Last week our students had the opportunity to have some fun while trying out their problem solving & teamwork skills at a “Day of STEM.” These don’t occur every day, but when you hear about one, find a way to get your kids there. Ours took place at Michigan Tech, a local university with great resources (financial & energetic young college students) that can help inspire students. Days like these are a great reminder that heading outside the four walls of your classroom can change the dynamics you’re used to seeing in your students.
The day began with an emcee who engaged the students (not an easy task when its 9th graders without cellphones) and kept the day moving quickly and smoothly. Kids were divided up into “pods” named for scientists (not Einstein or Curie, but ones kids had never heard of…more on that later) with each pod containing a helper and 4 groups of approximately 6 students. Students were given 3 “Quick Challenges” and 2 “Big Challenges” interspersed with a guest 10 minute “lecture” on the physics of roller coasters, lunch, a short intro to their namesake scientist, and a college fair.
Here’s the challenges & the approximate times allotted:
Quick Challenge 1: Paper Chain (15 minutes)…kids were given scissors, one sheet of construction paper, and 2 feet of masking tape. Students needed to build the longest paper chain possible (just like the kind that go on a Christmas tree, but not as pretty).
Quick Challenge 2: Marshmallow Catapults (15 minutes)…kids were given craft sticks, a clothespin, a spoon, 6 rubber bands. Students needed to construct a catapult that would launch a marshmallow the farthest.
Big Challenge 1: Waller Coasters (30 minutes)…kids were given 10 sheets of paper, a roll of masking tape, 6 plastic straws, 2 packages of chopsticks, and a ping pong ball. Students needed to build a ping pong ball roller coaster on the wall (a “waller” coaster) that included 3 thrills, an ending, a name, and be able to explain your coaster to the judges in 60 seconds.
Quick Challenge 3: Notecard Tower (15 minutes)…kids were given 50 notecards. Students had to construct the highest tower possible.
Big Challenge 2: Cardboard Pinball Machines (40 minutes)…kids were given a rectangular cardboard box, 6 large craft sticks, 6 rubber bands, 8 dixie cups, markers, 5 pipe cleaners, a marble, 1 sheet of construction paper, and a roll of masking tape. Students had to create a pinball game complete with a plunger, point system, and an artistic theme.
What is the biggest takeaway from having a Day of STEM? Kids need a chance to get out of their comfort zones, do some “playing,” and get some experience problem solving.
If you can find a STEM day near you, find a way to take your students there. If there isn’t a STEM day, maybe you should make your own!
You’ll be creating more than just engineering challenges. You’ll create memories!
