Would you like a STEM Valentine's challenge that is fun, educational AND keeps learning going while celebrating the holiday? Valentine's Day is a when we celebrate love and friendship (and chocolate!) and it's a day that many students look forward to but, it can also be a day that disrupts learning in the classroom. Turn Valentine's into a learning opportunity with this engineering and design challenge that has students create a Valentines card holder. I love seeing their creativity!
Click HERE to see this project on TPT |
How this Easy Valentine's STEM Challenge Works and Encourages Creativity
The Valentine's Card Holder STEM Challenge uses the engineering and design process to teach students about criteria and constraints. Students are given a budget of $20 to spend on building materials and must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build a card holder. This not only teaches valuable STEM skills but also allows them to think critically about how they can use their resources in the most effective way.Why Stem Challenges are Great Learning Tools
- I see curriculum that includes an engineering unit as a stand unit of study. Consider skipping it and incorporate some STEM STEAM or STREAM challenges during the year.
- STEM challenges can be done in 30 minutes or over a few days every now and then throughout the year and are hands on experiences that students love.
- STEM projects can be a quick challenge just for fun, a holiday activity, or connected to a specific standard. My friend, Lynda Williams, has great STEM challenges.
- Be sure students know the difference between criteria and constraints as you proceed with your challenge (this is a tested standard.)
- STEM challenges sprinkled in throughout the year and put in context versus taught alone, provides long term learning.
This Valentine's Day resource offers a unique and engaging way to teach STEM concepts while celebrating the holiday. Click HERE and go to the PREVIEW on TPT to see all that is included.
You Might Also Like
Whether you're looking for a unique way to teach about famous scientists and inventors or a way to bring STEM into the classroom, these resources are a must-have for any science-loving teacher.