Teaching about plants and need the perfect activity to engage? This STEM / STEAM Challenge is perfect for applying learning in plant needs, parts/functions, adaptations, life cycles, cells, photosynthesis, and/or genetics & heredity.

This STEM Challenge is great any time of the year, but works especially well as a spring activity! The completed designs and extension projects make beautiful displays for Back to School Night or Open House as well!

The basic premise: 

Students work in individually or in partners or groups against a list of criteria and constraints to create a plant that has never been seen or imagined before. This challenge is part of the growing Planetopia Project series.

Note: The version you are viewing is compatible with Google Slides ™.

Click here for the printable version of this resource.

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 Handouts:
  • Criteria & Constraints List (editable)
  • Results and Design Analysis
  • Discussion Questions

• Extension templates
  • Process flow maps
  • Create & solve math problems based on designs
  • Plant Writing Templates
  • Planetopia Plants Presentation Slides
    • General Information
    • Feature Spotlight
    • Life Cycle
    • Where in the World
    • Genetics/ Heredity
  • Plant Science Study Slides
    • Plant Parts/Functions
    • Photosynthesis
    • Plant & Animal Cell Diagrams
    • Plant & Animal Cell Compare/Contrast
    • Plant Inquiry

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.)

• • Note: The links below are Amazon Affiliate links. Find out more on the disclosure page.
    • • Crayola Model Magic
      • Tissue paper
      • Construction paper
      • Craft sticks 
      • Pipe cleaners 
      • Sequins
      • Yarn
      • Pom poms
      • Paint
      • Feathers
      • Toothpicks
      • Scissors 
      • Foil
      • Cotton
      • Felt
      • Plastic beads
      • Cotton
      • Sand paper
      • Small cups
      • Rubber bands
      • Paperclips
      • Cardboard scraps
      • Glue
      • Masking tape 
      • Hot glue guns
      • Uncooked noodles and/or beans
      • Single hole punch
      • Design analysis handouts (included in resource)

Benefits of this STEM Design Challenge:

• Focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and application of learning
• Helps students develop growth mindset traits like persistence and resilience
• High levels of student engagement
• The potential to hit upon all NGSS ETS standards depending on the depth and number of iterations you choose to implement in your classroom (modifications included)
• Highly flexible and differentiated for materials, timing, grade levels, and rigor.

Each design iteration should be planned for ~60 min. if you are including data gathering and analysis rather than just building for fun. If you add extension activities, you will need to adjust timing accordingly.

This resource is available in a printable format. It is also available in a discounted Planetopia Project bundle. The Digital/Paperless Mega Bundle is also coming soon!

PRINTABLE VERSION

PAPERLESS BUNDLE

If you prefer to purchase on TpT, click here.

Note: any coupon/promo codes for this site will only work on this site. TpT does not have the option for individual stores to offer promo codes.