Halloween STEM Challenge Events

I can freely admit it: I have become a STEM Design Challenge junkie.  I can be found at the Dollar Tree at odd hours trolling the aisles for inspiration.  And there is much budget-friendly inspiration to be found!

My most recent trip was specifically geared toward creating engaging and productive STEM challenges for the month of October. What resulted was a set of five Halloween-themed challenges, which I have dubbed: Halloween STEM Challenge 5-in-1 Bundle.  Materials for all challenges were procured at the Dollar Tree except a large box of craft sticks, which was cheaper elsewhere.

Example of a Criteria/Constraints list

One of the best things about STEM challenges is how easy it is to increase or decrease difficulty by tweaking the criteria/constraints list, materials, and/or time given. I have used the same challenges with 1st grade up through 7th; while the premise is almost always the same, applying just a few minor modifications makes the challenge engaging and beneficial for any age group -- even adults!  

I'm excited to share an outline of my Halloween STEM Bundle below.  Just by viewing the information below, you can pick up the simple materials and run the challenges with a bit of prep time on your part.  

Alternatively, you can save yourself time and energy (and use it to head over to your dollar store!) by picking up the prepared challenge lessons (linked above), which include teacher notes/guide, modifications, student handouts, NGSS Standards, extensions and more.  

I recommend one challenge per day or week leading up to Halloween, or even all challenges in one day-long 5-event pentathlon!  STEM challenges are always most beneficial when done in multiple iterations, but they can always be treated as one-off activities as well.


Note: The titles of each challenge below is clickable and will lead you to more information along with a video walk-through where you'll get additional details, tips, and tricks. Tricks -- get it? See what I did there? :)

Challenge 1: Wings Wanted

Premise: Essentially a paper airplane challenge, students cut, fold, and tape (tape optional) the handout to fashion new wings for the bat body.

STEM Challenge Basics:

•   Give the students a list of criteria and constraints to guide their designs.  

•   Post-build, students record and share results. 

•   If desired, give time for related research/extension activities.

•   Provide time for a second iteration for students to apply learnings.

Challenge 2: Creature Catcher 

   

Premise: In partners or groups, students design a device to catch as many “creatures” as they can over a given area.

STEM Challenge Basics:

•   Give the students a list of criteria and constraints to guide their designs.  

•   Post-build, students record and share results. 

•   If desired, give time for related research/extension activities.

•   Provide time for a second iteration for students to apply learnings.

Challenge 3: Bone Bridge

Premise: In partners or groups, students build a bridge of "bones" (q-tips).

STEM Challenge Basics:

•   Give the students a list of criteria and constraints to guide their designs.  

•   Post-build, students record and share results. 

•   If desired, give time for related research/extension activities.

•   Provide time for a second iteration for students to apply learnings.

Challenge 4: Treat Toss

Premise: Students will build a low-energy machine to toss treats.  The teacher chooses from one of two challenge goals: launch candy the maximum distance or target-accuracy.

 

STEM Challenge Basics:

•   Give the students a list of criteria and constraints to guide their designs.  

•   Post-build, students record and share results. 

•   If desired, give time for related research/extension activities.

•   Provide time for a second iteration for students to apply learnings.

Challenge 5: Ghosts in the Graveyard

Premise:  Students work in partners or groups to create a ghost transporter that lifts “ghosts” (cotton balls or marshmallows) from the ground to the top of a simple pulley. 

STEM Challenge Basics:

•   Give the students a list of criteria and constraints to guide their designs.  

•   Post-build, students record and share results. 

•   If desired, give time for related research/extension activities.

•   Provide time for a second iteration for students to apply learnings.

For more details or to purchase the activity set with modifications, handouts, and more, click on the bundle.

Sample handouts from Treat Toss

Here are some other great ideas for October!

An InLinkz Link-up