Saving Fred STEM Challenge | Engineering Design Lab | Hands-On Science Activity

Engage your students with this classic, high-interest STEM challenge that builds problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills—with minimal prep and maximum engagement!

In this Saving Fred STEM Challenge, students must design and test a rescue mission to save Fred the gummy worm after his boat capsizes. Working within clear constraints, students think like engineers as they plan, build, test, and improve their designs—without ever touching Fred or his boat!

Perfect for upper elementary and middle school, this activity works beautifully as a STEM lab, engineering design challenge, science sub plan, or fast finisher extension.

🧪 What Students Will Do

✔ Plan a rescue strategy
✔ Sketch and label their design
✔ Assign team roles
✔ Test their solution under time and material constraints
✔ Reflect on what worked—and what they’d change next time

📦 What’s Included

• Student planning + lab page (full sheet or notebook style)
• Clear teacher directions with timing, setup tips, and extensions
• Bonus rescue missions for early finishers or differentiation
  

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Activity

✔ Minimal prep
✔ No special equipment

✔ High engagement (students beg to do it again!)
✔ Encourages collaboration and creative thinking
✔ Easy to differentiate
✔ Perfect for observation or walkthrough days

🎯 Skills & Standards Addressed

• Engineering design process
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Collaboration and communication
• NGSS-aligned STEM practices
  

👩‍🏫 Best For:

• Upper elementary & middle school science
• STEM labs and enrichment
• Engineering design units
• Sub plans
• Early finisher or challenge days