Fall Activity - Thanksgiving Science & STEM Pilgrims & Native Americans Boat Challenge. Keep kids engaged before the holiday break with this hands-on Thanksgiving science and STEM boat challenge!

In the Mini Mayflower / Mini Mishoon activity, kids design and build a boat to help the Pilgrims and Native Americans (Wampanoag) transport goods or people across the water.

This challenge blends engineering and history into one exciting fall activity, perfect for Thanksgiving STEMlessons, November enrichment, or pre-break projects that keep kids learning and motivated.

The Thanksgiving Science STEM Challenge

Working individually or in groups, kids will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to:
⭐ Design and build a boat that carries the greatest load (capacity test), or
⭐ Design a boat that sails the fastest (speed test).

Two testing options let you tailor this Thanksgiving STEM lesson for your learning goals and schedule. You can even combine capacity & speed tests!

✅ What’s Included

NGSS-Aligned Thanksgiving Science Activity (Grades 2–8):

• Teacher video walk-through with tips with timing, setup, and differentiation ideas
• Materials list & flexible constraints
• Links to STEM Challenge PD videos and walkthroughs
• Editable Criteria & Constraints Lists (two levels of difficulty)
• Measuring results and reflection prompts
• Extension activities for cross-curricular learning

Editable Student Handouts (Color + B&W):

• Criteria & Constraints Lists
• Design Analysis Sheets (2-page and 4-page formats)
• Discussion Questions for reflection and communication

Extension Templates:

• Speak–Listen–Draw Oral Communication Activity
• Process Flow Map
• Create-Your-Own Math Problems Based on Designs

Suggested Materials (substitute with whatever you have on-hand):

• Water container for testing boats
• Uniform objects to measure capacity (pennies, paperclips, or blocks)
• Popsicle sticks, foil, or index cards
• Masking or packing tape (limit to 12 inches)
• Scissors

Optional: clay, pipe cleaners, twine, straws, rulers, scales, or stopwatches (for speed tests)

❤️ Perfect For:

• Fall Activities & November STEM Challenges
• Thanksgiving Science or Engineering Lessons
• Pilgrim and Native American Connections
• STEM Clubs, Co-ops, Homeschool, and Classrooms
• Cross-Curricular Learning (Science + History or Math)
• November Fun Friday Activities

❤️ Why Educators Love It

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“WOW! My kids are completely invested in the building of the mini Mayflower. I even had a student thank me for letting them do the activity. The kids are problem solving, using critical thinking skills, and I love the reflection that takes place after the students complete the challenge. The discussions we've been able to have are inspiring! GREAT PRODUCT!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"I tried this with my firsties last year, and they LOVED it!  I look forward to using it this year, too!  :)"

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Loved this activity.  Did it for a big group activity for 4th - 8th.  Engaged all ages.  Took about 45 minutes first day (handing out materials, directions, implementation and design of boat).  About an hour the second day, because we had almost 20 groups!  It was easy to follow and so much fun.  Highly recommend this STEM.  We only did capacity.  We might do again for speed.  LOVED IT!!!"

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“I added this to my First Thanksgiving unit last year. The students (and the principal) loved it!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"My 3rd graders had SO much fun making their Mayflowers and "sailing" them! We didn't have time to do everything provided in this activity sadly, but I love this STEM challenge and I love how it can be used for such a variety of levels! I look forward to using this every year!"

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“My fifth graders loved this! Thanks!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"There was so much more in this product than I could have imagined for $3! My students loved this activity and I loved that I could incorporate science into my Thanksgiving day plans! Thank you."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This was perfect for those two days before Thanksgiving break. My students loved this activity." (6th grade)

➡️ Format & Upgrade Options:

• Prefer paperless? A digital version for Google Slides™ is available separately.
• Upgrade to theprint & paperless bundle here.
• Grab the Thanksgiving 5-pack here.

Keep the Learning Afloat This Fall

This Thanksgiving STEM boat challenge is an engaging way to connect Pilgrims and Native Americans history with Thanksgiving science and hands-on engineering.

Perfect for fall activities, STEM centers, or fun Thanksgiving activities that make learning memorable right before the holiday break.