The week before Halloween is always a fun time to do themed activities. Mrs. Paluch’s class enjoyed many activities but their favorite was the STEM activity connected to the book Moldilocks and the Three Scares. Throughout the week, students completed vocabulary, sequencing and cause and effect activities related to the story. They even compared the book to “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Then the students were challenged to build a chair that was able to hold two small pumpkins, one medium pumpkin, and one large gourd. Each pumpkin or gourd represented a character from the book. Using popsicle sticks, clay, straws, and string, students worked together to build chairs. Two groups even succeeded in holding all the pumpkins and the gourds! The other groups reflected on their design and discussed what they could have done better. This activity not only blended math, science, and engineering, but it also allowed students to work collaboratively with one another and it allowed them time to reflect on their own work. Even though all the chairs were not successful, the students had a great time which means this STEM lesson was just right!
