Fall is here, and Halloween is just around the corner! What better way to combine the season's excitement with hands-on learning than with a Pumpkin Catapult STEM challenge?
This activity is perfect for getting students engaged in engineering and critical thinking while having fun with a festive twist. Whether you're looking to spice up your classroom or want to add some hands-on fun to a Halloween party, this challenge is a hit for kids and teachers alike!
What is the Pumpkin Catapult Challenge?
In the Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge, students work in teams to design and build a catapult that launches a candy pumpkin or mini pumpkin counter the farthest distance. The activity not only taps into the Halloween theme but also reinforces key principles of physics and engineering. Plus, it's a great way to foster teamwork and creative problem-solving in your classroom.
Simplifying Your Planning Process
This lesson is available on Carly and Adam’s store. However, the best way to access this lesson is through the STEM Teachers Club Membership.
The STEM Teachers Club Membership not only provides high-quality lesson plans but also offers a structured approach to implementing them. With weekly themes and suggested read-alouds, you can easily integrate STEM into your daily schedule. Through the STEM Teachers Club you are able to gain access to our full catalog of lessons with unlimited downloads and you can cancel anytime.
Suggested Materials
4 rubber bands
2 large popsicle sticks
6 small popsicle sticks
1 plastic spoon
1 bag of candy pumpkins (or small pumpkin counters)
These simple materials make it easy for you to set up the activity, and many of the items may already be available in your classroom or can be donated by parents.
Key Features of the Activity
This activity ties into Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and other educational frameworks. Students will:
Develop and use models to solve problems.
Understand how the shape and design of an object can affect its function.
Plan and carry out tests, identifying ways to improve their models.
STEM Skills Focus
Engineering: The design process is at the heart of this challenge. Students will ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve their designs through multiple iterations.
Math & Physics: Measuring the distance traveled by the pumpkins provides opportunities to integrate math into the activity. Additionally, students will indirectly learn about force, energy, and motion principles.
Collaboration: This activity emphasizes teamwork, requiring students to communicate and cooperate effectively to achieve their goals.
How to Run the Challenge
Planning Stage:
Give students 10 minutes to individually brainstorm their catapult designs using a planning worksheet.
Then, allow 10 minutes for teams to discuss and agree on a final design.
Construction Stage:
Provide the materials listed above and give students 30 minutes to build their catapult.
Testing Stage:
After the catapults are built, each team takes turns launching a pumpkin and measuring the distance. The team that launches the pumpkin the farthest wins!
While this resource is available on Carly and Adam’s store, the Carly and Adam STEM Teachers Club Membership offers the best value for educators. With this membership, teachers gain unlimited access to Carly and Adam's extensive library of STEM resources, including ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, and challenges including the Pumpkin Catapult STEM Activity.
The Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge is a fun, engaging, and educational way to bring Halloween excitement into the classroom while developing essential STEM skills.
From planning and designing to building and testing, students will be immersed in hands-on learning that encourages experimentation, reflection, and improvement. Try this out in your classroom and watch your students' creativity and problem-solving skills soar!
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