Looking for a fun Halloween activity that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and/or math? Halloween STEM / STEAM Challenges are collaborative, brain-busting work disguised as fun!

The basic premise:

In partners or groups, students work against a criteria and constraints list to build a low-energy machine to toss treats. The teacher chooses from one of two challenge goals: maximum launch distance and/or target-accuracy.

This challenge is a great introduction to simple machines, particularly levers!

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 4:07 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 ™.

Note: I received several requests to create a non-Halloween version of the student handouts to use at other times of the year or due to district rules regarding the holiday. A candy-only/non-Halloween version is now included!

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 and Constraints List (editable versions provided)
  • Results and Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included for both challenge goals: launch distance & accuracy)
  • Discussion Questions

• Extension templates
  • 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.)

• Wrapped candy
  • Small candies like Hershey’s Kisses are easier to launch and easy to locate post-launch. You may want to provide more than one option.
• Candy target/container (A printable target is included if you select the target-accuracy goal, but a Halloween-themed candy bowl is also fun!)
• Clothespins (1-2)
• Rubber bands (5-20 per student/group)
• Popsicle sticks/tongue depressors/craft sticks/pencils/wooden rulers/small scrap wood pieces (10 – 20)
• Something (or multiple things) to act as a fulcrum (markers, batteries, spice bottles, highlighters, etc.)
• Tape (constrain to 24 in. or less)
• Tape measure

Optional:

• Small cups
• Cardboard
• Foil
• Pipe cleaners
• String

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

Halloween STEM Bundle

PRINTABLE MEGA BUNDLE

If you prefer to purchase on TPT, click here. 

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