Halloween STEM Challenges are the perfect way to keep kids engaged all throughout October. The best part — there are so many connections to your science and other subject areas, you’ll be using every drop of your instructional minutes like a pro while your students proclaim you the best teacher ever!
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.
Here’s a very quick visual of each of the 5 Halloween STEM Challenges in action:
Yes, you can still enjoy STEM Challenges during a pandemic. I’ll walk you through some of the adjustments in the video below.
If you hadn’t already picked up on it, I 😍 Halloween! I have an entire playlist of video walk-throughs on YouTube with the STEM Challenges you see below and others I think are a natural fit for Halloween. Check out the entire Halloween STEM Challenge playlist if you’re looking for inspiration.
Here’s a quick description of my top five Halloween STEM Challenges, plus links to their video walk-throughs and teaching resources for each one:
Bone Bridge®– students build a bridge for length, strength, or capacity. Connect it to your lessons on the skeletal system, bridges/transportation, and/or forces! Learn more in the video walk-through and the teaching resource.
Wings Wanted — students design a new set of bat wings, with the goal being to achieve maximum flight distance and/or accuracy. It’s a paper airplane challenge with a twist! Learn more in the video walk-through and the teaching resource.
Creature Catcher — students design a device to catch as many “creatures” as possible. While spider web designs come to mind, there are many ways to catch a creature. Let your students’ imagination and creativity shine by leaving the challenge open-ended. Learn more in the video walk-through and the teaching resource.
Treat Toss — students build a low-energy machine to toss treats without spreading germs. Build for maximum launch distance and/or target-accuracy. Perfect introduction to simple machines, particularly levers! Learn more in the video walk-through and the teaching resource.
Ghosts in the Graveyard — students create a ghost transporter that lifts cotton ball “ghosts” from the ground to the top of a pulley. Use grapes instead of ghosts if Halloween is a no-go at your school. Learn more in the video walk-through and the teaching resource.
Grab the entire bundle and make this the best October ever! 🥰
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