Turkey Transporter Thanksgiving STEM Challenge

Turkey Transporter Thanksgiving STEM Challenge

$3.98

Individually, or in partners/groups, students will design and build a way to safely transport a turkey a given distance (e.g. width of the classroom, 15 ft., the top of the stairwell to the ground, etc.).

This Thanksgiving STEM / STEAM Challenge will engage your students in brain-busting work disguised as fun!

The basic premise:

Individually, or in partners/groups, students will design and build a way to safely transport a turkey a given distance (e.g. width of the classroom, 15 ft., the top of the stairwell to the ground, etc.).

— Because this can be treated as two separate challenges, two criteria/constraints lists have been provided: one for the turkey traveling a horizontal distance quickly and a second for a vertical drop, arriving gently/slowly.

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 4:47 to see what is included in the resource):

Note: If you are in a 1:1 classroom, you may prefer the
digital format, compatible with Google Slides ™.


Resource includes:

  • NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8
  • Teacher Tips:
    • Links to my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
    • Materials and timing
    • Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)
    • Measuring results
    • Universal STEM Challenge Notes & How to Use Student Handouts
    • Post-design extension activities list
    • Link to a video walk-through of the challenge
  • Student Handouts
    • Criteria & Constraints List (editable; color and black & white; editable version provided)
    • Turkey Template
    • Design Analysis Handouts (editable; 2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included) (editable; color and black & white)
    • Discussion Questions (editable; in color and B&W)
  • Extension templates
    • Calculating speed handout (includes editable version)
    • Process Flow Map
    • Math Extension

Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:

(Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified. You don’t need to provide all of the following materials. Select a subset and/or add in your own ideas.)

For each student or group:

  • Copies of Turkey handouts (included)
  • Timer
  • Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
  • Popsicle/craft sticks (5 – 10)
  • Rope and/or string (Equal amount to distance requirement)
  • Paper plate(s) and/or bowls
  • Coffee filters
  • Straws (5 – 10)
  • Binder clips (1-3, various sizes)
  • Clothespins (3 – 5)
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tapes (tip: pick up paper measuring tapes from Ikea)

Optional:

  • Cardboard
  • Cable ties
  • Rubber bands
  • Small cups

This resource is also available in paperless format and as part of the Thanksgiving and the Mega STEM Challenge bundles. Click through below:

 

Printable version

Paperless version for use with Google Slides(TM)

 

 

PRINTABLE MEGA BUNDLE

If you prefer to purchase on TPT, click here

Note: Any coupon codes you received for subscribing to the email are for this site and will not work on TpT.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

You may also like…