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GREENHOUSE
​ STEM Design Challenge

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​How does a greenhouse work?  In this STEM design challenge, students work in small groups to build a functioning mini-greenhouse from ziplock bags, craft sticks, straws, and cardboard.  When the challenge is completed, students can  observe a plant’s growth in their greenhouse compared to a plant without greenhouse protection.
The challenge includes modifications for all grades K-5
Grades: K-5
Download the complete challenge instructions and materials here.

PUMPKIN STAND
STEM Design Challenge

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Pumpkins always appear in elementary classrooms in the fall, so why not use them for a creative STEM challenge?  In this activity, students work in small groups with just paper, craft sticks, straws, tape, and glue to build a display stand that will hold a pumpkin. Then they test their creation to see if it works, and make adjustments if necessary.
Grades: K-5
​Download the complete challenge instructions and materials here.

STEM
Design Challenges
​for the Garden

PEA TRELLIS
STEM Design Challenge

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Are you planting peas in your school garden? Pair this activity with a STEM design challenge that requires students to work in small groups to design a functioning pea trellis, either to support a vine seedling growing in doors in a small pot, or to support a larger vine growing outdoors.

This challenge is perfect to use with the book First Peas to the Table, by Susan Grigsby, which follows a class of students who copy the annual contest Thomas Jefferson had with his neighbors to see who could grow the first bowl of peas. We offer two versions of the challenge, one for younger and one for older students.
​Grades: K-5

Download the K-2 complete challenge instructions and materials here.
Download the 3-5 complete challenge instructions and materials here.

RAIN GAUGE
STEM Design Challenge

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Don't spend money on commercial rain gauges. In this STEM design challenge, students work in small groups to design and build a rain gauge.  The challenge requires them to solve the problem of widening the top of a recycled container. When the activity is completed, students can use the rain gauges to measure how much rain falls on their garden throughout the growing season.
Grades: 3-5
​Download the complete challenge instructions and materials here.