Investigate a lunchtime mystery (“Who took the cheese?”) and then design a device to retrieve a dropped pencil using only materials in a desk. Students apply clues, logical reasoning, and the STEAM design process to problem-solve under constraints.

By the end of this lesson, students will:
✔️ Analyze clues to deduce the “cheese thief” collaboratively
✔️ Brainstorm, plan, and prototype devices to solve real-world problems
✔️ Employ the STEAM design cycle—Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve
✔️ Reflect on creative thinking outside implied constraints

What’s Included:
✔️ Mystery clues, “Who Did It?” worksheet, and debrief slides
✔️ Planning sheet, device-building challenge instructions, and awards
✔️ Materials list: paperclip, rubber band, pipe cleaner, construction paper, tape, scissors
✔️ Extension: display ideas with “light bulb” reflections

Questions? Contact connect@curiosity2create.org

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