Creativity Challenges and STEM (Includes a Free Creativity Challenge)
Did you know that our creativity tends to decline as we get older?
This is a huge problem since creativity and problem solving are essential skills for STEM careers. Scientists, computer programmers, engineers, and mathematicians all need to be able to think creatively and brainstorm solutions quickly in order to solve problems.
One way to combat this problem is by implementing creativity challenges in the classroom.
What are creativity challenges?
The goal of a creativity challenge is to help students think outside the box. In a creativity challenge, students are presented with a problem that they have to solve using their creativity. Typically these challenges are short lasting anywhere from 3-10 minutes.
By implementing these challenges on a regular basis students are able to exercise their creativity muscles.
Creativity challenges can be used as a quick warm up before a STEM challenge to help jumpstart students’ creativity. They can also be used for morning work, brain breaks, and at various other times throughout the school day.
30 Circles Creativity Challenge
The 30 Circles Challenge is an example of a creativity challenge that you can use in your classroom.
Materials Needed:
30 Circles Recording Sheet or 12 Circles Recording Sheet (for younger students)
Pencil
Timer
Colored Pencils, Crayons, Markers (optional)
Have students complete this challenge individually or with a partner.
The goal of the 30 Circles Challenge is for students to turn as many circles as possible into recognizable objects in only 3 minutes. Older students will complete the 30 Circles Challenge, while younger students (preschool-first grade) should complete the 12 Circles Challenge.
Before students begin, explain to them that the focus is not on the skill of the drawings. Rather, students should be more concerned with getting as many ideas generated as possible.
At the end of the challenge have students share the ideas that they came up with. You may also want to give students a few extra minutes at the end to improve their designs and color them.
Most likely students will not get all 30 circles filled in. That is okay. This challenge can be completed multiple times throughout the year so that students can see their improvement.
Download the free challenge sheets HERE.
If you try out this challenge please share photos on social media and tag us (@carlyandadam on Twitter and Instagram). You can also share your photos with us in our Facebook group, Elementary STEM Teachers with Carly and Adam.
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