Looking for Easter activities that your students will love but are more than just a craft or activity to pass the time? This Easter STEM Challenge (Easter STEAM Challenge) will keep your students engaged in brain-busting work disguised as fun!

The basic premise:

Due to equipment malfunctioning at the bean factory, several types of beans are all mixed-up, putting the Easter Bunny in a bind! Individually or in partners/groups, students will design and build a device to sort the jelly beans from the mixed-up beans.

(You can skip the story if it's too cutesy for your kids, or if you want to avoid Easter references.)

– If you’re working with younger students, you’ll want to mix jelly beans with only one other bean type that is not too similar in size (e.g. black beans). For older students, increase to two or three other bean types, some of which may be closer in size to the jelly beans.

Modifications included for grades 2-8.

Note: This version is for use with Google Slides in 1:1/paperless classrooms. If you prefer to print and have students complete work with paper/pencil, you'll want to look at the PRINTABLE VERSION instead.

If you have questions about which version is right for you, please feel free to leave me a question using the product Q&A below.

This is one of five Easter / Spring STEM Challenges. They can be purchased in a bundle at a 40% discount:

Easter / Spring DIGITAL/PAPERLESS STEM Challenge Bundle

Resource includes:

NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8

Teacher Tips

- Links to STEM Challenge “How-to”/PD videos

- Link to a video walk-through of the challenge

- Links to STEM Challenge “How-to”/PD videos

- Materials and timing

- Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)

- Measuring results

- Post-design extension activities list

- Universal STEM Challenge Notes & How to Use Student Slides Post-design extension activities list

Student Slides

- Criteria & Constraints List (color and B&W; editable)

- Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included; color and B&W)

- Discussion Questions (color and B&W)

Extension slides

- Task Card Slide Tips, Templates, and Examples

- Related video & website slides

- Process Flow Map

- Create Word Problems

CLICK THE PREVIEW BUTTON UNDER THE COVER & THUMBNAILS TO SEE THE SLIDES INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE!

Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:

(Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified. )

– Jelly beans (1 – 2 bags)

– Mix-in beans: black, pinto, etc. (1 – 2 bags)

– Bowl/bucket to hold the mixed beans (1)

For each student or group:

– Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)

– Paper plates (1 – 4)

– Coffee filters

– Paper bags

– Tape (12 – 24 in.)

– Rubber bands (5 – 10)

– Scissors

– Design analysis handouts (included)

– Optional:

• Plastic baggies

• Single hole punch

• Foil or foil pans

• String/yarn

• Craft sticks

• Straws

What do teachers have to say about this resource?

Note: Comments taken from the print version.

“Great STEM activity...truly aligned to NGSS!”

“This was so much fun! My students really enjoyed the challenge.”

“I love that this is a themed STEM activity. The kids loved it. Thank you!”

Please check out the preview to see the challenge, and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!