Here, students were given 6 pieces of paper, 6 inches of scotch tape, and 15 minutes to build the sturdiest table they could. They quickly found out how difficult this task would be. All students had come up with very different designs, and the winning group's ended up holding 48 books! The class was so surprised!
In this challenge the students were given 100 toothpicks, 50 miniature marshmallows, and 25 minutes to create a bridge. The requirements were that it be able to sit on two boxes spread 6 inches apart. When the bridges were finished, we placed starburst on them one by one to see which one could hold the most weight.
In our second STEM challenge, each group of students was given one piece of construction paper, one pair of scissors, and one glue stick. Their challenge was to make the longest paper chain they could in 20 minutes. Some groups went for the traditional paper chain used by circular links. Other students cut paper into strips and glued them end to end. This led to a discussion of what exactly is a 'chain'. So, we looked up the definition in the dictionary and it said ' a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other..' Once the time was up we gathered our chains and lined them up in the hallway to find our winner.
Yesterday was our first STEM challenge. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These challenges are designed to help develop kids' critical thinking skills. They increase science literacy and allow kids to be innovators. STEM challenges encourage kids to be curious, ask questions, and make connections.
In this activity, students were randomly put into 5 groups of 4. Each group was given 15 pipe cleaners. Their challenge was to make the tallest free-standing tower they could. They had only 10 minutes to complete this task. After the first 3 minutes, their team had an unsuspected 'budget cut.' This required some of their materials to be taken away. The teams then had to place one of their hands behind their back and keep building. Then, their business was booming and decided to expand globally! This was great, except it caused some language barriers. Their team could no longer understand everyone. The students had to continue building in complete silence! Finally, the company decided to hire some translators and for the last minute they could speak again. Only one group was able to successfully create a free standing tower. Afterwards we were able to see the different strategies the groups came up with and talk about why teamwork is so important.
In this activity, students were randomly put into 5 groups of 4. Each group was given 15 pipe cleaners. Their challenge was to make the tallest free-standing tower they could. They had only 10 minutes to complete this task. After the first 3 minutes, their team had an unsuspected 'budget cut.' This required some of their materials to be taken away. The teams then had to place one of their hands behind their back and keep building. Then, their business was booming and decided to expand globally! This was great, except it caused some language barriers. Their team could no longer understand everyone. The students had to continue building in complete silence! Finally, the company decided to hire some translators and for the last minute they could speak again. Only one group was able to successfully create a free standing tower. Afterwards we were able to see the different strategies the groups came up with and talk about why teamwork is so important.