The Pumpkin Picker STEM Challenge is the perfect fit for all your fall activities!
The basic premise:
Individually, or in partners/groups, students will design and build a device to harvest a field of pumpkins as efficiently as possible. (Efficiency is measured in amount of time or number of moves needed to clear the pumpkin patch.) Once picked, pumpkins will be deposited in a harvest container.
This resource includes two (2) downloadable files: a print-ready PDF and an editable PowerPoint file of the student handouts. Please note these are downloadable files only. No physical items will be sent to you.
Inside the resource, you'll find:
- NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8
- Teacher Tips
- Links to a video walk-through of the challenge & my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
- Premise & Set-up
- Materials and timing
- Modifying Criteria & Constraints to adjust challenge difficulty
- Measuring results
- Post-design extension activities list & links
Student Handouts
- Optional pumpkin patch grid for setup
- Criteria and Constraints list (EDITABLE)
- Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included in color and black & white) (EDITABLE)
- Discussion Questions (EDITABLE)
Extension templates
- Process flow map
- Create & solve math problems based on designs
- Math Task Card templates (editable; with 12 leveled examples & editable version provided)
- Pumpkin outline writing templates (editable)
Suggested Materials are easily modified. You do NOT need all of these items; just use what you have available (not included/digital download only):
- Candy pumpkins or candy corn (24 – 36)
(Rolos, wrapped caramels, crumpled paper, etc. can be substituted)
- Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
- Popsicle/craft sticks (10 – 15)
- Plastic spoons (5 – 10)
- Bowl or holding container for harvested pumpkins
- Scissors
Optional:
• Straws
• Clothespins
• String
• Rulers/measuring tapes
• Tape, cable ties, rubber bands