Bring hands-on engineering into your classroom with this engaging balance and stability STEM challenge inspired by Yertle the Turtle! Students design and build the tallest shell stack that can stand on its own while exploring structure, balance, stability, and problem solving. Perfect for Seuss Week, STEM centers, science lessons, character education, or sub plans.

⭐ WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔ Printable STEM Challenge Card (Student Version)

✔ Clear, kid-friendly student directions

✔ Detailed teacher directions

✔ Built-in differentiation for K–2 and 3–5

✔ Print-and-go PDF format

🧠 WHAT STUDENTS DO

• Plan and design a shell stack
• Build using simple classroom materials
• Test stability (must stand for 10 seconds!)
• Redesign to improve balance
• Explain what worked and why

Students naturally use the engineering design process while learning about balance, structure, and cause and ef

🛠️ MATERIALS NEEDED

Paper cups or small bowls (shells)

Cardboard circles (optional bases)

Craft sticks or paper strips

Tape (optional or limited)

Uses easy, inexpensive classroom materials—no special prep required!

DIFFERENTIATION

K–2

• Stack 3–5 shells
• Focus on keeping the stack standing
• Oral discussion or drawing reflection

Grades 3–5

• Build the tallest stack possible
• Redesign to improve balance
• Explain results using STEM vocabulary

🎯 SKILLS & CONCEPTS

✔ Engineering Design Process

✔ Balance & Stability

✔ Problem Solving

✔ Cause and Effect

✔ Collaboratio

👩‍🏫 TEACHER TIP

Limit materials to increase the challenge and encourage creative thinking. Test all stacks on the same surface to ensure fair comparisons.

📎 FILE DETAILS

✔ PDF format

✔ Printable

✔ Student-friendly

✔ Reusable year after year