The Three Little Pigs STEM Activities and Challenges
In the world of education, fairy tales and STEM principles are merging in an innovative teaching approach. By combining the classic fairy tale of "The Three Little Pigs" with its fractured fairy tale counterpart, "The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale," educators can craft unique STEM challenges that engage students. This approach revitalizes a classic story while practically introducing architectural design and engineering concepts.
These activities can be completed as individual STEM challenges or choose the activities you want students to complete and use them as 3 Little Pigs STEM Centers.
6 STEM Challenges for The Three Little Pigs
1. Create a Straw House Out of Plastic Straws and Play Dough
2. Build a Stick House Using Popsicle Sticks and Tape
3. Engineer a Brick House with LEGO Bricks
4. Create a House of Scraps Out of Index Cards, Toilet Paper Rolls, and Tape
5. Build a Glass House Using Magnetic Tiles
6. Engineer a Concrete House with Cardboard and Tape
1. Create a Straw House Out of Plastic Straws and Play Dough
In this hands-on STEM challenge, students are tasked with constructing a sturdy house for the three little pigs, using only plastic straws and play dough. The objective is to create a structure that not only stands on its own but can also withstand a hair dryer, simulating the huff and puff of the big bad wolf. Students will need to think critically about the design and structure, using the plastic straws for the framework and play dough to secure the joints and base.
2. Build a Stick House Using Popsicle Sticks and Tape
In this engaging STEM challenge, students embark on a mission to build a resilient stick house for the three little pigs, armed with just popsicle sticks and tape. The goal is to construct a durable dwelling that can endure the simulated gusts from the big bad wolf, represented by a hair dryer. Students must employ strategic thinking and basic engineering concepts to assemble the popsicle sticks into a cohesive structure, using tape to reinforce connections and provide stability.
3. Engineer a Brick House with LEGO Bricks
In this STEM challenge, students are tasked with constructing a brick house for the three little pigs, using LEGO bricks as their primary building material. The challenge is to design and build a house that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also strong enough to withstand the huffing and puffing of the big bad wolf.
4. Create a House of Scraps Out of Index Cards, Toilet Paper Rolls, and Tape
In this STEM challenge, students dive into the task of building a house of scraps for the three little pigs, utilizing seemingly simple materials: index cards, toilet paper rolls, and tape. The objective is to construct an inventive and sturdy house that can withstand the big bad wolf.
5. Build a Glass House Using Magnetic Tiles
In this STEM challenge, students set out to construct a "glass" house for the three little pigs, employing magnetic tiles as their primary building blocks. The objective is to create a visually stunning, translucent structure that captures the essence of a glass house, while still being robust enough to endure the pretend gusts from the big bad wolf, simulated by a hair dryer blowing on the structure.
6. Engineer a Concrete House with Cardboard and Tape
In this STEM challenge, students are tasked with constructing a house of "concrete" for the three little pigs, using cardboard and tape to mimic the sturdiness and durability of real concrete. The challenge lies in designing and assembling a structure that embodies the solid, impenetrable nature of a concrete building, strong enough to withstand the forces of the big bad wolf.
The Big Bad Wolf Test: Hair Dryer Challenge
During the testing phase of the STEM challenge, the durability of the students' constructed houses faces the ultimate test—a simulated wolf's huff and puff, represented by a hair dryer with a wolf illustration taped to it. This imaginative setup brings the fairy tale to life, as each group anxiously watches their structure under the gusts of the "wolf's breath."
Start by setting the hair dryer on a low, consistent setting, and increase the intensity as students successfully complete each test. This phase not only tests the physical stability of the houses but also encourages students to reflect on their design choices, material selection, and construction techniques. It's a moment filled with anticipation and excitement, providing valuable lessons on the real-world application of engineering principles and the importance of resilience in design.
Through building these six diverse houses, students not only engage with the narrative in a hands-on manner but also gain a deeper understanding of engineering principles and the design process.
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