Did you know you can do great STEM challenges with found materials? Found materials are just random things you have around the classroom or house. They can be leftover materials from other projects (teachers do love to save things). These found object challenges are a great way to get rid of the "extra" stuff you save as a teacher!

Can you build an accurate model of a species of beetle using found materials?

Materials Needed: (per student)

- assorted colors of construction paper

- assorted found items (bottle caps, fabric, bubble wrap, etc.)

- assorted craft items (pom pon balls, pipe cleaners, buttons, etc.)

- metal fasteners, or brads (use to make wing covers move to reveal wings)

- tape, glue, and scissors

- tape measure or ruler

This a really fun STEM Challenge that gets kids working to complete a fun and difficult challenge, students must design an accurate model of a specific type of beetle using found materials. Kids can focus on actual types of beetles or make up their own beetles!

We also read the picture book Bonkers about Beetles by Owen Davey before we do this project. It gives the kids a TON of information about beetles!

Get engineering!