Math Problem Solving Toolkit
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Groundhog Day STEM Groundhog Day Science Groundhog Day Art & Shadow Activities
Celebrate Groundhog Day with a hands-on STEM challenge that’s creative & educational! Perfect for grades 2–8, this activity combines science, art, and engineering & math to explore the fascinating world of light and shadows. Students will love experimenting with angles and distances to create groundhog shadows, while adding a unique twist with “street art” shadow tracing. What’s the Groundhog Graffiti STEM Challenge all about?Students work individually or in teams to: Design and manipulate
2nd - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Visual Arts
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
Engineering Design Process Interactive Notebook – PLAN Phase | STEM Foldable
Looking to teach your students how to actually plan like real engineers? This Engineering Design Process: PLAN Phase Interactive Notebook Set is a complete, low-prep toolkit for Grades 5–7 that helps students understand how to write clear, testable plans and success criteria that align with a design specification. Designed for hands-on learning, this resource includes a content-rich foldable, vocabulary cards, and a cut-and-paste sorting activity that guide students through how to plan effe
5th - 7th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Vocabulary
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, 3-5-ETS1-1
+2
1000th Day of School Project | Museum Exhibit Cards + Research + Rubric
Feeling overwhelmed by how to make the 1000th day of school truly special and educational? Introducing the 1000th Day of School Project | Museum Exhibit Cards + Research + Rubric, your all-in-one solution to transform your classroom into an engaging learning museum! This project not only celebrates a significant milestone but also deeply integrates critical thinking and research skills, making learning both memorable and meaningful for your students. ✨ What's Included: Printable Museum Exhibit
4th - 6th
Basic Operations, Basic Principles, Creative Writing
Science Logic Puzzles for Middle School
This Science Logic Puzzles for Middle School product has 10 logic puzzles of varying difficulty and factual scientific information. They are great for Back to School days, and can be used for team building, fast finishers, after tests, for close reading or critical thinking exercises, for extra credit, or to fill in those odd schedule days like half days, sub plans, or when you need a fun break. Famous Women InventorsFamous Africa-American InventorsThe Mammals of AustraliaThe Highest Volcanoes
6th - 9th
Basic Principles, General Science, Science
Building Blocks Speed Lab: Heavy vs. Light Cars
Grade Levels: Kindergarten - 8th Grade Duration: 60 minutes Building Blocks Speed Lab: Heavy vs. Light Cars (Lesson Plan + Student Worksheet) Engage your students in a fun, hands-on investigation of motion, weight, and engineering design with this interactive STEM lesson! In this project, students design, build, and test Building Blocks cars to explore how weight affects the distance a car travels down a ramp. Through repeated trials, measurement, sketching, and data collection, students practic
K - 8th
Basic Principles, Measurement, Physics
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-3
+5
Critical Thinking Student Workbook (Middle School edition)
Workbook for students in grades 6-8. Can be used in most core content classes.
6th - 8th
Basic Operations, Basic Principles, Informational Text
Detective Activity: The 1854 Cholera Outbreak-Find the Source!!!!
This comprehensive lesson includes slides to teach the difference between theory, law, fact, and hypothesis. Then, students focus on a key moment inthe development of the Germ Theory by becoming the detectives, creating their own map of 1854 London to determine the source of the cholera epidemic! The lesson includes extension activites (research, skit, comic strip creation). You can find the slides and complete activity packet here: https://sciencesaves.org/2025/09/17/detective-activity-the-1854
6th - 9th
Basic Principles, Biology, Statistics
CCSS, NGSS
6.SP.A.1
, 6.SP.A.2
, 6.SP.B.4
+7
PBL-Problem-Based Learning: Solve the Local Water Crisis
Water Crisis Warriors: A Project-Based Learning Challenge Inspire future problem-solvers with a real-world mission they can dive into—literally! Water Crisis Warriors is a high-impact PBL unit where students explore the causes and effects of a local water crisis and take on the challenge of designing creative, research-based solutions. With built-in critical thinking tools, collaborative tasks, and a final presentation, this unit is perfect for gifted enrichment, environmental science, or s
3rd - 6th
Basic Principles, Environment, General Science
Engineering Bell Ringers | 25 Real-World STEM Design Prompts | Middle School War
Bring real-world problem-solving into your classroom with these 25 Science & Engineering Bell Ringers! Designed for grades 5-8, these daily warm-ups engage students in applying design thinking to authentic science-based challenges—without needing extra materials. Each bell ringer prompt asks students to: ✅ Tackle a real-world science or engineering problem ✅ Complete design-thinking tasks like analyzing products, designing tests, creating specs, or planning research ✅ Practice critical thi
6th - 9th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-3
+3
25 Real-World STEM Design Warm Up Slides | Grade 5 - 8 | Engineering Warm Ups
Bring real-world problem-solving into your classroom with these 25 Writing & Engineering Bell Ringers! Designed for grades 5-8, these daily warm-ups engage students in applying design thinking to authentic science-based challenges—without needing extra materials. Each bell ringer prompt asks students to: ✅ Tackle a real-world science or engineering problem ✅ Complete design-thinking tasks like analyzing products, designing tests, creating specs, or planning research ✅ Practice critical thinki
6th - 8th
Basic Principles, Creative Writing, Engineering
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+1
DEDUCTIVE AND LOGICAL REASONING - Who Killed the Champion Robert?
LOGICAL REASONING, MEDIEVAL HISTORY, PROBLEM SOLVING - This lesson/workshop takes around 2 hours to complete but is broken into 6 parts. It takes students through a step-by-step critical reasoning process in order to solve a medieval murder mystery. The lesson includes; - syllogisms, modus ponen and modus tollens problems - deductive reasoning - problem-solving paradigms - contradictive (knights and knaves) deduction - appropriate assumption-making through inference of a conclusion from an affi
5th - 8th
Basic Principles, For All Subjects, Middle Ages
50 Animal Mazes | Logic Puzzles | Zoo Animals Coloring Pages | Printable
Animal Maze Activity Pack 50 Fun, Printable Mazes to Boost Logic, Focus & Problem-Solving (K–4) Looking for a hands-on activity that keeps kids thinking and smiling?This adorable maze pack combines learning with playful challenge. No screens required! Build Thinking Skills the Fun Way Each maze features a lovable animal trying to find its favorite food—kids will guide them through simple paths that build: Logic and critical thinking Problem-solving and spatial awareness Attention to de
PreK - 6th
Basic Principles, Coloring Pages, Visual Arts
Engineering Design Process Worksheets | Engineering Design Process 5th grade
STEM & Design Thinking Worksheet Bundle – Grades 3–5Bring creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving to your classroom with this STEM & Design Thinking Worksheet Bundle, designed for grades 3–5! This printable resource pack includes 9 thoughtfully scaffolded worksheets to guide students through every step of the Engineering Design Process and Design Thinking Cycle—from brainstorming to reflection and everything in between. Whether you're running STEM challenges, PBL units,
3rd - 6th
Basic Principles, Computer Science - Technology, Engineering
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Five ThinkForge Desktop Engineering Challenges Volume 3 - Energy/Motion (MS/HS)
ThinkForge™ Desktop Engineering Challenges are low-prep, classroom-ready engineering design challenges that engage students in hands-on problem solving using common materials and minimal space. Each challenge guides students through the engineering design process as they analyze a real-world problem, design and build a solution, test and redesign, and communicate results. Perfect for STEM, science, and physics classrooms (grades 6–12), these desktop-friendly challenges build critical thinking, c
6th - 12th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physics
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-3
+3
Halloween Engineering Activity Bundle | 5 Spooky Activities | STEM, Science
Bring the spooky season to life with this Halloween STEM Challenge Bundle! Packed with 5 engaging, hands-on activities, this resource is perfect for middle school and upper elementary students. Each challenge encourages problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration while reinforcing NGSS-aligned engineering and science skills. Inside you’ll find: 5 Halloween-themed STEM challenges Low-prep, classroom-ready materials Teacher tips, student recording sheets, and extension ideas Activities tha
5th - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-4
+4
St Patricks Day Crack the Code STEM Science Experiments Leprechaun Trap & Trivia
This St. Patrick’s Day Activity Bundle brings March learning to life with engaging STEM challenges, science experiments, coding activities, and critical thinking puzzles. Designed for Grades K–6, this collection blends hands-on exploration with problem-solving, creativity, and seasonal fun through St. Patrick’s Day STEM activities, science experiments, and interactive games. Perfect for centers, enrichment, morning work, or themed classroom days. Use these activities for STEM centers, science
K - 7th
Basic Principles, Computer Science - Technology, World History
Engineering Design Process Interactive Notebook – IMAGINE Phase | 5Ws + Goals
Help your students think like real engineers with this engaging, scaffolded Interactive Notebook set for the IMAGINE phase of the Engineering Design Process! The IMAGINE Phase of the Engineering Design Cycle is the Second Phase of the problem solving process. Students brainstorm, empathize with the user, and make clear goals for the Design. Designed for Grades 5–7, this resource helps students explore design specifications, feasibility, and idea generation through vocabulary, graphic organ
5th - 7th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
Mystery Genre Unit Study: VR Activity, Choice Board, PBL, Science Exp./texts/5es
Mystery Genre Unit Study DescriptionThe Mystery Genre Unit invites upper elementary students to step into the role of detectives as they read, write, and think like investigators. This cross-curricular unit blends ELA, science, and critical thinking using the engaging theme of mystery-solving to build comprehension, problem-solving, and creativity. Students begin by exploring the elements of mystery stories, including the problem, clues, suspects, red herrings, and solution. Through both fi
3rd - 6th
Basic Principles, ELA Test Prep, Reading Strategies
Design Thinking Notebook | Introduction to Engineering Interactive notebooks
Introduce your students to the EDC in an interactive and comprehensive way! This print-and-go interactive notebook is perfect for 5th - 7th grade STEM, science, engineering, or design-thinking. Aligned with NGSS and designed for middle school engagement, this resource helps students connect real-world problem solving with hands-on learning—while building academic vocabulary and critical thinking. ✨ What’s Included: ✅ Engineering Design Cycle Overview Wheel✂️ Cut-and-Paste Sequencing Activitie
5th - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-4
+4
Design Thinking & Engineering Process Worksheet | Printable STEM Reflection
Design Thinking & Engineering Process Worksheet | Printable STEM Reflection for Grades 3-5Engage your 3rd–5th grade students with this versatile Design Thinking & Engineering Process Worksheet, perfect for any STEM or makerspace activity! This printable reflection tool guides learners step-by-step through the problem-solving process— from asking and imagining to testing and improving—while encouraging critical thinking and creativity. Whether you're running a classroom engineering challenge, a
3rd - 6th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physical Science
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
STEM & Critical Thinking | Think Like an Inventor (TRIZ Method) | GATE
Are your students tired of the same old STEM building challenges? Do you need a zero-prepactivity that actually teaches them howto think, not just whatto build? Welcome to the "Think Like an Inventor" Series!This comprehensive bundle uses TRIZ(The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving)—the exact same innovation framework used by engineers at NASA, Samsung, and Boeing—adapted perfectly for middle-grade students (Ages 8-14). Instead of messy supplies and glue sticks, these engineering challenge
3rd - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering
Also included in: STEM & Critical Thinking BUNDLE | Think Like an Inventor | STEM | GATE
Engineering Design Process Interactive Notebook | Engineering Notebook
Get hands on and creative with this Engineering Design Process Notebook. This Cut-and-paste Style notebook is perfect for Teaching the Engineering Design Process NGSS in a Super interactive way! Aligned with NGSS and designed for middle school engagement, this resource helps students connect real-world problem solving with hands-on learning—while building academic vocabulary and critical thinking. ✨ What’s Included: ✅ Engineering Design Cycle Overview Wheel 30 Slides for presenting and n
5th - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Robotics
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-1
First Week of School Science STEM Activity First Day of School Team Building
This Apple Wrecking Ball Back to School STEM Challenge is the perfect hands-on experience to launch your first week of school science activities while introducing or reinforcing Newton’s Third Law of Motion in a highly engaging way. Whether you're teaching upper elementary or middle school, this engineering challenge promotes team building, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking, ideal for the first day of school STEM activities or any beginning of the year science activities focuse
2nd - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Social Emotional Learning
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
23 Middle School Engineering Bell Ringers | Creative Design Thinking Prompts
Middle School Design Thinking Bell Ringers | 23 Creative Engineering Prompts | Daily Warm-UpsStart your middle school class with meaningful creativity using these 23 Design Thinking Bell Ringers! Designed for grades 5-8, these quick, seated activities are perfect for warm-ups, early finishers, or design-thinking routines that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each daily prompt gives students a chance to: ✅ Follow the design thinking cycle (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototyp
6th - 9th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+1
Showing 1-24 of 103+ results
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