Treat Toss is a Halloween catapult STEM Challenge activity your kids will love!
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The basic premise:
In partners or groups (individually works too!), students work against a criteria and constraints list to build a low-energy machine to toss treats. You can choose from one of two challenge goals: maximum launch distance and/or target-accuracy.
This challenge is a great introduction to simple machines, particularly levers!
***This resource consists of four (4) downloadable files: a print-ready PDF and an editable PowerPoint file of the student handouts. One set of the files uses Halloween-themed clipart and the other is an "anytime" version. 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
(EDITABLE) Student Handouts
- Criteria and Constraints list
- Design Analysis Handouts
two sets & two versions (Halloween & anytime themes): 2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included for two different goals: length or length + weight held
- Discussion Questions
Extension templates
- Process flow map
- Create & solve math problems based on designs
Suggested Materials are easily modified. You do NOT need all of these items; just use what you have available (not included/digital download):
- Wrapped candy (Small candies like Hershey’s Kisses are easier to launch and easy to locate post-launch. You may want to provide more than one option.)
- Candy target/container (A printable target is included if you select the target-accuracy goal, but a Halloween-themed candy bowl is also fun!)
- Clothespins (1-2)
- Rubber bands (5-20 per student/group)
- Popsicle sticks/tongue depressors/craft sticks/pencils/wooden rulers/small scrap wood pieces (10 – 20)
- Something (or multiple things) to act as a fulcrum (markers, batteries, spice bottles, etc.)
- Tape (constrain to 24 in. or less)
- Tape measure
Optional:
– Small cups
– Cardboard
– Foil
– Pipe cleaners
– String