STEM Paper Chair Challenge
50-Minute Hands-On Lesson

Spark creativity and engineering thinking in your classroom with this fun and engaging STEM Paper Chair Challenge!

In this 50-minute lesson, students dive into the basics of engineering and design by exploring the question: What makes a chair… a chair? Students discuss the functions and structures of chairs, debate whether a toilet could be considered a chair, and apply their understanding of design and purpose to a hands-on building challenge.

Armed with only paper and tape, students work to design and build a chair that meets specific criteria for height, strength, and stability. This project pushes them to think critically, test their ideas, and improve their designs—just like real engineers!

NGSS Standards Addressed:

• K-2-ETS1-2: Develop sketches, drawings, or models to show how the shape of an object helps it function to solve a problem.
  
• ETS1.A: Clearly define a problem before designing solutions.
  
• 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a design problem with criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
  

This Lesson Includes:

✅ A detailed, step-by-step lesson plan in the engaging 5E format (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate)
✅ A complete list of required materials
✅ Student worksheets that guide learning and help build understanding of chair design and the Engineering Design Process

This activity is perfect for introducing engineering concepts in a fun, hands-on way that keeps students thinking, building, and collaborating!

Explore more STEM project ideas here: www.solversproblems.com

This Lesson Includes:

- A highly detailed, step-by-step lesson plans that can be used as designed, or modified for your specific students. Lesson plans are in the 5 "E" format and are a great resources for your STEM unit.

-A complete list of all materials needed for each activity.

-Student worksheets. These work sheets are used to progressively grow your students understanding of Tower designs and the Engineering Design process.