Quick Build STEM Activities are the perfect addition to any elementary or middle school classroom. Teachers who are limited on STEM time will love using these simple STEM activities in centers, makerspaces, choice boards, simple STEM sub plans and more!
** NOTE: THIS IS A DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE. NO PHYSICAL ITEMS WILL BE SENT. **
A quick build in STEM is like a quick write in ELA: Students will not go all the way through the engineering design process; instead, they will choose a challenge and quickly “draft” a design to build. The focus of these activities is primarily on the build. Reflection questions are also provided for those who want to add a little analysis after the build.
Quick Build STEM Challenges:
✅ Are quick & easy to implement (~15-20 minutes)
✅ Use 5 or fewer simple materials
✅ Emphasize problem-solving & critical thinking
✅ Focus on two or more STEM strands (science, technology, engineering, math)
✅ Have built-in self differentiation; students choose between two options for each challenge
✅ Have editable student pages so you can make any changes needed for your students
Note: Quick Build STEM activities are best completed individually or in student pairs.
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⭐ Included in This Resource ⭐
✅ 45 Quick Build STEM Challenges (SEE BELOW FOR LIST OF STEM ACTIVITIES)
✅ Two (2) EDITABLE Student Handouts for each Quick Build challenge to record & reflect on their designs. Files are editable within Google Slides™.
✅ Two (2) Build Options with each challenge for student choice / self-differentiation
✅ Teacher Notes & Tips
✅ Labels, Instructions & Materials Lists to set up activities in bins or folders
✅ Included Quick Build STEM Challenge Activities:
- Coin Tower (From Towers - Set 1)
- One-Page Tower
- A River Runs Through It Tower
- Ice Cream Cone (From 3D Solids - Set 2)
- Cylinder Platform
- Gift Box
- Lever Launcher (From Simple Machines - Set 3)
- Wheelbarrow
- Ramp It Up
- Where to Work? (From Back to School - Set 4)
- Sloppy Supplies
- Water Within Reach
- What a Drag (From Air - Set 5)
- Slower, Safer, Softer
- Head in the Clouds
- New Kicks (From Wearables - Set 6)
- Cranium Cover
- Frame Yourself
- Trap 3 (From Polygons - Set 7)
- Polygon Party
- Rectangle Paper Chain
- Home Sweet Home (From At Home - Set 8)
- Poo Be Gone
- Bookshelf
- Catch & Release (From Halloween - Set 9)
- Bat Branch
- Throne of Bones
- On Shaky Ground (From More Towers - Set 10)
- Tricky Terrain
- Skyscraper
- Paper Bag Bridge (From Bridges - Set 11)
- Brawny Bridge
- Rainbow Bridge
- Land Sailing (From Boats - Set 12; no water needed)
- Anchors Aweigh
- Rough Water Raft
- Gone Fishing (From Animals - Set 13)
- Hamster Wheel
- Bird Beak
- Homemade Hoops (From Fun & Games - Set 14)
- Can't-Miss Bowling
- Fore!
- On the Recline (From At the Pool - Set 15)
- Dive Right In
- Sun Shade
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❤️ Ways to Use This Resource ❤️
- Makerspaces
- STEM centers
- STEM Sub plans
- STEM choice boards
- Early finishers
- Homework
- STEM nights
- Grab bag challenges (Place all materials inside a brown paper bag. Students grab a mystery bag and design for the challenge they find inside.)
- For parents waiting for teacher conferences, Open House, Back to School Night, etc.
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❤️ What teachers are saying about Quick Build STEM Activities ❤️
- "These challenges are perfect! Just a few simple materials, choice for students and highly engaging. Easy to accomplish in a short stem class. Thank you!"
Kathie G., 3rd - 5th grade teacher, Bundle 1
- "I did one of the activities with my students and I left a second one for a sub to complete with them. My students loved both of the challenges."
Rachel F., 3rd - 4th grade teacher, Bundle
- "My students loved this. They had so much fun!"
Allison W., 2nd - 6th grade teacher, Bundle 1