Mrs. Ross's Science Class: 100th Day S.T.E.M. Activities

This year for the 100th Day of School I've decided to incorporate S.T.E.M. activities into my day. I came across some awesome STEM Teaching Resources over at Smart Chick's Growing A STEM Classroom blog. They are called Engineering Challenges and I have adapted them to my first and second graders, as well as to the 100th Day of School. You can click on the blue links below to go to her products.

1. Card Bridge Engineering Challenge –

What is the strongest bridge you can make with all 100 playing cards?

-Use: 100 playing cards, weights, and a flat surface.

-Using only the playing cards, build the strongest bridge possible to hold as much weight as possible using only cards.

2. Geodesic Dome Engineering Challenge –

What is the strongest geodesic dome you can build using 100 toothpicks and mini marshmallows or gum drops?

-Use: 100 toothpicks, mini-marshmallows or gum drops, weights, and a flat surface.

-Build the strongest geodesic design with the toothpicks and marshmallows or gum drops. Test with books or other weights.

3. Paper Clip Chain Engineering Challenge –

Using 100 paper clips, can you create a paper clip chain that can hold the most weight?

-Use: 100 paper clips, plastic pail with handle or other container, weights (pennies, etc.) and a flat surface.

-Using the 100 paper clips, construct a chain that can hold the most weight.

4. Index Card Tower Engineering Challenge –

Using 100 index cards and 12 inches of tape, can you build a tower that is at least two feet tall and can hold a small stuffed animal?

-Use: 100 index cards, 12 inches of tape, one small stuffed animal (beanie baby size), scissors

-Using the 100 index cards, 12 inches of tape, construct a tower that is at least two feet tall (24 inches) and can hold the weight of a small stuffed animal.

5 5. One Hundred Toothpicks Engineering Challenge –