Weather STEM Challenge PAPERLESS VERSION

If you’re looking to apply learning in weather, climate, natural disasters, natural resources & more, this STEM / STEAM challenge is a perfectly engaging way to get the job done joyfully!


The basic premise:
Students work individually or in partners/groups against a list of criteria and constraints to create a shelter to defend against 3+ types of weather and/or disasters.

This challenge was developed as part of the Planetopia Project, but it can be used as a stand-alone challenge as well.

Modifications included for grades 2-8.

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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.

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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 (two editable versions provided)
- Planning pages
- Design Analysis
- Discussion Questions

Extension slides
- Evaporation Diagram
- The Water Cycle Diagram
- Shelter Ratings Activity
- Shelter Superlatives Template
- Weather Graph
- Weather Forecasting Activity Template
- Postcard Writing Template
- Process flow map
- Create & solve math problems based on designs

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

This resource is also available in the following discounted bundles:
⭐ Planetopia Project STEM Challenge Bundle - PAPERLESS VERSION
⭐ STEM Challenges: Year-Round Mega Bundle PAPERLESS VERSION
⭐ The Ultimate STEM Challenge Mega Bundle

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Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:

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

For Building:
– Cardboard scraps / paper plates / small cups
– Craft sticks / wooden coffee stirrers
– Pipe cleaners
– Masking or packing tape
– Cotton
– Sand Paper
– Plastic wrap, bags, or balloons
– Zip ties or string
– Scissors, hole punch and/or nails/screwdrivers

Optional Building Materials:
• Crayola Model Magic or clay
• Hot glue gun
• Foil
• Construction paper / tissue
• Coffee filters
• Pompoms
• Foil
• Paperclips
• Toothpicks

Measuring Results Materials:
– Plastic bin or foil tray (shoebox size works well)
– Water
– Tissue paper
– Thermometers
– Spray bottles
– Fan or hair dryer
– Cotton balls or batting
– Beads, rice, or marbles
– Molasses or mud
– Gravel, rocks, or sand

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Benefits of this STEM Design Challenge:

- Focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and application of learning
- Helps students develop growth mindset traits like persistence and resilience
- High levels of student engagement
- The potential to hit upon all NGSS ETS standards depending on the depth and number of iterations you choose to implement in your classroom (modifications included)
- Highly flexible and differentiated for materials, timing, grade levels, and rigor.

Each design iteration should be planned for ~60-90 min. if you are including data gathering and analysis rather than just building for fun. If you add extension activities, you will need to adjust timing accordingly.

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You might also like these resources:
⭐ Cells: A Fresh Take on Organelle Functions
⭐ Create-ure STEM Challenge: PAPERLESS VERSION
⭐ Earth Day STEM Challenge: New Earth City
⭐ Analyze and Interpret Data Unit
⭐ STEM Challenge: Flower Frenzy 1:1 Paperless Version

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