Summer is here, and what better way to keep the kids engaged than with an exciting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) challenge?
In our Pool Party STEAM Challenge, kids will work together to design and build pool floats for their party guests.
This STEAM Challenge is perfect for:
- Encouraging creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Introducing basic engineering concepts like buoyancy and design
- Highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration
- Providing a fun and engaging way to learn about STEM principles
Check out the full challenge details below!
Pool Party STEAM Challenge Instructions & Scoring:
CHALLENGE: Marbles are having a pool party today and they forgot to get pool floats! Your task is to create 2 fun pool floats for their pool party. Each float has to hold at least two marbles at the same time.
SETUP: Using the materials below, create 2 pool floats that will hold marbles. You will test your floats by putting them in a bowl full of water. The devices should float for at least 15 seconds and keep the marbles completely dry.
MATERIALS: 3 index cards, 1 sheet of paper, 1 paper or plastic cup, 6 paper straws, 15 inches of rope, 5 paper clips, 12 inches of tape, 4 inches of aluminum foil, 1 press-and-seal bag, 1 pair of scissors, 20 marbles, 1 bowl or container filled with water
Note: You may substitute materials based on what you have available
TIME: 8 minutes (6 minutes to build your floats and 2 minutes to test them on water)
SCORING:
A. 15 points if each pool float is successfully holding at least 2 marbles
B. 5 points for each pair of marbles that is floating on water (up to 50 points)
C. Up to 15 points for the creativity of pool float #1
D. Up to 15 points for the creativity of pool float #2
E. Up to 20 points for how well your group works together
For more STEAM activities like this, be sure to follow us on social and check out our blog.
