This challenge was created as a way to celebrate Black History Month and/or Women’s History Month in science class. The premise is inspired by Sarah E. Goode’s 1885 invention of the folding cabinet bed. She was one of the first African-American women to obtain a patent for her invention!

The basic premise:

Working against a criteria/constraints list in groups, students will design and build multi-functional furniture, or furnish an entire apartment.

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 3:38 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 ™.

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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 (two levels of difficulty provided in color and black & white; editable version included)
  • Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included) (editable; color and black & white)
  • Necessities vs. Niceties for Apartments (editable)
  • Sample furniture /appliances measurements (in., cm, & blank — editable)
  • Furniture information sheet (record details of design for presentation)
  • Discussion Questions (editable; in color and B&W)

• Extension templates
  • Inventor Research Notes Template (editable)
  • Studio Apartment Floor Plan
  • Investor Pitch Planning (editable)
  • Pitch Audience Notes Template (editable)
  • Pitch Investor Checkbook (editable)
  • Process Flow Map
  • Math Extension

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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:

• Card stock or index cards
• Cardboard scraps
• String (12 – 24 in.)
• Craft sticks (4-8)
• Pipe cleaners (5-10)
• Masking tape (12 – 24 in.)
• Scissors
• Ruler

Optional:

• Cereal/tissue boxes
• Construction paper
• Rubber bands
• Single hole punch
• Paperclips, binder clips, and/or brass brads
• Straws

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

 

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