4 STEM Challenges for Spring!

Happy first day of spring!

Spring is a lively time, a time of new awakenings!    There are so many things that come to mind when we think of spring!  Flowers, bugs, and wind are just a few!  Here are a few STEM challenges for you and your students!

Spread some cheer with this first STEM challenge!

A Flower for You is a fun, engaging, spring STEM activity to do just that!  First, students read about different types of flowers.   Next, each student selects a flower.  Then, they are challenged to create a likeness of this blossom.

However, there are constraints.  The materials are limited to construction paper and glue.  Students can also use rulers, pencils, and scissors.  The blossom must be recognizable and be within a set diameter.  The flower needs to have a stem that can hold a standard sheet of paper.

While the student’s creations are drying, they will write either a diamante poem or a letter to someone.  April is National Poetry Month, and for this reason, a poem can be a good choice.  The poem should include character traits and actions to describe the person that will be receiving it.  However, some of you might be working on letter writing which might make that a better choice for you.  The letter should thank the person for something or things.  Once the student writing is complete and the flowers are dry, the message is put inside the stem and delivered to its recipient!

This STEM activity can be used to thank various people who work with the children at your school including;  bus drivers, cafeteria workers, cleaners, aids, special area teachers, past years teachers, etc.   Some of these influential people are often overlooked when it comes to the end of the year thank yous, and as a result, they are incredibly grateful to be recognized!

This activity is also perfect for Mother’s Day or a Special Person’s Day!

Click here for free writing paper and instructions for writing a diamante.

Learn about wind with these next two challenges!

Creating a windsock is another fun activity that incorporates STEM.  First, students learn about uses of windsocks in real life.  Next, they create a windsock, again with constraints.  They must use certain materials, incorporate patterns, and use streamers to create a rainbow.  Last,  students can take their creation outside and test the wind direction using a compass.

Spring is a great time to learn about wind turbines!  This challenge is for upper elementary students.  They can learn about wind turbines.  Then, using what they have learned small teams will design and create a wind turbine using the engineering and design process.  Finally, students will test their design using a fan to see which one can rotate the fastest while remaining intact!

Students will go buggy for this final  challenge!

Primary students love creating with clay!  This challenge is a great supplement for a unit about insects!   After learning about insects, the children will build a bug.   Once again, there will be set guidelines.  The insect must be within certain size parameters, and that have all the correct body parts using given materials!

If you like these four challlenges you might be interested in reading this post about building a bird nest.

Have a “stem” tastic spring,

Sarah