This FREE activity can be downloaded from my TpT Store. Click here to go directly to this resource!
Wacky Professor Stemplestein needs a LOT of help in his STEM “Lab-or-a-tory”. In this fun STEM lab, students will be challenged to solve a “real-world” problem with the given supplies. A printable worksheet guides students through the STEM engineering process. It also includes a materials list and a QR code that leads to an introduction video. You can download the entire activity, for FREE, here. The intro video gives the challenge in the form of a funny skit and the good professor explains the science concepts involved. SO, without further ado, here is the STEM Station Activity: Troll Bridge!
In this activity, students will scan the QR code on their worksheet to watch the video. They will be challenged to design & build a toll bridge for a troll who wants to earn a little extra cash. The troll is planning to charge one penny to each person who crosses his bridge. There needs to be a collection cup in the middle and it should hold as many pennies as possible.
There are two different versions of the worksheet, one is for younger children and the other is for older children. You can get the resources for the entire activity for FREE, including the worksheets, here in my TpT Store.
Materials:
Popsicle Sticks (25)
Straws (25)
Pipe Cleaners (25)
Pencils (10)
Masking Tape (1 roll)
Dental Floss (1 container)
Pennies (50-100)
Small Cup (to put pennies in on the bridge)
Small Troll Doll (optional, just for fun)
Planning Sheet & Student Worksheet
I hope you and your kiddos have a ton of fun with this activity! Again, you can download all of the resources for the entire activity for FREE, including the worksheets, here in my TpT Store.
NGSS Standards Involved with this activity:
Kindergarten, Frist Grade & Second Grade Engineering, and Design
K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Engineering and Design Standards
3-5-ETS1-1. Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
Fifth Grade Specific Standards – Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
5-PS2-1. Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
If you’ve scrolled down this far, you might be interested in getting the whole scoop on these STEM Stations. You’re in luck! I’ve created a video, just for you ;-).
