This STEM challenge is a perfect Easter or spring activity! Premise Working against a criteria & constraints list, students create a nest designed for maximum capacity. There are a variety of materials & options described in the video below to make this spring activity easier or more challenging. Materials […]
Spring STEM Challenge: Nice Nest Read More »
If you’re here, you’re about to teach persuasive writing unit. Or argumentative writing, or whatever the cool kids are calling it these days! Or maybe you’re already in the muck & mire of it wondering why your students aren’t producing organized and compelling essays. Many years ago, I caused myself — and my students
Teaching Persuasive Writing … Painlessly! Read More »
It’s fun to think about symbols of luck: heads-up pennies, four-leaf clovers, and horseshoes, but making your own luck is so much more empowering! This St. Patrick’s Day STEM Challenge is all about probability! Premise of Probability STEM Challenge: Limitless Luck Working against a criteria & constraints list, students create a four-leaf frisbee designed to
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: Limitless Luck Probability STEM Challenge Read More »
We’re using the legend behind the holiday for this St. Patrick’s Day activity STEM Challenge! Legend says St. Patrick drove snakes out of Ireland in the 5th century, though despite popular belief, no evidence suggests snakes were ever there. Celebrated on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day honors the patron saint and Irish culture globally. If
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: St. Pat’s Snake Snatcher STEM Challenge Read More »
In the last St. Patrick’s Day activity STEM challenge, Guard the Gold, the students helped a leprechaun protect his gold from treasure hunters. In this St. Patrick’s Day activity, Get the Gold, the students are now the treasure hunters! This St. Patrick’s Day activity STEM challenge is tons of fun, and you’ll love the cooperative
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: Get the Gold STEM Challenge Read More »
This St. Patrick’s Day activity is a leprechaun trap STEM challenge classic almost as old as time, so I’ve added a twist and a few extensions to keep it fresh! Premise of Leprechaun Trap STEM Challenge Working against a criteria & constraints list, and armed with a Leprechaun Lore List, students create a design to
Leprechaun Lockdown: Best Leprechaun Trap STEM Challenge for St. Patrick’s Day Read More »
Let’s face it, most kids immediately trash their Valentine’s Day cards once they strip them of candy and stickers. Why not put those cards to good use before they get recycled? In comes a Valentine’s Day cards STEM activity! Maybe you work with older students who don’t do a card exchange. In this case, you
Creative Valentine’s Day Cards STEM Activity: Cards in the Clouds Read More »
Have you been considering trying STEM Challenges with your class, but you’re not sure where to start? You want to be sure you’re using your limited instructional minutes well, but maybe you’re not convinced STEM Challenges fit the bill. There’s really no reason to be intimidated, but you’re right to seek out some information! Like
3 Critical Factors for Quality STEM Challenges Read More »
The Flower Frenzy STEM Challenge Activity is actually four challenges in one and works well for spring, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Mother’s Day! Premise In Flower Frenzy, students create a bouquet of flowers with unique attributes within four mini challenges: Floating Flowers, Functional Flowers, Fluff & Flatten Flowers, and Firmly Fixed Flowers. (If alliteration is
Flower Frenzy: Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge Read More »
This candy box Valentine’s Day STEM challenge is simple on the outside, but oh so sweet on the inside! The best part is that you can add in so many math activities to extend. Just think of all the math that goes into creating products for retail: price, margin, tax, shipping & delivery costs, fitting
Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge: Candy Box/Confection Container Read More »
