Are you looking to incorporate more STEM learning into your classroom? Try STEM sticks! Use these sticks like STEM task cards in your makerspace, math block rotation, for early finishers, or at a STEM/STEAM station! There are over 50 STEM challenge prompts provided in this set. The prompts are in both "stick" format and task card format, so choose what works best for your class.

STEM sticks are included in the following BUNDLE, so please do not purchase both:

STEM Challenges Classroom Pack (STEAM)

STEM sticks

• STEM Challenge Station poster
• 50 standard STEM challenges
• 10 "Einstein" challenges (most difficult)
• Recording Sheet
• Letter to parents & caregivers requesting materials

FAQs

Will I need to spend a lot of money on supplies?

You don't need a lot of expensive materials to get started! Please view the thumbnail image above to get a better idea of some items you might want to use. You probably have most of the supplies in your classroom already, or in your recycle bin!

I've never done STEM challenges before. What can I expect?

I've got you covered! I have written several blog posts to get you started, two of which you can find here (which includes a free sample of STEM sticks) and here.

How can I differentiate STEM challenges in my classroom? I teach various grade levels.

The easiest way to differentiate STEM design challenges is by varying the available materials. For example, for a tower challenge:

Easy to more difficult materials:

Easy==> building blocks or bricks, or plastic cups

Harder ==> spaghetti and marshmallows, or only pipe cleaners

Expert ==> straws and paperclips (insert doubled-up paperclips into ends of straws to connect them), or only paper & tape

*You can also use these ideas as stations for your students to progress through all building challenges.

I don't have time to do this as a group activity in my classroom. Can I still use this resource?

Yes! With STEM sticks, you can set up an independent learning center for your early finishers or when you do stations. Provide the materials, STEM sticks, and recording sheets, and the students can work on these challenges independently, either alone or in small teams.

*************************** Related Resources *************************

Engineering Design Process Posters

Engineering Discipline Posters

Engineering Posters BUNDLE

10 STEM Challenges You Can do Today

Engineering Design Challenges (initial purchase)

Engineering Design Challenge #1 - Design a Transport Device

Engineering Design Challenge #2 - Design a Power Transmission Tower

Engineering Design Challenge #3 - Design a Periscope

Engineering Design Challenge #4 - Design a Cargo Ship

Engineering Design Challenge ADD ON PACKS (subsequent purchase)

Engineering Design Challenge #1 - Design a Transport Device ADD ON PACK

Engineering Design Challenge #2 - Design a Transmission Tower ADD ON PACK

Engineering Design Challenge #3 - Design a Periscope ADD ON PACK

Engineering Design Challenge #4 - Design a Cargo Ship ADD ON PACK

***********************************************************************