The world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is vast and complex, and it can be difficult for students to get a handle on all the different aspects that come with it. To help your fifth graders stay engaged and curious about STEM, why not try out some fun STEM challenges? These activities are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, so your students will be able to learn and think critically while having a blast. Here are 24 fifth grade STEM challenges that will make kids think:
1. Design and build a model roller coaster: Students can use everyday materials such as PVC pipes, paper towel rolls, marbles, and other recycled materials to create a roller coaster. They’ll have to figure out the best way to get the marble from point A to point B safely and quickly.
2. Build a bridge: Using Popsicle sticks, cardboard, and other materials, have your students construct a bridge that can hold a certain amount of weight.
3. Design a robot: Challenge your students to build a robot out of everyday items. They can use cardboard, wires, and other materials to create a functioning robot.
4. Construct a zip line: Using rope, pulleys, and other materials, have your students construct a zip line that will take a toy car from one end to the other.
5. Create a balloon-powered car: Using balloons, straws, and other materials, have your students design and build a car that can be propelled by the air from a balloon.
6. Make a solar oven: Using cardboard, aluminum foil, and other materials, have your students construct a solar oven that can bake cookies or other treats.
7. Invent a new type of vehicle: Encourage your students to use their imagination and come up with a new type of vehicle. They can use cardboard, straws, and other materials to create their invention.
8. Construct a wind turbine: Have your students build a wind turbine using items such as paper plates, straws, and other materials.
9. Build a water filtration system: Using items such as coffee filters, activated charcoal, and other materials, have your students design a water filtration system.
10. Design a boat: Give your students the challenge of creating a boat out of everyday items such as cardboard or paper.
11. Construct a miniature city: Using items such as cardboard, straws, and other materials, have your students build a miniature city.
12. Create a solar system: Using items such as Styrofoam balls, string, and other materials, have your students design a model of the solar system.
13. Invent a new type of energy: Have your students research different types of renewable energy and come up with a new type of energy that could be used in the future.
14. Construct a Rube Goldberg machine: Have your students construct a machine that is made up of several simple machines to complete a task.
15. Design a parachute: Give your students the challenge of creating a parachute out of everyday items.
16. Build a tower: Have your students design and construct a tower out of items such as Popsicle sticks, straws, and other materials.
17. Construct a catapult: Using items such as rubber bands, straws, and other materials, have your students design and build a catapult.
18. Create a hovercraft: Have your students use their imagination and come up with a hovercraft that can float in the air.
19. Invent a new type of computer game: Challenge your students to come up with a new type of computer game.
20. Design a robot arm: Using items such as cardboard, straws, and other materials, have your students design and construct a robot arm.
21. Construct a miniature golf course: Using items such as cardboard, straws, and other materials, have your students design and build a miniature golf course.
22. Invent a new type of amusement park ride: Challenge your students to come up with a new type of amusement park ride that could be enjoyed by all.
23. Construct a 3D printer: Have your students research how 3D printers work and then construct a 3D printer using items such as cardboard, straws, and other materials.
24. Create a video game: Give your students the challenge of creating a game that could be played on the computer or a gaming console.
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