Premise
Working against a criteria & constraints list, students design a way to sort jelly beans from other types of beans. You can tell younger students the equipment at the bean factory malfunctioned, and they need to help the Easter Bunny sort it out! For older students, or if you don’t celebrate Easter, simply replace the Easter Bunny with the factory manager.You can do this as an individual, partner, or group challenge (individual or partners recommended).
Materials
Note: The links below are Amazon Affiliate links. Find out more on the disclosure page.
For each class:
- Jelly beans (1 – 2 bags)
- Mix-in beans: black, pinto, etc. (1 – 2 bags)
- Bowl/bucket to hold the mixed beans (1)
For each student or group:
- Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
- Paper plates (1 – 4)
- Coffee filters
- Paper bags
- Tape (12 – 24 in.)
- Rubber bands (5 – 10)
- Scissors
- Design analysis handouts (included in resource)
Optional:
Video Walk-through
If you’re familiar with me, you know I’ve been switching over to using video to explain the bulk of my challenges. It seems to be the best/fastest way to explain the important details: materials, set-up, tips, modifications, extensions, demonstrations, and more! Who has time to read all that?!
Are There Other Easter & Spring STEM Challenges Like This?
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You can find even more STEM challenges in my Mega Bundle, on this blog, and on my YouTube channel!
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