Lesson Plan
Spooky STEM Showdown!
Students will collaborate to solve Halloween-themed STEM challenges, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills within a 30-minute timeframe.
This lesson makes learning fun and relevant by connecting STEM principles to a popular holiday. It encourages teamwork, creativity, and introduces practical problem-solving in an exciting context.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on, collaborative challenges
Materials
Projector and computer, Spooky STEM Showdown Slides, Halloween STEM Challenge Cards, Challenge Materials List, and Spooky STEM Challenge Answer Key
Prep
Prepare Challenge Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Spooky STEM Showdown Slides and the Spooky STEM Challenge Answer Key.
- Print and cut out the Halloween STEM Challenge Cards.
- Gather materials for each challenge based on the Challenge Materials List (e.g., small pumpkins, craft sticks, marshmallows, spaghetti, tape, paper).
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group) in advance or be prepared to do so quickly.
- Ensure projector and computer are ready for the presentation.
- Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Display the title slide: Spooky STEM Showdown Slides (Slide 1).
- Greet students and introduce the
Step 2
Activity: Spooky STEM Challenges
20 minutes
- Distribute Halloween STEM Challenge Cards and challenge materials to each group.
- Explain the rules: Groups will have 15-20 minutes to complete as many challenges as possible. Emphasize teamwork and creative problem-solving.
- Circulate, observe, and provide guidance as needed. Encourage groups to document their solutions or ideas.
- Use a timer to keep track of the time. (Spooky STEM Showdown Slides - Slide 3 for instructions, Slide 4 for timer).
Teacher Script Prompts:
*
Step 3
Wrap-Up & Share
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together. (Spooky STEM Showdown Slides - Slide 5).
- Have groups quickly share one interesting solution or challenge they tackled.
- Review the Spooky STEM Challenge Answer Key briefly, highlighting different approaches and successful strategies.
- Ask students what they learned about teamwork or problem-solving today.
- Thank them for their participation. (Spooky STEM Showdown Slides - Slide 6 for a concluding message).
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Slide Deck
Spooky STEM Showdown!
Get ready for some hauntingly fun challenges!
Welcome students and generate excitement for the activity. Ask them what they think 'Spooky STEM Showdown' means.
What's the Challenge?
You will work in teams to solve Halloween-themed STEM challenges!
- Use provided materials.
- Collaborate with your team.
- Be creative and think critically!
Explain the objective of the activity and what students will be doing. Introduce the idea of STEM challenges.
Challenge Time!
Instructions:
- Pick a Halloween STEM Challenge Card.
- Read the challenge carefully.
- Use your Challenge Materials List to see what you can use.
- Work with your team to design and build a solution.
- Try to complete as many challenges as you can in the time given!
- Get ready to share your creations!
Go over the instructions for the challenges. Emphasize teamwork and problem-solving.
20 Minutes on the Clock!
Time to get creative and conquer those challenges!
This slide can be used to display a timer for the activity. The teacher would typically use an external timer or a built-in feature of their presentation software.
Time to Share!
What did your team create? What was the biggest challenge? What did you learn?
Prompt students to think about what they learned and to prepare to share. This is a good transition to the wrap-up discussion.
You Rocked the Spooky STEM Showdown!
Great teamwork and amazing problem-solving today!
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the fun and learning aspects. Encourage continued interest in STEM.
Activity
Halloween STEM Challenge Cards
Cut out these cards and distribute them to student groups. Each card presents a unique STEM challenge related to Halloween.
Challenge Card 1: Pumpkin Perch
Goal: Build the tallest freestanding structure that can hold a mini-pumpkin (or a small apple) for at least 10 seconds.
Materials: Craft sticks, tape, string, paper scraps.
Challenge Card 2: Candy Catapult
Goal: Design and build a device that can launch a piece of candy corn (or a small marshmallow) the furthest distance.
Materials: Craft sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoon, tape.
Challenge Card 3: Spider Web Bridge
Goal: Create a bridge that spans a gap (e.g., between two desks) of at least 12 inches and can support the weight of a small toy spider (or a lightweight eraser).
Materials: Spaghetti noodles, marshmallows, tape.
Challenge Card 4: Ghost Glider
Goal: Design and build a paper glider that resembles a ghost and can stay airborne for the longest amount of time.
Materials: Paper, scissors, tape, paper clips.
Reading
Challenge Materials List
Each group will have access to a variety of materials to complete their STEM challenges. Please use these materials creatively and responsibly!
General Materials (Available to all groups):
- Craft Sticks: (popsicle sticks) - for building structures, levers, etc.
- Tape: (masking tape or clear tape) - for securing connections.
- Rubber Bands: - for elasticity, propulsion, or binding.
- Paper Scraps: (various sizes) - for testing, decorative elements, or structural reinforcement.
- Scissors: (one per group) - for cutting paper, string.
Challenge-Specific Materials:
- Mini-pumpkins or Small Apples: (1 per group, for Challenge 1: Pumpkin Perch)
- Candy Corn or Small Marshmallows: (several per group, for Challenge 2: Candy Catapult)
- Plastic Spoon: (1 per group, for Challenge 2: Candy Catapult)
- Spaghetti Noodles: (uncooked, a handful per group, for Challenge 3: Spider Web Bridge)
- Large Marshmallows: (several per group, for Challenge 3: Spider Web Bridge) - for connectors.
- Small Toy Spiders or Lightweight Erasers: (1 per group, for Challenge 3: Spider Web Bridge)
- Paper Clips: (several per group, for Challenge 4: Ghost Glider) - for weight and balance.
Important Reminders:
- Share materials within your group.
- Only use the materials provided for the challenges.
- Think about how different materials can be used for different purposes!
Answer Key
Spooky STEM Challenge Answer Key & Discussion Points
This answer key provides guidance for assessing student solutions and facilitating discussion. Given the open-ended nature of STEM challenges, there isn't one