Read aloud books are the perfect way to set up a STEM challenge. Connecting STEM to stories helps students relate to the problem in a more meaningful way!
This Thanksgiving don’t just teach the standards. Engage students in hands-on STEM challenges that integrate reading and writing.
The following are our top 4 Thanksgiving read alouds and STEM challenges!
1.) Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’
In the story Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ by Eileen Spinelli, the Tappleton family is preparing for Thanksgiving. Each member of the family is in charge of a part of the Thanksgiving meal. Unfortunately, things go wrong as they begin to prepare including the turkey sliding out the door and into a pond.
After reading the book, challenge your students to design a fishing pole to fish the turkey out of the pond.
2.) A Plump and Perky Turkey
In the book A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman, the townspeople host a turkey-themed arts and crafts fair in order to trick a turkey into becoming their Thanksgiving meal.
Challenge your students to build a 3D paper turkey for the art fair that is symmetrical and balanced.
3.) Turk and Runt
Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler, is about two brother turkeys on a turkey farm just before Thanksgiving. Turk is sure to be chosen for the Thanksgiving meal due to his size. Fortunately, Runt is able to convince his family that they don’t want to be chosen, and they end up disguising themselves as snowmen.
After reading the book, challenge your students to disguise a turkey as a turkey snowman using toothpicks and marshmallows.
4.) Thank You, Sarah
The story Thank You, Sarah by Laurie Hale Anderson is the true story of how Sarah Hale helped make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Challenge your students to use their coding skills to save Thanksgiving.
Are you ready to engage students in hands-on STEM challenges that integrate reading and writing standards?
We have prepared teacher instructions with full lesson plans and student journals to make these activities easy to implement in your classroom! Grab the bundle of Thanksgiving Read Aloud STEM and STEAM challenges HERE!
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