Back to School STEM Challenges - Problem Solving Activities

The back to school season is the perfect time to get kids excited about STEM and develop their problem-solving skills. These skills - thinking creatively, testing ideas, and learning from failures - are essential in science, technology, engineering, and math. In this post, we'll provide some fun, hands-on challenges to get kids thinking like STEM problem solvers.

Why are Problem-Solving Skills Important?

Problem-solving is at the heart of STEM. Engineers design solutions to problems. Scientists investigate questions. Technologists and mathematicians find new and better ways to do things. By practicing problem-solving, kids can develop these critical thinking skills.

STEM Challenge Activities

• Marshmallow Tower: Give your child 10-15 minutes to build the tallest tower they can using just straws and tape that can hold a marshmallow on top.

• Popsicle Stick Bridge: Challenge your child to design a bridge using popsicle sticks and glue that can hold a certain amount of weight.

• Marble Run: Provide materials like cardboard, tape, and scissors and have your child create a marble run to get a marble from one point to another using gravity.

• Design a Toy: Challenge your child to design and build a new toy using recycled materials.

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The Problem-Solving Process

For each challenge, have your child follow the problem-solving process:

• Identify the Problem: What is the goal of the challenge?

• Brainstorm: What are some possible solutions?

• Design: Draw or describe the chosen solution.

• Build: Create the solution.

• Test: Try out the solution and see if it works.

• Reflect: What did your child learn? What would they do differently next time?

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STEM challenges are a fun way to develop problem-solving skills. By thinking creatively and testing ideas, kids can become better problem solvers. Try these challenges at home and see the innovators you have!

Questions for Discussion

• What was a challenge you faced recently and how did you solve it?

• What is something you're looking forward to learning this school year?

• How does problem-solving help us in our everyday lives?

  
  

Extension Activity

Create a "Maker Space" at home with materials like cardboard, LEGO, and recycled items and have your child design and build a solution to a problem they identify.