The fourth challenge in the Back-to-School/Fall STEM Challenge series is Apple Ally (see Challenge 1, 2, 3). If you’ve found your way here outside of the back-to-school season, not to worry! These challenges work great for fall apple activities and studies of forces and motion all year long! Back-to-School/Fall STEM Challenge: In Apple Ally, students build an […]
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Summer STEM Challenge: Amphibious Phone
Here’s a problem none of us want to have — you’ve dropped your phone into the pool, and now you’ve got to leap in after it and hope it hasn’t been fried before you can rescue it! In this challenge, students will try their hand at designing a summer-proof smartphone case. (Don’t worry, paper templates […]
End of the Year Summer STEM Challenge: Wicked-Fast Water Slide
This one is definitely an end of the year fan-favorite. Before your students head off to their summer break, give them a memory that will have them lamenting that last bell! Premise Working against a criteria & constraints list in groups, students must design a water slide built for speed, thrills, and safety, […]
Easter / Spring STEM Challenge: Basket Bounce
Basket Bounce is another of my hybrid STEM / PE challenges. It was definitely designed with Easter in mind, but I’ve got a couple of ideas to get around that if you don’t want to (or aren’t allowed to) link it to Easter in your classroom. (?Note: I recently changed to a new platform for […]
Spring / Easter STEM Challenge: Egg-hanced
This STEM challenge is a classic egg drop, making it perfect for any time in spring, including — but not limited to — Easter! I fondly remember doing this challenge when I was in kindergarten — before “STEM Challenges” were a thing! I also recall the best design (not mine) used blown-up balloons to make […]
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: Limitless Luck STEM Probability Challenge
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! (? Note: I recently changed to a new platform for my website. This has caused some wonky formatting & spacing. I’m working […]
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: St. Pat’s Snake Snatcher STEM Challenge
We’re using the legend behind the holiday for this St. Patrick’s Day activity STEM Challenge! Premise Individually or in partners/groups, students will design and build a device to rid Ireland of snakes as quickly and safely as possible. – Snakes (10 – 20) will be spread over a map of Ireland (three map options […]
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: Get the Gold STEM Challenge
In the last 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 STEM challenge is tons of fun, and you’ll love the cooperative problem-solving your students display! Premise Working against a criteria […]
St. Patrick’s Day Activity: Leprechaun Lockdown STEM Challenge
This St. Patrick’s Day activity is a STEM challenge classic almost as old as time, so I’ve added a twist and a few extensions to keep it fresh! (? Note: I recently changed to a new platform for my website. This has caused some wonky formatting & spacing. I’m working on updating everything as quickly […]
3 Critical Factors for Quality STEM Challenges
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 […]
