Looking for a fun Halloween activity that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and/or math? Halloween STEM / STEAM Challenges are collaborative, brain-busting work disguised as fun!
The basic premise:
Students work in partners or groups against a list of criteria and constraints to build the longest “bone” bridge possible. This challenge goes beyond Halloween! Connect this to the skeletal system, bridges/transportation, and/or forces (specific ideas included).
Note: This is the digital format, compatible with Google Slides ™.
For the print version, click here.
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 Slides
- Post-design extension activities list
- Link to a video walk-through of the challenge
- Student Slides
- Criteria and Constraints list (editable)
- Design Analysis
- Discussion Questions
- Extension templates
- Process flow map
- Create & solve math problems based on designs
- Bone Idioms activity
- Bridge Idioms activity
- Related video slides
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.)
- Q-tips (30 – 50)
- Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
- Popsicle/craft sticks (5 – 10)
- Penny (to measure gap constraint)
- Scissors
- Rulers/measuring tapes (tip: pick up paper measuring tapes from Ikea)
Optional:
• Straws
• String
• Cardboard
• Tape, cable ties
• Candy pumpkins or base-ten blocks for weights (if weight/capacity criterion is used)
This resource is also available in print format and as part of the Halloween and the Mega STEM Challenge bundles. Click through below:
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