STEM

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

April 3, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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We’re making our own Lego Swiss Family Robinson stem challenge and encourage kids to use critical thinking, planning, engineering skills, problem-solving, as well as creativity to create their unique treehouse. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.

A wonderful thing about homeschooling is that you can take a book like Swiss Family Robinson and go as in-depth as you like.

For example, you can create learning experiences and activities for this literature.

However, you can also cover everything from math to geography to science.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

The Robinsons built their island treehouse using simply what they found around them.

Too, they got parts and pieces scavenged from the shipwreck.

Challenge your child to do the same with LEGO.

Beyond just creating a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson treehouse let’s look at some other fabulous STEM projects.

When I think of Swiss Family Robinson stem, I think of survival skills.

This book is the perfect time to dive deeply into some basic life skills.

They can be learned to be used in survival situations but also can be applied to day-to-day life.

More Resources for Learning About Swiss Family Robinson & Survival Activities

Next, look at these books and resources.

Books to Learn About How The Swiss Family Robinson Lived

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Swiss Family Robinson STEM Ideas

Head outdoors and take the Survival Skills Challenge: Building a Shelter to see if you can create a shelter using just a few basic items.
In my Homeschool Literature The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Raft Craft you can learn about terms like buoyancy and challenge your student to build a raft that not only floats but bears weight.
Try the Survival Skills for Kids – FIRE STARTING CHALLENGE, while you may not need it for a shipwreck it will come in handy.
Father was even able to construct a water wheel, check out this Water Wheel STEM Activity to make one on a smaller scale and learn how it works.

Throughout the building ask questions to encourage critical thinking and assess their comprehension and retention.

Of course, answers will vary.

But here are a few questions that you might ask and some of the possible answers.

What materials did they use? Trees, sailcloth, bamboo, rope, wood planks. They even used geometry to determine how high it needed to be.

Why did they build their treehouse where they did? Proximity to water, food, good trees for building at the right height, etc.

How did they get materials up the tree? They fashioned a pulley to move materials up and down the tree easily.

LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge

For this challenge, you don’t need to follow instructions, rather this is a great time to encourage your child to use their critical thinking skills to build a structure that holds up, bears weight, and fits the needs of the “family”.

But just to give you a framework I’m giving you simple steps to have them follow and the way that I did it.

Allow them to build and learn.

For instance, decide whether it’s best to build on top of the tree base or to build the structure first and then place it on top, etc

You will need:

LEGO Baseplate
LEGO Bricks

Start with a big base plate and add a little “sand and water” with smaller flat blue and tan plates.

Start with a smaller base plate as the base of your treehouse.

To make it a little easier or let your child completely fashion one from smaller pieces for more of a challenge for older children.

Add a bit of border for walls and 4 corners.

Make the corners the height that you would like the treehouse to be.

For the next part, they will want to build trunks of the tree.

They need to support the treehouse and figure out where they should be placed to support it best.

For the roof, we found it easiest to build one that was a little larger than the size of the base floor of the structure.

Then, place it on top.

And then came the fun part, adding greenery.

Use it all over the roof.

And show it coming out of the sides of the structure to make it look more like it was inside of a tree.

Now you can put your treehouse on top of the “tree trunks”.

Don’t forget to create a ladder for going up and down.

You can stop there, or you can continue to challenge your child’s creativity.

For example, have your kids add flora and fauna to the base, build structures for the animals, or recreate a scene from the story.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

November 21, 2023 | 1 Comment
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We’re making a popsicle stick STEM dogsled as we enjoy a ride through the story of Balto. Also, look at my 4 Week Free Alaska Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

Even though Balto might make you think of simply a literature unit, you can still work in some amazing history, geography, math, language arts, and science.

You have a great choice of activities and resources below.

Also, I have a tutorial for you to build your own dog sled from popsicle sticks.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

The STEM part of this study can be learned naturally.

For example, your child investigates different methods for creating a sled to make it aerodynamic.

In addition, he learns about friction as it glides or sticks on the path down the ramp, problem-solving, and encourages outside-of-the-box thinking.

Encourage everyone in the family to create a sled and then race.

Ask questions like what made your sleds go faster or slower? What would you change next time?

Facts About the Book Balto

First, if you are not already familiar with the story of Balto let me give you a quick rundown.

It is based on a true story set in Nome Alaska and centers around the dog Balto who is a purebred Siberian husky.

He leads a dog team on a life-saving mission for serum when there is an outbreak of diphtheria.

Balto was not the only dog responsible for saving the children of Nome, sled dogs took turns carrying the medicine from Nenena, Alaska to Nome.
There is a statue of Balto that was placed in Central Park, and it remains there, still today.
The run by mushers and dogs for the diphtheria serum was also known as the Great Race of Mercy.
The trip from Nenena to Nome normally took 30 days for a sled dog team, this time it was done in a miraculous 6 days to deliver the medicine before it expired.
A sled dog team is typically made up of a musher and 4 to 6 dogs or a pair and 8 to 12 dogs. This relay included 20 mushers and around 100 to 150 dogs.

Next, if your kids love reading books about dogs and dogs stories, look at some of these fun reads.

I lean toward living books to bring unit studies to life.

9 Books and Resources for Kids Who Love Dogs and Sled Dogs

If your child loves books about dogs and sled dogs, grab some of these for a fun unit study.

Balto and the Great Race (Stepping Stone)

Balto has a quiet life as a sled dog—until tragedy strikes. Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish—and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.

Togo

Togo wasn't meant to be a sled dog. He was too feisty and independent to make a good team member, let alone a leader. But Togo is determined, and when his trainer, Leonhard Seppala, gives him a chance, he soon becomes one of the fastest sled dogs in history! His skills are put to the ultimate test, though, when Seppala and his team are called on to make the now-famous run across the frozen Arctic to deliver the serum that will save Alaska from a life-threatening outbreak of diphtheria.

Kiana's Iditarod (PAWS IV)

Kiana is no ordinary dog. Born and bred to race, she leads her team of huskies on a journey unlike any other. The Iditarod - known traditionally as Alaska's 'Last Great Race' - spans 1,049 icy miles from Anchorage to Nome. From the treacherous terrain to the bitter, blowing winds, the trail is full of obstacles Kiana and her team must overcome in order to reach the finish line. Along the way, they encounter packs of wild wolves, a mighty moose, and other dog-sled teams fighting for first place. Can Kiana summon the strength of her team and lead them to victory? Author Shelley Gill brings her firsthand experience as the fifth woman to complete the Iditarod race to this crackling adventure story, while Shannon Cartwright's vibrant color illustrations bring Kiana and her team's extraordinary efforts to life for young readers.

Kavik the Wolf Dog

When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he’s shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal’s eyes says he’s not ready to die. It turns out that Kävik’s a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kävik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kävik has other ideas.

.Siberian Husky Figurine

Detailed Representation: Hand-painted by professionals, this Siberian Husky figurine comes alive with realistic features and markings, a perfect gift for dog lovers.

White Fang

WHITE FANG !!!! (PART 1 of 2) From Jack London, one of the greatest American writers of all time, comes this masterpiece in adventure story telling: WHITE FANG!!! Can White Fang the timber wolf pup ever be tamed? WHITE FANG (PART 1 of 2)examines the violent world of wild animals and the equally violent world of humans. WHITE FANG! A tale of animal heroism, survival and adventure like never before seen in American literature.

Stone Fox

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race—the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. Willy and his brave dog Searchlight must face off against experienced racers, including a Native American man named Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.

Dogteam

On a moonlit winter night, a team of dogs pulls a sled, taking the narrator and readers on a wondrous ride through the snow, into and out of the woods. It is a ride you'll wish would never end.

The Adventures of Balto: The Untold Story of Alaska's Famous Iditarod Sled Dog

Balto, the great Alaska sled dog, has been dead since 1933. But he still stands larger-than-life on Dogdom's Mount Olympus, where the world's great canines are immortalized. Yet few people know Balto's true story.

Additionally, look at some of these unit study facts to go along the popsicle stick stem dogsled.

Balto Unit Study

Don’t just read the book, immerse yourselves in it with fun hands-on activities that cover a wide variety of subjects and ages so everyone in the family is included.

You can widen your unit a bit by incorporating the topics of winter, Alaska, snow, blizzards, and other themes that are prevalent throughout the story.

Math Unit Study Ideas for Balto

Research how long it takes to get from where you are to Nome, Alaska-by foot, car, train, and plane.
For the littlest learners, you can do Winter Math Activities With Printable Snowflake Number Circle.
Here is a wintery-themed Hands-On Math: Fun and Easy Snowflake Geometry idea.
If you live somewhere with snow have your child create and maintain a record of the daily snowfall.

Science Unit Study Ideas for Balto

Learn about the different wildlife found in Alaska- Caribou, moose, polar bear, bald eagle, Orcas, and more for science.
Use a Siberian Husky Figure to reenact the story, use it in a diorama, or as part of a lovely winter sensory bin.
Your popsicle stick stem dogsled craft today is a great opportunity for hands-on science. This is a great time to let your child hypothesize and experiment, they will be naturally problem-solving, engineering, and thinking critically along the way.
Find out how Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity, goes along with this unit very well.

History/Geography Unit Study Ideas for Balto

Locate Nome, Alaska on a map or globe. Then locate the starting point in Nenena, Alaska, and track the path with your finger.

Use this stencil of Alaska as a base to create a felt, salt dough, paper, or any other material map to learn the geography of this chilly state.

After finishing the book, watch the animated adaptation of Balto.

Language Arts Unit Study Ideas For Balto

For younger readers, Totally True Adventures, Balto and The Great Race is a wonderful retelling of the story.

Provide your child with writing prompts. Encourage them to write or type a paragraph or an entire story from the inspiration. “As the snow started falling faster my dogsled team and I…” , “ If I could be anywhere during the winter time it would be….”. Or “ Let me tell you about the time I interviewed Balto.”
Flip through your copy of Balto ahead of time. Then write down words that your child might not know or might be a challenge for spelling. Use these throughout your study as spelling/vocabulary words.
This Snow & Ice Salt Writing Tray is great for prewriting letters. But it is also a really fun sensory activity. For older children they can practice sight words and spelling.

Crafts for Learning About Balto

Follow this tutorial video and draw a Siberian husky, just like Balto for art.
Create these fabulous DIY Stand-up Cardboard Huskies to display, and add them to your dogsled to complete it.
A Super Easy Snowball Painting is not only fun but can help your child understand the total white-out conditions that can be faced in a winter storm.

If you are looking for more ideas like this Balto Unit Study you can work in more winter studies with the 8 Cool Winter Crafts for Middle School | Craft a Snowman Bead Necklace and a list of other great books that fit the theme to get them through winter.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled

I am giving you a general how-to make a popsicle stick stem dogsled.

But remember this is a stem project and you may want to try several ways and models to test which one goes faster, holds more weight, etc.

You will need:

Popsicle sticks
Sturdy scissors or straight edge blade
Cardboard
Glue gun/glue sticks
Paint-optional

If you enjoy doing projects with craft sticks you may want to invest in this tool.

It comes in really handy and makes cutting much easier, especially with angles like I did on the side braces of this.

First, determine the length and width you would like to make your sled, use scissors or a razor knife to trim pieces for the bottom, side, and front.

First lay out all the pieces to get an idea of where everything goes.

I used 4 sticks for the base and then secured them with a stick going across at each end, using hot glue.

Cut them slightly short on each side so you have room to attach runners, so it just needs to be the width of one craft stick on either side.

Hot glue craft sticks that are full size or cut them down to either side of the base to create runners.

Flip the sled over and begin construction of the front, to keep it light you will want to cut your sticks in half and again cut down a piece for support across the back.

Glue on side rails and support at an angle to stabilize the whole thing, you can cut angles or leave the ends straight.

Finally, you can leave your sled unfinished or paint it.

Create a snowy ramp with a long strip of cardboard painted white.

Prop it up at varying heights to test its speed.

How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages

May 3, 2023 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a shark unit study, an easy shark STEM activity, and free shark notebooking pages. Also, grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies, Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook, and Coral Reef pages.

A shark unit study is a fun way to learn about these creatures of the deep even if you don’t live near the ocean, I would prefer not to study them up close anyway.

We can get up close and personal through videos, hands-on activities, fun facts, and fantastic books.

Did you know that, unlike many other bony fishes, sharks do not have a swim bladder that gives them buoyancy?

How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages

To help overcome their tendency to sink there are large amounts of oil in their liver that is less dense than seawater.

Also, sharks are made of cartilage rather than bone which is considerably lighter.

To demonstrate why that helps sharks float we are going to create a couple of sharks and perform a fun STEM Experiment.

First, look at some facts for your shark unit study.

Shark Unit Study Shark Facts

There are over 500 species of sharks.
Shark skin feels very similar to sandpaper.
The fastest shark is the Shortfin Mako Shark, clocked at 31mph with short bursts of speed up to 46 mph.
The largest shark is the Whale shark while the smallest is the Dwarf Lantern Shark.
Prehistoric sharks were called Megalodons.
Sharks are found in almost every ocean habitat from coral reefs to the arctic sea.
Sharks do not sleep as humans do, but instead, they have active and restful periods.

What are Sharks

Sharks are the ocean’s ultimate predators. Some sharks live in the cold polar waters and others prefer the warm tropical seas.

And a shark is a fish because it swims with fins and has gills.

However, it is a cartilaginous fish and not a bony fish.

Shark Food

Additionally, sharks vary in their diet and in the way they hunt prey.

For example, the tiger shark is famous for eating, anything even license plates.

And the white-tipped shark stays in deep water and is famous because it ate shipwrecked sailors during World War II.

In addition, sharks have larger brains than other fish and can have advanced hunting techniques.

Too, many sharks rely on camouflage and being able to sneak up on their prey.

Moreover, others are filter eaters. They swim with their mouth open, suck in water, and filter the food from the water.

Their meal consists of tiny animals and plants called “plankton” floating in the water.

Also, here are some shark vocabulary words.

pup – baby shark
dorsal fin – a fin on the back of a fish.
caudal fin – the tail fin.
pectoral fin – paired fins toward the front of the shark
cartilage – tough connective tissue which is not bone
marine biologist – a scientist who studies marine (ocean) organisms
cartilaginous fish – skeletons are made of cartilage like sharks, rays, and eels

Next, unit studies are best remembered by doing hands-on activities.

Shark Unit Study Hands-On Activities

I just love this fun Newspaper Shark Craft.
Play the Jawsome Shark Rescue Game to get everyone up and moving.
Digging For Shark Tooth Fossils Sensory Bin is a fun way to explore the senses.
DIY Sharknado – Science Fun For Kids Turn a serious topic into something a little silly.
Every unit study needs a couple of good snacks like these Shark Fin Cupcakes
Make the Shark Slime Recipe, it’s perfect to add to plastic sharks for hands-on fun.
Toddlers through Kindergarteners will love the Feed The Shark Alphabet Game

Homeschool Shark Unit Study Resources

Add one or two of these fun shark books and resources to your study about sharks.

Sharks! (Animal Planet Chapter Books #1)

Dive inside the world of sharks with this guide to the most incredible creatures in the sea. Photographically illustrated chapters highlight kid-favorite species such as Great Whites and Hammerheads, with a focus on behavior, senses, breeding, and feeding. Sharks! is the perfect overview for developing readers ready to explore this popular animal subject on their own. Special features include full-color photography throughout, "Meet the Scientist" sidebars, and "In Your Newsfeed" articles about amazing new discoveries.

DKfindout! Sharks

Supporting STEM-based learning, this fact-filled book for shark aficionados ages 6–9 is the ultimate guide to sharks, from hammerheads to great whites. Entertaining and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits, it’s the perfect book for any kid who can’t get enough of these ferocious fish.

Professor Noggin's Life in The Ocean Trivia Card Game

PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

FUN FACTS: Explore underwater and learn about the amazing creatures in the sea. Discover facts about common mammals, plants and other Life in the Ocean.

Sharks Top Trumps Card Game

Find out if the Nurse Shark or the Tiger Shark is the most mysterious, or if the Spiny Dogfish Shark or the Whale Shark has been involved in the most incidents

Bag of Genuine Shark Teeth - Fossilized

30+ genuine (broken) fossilized shark teeth from Morocco! These are broken and partial teeth fossils! Each bag will have about 2-3 small full shark teeth, the other teeth will be broken and chipped!

LEGO Creator 3in1 Deep Sea Creatures Shark

This sea creatures toy building set features 3 sea animal figures: a scary shark, a posable crab with a box of treasure and a wide-mouthed Angler Fish

The dark-blue and white colored toy shark figure has an opening mouth, pointy teeth, posable fins, movable body joints and reflective eyes

Eyewitness Kits Shark Casting Kit

Fun
Educational
Learn While Having Fun
Comes With Everything You Need
PerfectCast 5 Times Stronger Than Plaster

Sharks 100 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

100 Piece Puzzle

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Julia Rothman’s best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

6PC Realistic Shark Figurines Set

✔ SHARK FIGURINES BIG PARTY - Includes whale shark, hammerhead shark, tiger shark, blue shark, mako shark, zebra shark. Totally includes 6 sharks figurines. Kids would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.

✔ REALISTIC EMULATIONAL DETAILS - This sea animal figures set was made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. And all the animal figures stands up very well, they do not fall over. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.

Too, I have some fun free shark notebooking pages.

So, look at the title of these 4 notebooking pages.

Sharks – What Are Sharks and About Shark Senses
What Do Sharks Eat
Shortfin Mako and White-Tipped Sharks
Great White Shark and Tiger Shark

In addition, here are more homeschool unit studies.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

MORE SHARK ACTIVITIES

How to Create a Hands-on Fun Shark Vocabulary Anatomy Activity

Finally, look at this fun sharks float STEM a;ctivity.

Shark Unit Study – How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity

You will need:

2 water bottles.
Craft foam
Sharpies
Vegetable oil
Water
A large container.

Fill two water bottles with the exact same amount of liquid – one with water and one with vegetable oil.

Decorate the bottles if you’d like to make them look more like sharks.

Use craft foam to make teeth and fins and then you can draw the details like eyes with a permanent marker.

Use hot glue for a quick secure drying adhesive but apply it to the foam rather than the plastic bottle and avoid touching with the metal nozzle.

Once everything has dried on your “shark“ you’re ready to test them out in the water.

A large storage tote is perfect for this experiment, fill it halfway full of water and drop in your sharks.

Now it’s time for observation and determining the results. What did you notice?

While the one with water stays somewhat afloat it is more weighted, the oil field shark floats much more effortlessly.

Pop in some plastic sharks and turn your tub of water into a fun sensory play activity as well.

How to Get the Free Shark Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the free shark notebooking pages. This is a subscriber freebie.

1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

15 Star Wars STEM Activities Ideas | Fun Flashlight Science and DIY Lightsaber

April 26, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some Star Wars STEM Activities for May 4th. Also, look at National STEM Day – Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects for more stem ideas.

May The 4th Be With You is a day we look forward to in our Star Wars-loving household all year long.

It’s a day to dig in (to the couch) and binge on all our favorite Star Wars episodes.

Spend the day eating Star Wars-themed food, enjoy a little Star Wars trivia, and soak up all the good fun of one of the greatest movie franchises.

15 Star Wars STEM Activities Ideas | Fun Flashlight Science and DIY Lightsaber

This year I wanted to include a little STEM to give it an educational slant.

I have gathered up a great list of Star Wars STEM activities.

And I am going to show you how to recreate one of the most iconic objects from the series while investigating flashlights and how they work.

If you don’t already know what STEM is, it’s an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

Star Wars Stem Flashlight Science

First, look at this Stars Wars STEM flashlight science activity.

Some kids just naturally love to take things apart and explore the what, why, and how while others need a little push.

Either way, they are going to enjoy exploring what makes a flashlight work and learning what each of those components is called.

Grab an inexpensive flashlight for each child, once taken apart it may not work again, you can often find them at Dollar Tree.

What parts do you need for a flashlight?

Help your child identify each of the parts that make a flashlight work.

Explain that the batteries have different ends, positive and negative, and must be inserted in a certain way.

More Star Wars Activities

Make Cool Star Wars Soap and 15 Star Wars DIY Projects

Investigate the different parts and name them, what does each do?

Switch- Turning on the switch allows the power source to make a full circuit to the light source, giving the flashlight power.
Case- Protects the inner parts of the device.

Battery- Stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy to power the bulb.

Contacts- A strip of copper metal that allows electricity to flow from positive to negative terminals of the battery.

Spring-This is part of the circuit that transfers energy from the battery to the copper wire.

Transparent lens- Protects the glass bulb from breaking.
Light Bulb- Creates a light source.
Reflector- This reflects the bulb’s light into a steady focused beam.

I found this cool explanation of flashlight parts and how they are made for further study- How Are Flashlights Made?

Books about Star Wars

Second, add some of these Star Wars books and resources.

While origami is primarily considered an art it does incorporate aspects of math, engineering, and even computer science.

Grab one of these books for some fun Star Wars themed paper folding ideas.

Cooking is an excellent way to naturally work math and science into your child’s learning.

Turn it into intergalactic fun as well with a Star Wars Cookbook.

And if you are a fan of not only the movies but the man behind them, check out Who Is George Lucas from the Who Was series.

Now let’s use a second flashlight to create a fun DIY lightsaber for galactic war should we need it.

Star Wars Stem Activities DIY Lightsaber

You will need:

Bubble wand tube
Flashlight
Silver Duct or electrical tape
Colored tape or stickers

Take apart your bubble wands, and rinse well until all soap is removed from the plastic.

You can throw away the actual wand part; you just need to use the “sheath” that holds it. Allow it to dry completely.

Place the opening over the flashlight and secure it with silver duct tape and go as far up or down the handle of the flashlight as you like.

Cut small “buttons” out of colored tape or stickers.

We found these pricing stickers at Dollar Tree and cut some into squares. and apply them to the hilt of your lightsaber.

Click on the flashlight and it is ready for an epic space battle.

Additionally, I have more STEM related activities below.

More STEM Related Activities

Finally, look at these fun Star Wars themed STEM activities.

Star Wars STEM Hands-On Activities

I have some out-of-this-world activities and resources for you to enjoy with the whole family as you celebrate and learn at the same time for May the 4th and beyond.

15 Star War STEM Activities

It's fun to learn about STEM when you can add a Stars War theme to your day. Grab ideas here on this list.

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

1. Star Wars Science Activity Erupting Death Star

Baking Soda science is fun no matter what the theme, but this erupting Death Star idea is pretty cool!

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

2. Star Wars Minifigure LEGO Math Game

Star Wars minifigures make this LEGO math game so much fun. Practice addition and subtraction using your favorite LEGO characters,

Photo Credit: kidminds.org

3. Star Wars Science: Defy Gravity the Easy Way

What I love about Star Wars is that it’s so easy to turn it into a lesson on any subject.

Photo Credit: kidminds.org

4. Sticks and Stones Ewok Catapult (with Printables)

We started by sketching different models and then experimenting with sticks arranged in different shapes to find the most effective design

Photo Credit: www.fizzicseducation.com.au

5. Star Wars Slinky Sounds!

The original blaster sounds heard in the Star Wars were made by the foley artist Ben Burtt who repetitively hit the high tension wires of a radio mast with a wrench!

Photo Credit: thefarmgirlgabs.com

6. Star Wars Slime

You’ll rule the galaxy with this easy DIY Star Wars Slime.

Photo Credit: www.sciencebuddies.org

7. Build a Mini LED Lightsaber | STEM Activity

Build your own mini LED lightsaber with a straw in this quick Star Wars-themed STEM activity.

Photo Credit: www.freehomeschooldeals.com

8. FREE Multiplication Mazes with Star Wars Theme

What better way to practice math skills for Star Wars fans than to learn with these FREE multiplication mazes with Star Wars theme?

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

9. LEGO Star Wars Science Ice Melting Activity

A LEGO Star Wars science activity and icy rescue with Star Wars LEGO minifigures.

Photo Credit: royalbaloo.com

10. Star Wars Paper Airplane Comparison

So with the topic of paper airplanes on the mind, we decided to test a few Star Wars themed paper airplanes!

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

11. How to Make a Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter out of Office Supplies

Make an X-Wing Starfighter out of office supplies!

Photo Credit: www.sunshineandhurricanes.com

12. ego Star Wars Printable Game Cards

Our Lego Star Wars Printable Game Cards provide exciting challenges for builders of all ages

Photo Credit: foodfunfamily.com

13. DIY Star Wars Sensory Bin for Kids

Sensory bins are a great way to supplement any themed unit study or simply just for fun.

Photo Credit: leftbraincraftbrain.com

14. Light Up May the Fourth Be With You Cards

Show your love for all things Star Wars with these awesome May the Fourth Be With You Light Up Cards

Photo Credit: leftbraincraftbrain.com

15. Star Wars STEAM Challenges for Kids

FREE printable Star Wars STEAM Challenge Cards.

National STEM Day – Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

November 8, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for DIY stem projects, you’ll love these ideas for National Stem Day.

What is so great about STEM?

A STEM activity is one that incorporates one or more of its components.

Science,
technology,
engineering, and math in a learning activity.

Stem is hands-on which is always a great method for learning.

National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

It teaches children about science and technology, problem solving, critical thinking, curiosity, accepting failure, initiative, flexibility, creativity, innovation, and so much more.

It has its place in your homeschool whether you are an unschooler, Charlotte Mason, classical, or eclectic family.

Careers in STEM

There are many fascinating careers in STEM that your child might be interested in-

Computer Sciences
Software Developer
Web Developer
Mechanical Engineer
Statistician
Mathematician
Actuary
Accountant
Cartographer
Aeronautics-aviation, aerospace, and astronautics
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Science

This isn’t even an exhaustive list just some that jumped out at me.

Popsicle sticks are an amazing homeschool tool.

And you have probably used them for art projects but have you ever considered their many uses as a STEM tool?

They open an amazing world of possibilities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In addition, they are inexpensive, very versatile and easy to get your hands on.

It’s a great idea to keep a bunch on hand in different sizes for all sorts of projects.

Jumbo ones are fun and oversized.

And Rainbow popsicle sticks add a little flair and color to your projects.

Too, standard popsicle sticks the backbone of most diy stem projects.

More STEM Resources

If you want to put together a STEM kit for your young scientists, mathematicians, or engineers to tinker with these are a few more great items you might want to add to your supplies.

First, look at these LED lights.

Next, add copper tape.

Too, rubber bands are important.

Binder clips, rulers, pipe cleaners and lithium batteries.

Finally, look at these STEM ideas.

13 Fantastic Popsicle Stick STEM Activities

Medieval Catapult. Try this Medieval catapult using the oversized jumbo craft sticks, catapults are a great lesson in force, mass, and acceleration.
100 Brilliant STEM Activities Using Everyday Items.
STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity
Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction. Teach your child about potential energy turning into kinetic energy and chain reactions by giving them the tools they need to create an exploding chain reaction.
Popsicle Stick Gears. These are a great way to learn about mechanical concepts, simple machines, motion and force. This is a great basic project to use as a springboard for more advanced activities.
Craft Stick Crossbow. Not only is this tiny crossbow fun but it teaches physics lessons in force, energy, motion, trajectory and projectiles.
Rubber Band Powered Boat. Launch this lesson on potential energy on the water. Popsicle sticks and rubber bands are all you need.
STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
Rubber Band Powered Car. Same concept but on firm ground rather than the water. Use the stored potential energy in the tightly round rubber band to launch a car
LED Flashlight. Explore circuits, positive and negative charges,
Newton’s Cradle. What a fun way to learn about kinetic energy with Newton’s Third Law of Motion. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Kids love that clickety clack perpetual motion
Truss Bridge With Craft Sticks, The STEM activity of building bridges gives your child a hands-on opportunity to learn about engineering through weight distribution, gravity, changing loads, and tension.
STEM Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a turn on a popsicle stick ferris wheel that introduces axles, problem solving, creating symmetrical sides, and engineering with a fun activity.

STEM

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