Many times a project takes on a different direction than I imagined based on my two young thinkers and their input…. and many times they make the idea better.
As a result, this STEAM challenge for kids turned into two challenges!
STEAM is the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Integrating STEAM based play is an easy and innovative way to enrich your child’s learning.
STEAM CHALLENGE FOR KIDS #1:
Build a Christmas tree using newspaper and a stapler
Materials:
Newspaper Rolls (rolled newspaper secured with tape)
Stapler
Ornaments (for the second challenge)
Tutorial:
Step 1: Prep the challenge by creating long newspaper rolls. Lay out 2 layers of newspaper stacked on top of each other. Start in one corner and with two hands roll towards the opposite corner. Secure with a piece of tape.
Step 2: Build a tree using the newspaper rolls and a stapler.
To start, we discussed how builders start with the foundation and next add the walls before adding a roof.
This helped my two thinkers understand how to build the base first. We used the basic shape of a triangle to build a base and then the sides which we secured together at the top.
STEAM CHALLENGE FOR KIDS #2
How many ornaments can you hang on your newspaper tree before it collapses?
I had not planned this part of the activity in advance, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.
Challenge your child by encouraging your child to see how they can make the newspaper tree stronger to hold more ornaments.
We realized we could re-staple for more support and then add more ornaments before it collapsed.
*Be sure to use non-breakable ornaments!
Modification for Younger Children: If you are working with younger children make paper ornaments to decorate the newspaper tree.
Looking for more Christmas STEAM ideas? Check out our latest Christmas book, STEAM Kids: Christmas!
Click here to view the 25 Christmas STEAM Challenge series.
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