Tower Challenge and Freebie

I am a little behind in my blogging!  I am teaching my dream job this year, fifth grade engineering.  They have a STEAM special block and have one semester of engineering. I will service about 400 students this year!!!  I have been so busy planning/implementing a new curriculum, running a maker-space club, participating in school council and co-chairing our elementary science committee.  

My first module was called Engineering 101.  It was an introduction to engineering, technology and structures.  Our first challenge was to construct the tallest tower with a specific list of materials.  You can adapt the materials for your grade level and what you have available.  

The Challenge

Click the link to get a free copy of the challenge: Tower Challenge

I set up the materials on the counter and had students collect on foam trays.  I bought the trays at my Dollar Store.  Students are now bringing them in for our recycle center.

Here is a great literature connection, Iggy Peck Architect.  I love this series!!!!

The tallest tower was over five feet!!!!

Keeping Organized

I have five homerooms and assigned each homeroom a color.  I keep their sheets in folders(Amazon).

I got the trays from a grant on Donor's Choose.  They are from Lakeshore Learning.  Oriental Trading has a set with more colors.  I added a set of gray trays(Amazon) for my fifth class.  When we are building they store their items/materials on their class color trays.  I have 4 trays for each homeroom.

Craft Trays

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Stock Up on STEAM Supplies

I have been using STEAM for the past two years with my fifth graders.  There are some basic supplies that you probably have in your supply closets but should stock up for the new school year.  Most of the challenges that I plan use items that are easy to get and inexpensive.

 Here are some of the things that I always have ready.

#1 Aluminum Foil

 Great for making boats and anything that the kids need to shape.  I measure out materials and they do not get more if it gets damaged.  Some challenges I plan, the students have budgets and each material has a monetary value.  That cuts down on waste.

#2 Masking Tape

You can not have enough masking tape.  I bought a multi-pack at Home Depot.  The school tape does not work and you are lucky if you can get more than a roll.  Invest in the name brand, the other stuff does not hold as well.  I have the kids save their unused tape on rulers so it does not get wasted.  

#3 Large & Small Craft Sticks

Large and small craft sticks are useful for so many things.  I used them to build race cars and catapults.  I always watch for sales at the local craft store.  This is something that you could put on a wish list if your school allows it.

#4 Large & Small Paper Clips

Large and small paper clips are handy when building and for things that need a little weight.  I used them for our race cars and flying contraptions.  

#5 Toilet & Paper Towel Rolls

If you are planning an activity that uses empty rolls start collecting early.  We made marble runs in math class.  They are great for rollercoasters.  Oh and they are free!!!

#6 Large & Small Straws

Great for building boats and cars.  They are handy for many science experiments.  I grab them at the dollar store or at my grocery store.  

My students love STEAM challenges!  

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Full STEAM Ahead

I am so excited to start my brand new blog!!!!  This blog will focus on STEAM lessons for the Middle School level.  I teach fifth grade math and science in a middle school for grades 5-8.  Our school has a STEM program that is changing to STEAM this fall and will include the fifth grade.

Here are a few links to STEAM activities that I did this year in my classroom.

Link

Link

Link

I am looking forward to moving Full STEAM ahead!

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