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 build a sleigh and ramp designed to transport the sleigh the greatest possible distance. (Note: there is a “Sled & Slope” version of student handouts in case you prefer a winter / non-Christmas activity.)

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 5:57 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 ™.

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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 – two sets: one for Sleigh & Slope and one for Sled & Slope
  • 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
  • Design an Experiment: Reducing Friction (with sample answers)
  • Process Flow Map
  • Math Extension

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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:

• Cardboard, card stock, cereal box, or paper plates
• Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
• Small bows (2)
• Bows are to symbolize gifts; small candies can be substituted (If you’re doing the Sled & Slope version, you’ll need small people to ride the sleds. Think: little, plastic, green army men. Two riders will work well.)
• Popsicle/craft sticks (10 – 15)
• Rubber bands (5 – 10)
• Foil (12 – 24 in.)
• Straws (5 – 10)
• Scissors
• Tape (12 – 24 in.)
• Ruler or measuring tape

Optional:

• Wood scraps
• Paper bags
• Coffee filters
• Plastic cutlery
• Balloons (rocket boosters)
• String
• Cable ties

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

 

If you prefer to purchase on TPT, click here. 

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