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:

Working against a criteria/constraints list in partners or groups, students will design and build a “snowball” fortress wall with two main criteria: greatest area (or just height or length for younger students) and ability to withstand a “snowball” attack.

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 6:32 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 (color and black & white; editable version provided)
  • Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included) (color and black & white)
  • Discussion Questions (in color and B&W)

• Extension templates
  • Arctic/Antarctic Animal Adaptation Research Handout (editable)
  • Cold Synonyms, Antonyms, Similes, & Metaphors Handouts (editable)
  • 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:

• Marshmallows: large, mini, or a mix (35 – 50)
  • Sugar cubes or blocks can be substituted for building the fortress wall, but at least one marshmallow per student will still be needed for a “snowball” attack.
• Straws (10 – 15)
• Popsicle/craft sticks (10 – 15)
• Toothpicks (25 – 50)
• Small paper plates (1 or ½ of one)
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Work mat (construction paper, foil, newspaper, etc.)

Optional:

• Plastic knives, forks, and/or spoons
• Pipe cleaners
• String
• Foil
• Spool of wire (gardening or steel)
• Tape

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

PRINTABLE MEGA BUNDLE

If you prefer to purchase on TPT, click here. 

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