Surfing STEM Challenge
Get ready to bring the excitement of the Summer Olympics into your classroom with a STEM challenge that combines the thrill of surfing with the intriguing world of magnetism.
This hands-on Surfing STEM Challenge is not just about building; it's about inspiring your students to think creatively and understand the principles of magnetic fields in a fun and engaging way.
Introducing the Surfing STEM Challenge
Encourage your students to think of magnets not just as objects sticking to the fridge but as tools that can create motion and control in a surfer they will design themselves. Highlight the excitement of experimentation, emphasizing that the process involves both creativity and scientific inquiry. As they embark on this magnetic surfing adventure, remind them that they are not just participants in an activity but young scientists applying real-world physics to solve a fun and engaging problem.
Materials and Instructions:
In order to complete this challenge you will need the following materials:
string
large paper clips
tape or glue stick
crayons, markers, or color sticks
wooden dowels or popsicle sticks
magnetic wands
As students embark on the magnetic surfing STEM challenge, there are several key considerations they might keep in mind while designing and experimenting with their surfers:
Understanding the Problem: Students should start by clearly defining the challenge they are facing. What exactly are they trying to achieve with their magnetic surfer? Understanding the constraints, such as the materials available and the principles of magnetism involved, is crucial.
Building and Testing: After creating their surfer, testing is essential to see how it performs. Students should observe how their surfer interacts with the magnetic field and note any unexpected behaviors or challenges. Students should also consider the placement of the paper clip and how that changes the performance of the surfer.
These discussions and considerations are integral to the engineering design process, helping students approach the challenge with a thoughtful and systematic mindset.
Ready, Set, Surf!
During the final phase of the magnetic surfing STEM challenge, students transition from design to action, testing their surfers against the invisible force of magnetic fields. This crucial phase ignites excitement as they observe their surfers' performance, critically analyzing each movement and stability to understand the magnetic interactions better. It's a rich learning moment, emphasizing the importance of iterative design based on real-world testing. Students reflect on their designs, consider improvements, and engage in discussions about their experiences, fostering a collaborative learning environment where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation. This phase encapsulates the essence of hands-on STEM learning, where theory and practice converge to spark curiosity and ingenuity.
LOOKING FOR MORE SUMMER OLYMPICS STEM CHALLENGES?
Check out the Summer Games STEM Challenges Bundle, Perfect for Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade!
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