One of the first one-day challenges we tried was a tower building one. The Spaghetti Tower! Now, let's back up and explain. The first challenges we tried were multi-day activities. That's right! And I mean multi-multi day. Like 4-5 days. Some of you know that I started as a STEM specialist after ... READ the POST
Why You Need to Build Towers (A Tower Round-Up)
We build towers quite often! But, why? I have a few reasons. This Tower Round-up will answer your questions. First, let's see just how many different kinds of towers we have tried: are you ready for the number? 16. Sixteen. And that is not counting the ones we tried that were failures that I ... READ the POST
What If You Only Have 12 Items?
Sometimes I invent the best things! No, I'm actually serious. Sometimes I have an idea for the STEM Lab and it just works. Beautifully! Now, don't get me wrong. I also have moments where everything goes south and the project fizzles and we just laugh it off. But, occasionally a ... READ the POST
Can You Hear Me Now? (A STEM Challenge)
This tower idea was hatched after talking with some students that love to build towers. They requested just a box of materials and time to just build a tower. Well, as much as that sounded like fun, I also thought there should be a reason for it. Then two days later I happened to see a row of ... READ the POST
Why is This Tower Project the Best Ever Challenge?
One of the best challenges you can try in your STEM class is one we have done over and over again. This one is a kid-favorite and a teacher-favorite. There are several reasons you will love this challenge, but I will let a fifth grader explain it better. "Oh man, our tower was, like 30 cm tall, ... READ the POST
The Amazing Index Card Tower
Using one simple material, students build the tallest tower possible. The famous Index Card tower has become a STEM favorite. One of the first STEM challenges we ever tried was tower building. The kids loved it so much that I started planning more tower-building events. We have tried ... READ the POST