The STEM Challenge to build Ski Lift Chairs is a way to add some “snowy” activities with great problem-solving.
This Ski lift Challenge turned out to be the most fun in the middle of January! Even for my students that have never skied, it was a delightful STEM activity.
It’s an easy prep challenge and can be completed in one class session. Just gather some rope, string, craft sticks, and your scrap bin.
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The Lift Line
Now, if you have ever been skiing you know there is a long cable with attached ski lift chairs. That cable carries skiers to the top of the ski hill. So, I decided to create a lift cable in my classroom!
My lift line is a clothesline rope tied to a doorway hinge and looped through a large pulley. You can do this without the pulley.
We attached our ski lift chairs with clothespins and pulled the rope to make our lift line move a little. #sofun
We left our lift line hanging for a few days so other classes coming into the STEM Lab could see our STEM Lab Resort Ski Lift!
The Chairs
Students were tasked to build a chair that would hold a skier. The chair had to have a back and a safety bar to prevent the skier from falling out!
The Skiers
Our skiers were made from crumpled foil. Students added clothing like scarves, sunglasses, goggles, and, of course, skis!
What if you need something for early finishers?
Here’s a color-by-number set featuring winter scenes and math problems. It’s an easy-prep set of 5 worksheets with carrying degrees of difficulty.
The skills are perfect for your 3rd and 4th graders.
Use these for:
- Centers
- Small groups
- Early finishers
- Sub days!
- Morning work
We loved creating our skiers and ski lift chairs! I know your students will love this challenge, too! Click on any image to see more details.
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