Pumpkin Stand
Pumpkin Stand
Materials:
- 20 straws per group of students (so approximately 200 straws total (bendy and non-bendy)
- 4 feet of tape (scotch, masking, etc…)
- 25-30 Mini pumpkins
- scissors
Instructions:
- Students will break into teams of 3-4 students.
- Students will find on their tables the supplies listed above.
- Mentors will explain to the students the activity – they will be utilizing the materials in front of them to create a structure that is strong enough to hold the weight of their mini pumpkins with only 15 minutes to work!
- When their time is up, students will share out with the rest of their class the result: Were they successful?If not, why?
Talking Points:Which straw worked best? Which tape? Why? What strategy worked well to accomplish this goal? What would you have changed?
Lesson Challenge/Extension: Ask students to attempt to hold TWO pumpkins and/or give them a shorter time limit!
Download this activity here.
(STEM, Teamwork, Cooperation, Explanation)
Grade Range: 3-6 grade
Time: 25 Minutes
Synopsis: Students use materials provided to build a stand to hold up their mini pumpkins! This STEM activity asks students to work as a team, cooperate, and clearly and concisely, be able to explain how/what they did as a team to be successful!