Looking for a fun Christmas or winter activity that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and/or math? Winter STEM / STEAM Challenges are the perfect activities because they engage your students in brain-busting work disguised as fun!

The basic premise:

In partners/small groups, students will design the “iciest” tree possible.

• Using a criteria/constraints list, students will build a tree with branches. They will also create triangular icicles to attach to the branches. Point values are assigned to each triangle based on various criteria (dependent on age group). Students attempt to create the iciest tree possible in the class’s Frosted Forest.

• This challenge can be run simply (focusing on shape creation & manipulation, measurement, and addition), or you can add complexity (focusing on triangle classification by sides and angles, layering icicles, assigning point value based on area, etc.). Two editable criteria/constraints lists are provided to highlight either end of the spectrum.

If it’s out of season, feel free to call it “Triangle Tree” instead! No need to wait until the winter!

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 & Constraints List (editable)
  • Design Analysis
  • Discussion Questions
  • Triangle Templates (printable to aid with build portion of the design)

• Extension templates
  • Classifying Triangles Practice (Notes and answer key included)
  • Process flow map
  • Create & solve math problems based on designs
  • Video/website linked 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.)

For each student or group:

• White construction or copy paper (3-8 pages)
  • 7 triangle templates are included, or students can create their own triangular icicles in a computer program or by hand.
• Pipe cleaners (5 – 8)
• Craft sticks (5 – 8)
• Straws (5 – 8)
• Small paper cups (4 – 6), cardboard tubes, and/or cardboard scraps
• Scissors (ideal for each student to have his/her own)
• Masking or clear tape (1 roll/group; don’t limit the tape)
• Rulers (ideal for each student to have his/her own)

Optional:

• Protractors (if measuring angles; ideal for each student to have his/her own)
• Folders, Ziploc bags, or large envelopes to contain triangle cutouts if working on multiple days.
• Calculators (for younger students and/or those with special needs to calculate point values)

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

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.