Looking for creative ways to keep your students engaged during this hectic time of year and honor the history and cultural diversity behind the Thanksgiving holiday? These Thanksgiving-themed STEM activities will certainly add a dash of excitement to your classroom.
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and growth, and what better way to embrace the spirit of the season than with turkey-tastic STEM challenges? From pumpkin picking to corn cultivating, these activities are designed to not only engage your students but also foster their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There’s something special about watching your students tackle challenges and emerge as resourceful, independent thinkers that warms the heart. 🦃✨
Here’s a very quick visual of each of the 5 Thanksgiving STEM Challenge Activities in action:
If you’re a STEM Challenge enthusiast, you know any challenge can be used for any age with just a few modifications. If you’re new to the game — or just tired of doing all the heavy-lifting yourself — check out the video walk-throughs linked next to each challenge below as well as teaching resources for modifications for grades 2-8. These resources aim to make your STEM journey not only enjoyable but also seamlessly adaptable to the diverse needs of your students.
Here’s a quick description of 5 of my favorite Fall & Thanksgiving STEM activities, plus links to their video walk-throughs and teaching resources for each one:
Table of Contents
Thanksgiving STEM Activity 1: Pumpkin Picker
Pumpkin Picker– students design and build a pumpkin harvesting tool that clears the field in the fewest number of moves. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Pumpkin Picker blog post.
Thanksgiving STEM Activity 2: Mini Mayflower/Mini Mishoon
Mini Mayflower & Mini Mishoon — students work to design and build a boat that can either carry as much cargo as possible or sail the fastest. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Mini Mayflower/Mini Mishoon blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Thanksgiving STEM Activity 3: Turkey Transporter
Turkey Transporter — students design and construct a way to safely transport a turkey across a specified vertical or horizontal distance. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Turkey Transporter blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Thanksgiving STEM Activity 4: Protect the People
Protect the People– challenges students to explore the historical context of the Thanksgiving holiday by designing and building shelters that will protect the Pilgrims or the Wampanoag people from wind, rain, and snow. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Protect the People blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Thanksgiving STEM Activity 5: Corn Cultivator
Corn Cultivator — students are tasked with designing and constructing a model corn cultivator, using everyday materials, that will till, dig holes, plant seeds, and lightly irrigate. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Corn Cultivator blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Grab the entire bundle and make this festive time of year fun and educational for students! 🥰
Related Posts:
- 5 Apple STEM Activities
- 20 Halloween STEM Activities
- 5 Christmas & Winter STEM Activities
- 30 STEM Activities in 30 Minutes or Less!
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