Activities in this STEM Kit challenge teams to plan, communicate, design solutions, and execute them together using the engineering design process for kids. Using elastic straps, participants will work together to retrieve and move objects, create drawings, or solve math problems.
Games include moving a ball from one bucket into another without dropping it, using an attached device to draw shapes or answers to questions by maneuvering the straps, and moving beanbags from one spot to another.
Because each strap applies physical force on the central object, physics lessons abound. Participants will discover forces of motion like pushing and pulling, then see how lighter and heavier objects are affected differently by forces. They will also contend with gravity as they work through challenging hands-on objectives, providing visual proof of this invisible force that permeates the world.
Included lesson directions feature five activities with corresponding lessons that spark meaningful discussions about teamwork, physical forces, and differences between precision and accuracy. This STEM Kit accomodates up to 15 participants working together.
Contents
- 2 Bungee Cords (1 Small, 1 Large)
- 2 Buckets (1 Small, 1 Large)
- 2 Target Mats (1 Small, 1 Large)
- Boundary Rope
- Whiteboard
- 2 Beanbags (1 Red, 1 Blue)
- Marker
- Wooden Dowel
- PVC Cross
- PVC Rod
- Nylon Straps
- Bowl/Dome Target
- Dome Cone
- Plastic Golf Balls
- Large Ball
- Resource Binder
- Lesson Directions
Additional Resources
This STEM Kit was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.