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Protobot: randomly generated design challenges

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A bridge is some structure that spans a gap. For example, in the diagram, the ends of the a flat piece of paper are placed on two books. The paper spans the gap between the book.

Instruction for making this Simple Paper Bridge are as follows:

1. Lay two equal size books on a table so that the books are about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.

2. Use one sheet of copy paper to make a bridge between the two books. Make sure that an equal amount of the paper lies on each book.
How strong is this bridge?
To test the strength of the paper bridge, gently place one pencil at a time across the center of the paper bridge. The position of the test-pencil is shown in the diagram, but the diagram is not intended to represent the results. You must determine for yourself if the flat paper bridge will support the pencil.

If the pencil is too heavy for the paper bridge, remove the pencil, put the paper back in place, and then try objects with less weight, such as wooden toothpicks, paper clips, coins, etc...

Discover for Yourself

Paper folded in the manner shown in the diagram increases the strength of the paper bridge.
Instructions:
1. Fold a sheet of copy paper in half by placing the short ends together. Fold the paper in half again in the same direction.

2. Unfold the paper then bend it accordion style to form an M shape.

3. Use the folded paper to form a bridge between the books as shown. Again, make sure that an equal amount of the paper is on each book.

4. As before, test the strength of the paper bridge using pencils, or objects with less weight.

Why is the pleated bridge stronger? Because the weight of anything sitting on the bridge is spread out. Each of the peaks in the bridge frame spreads some of the weight down to the foundation. The more peaks, the less weight there is on one part of the bridge. Structural engineers design bridges so that the bridge structure spreads the weight of vehicles down to the foundation. Thus the bridge can support more weight.

Engineers must consider two types of forces on the bridge: compression and tension. For more information about structural forces, see Testing the Strength of an Egg.

Science Challenge

Look at the diagram. How much stronger is this 2-M shaped bridge than the 1-M shaped bridge previously tested?

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How to Make Paper Bridges - VanCleave's Science Fun

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A bridge is some structure that spans a gap. For example, in the diagram, the ends of the a flat piece of paper are placed on two books. The paper spans the gap between the book. Instruction for making this Simple Paper Bridge are as follows: 1.

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1. 1. We can... Identify which designs can and cannot withstand the self-weight of the newspaper tower as well as a lateral wind load. Explain how their towers worked to withstand the self-weight and lateral wind load

2. 2. The Plan Create as tall a tower as possible with only paper, scissors and tape. You will have a time limit of 15 minutes for preliminary building and 10 minutes for the final build.

3. 3. Real World Application Your task mirrors the challenges that engineers are given in the real world-with objectives, requirements and constraints such as budgets, material limitations and deadlines. When you are brainstorming about your design approach in your teams, think about the real skyscrapers you have seen as inspiration. What are their shapes? What are their foundations like?

4. 5. Vocab buckling: When a column fails by bending at some point in the height of the column, usually towards the midpoint caused by a vertical force. lateral force: A force that impacts a structure horizontally (that is, wind and earthquakes). deflection : The amount a structure bends or moves from its "at rest" position.

5. 6. Think Pair Share Explain how your towers worked to resist the "wind" load. What designs did and did not work and why that was so? Vocab: Lateral Force Deflection Buckling

Students act as civil engineers as they design and build newspaper towers. They must pay particular attention to designing the tower to withstand the forces of high winds, a problem that students may not have considered in the construction of tall buildings.

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1. We can... Identify which designs can and cannot withstand the self-weight of the newspaper tower as well as a lateral wind load. Explain how their towers worked to withstand the self-weight and lateral wind load 2. The Plan Create as tall a tower as possible with only paper, scissors and tape.

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Need some quick and easy STEM challenges for your classroom? Tower challenges are great go-to STEM activities that promote problem solving, teamwork, and communication. You can create these challenges out of almost anything: index cards, playing cards, blocks, newspaper, or plastics cups. Here are two fun tower challenges that my middle school students love!
Balloon Tower Challenge
Kids love balloons! Your classroom will feel like a party when they get to work! The engineering mission is to build the tallest, freestanding tower using a bag of balloons and masking tape. Students must work together to blow up the balloons and find a way to hold them together for a tower. Remind students the importance of a sturdy base and time management. Projecting a timer for no more than 12 minutes will keep the students focused on building. At the end, walk around and measure the different heights while pointing out the differences in structures.
Pipecleaner Tower Challenge
The Pipecleaner Challenge is one of my favorite team-building icebreaker activities because of unexpected obstacles added during the building process. Plus all you need is 15 pipe cleaners per team of 2 - 4 students.

Pass out pipecleaners to each group and inform them that their engineering team has been assigned an important mission: to build the tallest, free-standing tower with only materials provided.

Allow students to begin working for a few minutes. Soon they will figure out that they need a strong base to hold the flimpsy pipecleaners, and that means it is time to add an unexpected twist!

Yell "FREEZE", and as students look up in surprise, inform teams that there has been an unexpected loss of resources in the company. Each team member must now place one arm behind their back and keep working! After some giggling, they will quickly learn that they have to work together to keep building. Give teams several minutes to struggle together, and then yell "FREEZE" again! As students groan, inform teams that their engineering manager realized the challenges with this loss in resources. To compensate, you are outsourcing some of the engineering work to {insert favorite county}. However, not everyone speaks the same language. Teams can use both arms, but must continue without speaking!

After a few more minutes (in silence), yell that business is booming, and translators have been hired. Teams have 2 minutes to complete the task! At the end of the time, walk around and measure tower heights and point out differences between designs.
Want more?
We have created a bundle of STEM Icebreaker activities that includes this Pipecleaner Challenge along with discussion questions, a teacher's guide, and more to implement this activity in your classroom! The bundle includes the Chair Challenge, another simple mini-STEM challenge to promote team-building using the engineering design process. We also added four STEM critical thinking activities to introduce students to scientific and engineering thinking through exploration of the world around them. We hope your students enjoy these activities!

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Two Easy STEM Tower Challenges! - STEM Activities for Kids

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Need some quick and easy STEM challenges for your classroom? Tower challenges are great go-to STEM activities that promote problem solving, teamwork, and communication. You can create these challenges out of almost anything: index cards, playing cards, blocks, newspaper, or plastics cups. Here are two fun tower challenges that my middle school students love!

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Challenge: Students will use pipe-cleaners to build the tallest, freestanding tower.

Grade level: 3rd - 12th (Adaptable to almost any age)

Group Size: 3 - 4 per team

Time Required: 15 - 30 minutes

Cost per group: Less than $1

Materials: 15 pipe-cleaners per team. Tip: wrap a pipe cleaner around a bundle of 14 for easy prep

Activity

1. Group students into teams of 2 - 4.

2. Pass out bundles of 15 pipe-cleaners to each group.

3. Instruct students that each engineering team is tasked to build the "tallest free-standing structure" with the materials provided. Teams will have about 10 minutes. Free-standing means the structure can not be held, taped, wedged between desks, etc. Ask for any clarification.

4. After working for 2-4 minutes: tell students to freeze. "Your team had an unexpected budget cut, and one of your resources has been depleted. Each team member must now put one arm behind his/her back!"

5. 2-4 more minutes: freeze again. "Your engineering company realized that the loss in resources were detrimental to the product. The manager has decided to expand your operations globally to bring in more business. Your team now operates in (insert favorite country here) allowing you to use both arms again. But now you are unable to speak the same language. Continue the task without any speaking!"

6. 1-2 minute: "Business is booming, and your company has hired translators. Complete the task with all your resources! One minute left!"

7. Count down from ten and stop the activity.

8. Walk around the room and note the different shapes and designs of the towers. Determine the tallest tower and allow the team to explain their successful design.

Tips

Adjust the time depending on how quickly students are working.

Younger students may become paralyzed by the planning stage. Help them focus on building a sturdy foundation.

Some teams will ignore the rules. Take away pipe-cleaners as a consequence!

I have tried this with various groups in both an after-school and classroom setting, and I believe this is a great go-to challenge! I love the introduction of new constraints throughout that keeps students on their toes and engaged.

You will also find many students' initial reaction to be a rolling of eyes and claiming that this will be so easy. Students soon realize that the materials are flimsy and don't carry much weight. Some students get frustrated and want to give up, but eventually, most teams have a break through. First, they realize they need a strong base. Then they realize to distribute the weight and not become very top heavy. And finally, the students get excited and engaged!

Sign up for our newsletter at the top of the sidebar on the right of this page to receive more STEM activities like this one!

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Pipecleaner STEM Challenge - Vivify STEM

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The Pipecleaner (aka "Fuzzy Sticks") Challenge is one of my favorite STEM activities to introduce students to STEM learning. This is a fun, inexpensive, and engaging challenge that can be tailored to different ages, settings, and time-frames. This challenge is also an excellent t

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Gallery of Arvind Gupta's Fun Science Toys hosted by ArvindGuptaToys.com

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http://www.stormthecastle.com/catapult/images/popsiclestick-catapult-1.jpg

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Exploratorium: the museum of science, art and human perception

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Blowing, Bouncing,
Bursting Bubbles
Bubble Bomb - Using baking soda and vinegar, you can pop a plastic bag with the power of fizz.

Balloon Blow-Up -Not all bubbles are made with soap!

Bubbularium - Make an observatory to see the amazing colors in bubbles!

It's All Done With Mirrors
Up Periscope! - Build a mirrored tube that lets you see around corners and over walls.

Go With the Flow - Spin the bottle to make beautiful swirling shapes!

Reflecting Rainbows - Decorate your white walls with rainbow colors!

Geodesic Gumdrops - Make amazing architecture with gumdrops and toothpicks.

Remote Control Roller - Rub a balloon on your head, then watch a soda can race across the floor!

Pictures From Light - With a lens, you can bend light to make pictures of the world.

Making a Sun Clock - Before there were clocks, people used shadows to tell time!

Taking Things Apart
Dissect a Disk - Find out what's inside a floppy disk.

Glitter Globe - Make a fantastic toy that shimmers when you shake it.

The Amazing Water Trick - Do hot water and cold water mix?

Seeing Isn't Believing
Flipsticks - A do-it-yourself cartoon kit. It's easy to make pictures move!

Hear, Hear!
Ear Guitar - Share some scecret sounds with a friend.

Secret Bells - An ordinary metal spoon can make some astounding sounds!

CANdemonium - Recycle some cans to make after-dinner music!

Rings, Wings, and
Other Flying Things
Roto-Copter - This simple paper toy spins through the air like a mini-helicopter!

Spinning Blimps - Become an aircraft designer!

Hoopster - Most paper airplanes are flat, but these paper hoops can really fly!

What Do You Say?
I M O K. U R O K. - You can make sentences without words!

Making Changes
Crystal Creations - Grow spikes of crystals in the sun.

Mold Terrarium - Watch tiny blue, green, and white plants grow on leftover food.

Copper Caper - Watch old pennies turn bright and shiny right before your eyes!

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Science Explorer: At Home Science Projects | Exploratorium

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Blowing, Bouncing, Bursting Bubbles Bubble Bomb - Using baking soda and vinegar, you can pop a plastic bag with the power of fizz. Balloon Blow-Up -Not all bubbles are made with soap! Bubbularium - Make an observatory to see the amazing colors in bubbles! It's All Done With Mirrors Up Periscope!

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Why is This Tower Project the Best Ever Challenge? - Teachers are Terrific

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One of the best challenges you can try in your STEM class is one we have done over and over again. This one is a kid-favorite and a teacher-favorite. There are several reasons you will love this challenge, but I will let a fifth grader explain it better. “Oh man, our tower was, like 30…

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The Roller Coaster STEM Challenge from my May STEM Challenges pack covers a variety of standards related to force and motion. Students discover the difference between potential (stored) energy and kinetic (working) energy. Students also learn about friction, momentum, and gravity. The design of a working roller coaster requires careful engineering and patience, which makes it quite the challenge for all levels of students.

This is one of my kids' all-time favorite STEM challenges for so many reasons! When students think of roller coasters, they think of FUN, and engineering their own working model is no different! This challenge is not easy for students, as it requires lots of trial, error, and improvements. Students discover that they might need to add "bumpers" on sharp turns or adjust the grades of certain drops so that they aren't too steep. Naturally, when student groups achieve success, it is that much sweeter when they had to work extra hard to get there. They also love how they can use a significant amount of creativity in their designs as they place turns and drops in specific locations. Some groups even add tunnels, signs, and water features as final touches.

Teachers love this challenge because it is a fantastic way to keep students motivated and engaged as the school year winds down. From start to finish, this challenge takes between 2 and 3 hours, and collaboration among student groups is a must. As teachers try to squeeze in all the science standards that they can at the end of the year, STEM Roller Coasters integrate so many concepts relating to force and motion.

To spark students' inspiration before beginning this challenge, show them short video clips or Google images of real roller coasters. Hold a discussion about how a roller coaster might work and what features might be necessary in a roller coaster design.

If you have classroom iPads, you may choose to have students use the free Pic Collage Kids app to take snapshots of design ideas and create a photo collage.

For best results, purchase paper plates with prominent "lips" around the outer edges that are not too thick for students to cut. (Styrofoam plates do not work well because they will break when bent.) Students will cut off the outer lips of the plates and crease them along the middle to make "tracks" for the marbles. They may also cut the paper strips into different sizes so that they can turn their tracks different directions. The tracks should be taped to the top of medium-sized plastic cups. The cups can be taped together so that students can gradually reduce the height of the tracks from beginning to end. TIP: Have them tape their cup towers down to the table or a posterboard to stabilize the roller coaster. If any drops in the roller coaster are too steep, the marble may fall out.

Watch my Facebook video below to see my kids' STEM Roller Coasters in action!

Key vocabulary cards and step-by-step photo instructions are provided to guide students through the engineering process and emphasize the major science concepts involved in roller coaster designs.

A student reflection sheet is also provided for students to record blueprints and write about successes and struggles in their design process.

This Roller Coaster STEM Challenge is part of my May (Summer) STEM Pack, along with the Straw Rocket Challenge and Waterproof Critter House.

Click on any of the images below to read about more STEM challenges from other STEM educators.

Graphics and Font Credits: KG Fonts and PhotoClipz

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The Best STEM Challenge for Grades 2-5 Improve Student Learning with a STEM Challenge The Roller Coaster STEM Challenge from my May STEM Challenges pack covers a variety of standards related to force and motion. Students discover the difference between potential (stored) energy and kinetic (working) energy.

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Each year, I teach a simple machines unit. Each year, I try to figure out ways to integrate STEM ideas into the mix. This year, I wanted to find ways to engage my learners right away. Sometimes the simplest thing to do is grab simple items to create the perfect STEM project!

The best part...you just need 4 simple supplies or less for the each challenge. The first challenge is to create a way to get the cup of cubes to the top of the table. This is all I gave them:

Toilet paper tubes, a cup of cubes, string, and tape. The best challenge

The second challenge that we did was to make a way to move a cup of candy from one side of the room to another without using your hands to touch the cup. All I gave them for this challenge was spoons, rubber bands, and tubes.

The best part about these two challenges is that each design was so uniquely different. Each team was able to work together to find a solution to each problem and after they completed the challenge they shared what they created!

Now, this is the kicker...I was sick one of the days my classes did these challenges. Boy, did I realize that one of the integral components of setting up STEM challenges is to really SET...IT...UP. What they were able to accomplish when I was there, instead of the sub, was significant. It got me thinking... how can anyone make a STEM challenge the best EVER?

What I learned about making this STEM challenge the best ever is that as the facilitator of a STEM challenge, you must get them engaged. You must set the stage with everything they will need to complete the challenge. Consider these components:

1. How will you give them supplies? I set out a table with the items they can use. Each team is numbered and I send a special number to get what is needed.

2. What are the constraints as well as expectations? The first challenge was about moving an object from the floor to the table. This could be done as a pulley system or in some cases groups made a lever. We were able to share and explain as we observed the final product.

3. How will you get them excited about the activity? This can be done with a picture book, a question, or even a problem that needs solving. In both challenges I posed a problem that needed solving.

4. How much time will you give for a challenge. Our first challenge was 10 minutes. The second challenge was a race!

It is one thing to give your learners supplies and a challenge, it is another thing to remember to add the engineering process to each challenge you offer. We chose a simple machine challenge and it was perfect for learning several simple machines. They loved them so much that I have had to design a new challenge to show the other simple machines. Any STEM project can be your best STEM challenge ever! Setting it up for success is the key!

I have included my Simple Machines Unit that I use to add even more STEM stations including our annual Cardboard Arcade! Find my Simple Machines Pack HERE!

I challenge you to also make STEM challenges something your learners will say..."That was the best STEM challenge EVER!"

More Amazing STEM Challenges Your Students Will LOVE

Click on any of the images below to read about more STEM challenges from other STEM educators.

Graphics and Font Credits: KG Fonts and PhotoClipz

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Each year, I teach a simple machines unit. Each year, I try to figure out ways to integrate STEM ideas into the mix. This year, I wanted to find ways to engage my learners right away. Sometimes the simplest thing to do is grab simple items to create the perfect STEM project!

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Teaching kids awareness of human impact on the environment and inspiring them to be a part of the solution is vital to our future on this planet. For this reason, we conducted a fun, hands-on activity that simulates an oil spill and challenges kids of all ages to clean up the simulated disaster and its effect on wildlife.

How are you celebrating, or I should say, how are you educating on this national holiday promoting environmental consciousness? Earth Day came about in 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson was compelled by the devastation of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California to force environmental protection into the political spotlight. The ravages of an oil spill are far-reaching and really highlight the effect people can have on our world. Let's get back to what inspired the movement and creation of Earth Day and clean up an oil spill!

Oil Spill Challenge Set-up

The following supplies are used to complete this activity. Quantities of each item will vary based upon your needs. For detailed information on the supplies used in our classroom setting and where to find them, visit our blog post here.
Materials:

Cotton balls

Container

Sponge

Vegetable oil: amount depends on the container, use a 1:4 oil to water ratio

Plastic spoons

Dawn dish soap

Plastic cups: to put soap and cotton balls in

Cocoa powder: to mix with oil and make it look like crude oil

Bird feathers

Using this Activity in the Classroom

Each group will need to clean up "oil" from a simulated oil spill disaster that includes feathers to represent marine life. The learning objective is to increase understanding of an oil spill disaster and environmental consequences. This activity is a great Life Sciences challenge that also incorporates engineering and math concepts.

To set the stage for your students, begin with a discussion about the BP Oil Spill disaster in 2010- the largest accidental ocean oil spill on record. Pictures of the effects on marine plants and animals as a result of the oil spill can help the students connect the real-world application to the challenge.

To complete the challenge, students can be given this mission:

Your engineering company has been tasked with cleaning up a major oil spill disaster. You can only use the provided materials to clean up all the oil from the feathers and from the water. Place all collected oil into the provided container.

Then the activity may resume in a few different ways, depending on the constraints of your class. You may set a time limit to allow the students to clean up the oil spill and feathers as much as possible. Then discuss the challenges faced with the different methods and materials used to try to eliminate the oil. Another option is to make this challenge a competition and say that the challenge is only successful if a specific amount (say 5 inches in a cup) of oil is collected.

Because the oil is separated from the water, qualitative comparisons may be observed and measured then used to complete math problems related to this activity. Math extension problems are included in a comprehensive product of this oil spill activity found here.

This product includes:

Common Core Standards for the math extension problems

Engineering Design Process poster

Oil Spill Lesson Plan

Materials list and activity suggestions

Student handouts including information on BP Oil Spill, clean-up efforts, and environmental consequences

Mission sheet

Brainstorming worksheet

STEM Career Connection

Math Connection: Percentages, Measurements, Volume

Reflection Questions

For an extended explanation about using this product in your classroom along with tips, please see our related post on our website.

Using this Activity with Littles at Home

This activity is fun for small children at home as well. I opened the lesson with my preschooler in the same way as in the classroom, by showing pictures and videos of the BP Oil Spill and the animals that were affected. My daughter was especially concerned about the well-being of the marine life. We discussed how it is up to people to protect the environment from harm and to clean up any messes we make. Then the fun began!

The set-up is the same for a classroom but on a smaller scale. I used colored feathers to make it more obvious and motivating to remove all of the oil.
Tips:

Depending on the age and maturity of your child, I would recommend completing this activity outdoors

This can get really messy and oil can stain, so be mindful of clothing and shoes

Add the oil/cocoa powder mixture to the water in a very small amount so that it is easily seen as separate and more easily removed

Toddlers can use this as a sensory activity with spoons and other utensils to move around the "oil" blobs in the water and play with the feathers

Create a certificate or prize for your little environmental engineer once they have cleaned up the oil spill! Talk to them about the real-life careers that deal with these environmental issues- Petroleum Engineers, Marine Biologists, and many more!

We hope your kids and students have fun and are inspired by this Earth Day STEM Challenge!

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Oil Spill STEM Challenge - STEM Activities for Kids

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Teaching kids awareness of human impact on the environment and inspiring them to be a part of the solution is vital to our future on this planet. For this reason, we conducted a fun, hands-on activity that simulates an oil spill and challenges kids of all ages to clean up the simulated disaster and its effect on wildlife.

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Exploratorium: the museum of science, art and human perception

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Put one end of a straw onto the middle of a strip of tape. Put the big hoop on top of the straw and fold the tape up the sides of the hoop.

Our Home Scientists were surprised that their Hoopsters flew. The Graff family wondered how anything that looked so awkward could fly at all! Kids in the Popka family spent days developing new designs for their Hoopsters--including one that was 7 feet long! And the kids in the Hino family got out the butterfly net and tried to catch the Hoopsters as they flew by!

Now comes the fun! Hold the Hoopster in the middle of the straw, with the little hoop in front. Throw it like a spear. It may take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, your Hoopster will really fly!

This part can be a little tricky. Put another strip of tape at the other end of the straw. Press the small hoop very gently onto the tape. Move it around until it lines up with the big hoop, then press the tape down firmly. Your Hoopster should look like the picture below:

If you want to experiment with Hoopsters, here are some other things you can try:

Put a paper clip at the bottom of the small hoop.

Make a really long Hoopster with two straws. Cut a little slit at the end of one straw and pinch it so it fits inside the other straw, then tape them together.

Make a double Hoopster with two little hoops side by side on one end and two big hoops side by side on the other. (You'll need two file cards.)

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Science Activity: Paper Airplane Made Of Hoops | Exploratorium

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Put one end of a straw onto the middle of a strip of tape. Put the big hoop on top of the straw and fold the tape up the sides of the hoop. Our Home Scientists were surprised that their Hoopsters flew. The Graff family wondered how anything that looked so awkward could fly at all!

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Okay, there is more of a back story to this one!

Last spring I asked if teachers could add some items to our school supply lists. I figured if some of the kids brought things I use often in the lab it would be very helpful. Now, I know I asked for pencils, but apparently, I also asked for straws.

Yep, that's a lot of straws. So, I started trying to invent things we could build using straws. And I thought about towers first- because we love to build towers. That's how the idea for the satellite dish tower was invented.

The Test Class

I use STEM challenges multiple times and after the second class, I usually have all the kinks worked out. My students LOVE it when I tell them they are the Test Class. They know this means that I have NO IDEA what is going to happen and we kind of make it up as we go.... I am serious. The test class will start to work on something and we have to stop frequently and talk about what is happening. We often add rules right in the middle of the task when we run into problems.

Here's the first kink in the Bucket Towers.

TAPE! I knew better, but just didn't think it through and gave each group a roll of tape. Take a look at the photo to the left.

Is this tower made of straws or tape?

Needless to say, we added a rule to the next class and limited the amount of tape being used.

The Bucket

Mind you, that is a spectacular structure and it held 200+ pennies when we tested it. But is it a bucket if it's attached to the structure? We had quite a discussion about this and decided the rule needed to be added that the bucket could not be restrained. (You can't tell in the photo but the straw through the bucket is attached to the structure's frame. It will turn over, but it does not swing freely.)

The String

Was the string provided only to use with the bucket?

What if you don't need all the string? Can it be used to help tie down the structure? Notice in the photo that the team used the string very cleverly to help hold up the tower. This is real-life, too! So, the string could be used in whatever way it was needed.

Conclusion

We LOVED Bucket Towers! This is a simple challenge that we repeat every year! Here's why:

It's super easy to put together!

Materials are inexpensive and things you probably already have.

Kids love it because it's just enough outside the box to allow a lot of creativity!

Every tower looks different and the kids love sharing their finished products.

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The Unique Bucket Tower Challenge - Teachers are Terrific

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Okay, there is more of a back story to this one! Last spring I asked if teachers could add some items to our school supply lists. I figured if some of the kids brought things I use often in the lab it would be very helpful.

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https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/80672/red-cup-stem-challenge-for-kids

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You can never have too many boredom busters, especially when they are full of learning! I set up this simple STEM challenge for my kids as a why to have fun and unwind after school and could not believe how much fun it turned out to be.

Get your kids thinking critically and developing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills with just some simple items from around the house!

We've partnered with Sylvan Learning again this month to share how kids can create their own pom pom drop. We took some of the principles taught in the Sylvan EDGE classes and used them to create STEM challenges with pom poms and paper towel rolls.

Head over to their blog to see how to encourage problem solving skills in kids with 3 simple items from your kitchen-the extension challenges are so much fun!
Thanks to Sylvan Learning for sponsoring this post and encouraging hands-on STEM fun for kids!
Don't let the fun and discovery stop there!
We have TONS of science experiments your kids will love on our Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids page!
Take me to the experiments -> Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids

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You can never have too many boredom busters, especially when they are full of learning! I set up this simple STEM challenge for my kids as a why to have fun and unwind after school and could not believe how much fun it turned out to be.

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How strong is spaghetti? Challenge kids to invent a way to find out! This STEM challenge is a lot of fun, and you won't need much in the way of materials! Here are the materials we used:

1 package of spaghetti

2 sheets of styrofoam - purchased at Hobby Lobby

Books

Wooden blocks

We started our project by investigating how much weight spaghetti can hold when it's vertical. We quickly discovered that spaghetti is not very strong! It bends very easily, and breaks easily.

I asked the boys if they thought multiple pieces of spaghetti could hold more weight, and possibly even hold up a book. We tried sticking about 20 pieces of spaghetti into the styrofoam disk.

We decided to see if the spaghetti could hold up our large history book, and of course it could not...

We tried again with our test, and used LOTS of spaghetti. I can't remember how many pieces this was, but I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 200. One of the challenges of balancing weight on top of spaghetti is that it bends and sways very easily! We had good success putting another piece of styrofoam on top of the spaghetti, and then adding weight on top of that.

We were able to get 6 board books on top of the spaghetti! Not a ton of weight, but hey - it's spaghetti!

Then we devised a second test to investigate the strength of spaghetti when it is lying down horizontal. Aidan built a small bridge out of blocks and laid the spaghetti across the bridge. We were able to pull the spaghetti out of the styrofoam and use the same pieces.

Aidan put blocks on top of the spaghetti on each side to hold it in place. Then he started adding weight in the middle.

Surprisingly, the spaghetti held a lot of weight! I figured that it would be stronger this way than standing up vertically, but it was stronger than I thought it would be.

As Aidan added more weight to the center, he had to add more weight to the sides to keep the spaghetti in place.
What can we learn about the strength of materials from spaghetti?
This article from Scientific American explains what engineers are looking for when choosing the materials to design a bridge, and it has a neat experiment to test tension and compression in a bridge made out of spaghetti. This is probably best for kids age 13+, but parents and teachers can also summarize the information for youngest students. It's not difficult to read, and I definitely learned something!
Challenge kids to invent their own way to test the strength of spaghetti! Have fun investigating!

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How Strong is Spaghetti? STEM Challenge for Kids! - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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How strong is spaghetti? Challenge kids to invent a way to find out! This STEM challenge is a lot of fun, and you won't need much in the way of materials! Here are the materials we used: 1 package of spaghetti 2 sheets of styrofoam - purchased at Hobby Lobby Books Wooden blocks We started our [...]

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Do you ever have an "Ah-ha" moment? They are super exciting! You can make those moments happen for your kids with a STEM challenge! About two years ago I started teaching an integrated science course.

Read about our other challenges: Building with Straws & Cargo Flying

The Integrated Science Class is a large class of 39 kids, with mixed grades (3rd to 8th graders) and we strive to mix science, technology, engineering and math skills each week, learning by solving challenges.

Every week we break the kids up into teams randomly and give them a set of rules and challenges.

Red Cup STEM Challenge for Kids

At the beginning of the class we broke the kids into teams. We typically run 35-40 kids a class period, breaking into teams makes the class more manageable. The teams are completely random, and each week the kids are paired with a new group and new challenges.

Each team received a stack of plastic cups and we told them that they had to make a pyramid with the tools included. Then they had to put a Lego Character on the top of their tower. All without touching the cups or the figure with their hands. Those were the ONLY rules given at the beginning!
This post includes affiliate links.
STEM Learning Activity Idea

Tools the kids received:

Directions for our STEM challenge:

The kids need to work together to come up with a way to move the cups. Some kids might lift the cups with the straws, others tied the string to the cups and then liften the string ends to lift the cups. Another team stretched the rubber bands to place them around the cups, then lifted the cups as a team.

Make it harder!

After a team "won" the challenge, I would ask them to tell me to show me how they did it... and then we would remove a tool or add a handicap and they had to re-think the challenge and re-do it.

So for the team that lifted the cups with the straws we took the straws away, for a team that had struggles communicating we made everyone silent except for the child who was the quietest, for a team who was super, super fast, we had them put their left hands into their back pockets.

Do you have an especially gifted kiddo? Blind them with crepe paper! This kiddo left to tell his mom that he LOVED STEM class!

More STEM Activities

Did your kiddos enjoy this STEM activity? Let us know in the comments below, we'd love to hear! Also, be sure to join us over on our Facebook page.

Looking For More Science Fun?

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Make Science Fun With This Red Cup Stem Challenge

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Do you ever have an "Ah-ha" moment? They are super exciting! You can make those moments happen for your kids with a STEM challenge! About two years ago I started teaching an integrated science course.

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I promise, cross my heart when my third graders saw my schedule board and read " Water Slides " they cheered. Seriously. Right there in the hall.

Mind you, I think they were expecting to get to slide on them, but even when I told them we were building water slide models, they were still excited! So, take a look at the photo and you will understand this wonderful little challenge.

The challenge had some fairly wacky materials, but included items to cover the slide part so there would be no leaks. Kids also had to build some type of ladder or ramp so the top could be accessed.

Check out the fabulous ladder in the photo. They did a great job. Also, notice the bowl at the bottom to catch the water! (That's important and teaching them how to dump that water without spilling it is, too!)

Well, I know what you are thinking. It couldn't have been all fun. Cause they are kids, right? Right! Look at this photo. Do you see what that group did? They put foil on the outside of their slide. That cardboard tube soaked up water and got mushy and soggy. Boy, did they have a real moment of learning with this thinking!

Yeah, I could have told them when I saw this little mistake. But, I never do. I let them mess up.

Friends, this kind of learning is priceless. They remember this stuff.

Isn't this a great photo? I caught the water traveling all the way down that slide! (They added that tube at the end to keep Legoman from tumbling off!)

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4 Wonderful Things We Learned from Water Slides - Teachers are Terrific

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I promise, cross my heart when my third graders saw my schedule board and read " Water Slides " they cheered. Seriously. Right there in the hall. Mind you, I think they were expecting to get to slide on them, but even when I told them we were building water slide models, they were still excited!

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If you were given a piece of paper, tinfoil, six straws, two paperclips, two pieces of string, two pipe cleaners, three mailing labels, and an envelope - and then had five minutes - would you be able to build a structure that could support two cups while getting both cups off the ground and as far apart from each other as possible? Years ago our girls did this same Cup Holder STEM challenge together with much success, so I thought it would be fun to try again on a larger scale.

This semester I am working with a group of six graders in our co-op in a STEM or building class. One of the things that our family (and another co-op class) enjoyed in the past were Instant Challenges. Essentially, the children are given a set of objects and a challenge to build something specific within an allotted amount of time. The bulk of our Instant Challenge STEM ideas come from this site and we tweak them to make them work for us. The main thing I love about these challenges are they involve simple (and inexpensive) items that are easy to find and give some fun results in a short amount of time.

The Cup Holder Challenge

For our first class, we introduced the overall structure of what we would be working on and broke the kids up into four teams (class of eleven, so one team has only two). Each team had at least one boy and one girl to balance it out. The kids were 'scored' on teamwork first and then based on completion of the challenge.

In all honesty, the challenge didn't go quite as easily as I (or the kids) thought it was - a bit of a surprise to me, but I do think we figured out the why behind our issue...read on!

Breaking Up into Teams

Each team (between 2-3 children) was given 2 minutes to come up with a design, 6 minutes to work on their cup holder structure, and then show how their structures worked, compare designs, and make improvement suggestions to other teams or for their own structure.

Challenge: Create a structure that holds two cups as high as possible and as far apart as possible. Each team has 2 minutes to design, 7 minutes to create, and 1 minute to test their structure.

Materials: 6 straws, 1 piece of paper, a piece of tinfoil, 3 mailing labels, 2 paperclips, 2 pieces of string, 1 envelope, 2 pipe cleaners, and 5 pennies

The Results

One of the things that I love about these challenges is seeing the creativity and difference that each group comes up with in their designs. Even though they each have the same set of supplies, their brains are all whirling in different directions and putting those items together in alternate ways.

As each of the groups were working, the other mom and I walked around the room observing, offering suggestions if needed, and giving time updates.

Group 1

Out of all of the groups, Group 1 was the only one to have a completed structure at the end of the original challenge time period. They were able to transfer their structure to the middle of the room, set it up, explain their building process, and support the two cups.

They wrapped their paper in tinfoil and added the envelope for extra support on the main 'shelf' of their structure. Pipe cleaners and string were used to hold the straw legs together.

Their main focus was the base support, which definitely worked to their advantage. While it wasn't raised from the floor as much as they wanted, it was a solid structure as long as the straws were all balancing properly.

Completed structure: cups were 6" off the floor and " apart.

Group 2

This group almost had a structure that supported the cups, but the moment they let go of the cups, their structure tipped over. They built for height, but had a base that wasn't sturdy enough, despite the tinfoil, to support the two cups.

Their paper and envelope were rolled in a cone shape, with tinfoil as their base support. The straws were then adhered to the cone using the mailing labels.

Overall their concept was good, but not quite there. Their 'aha' moment came during our group suggestion time (see below) when they were able to modify it a bit based on a recommendation from another team.

Completed structure: cups were 0" off the floor and 0" apart.

Group 3

This team had some fun ideas and creative ways to hold things together (paper clips pushed through the straws), but their overall structure ended up with zero height. They tried to connect the straw and have them in an elongated "U" shape, but then they couldn't get their straws to stay up and support weight.

They also used up several of their supplies (by rolling or crumpling), so there really wasn't much help that could be given to create a working structure. They had a great attitude about their mistakes.

Completed structure: cups were 0" off the floor and 0" apart.

Group 4

This team was the smallest of the four, and while the two started out with a good idea (again wanting to build it as tall as they could), they quickly realized they didn't have enough base support when it came time to balance cups on either side of their structure.

They ended up trying to use the straws in a triangle-shaped base, which did work well to give support, but they weren't able to get any distance between the two cups and instead stacked them on top of each other.

Completed structure: cups were 3" off the floor and 0" apart.

Making Improvements and Suggestions

As we came together as a group, some of the kids were a bit frustrated their structures weren't completed. Three of the teams were given an extra six minutes to continue building - and they still had nothing that really worked. Many of them had already used the bulk of their supplies in a way that couldn't be recycled (tinfoil crumpled up or paper ripped), so they were stuck.

Each team was given a chance to explain their initial idea and what they thought worked best or didn't work how they envisioned. We then talked through what they could have tried differently and what may have been a better use of their resources. Overall it was a very encouraging time for the kids and they definitely walked away with some ideas to build it better. One group (Group 2) took a few minutes to tweak their design by cutting the bottom of their cone and spreading out the bottom of the paper and returned a few minutes later with a working structure!

What We Realized

While the bulk of our groups didn't have a completed structure at the end of the challenge (which was puzzling to me at first), we realized that many of them were over-thinking their designs. Rather than focusing on a stable structure, they focused on making their structures be the one that put the cups the highest off the ground so they could earn more points. They could have kept it very simple (made a more table-like structure) and even gotten it done more quickly.

We also spent some time talking about how in real life things are built and require support in various ways (bridges, pyramids, etc...). The kids thought for our next challenge they need more time to design and build, but I'm honestly leaning more toward the lesser of the time so they can keep their designs simple and get done what needs to be accomplished. We'll keep you posted on further challenges in the upcoming weeks!

Additional STEM Challenges

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If you were given a piece of paper, tinfoil, six straws, two paperclips, two pieces of string, two pipe cleaners, three mailing labels, and an envelope - and then had five minutes - would you be able to build a structure that could support two cups while getting both cups off the ground and as far apart from each other as possible?

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Global Design Challenge – Biomimicry Institute

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The Biomimicry Institute invites students and professionals worldwide to participate in the 2020 Biomimicry Global Design Challenge to create viable solutions inspired by nature that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Challenge aims to mobilize thousands to look to…

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Can a Hot Air Balloon be like a Tortoise?

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Can a Hot Air Balloon be like a Tortoise?

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Inspector Detector Challenge | PBS LearningMedia

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Kids design and build magnetic-field detectors and use them to find hidden magnets in this activity from Design Squad Nation. They also learn how NASA uses magnetometers to learn what is going on inside a planet or moon. People love treasure hunts. But, in this one, kids are looking for something in…

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Can you solve a communication problem using sound? Yes you can!

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Columns: Finding the Strongest Shape | PBS LearningMedia

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The shapes of a structure and its parts are often as important as the materials those parts are made of. In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, members of the cast bend and fold sheets of paper to see which shape is strongest and can best support the weight of a heavy book.

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While the marshmallow is in the tube, your blowing increases the air pressure in the tube, creating a force on the marshmallow. As long as this force is greater than the friction force, there's an unbalanced force on the marshmallow. According to Newton's second law, F = ma, an unbalanced force accelerates an object. The speed of the marshmallow will keep increasing for as long as the marshmallow experiences an unbalanced force.

As soon as the marshmallow leaves the tube, your blowing no longer affects it. But the faster the marshmallow is traveling when it leaves the end of the tube, the farther it will travel before hitting the ground.

When the marshmallow is at the far end of the tube away from your mouth, it falls out of the tube almost as soon as you blow on it. The unbalanced force on it doesn't last very long, so the marshmallow doesn't accelerate very fast or travel very far.

When the marshmallow is at the end of the tube that's closest to your mouth, it experiences an unbalanced force for the entire length of the tube as you blow on it. Since the force acts for a longer time, the marshmallow is going faster when it leaves the tube, and it therefore travels farther.

The tube length that will provide maximum speed is determined by how long you can keep blowing strongly enough to maintain enough pressure in the tube so that the force produced on the marshmallow is larger than the friction force. If you have really powerful lungs, you can use a very long tube-and get a very fast-moving marshmallow!

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While the marshmallow is in the tube, your blowing increases the air pressure in the tube, creating a force on the marshmallow. As long as this force is greater than the friction force, there's an unbalanced force on the marshmallow. According to Newton's second law, F = ma, an unbalanced force accelerates an object.

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Do you know the story of the Brooklyn Bridge? Twenty One Elephants and Still Standing tells the tale of the construction of this famous landmark, and serves as the inspiration for this week's Architecture and Engineering activity with a fun engineering science for kids challenge.

Twenty One Elephants and Still Standing tells the true story of the fourteen year construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, in easy-to-read verse with gorgeous, full page illustrations.

[bctt tweet=" 'Taller and longer, bigger and broader, a bridge of infinite dreams!' Can you build a bridge for 21 elephants? #STEAMedu #engineeringforkids"]

Once the bridge was completed, it linked Brooklyn and New York City. But many were intimidated by its size, worried about its strength and questioned how long it would stand. P.T. Barnum, the creator of 'The Greatest Show on Earth', decided to stage a public spectacle to prove the bridge's integrity. He planned a circus in Brooklyn and marched his elephants, all 21 of them, through Manhattan and across the bridge to Brooklyn!

Engineering Science for Kids Challenge

For our Architecture and Engineering Activity this week, after reading the story, I gave Big M (age 4) a tray full of assorted recyclables and household objects and challenged her to build a bridge for 21 elephants. Our supply set up included the following.

Twenty One Elephants and Still Standing
Popsicle craft sticks
Paper towel rolls
Miniature red cups
Learning Resources Jungle Counters

The elephants for our challenge came from a set of jungle-themed counters from Learning Resources... and you might notice, some of our elephants don't have trunks because they are actually hippos!

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-32]

I let Big M take the lead on constructing with the materials, and she opted to use the cups and popsicle sticks to build her bridge.

When she could only get 3-4 across, she started building up...

... but found it a little wobbly, and opted for adding lanes instead.

In addition to engineering science, this also made for great counting practice. At age 4, she's working on counting to and beyond 20. She's pretty good up to about 15 before she starts to stumble. So we worked on counting all the elephants/hippos every time she added one more. Until, finally - all 21 were in place!

Want more great construction ideas for kids? Check out my latest collaborative ebook: Up! Featuring 30+ STEM challenge ideas to transform your child's block play into an endless, hands-on learning center. Download your ebook today and get more than 100 pages of printables to go alongside the activities included. Get yours today from the Playground Parkbench store.

I am super excited to be part of the month-long Storybook Science series hosted by Inspiration Laboratories. Check out all the activities this week featuring Engineering, and all the book-inspired science all month long!

If you enjoyed this week's Engineering Science for Kids challenge, be sure to check out all the posts in our Architecture and Engineering for Kids series. We add new ones every Wednesday! You can find them all on our STEM for Kids - Engineering board on Pinterest.

Want to save it? Pin THIS!

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Do you know the story of the Brooklyn Bridge? Twenty One Elephants and Still Standing tells the tale of the construction of this famous landmark, and serves as the inspiration for this week's Architecture and Engineering activity with a fun engineering science for kids challenge.

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Designing Parachutes: Setting a Context for Engineering | Engineering is Elementary | PBS LearningMedia

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In this professional development video from Engineering is Elementary, teacher Jean Facchiano reads a story about an engineering problem and engages her fourth grade students in discussing how the story characters apply the engineering design process.The lesson shows students working on Disciplinary…

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#EngineerGirlShow

This video series highlights amazing women in engineering to inspire the next generation. This series was produced by George Retelas with his digital art students at SAE Institute. Here are just a few...

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EngineerGirlShow This video series highlights amazing women in engineering to inspire the next generation. This series was produced by George Retelas with his digital art students at SAE Institute. Here are just a few...

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How Do You Keep Lemonade Cool? | PBS LearningMedia

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This video segment adapted from FETCH!™ shows two cast members teaming up to take on a design challenge: Make a lemonade stand that keeps lemonade cool and is sturdy and transportable. With the assistance of master carpenter Norm Abram, the team does an experiment to determine the best insulator for keeping the lemonade cool and then chooses their materials from among those available.

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Robotic arms are cool, useful, and fun to make. In this video from Design Squad Nation, kids design and build controllable mechanical arms and use their "robo" arms to lift objects and to play a series of games.

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Designing Electric Circuits: Door Alarm | PBS LearningMedia

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Electrical circuits are used in a wide variety of technological innovations, from television sets to windshield wipers, escalators to telephones. In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members use electrical circuits to create door alarms out of a variety of materials.

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The server that used to house this page has been shut down. However, the Internet Archive has a copy of it saved on the Wayback Machine.

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Design Challenge Padlet for Kindergarten and Lower Elementary Grades

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Design Challenge Padlet for Kindergarten and Lower Elementary Grades

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Engineering Challenges for 9- to 12-year olds

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Engineering Challenges for 9- to 12-year olds

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1st place Egg Drop project ideas- using SCIENCE

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Here's a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages - Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them.

This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series! This week, we are exploring with the sense of touch.

Here are the materials we used for this project: (Amazon affiliate links)

Who knew that craft sticks, cubes, and cups could be so interesting? Extend the play and learning with these fun engineering challenges.
Challenge #1: Build a structure with one cube as the base. Yes, just one cube!
When I announced this one, the boys told me it would be impossible. So I showed them this construction which I had already built:

So then Owen came up with this:

And Gresham built this:

As long as you add pieces on both sides of your structure simultaneously, you can build some amazing designs!
Challenge #2: Using any size base, build the tallest possible structure.
Stacking craft sticks on top of plastic cups allows you to build a much more vertical structure than what you can make with cups alone.
Challenge #3: Feats of Balance. Make something stick out in an impressive way!
This structure that Aidan built seemed to defy gravity! Those cubes are really lightweight, and it was hard to believe that they could counterbalance the craft sticks and cups sticking out like that. But add enough of them...

How many cups can it hold?

One more...

And one more...

OOPS!

Dad made this one:
Challenge #4: What can you build with just one cup as the base?
More than you might think!
Bonus Challenge: Build a chain reaction!
Remove the first cup, and the sticks fall down in a chain! See how to make it here: Simple Popsicle Stick Chain Reactions
Like these engineering challenges? Here are more with simple materials: 5 Engineering Challenges with Clothespins, Binder Clips, and Craft Sticks Be sure to stop by the rest of the posts in the Summer STEAM Camp series!
Easy and Colorful Magnetic Sculpture - Pink Stripey Socks

Creative Pool Noodle STEAM Fun - One Time Through

String and Bead Puzzle - What Do We Do All Day?

Learning About Slugs - Why Do Slugs Have Slime? - Lemon Lime Adventures

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4 Engineering Challenges for Kids (Cups, Craft Sticks, and Cubes!) - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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Here's a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages - Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them. This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series!

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"Do you think you can fit through this index card?" My daughter looked at me like I was crazy as I asked her this question and held up a 3x5 index card. She emphatically answered no, and was very curious when I told her that I could show her how she could very easily fit through an index card. What followed was one our favorite science experiments for kids as we learned how to make an index card chain.

Why this experiment is fun for kids

With this science experiment, kids will learn about how physical objects change. As a bonus, kids will be working on following directions and honing their fine motor skills as they practice cutting the card chain. This is an activity that we have done time and time again since we first tried it when my kids were younger.

Materials needed

How to fit through an index card

Fold the index card in half lengthwise. Make two cuts, one on each end, starting from the folded edge. Don't cut all the way up to the top. Make sure to leave some at the edges still intact.

Next, make alternating cuts, spacing each around ⅛ to ¼ inch apart. For example, for the second cut you would turn the paper over and cut from the non-folded side down to the fold. Then turn over again and cut from the folded side to the non-folded side. Go back and forth like this until you have reached the last cut that you originally made. Remember to not cut all the way to the end or the chain will fall apart.

Next, you will slide the scissor into the "loops" that you have made on the folded side. You will not be cutting the first or last loop so leave those out.

Honestly, the best way to do this is to try it over and over until you get it right.

When you open up the index card it should look like this. You can see that everything has been cut apart except for the two ends.

Carefully stretch it apart to get this chain.

Can kids make an index card chain?

Once my kids saw me make the chain they were excited to try it out for themselves. My 6 and 7 year old were able to do this, but it will depend on how much scissor experience your child has.

Making these small cuts and not cutting all the way to the end requires a great deal of fine motor control so this is a great exercise for little hands.

Look how big that one index card gets!

Big enough to step into and wear as a belt!

This is one of our favorite science experiments because we really got to see how one small card when cut in a certain way can change and become an super long index card chain. As an added activity, kids can decorate these chains with markers and wear them as necklaces.

Environmentally friendly kids crafts

If you are looking for more fun activities for kids, check out Green Kid Crafts, an earth friendly monthly craft subscription box for kids that sparks creativity while teaching kids a respect and love for the environment. These boxes are themed and each month will be filled with fun projects and creative activities than can be enjoyed by kids from ages 3-10.

Since Green Kid Crafts is an earth friendly company, they use sustainable, safe materials in all of their products. They also give a portion from each sale to environmental non-profits. Learn more about a monthly subscription of fun!

Related posts

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How to Fit Through an Index Card - Index Card Chain

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'Do you think you can fit through this index card?' My daughter looked at me like I was crazy as I asked her this question and held up a 3x5 index card. She emphatically answered no, and was very curious when I told her that I could show her how she could very easily fit through an index card.

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Build a Marble Run

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25 STEAM Projects

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Last year, I posted 5 STEM Activities that could be completed easily in the classroom. I often get positive feedback regarding this post, and requests for more STEM challenges.

Without further adieu, I give you 5 more easy STEM challenges to promote collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving with your students.

Build a Paper Table. In this design , students work in groups and use newspaper, masking tape and cardboard to build a table to support a textbook. Build in competitive features like asking students to support the textbook at least 10 inches off of a table for at least 60 seconds. Design and redesign, asking students to think about design details that made some tables better or worse than others.

Make Cantilever Spans. Cantilevers are bridges that are supported only on one side. Students can easily use metal washers and paint sticks to design and create cantilevers using the edge of a table or desk. The beauty of this is that students must constantly reconsider their thinking in design to ensure a fully supported cantilever. Challenge students to build as long of a span as possible. Special thanks to Dr. Wesley Fryer for sharing this activity! Check out other design challenges at his .

Build a Hot Air Balloon. This from the University of Arkansas Integrated STEM Education program is designed for students in Grades 1-4. Students will use a variety of materials to create and test their own hot air balloons. Students will read about a hot air balloon adventure with Curious George, then try to design and create their own models that will fly for at least 15 seconds. Think your students are up for a challenge? After they are successful with one design, challenge them to fly for distance rather than time.

Make Boats that Float. This also from the University of Arkansas Integrated STEM Education program is designed for students in the primary grades. Students use several materials including styrofoam cups, straws and aluminum foil to create boats that would support a "cupcake." The plan ties in a literacy connection to the book Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake by Thomas Taylor. Students will have a great time testing their Boats that Float, tinkering to make changes, and retesting.

Create Rube Goldberg Projects. The ultimate in design challenges! Students can use any materials lying around the classroom or bring in recycled materials from home to create Rube Goldberg machines based on the famous . Have students create elaborate models for doing very simple activities, such as turning on the classroom lights. All of the resources you can possibly need are found at the Rube Goldberg website including contest information where your class design can be entered to compete with other classes around the world. Truly authentic design work for your students!

There you have it! 5 more activities to engage your students all year long. Let us know if you try any of these activities with your students by sharing in the comments section below.

Rich (@RACzyz)
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/build/paper-table/ http://stem.wesfryer.com/home/cantilever-spans http://stem.wesfryer.com/home http://stem.uark.edu/_resources/includes/2013.student.narrative.curriculum.pdf http://stem.uark.edu/_resources/includes/2016.narrative.curriculum.pdf https://www.rubegoldberg.com/gallery/ https://www.rubegoldberg.com/

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Last year, I posted 5 STEM Activities that could be completed easily in the classroom. I often get positive feedback regarding this post, and requests for more STEM challenges. Without further adieu, I give you 5 more easy STEM challenges to promote collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving with your students.

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The server that used to house this page has been shut down. However, the Internet Archive has a copy of it saved on the Wayback Machine.

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Share your engineering ideas and drawings with the community. Join special design challenges. See what other kids are creating and add to their inventions.