop Site
Paperless version for use with Google Slides(TM) on TpT
Paperless version for use with Google Slides(TM) in my STEM Challenge Shop Site
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I just love this idea.Such a great way for children to learn outside of the box and so very interesting. Thanks so much for sharing.
Kerry, these activities look like so much fun!! There's nothing like STEAM problems to get kids excited!! You just reminded me about coming to my class!! 🙂
Kathie – let's set something up! We could do one of these Thanksgiving STEM challenges. Nov. 13 or 17 could work for me. I'm moving out of state soon, so time is of the essence. Write me! 🙂
These STEM challenges are so smart! I love how you tied Social Studies/history content with hands-on STEM activities!
Thanks! Made my day! 🙂
What great Thanksgiving Stations these would make! I love STEM! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE these Stem activities for the month of November! I am definitely going to have to incorporate at least one of them. Thank you for sharing.
Fun ideas! I appreciate that your photos really help me understand the activity. Thank you.
These activities look so much fun. I think I may even have my kiddos try some out on Thanksgiving while the turkey is cooking. 🙂 thanks for sharing!