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 […]
Summer STEM Challenge: Amphibious Phone Read More »
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,
End of the Year Summer STEM Challenge: Wicked-Fast Water Slide Read More »
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. Premise Working against
Easter / Spring STEM Challenge: Basket Bounce Read More »
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
Spring / Easter STEM Challenge: Egg-hanced 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 »
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 »
No matter where you stand politically, if you are in the classroom, you have undoubtedly noticed signs that the world is sorely in need of a littlemore kindness, empathy, and willingness to listen and learn from each other, even if (or maybe especially if) the other person holds opposing views and beliefs. I was so pleased
#KINDNESSNATION Campaign Read More »
