Stem challenges
Have fun trying the following STEM challenges. If you do try them, send a picture to Mrs. Romero at- [email protected]
Challenge Question: What kind of structure can you make using only jelly beans and toothpicks? If you don't have jellybeans, try marshmallows or other sticky candy to provide support. How tall can you make your structure?
Challenge Question: What kind of roller coaster can you make with straws and tape? Use a ping pong ball (or other small, lightweight ball) as your “car” to try it out when you are finished!
Challenge Question: How can you make the biggest structure possible using only index cards? You may also use tape or glue.
Challenge Question: Can you build a launcher for your army man with items around your house? How can you make it go as far as possible? Measure the distance, record and make changes to improve you design.
Challenge Questions: Can you build a marble maze using a paper plate? Try sticking on items for the marble to go under and around.
his last activity is more of a science experiment, but it is so fun that I had to include it!
How to Make A Dinosaur EggYou will need:
Baking soda
Water
Food colouring
Syringes
White vinegar
Casserole dish or some other container
Dish soap
Dinosaur toys
Parchment paper
Rubber Gloves
The first step is to colour your baking soda. I found one box of baking soda made approximately 3 eggs, depending on the size of your dinosaur. Simply add your drops of color and carefully mix. I highly recommend you use gloves. You can also skip the food color and just make white eggs. Less mess- BUT STILL FUN!
Once the baking soda is coloured carefully added some water. For one box of baking soda I used approximately 1/4 cup of water. Add it slowly and mix thoroughly before adding more. You want it to just start to become paste like so it will stick together.
Take a palmful of the paste and squish it about to make a ball. Press in a dinosaur. Then add more paste to the top and sides until the entire dinosaur is encased.
Place your dinosaur egg on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and set in the freezer.They freeze very quickly and are ready within an hour, or leave them in overnight.
When you are ready for the big hatching, set the baking soda dinosaur eggs in a large dish. A casserole dish will allow you tosee from all sides, but any dish will work.
Dribble some dish soap on the bottom of the bowl.
Pour some vinegar in a cup or bowl and give the kids each a syringe.
Squirt your baking soda dinosaur egg to start them hatching!
A couple words of caution:
– Wear rubber gloves when making the eggs or you will colour your hands! See my Instagram for proof.
– You may wish to have the kids wear safety glasses depending on their age and competence with the syringe, vinegar in the eyes is not fun.
– If you or any of the kids have hangnails or any cuts to their fingers, consider rubber gloves, that vinegar stings!
– This can be a messy activity! Prepare the area appropriately.
How to Make A Dinosaur EggYou will need:
Baking soda
Water
Food colouring
Syringes
White vinegar
Casserole dish or some other container
Dish soap
Dinosaur toys
Parchment paper
Rubber Gloves
The first step is to colour your baking soda. I found one box of baking soda made approximately 3 eggs, depending on the size of your dinosaur. Simply add your drops of color and carefully mix. I highly recommend you use gloves. You can also skip the food color and just make white eggs. Less mess- BUT STILL FUN!
Once the baking soda is coloured carefully added some water. For one box of baking soda I used approximately 1/4 cup of water. Add it slowly and mix thoroughly before adding more. You want it to just start to become paste like so it will stick together.
Take a palmful of the paste and squish it about to make a ball. Press in a dinosaur. Then add more paste to the top and sides until the entire dinosaur is encased.
Place your dinosaur egg on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and set in the freezer.They freeze very quickly and are ready within an hour, or leave them in overnight.
When you are ready for the big hatching, set the baking soda dinosaur eggs in a large dish. A casserole dish will allow you tosee from all sides, but any dish will work.
Dribble some dish soap on the bottom of the bowl.
Pour some vinegar in a cup or bowl and give the kids each a syringe.
Squirt your baking soda dinosaur egg to start them hatching!
A couple words of caution:
– Wear rubber gloves when making the eggs or you will colour your hands! See my Instagram for proof.
– You may wish to have the kids wear safety glasses depending on their age and competence with the syringe, vinegar in the eyes is not fun.
– If you or any of the kids have hangnails or any cuts to their fingers, consider rubber gloves, that vinegar stings!
– This can be a messy activity! Prepare the area appropriately.