This Thanksgiving STEM Challenge will keep your kids engaged!

The basic premise:

Individually or in partners/groups, students will design and build a shelter to protect one or more Pilgrims or Wampanoag people from wind, rain, and snow.

–Note: Pilgrim and Wampanoag cut-outs have been provided, so you have the option of using either or both.

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 5:02 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 B&W; editable version provided)
  • Pilgrim and Wampanoag cut-outs for shelter-building (color and B&W)
  • Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included) (color and black & white; editable)
  • Discussion Questions (in color and B&W; editable)

• Extension templates
  • Process flow map
  • Create & solve math problems based on designs
  • Physical Properties of Building Materials Handouts (“wide-rule” and “college rule” versions)

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:

• Popsicle/craft sticks (30 – 50)
• Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
• Masking or packing tape (24 – 36 in.)
• Foil
• Cardboard / paper plates / small cups
• Scissors
• Ruler (to measure shelter dimensions)
• Copies of Pilgrim and/or Wampanoag cut-outs
• Copies of data recording & analyzing handouts
• Spray bottle, eye dropper (to simulate rain)
• Bottled Water (to simulate snow weight)
• Small fan (to simulate wind; alternatively, you can blow through a straw)

Optional:

• Straws
• Coffee filters
• String
• Cable ties

PLUS BONUS ACTIVITIES: THINKING ABOUT THANKSGIVING

This resource is also available in paperless format and as part of the Thanksgiving STEM Challenge bundle. Click through below:

Print Version

Paperless Version for use with Google Slides(TM)

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.