This Thanksgiving STEM / STEAM Challenge will engage your students in brain-busting work disguised as fun!

The basic premise:

Individually, or in partners/groups, students will design and build a way to safely transport a turkey a given distance (e.g. width of the classroom, 15 ft., the top of the stairwell to the ground, etc.).

— Because this can be treated as two separate challenges, two criteria/constraints lists have been provided: one for the turkey traveling a horizontal distance quickly and a second for a vertical drop, arriving gently/slowly.

 

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Note: This is the digital format, compatible with Google Slides ™.

For the print version, click here.

 

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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 Slides
  • Post-design extension activities list
  • Link to a video walk-through of the challenge

• Student Slides
  • Criteria & Constraints List (editable)
  • Turkey Template
  • Design Analysis
  • Discussion Questions

• Extension templates
  • Process flow map
  • Create & solve math problems based on designs
  • Video/website linked slides
  • Calculating Turkey Speed
  • Turkey Anatomy activity

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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:

• Copies of Turkey handouts (included)
• Timer
• Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
• Popsicle/craft sticks (5 – 10)
• Rope and/or string (Equal amount to distance requirement)
• Paper plate(s) and/or bowls
• Coffee filters
• Straws (5 – 10)
• Binder clips (1-3, various sizes)
• Clothespins (3 – 5)
• Tape
• Scissors
• Measuring tapes (tip: pick up paper measuring tapes from Ikea)

Optional:

• Cardboard
• Cable ties
• Rubber bands
• Small cups

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

 

 

 

 

 

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