Can You Build A House For A Gingerbread Man?

The gingerbread man sure is popular this time of year. Kids will love this simple gingerbread STEM challenge!

Are you up for the challenge? Can you build a house for a gingerbread man?

What you need per group...

• Can You Build A House For A Gingerbread Man? Creator Sheet 
• Pair Of Scissors 
• Graham Crackers 
• ​Seven Double Graham Crackers 
• Two Quadruple Graham Crackers   
• Royal Icing 
• Plastic Bag 
• Paper Plate 
• Candy Pieces 
• Dots, Gumdrops, & Peppermints 

What you need to do...

• Gather all of your supplies and set up stations that students can build their houses at and break your class up into groups of three students. 
• Give each group a station and have them decide on a group name. The groups should write their name on their Creator Sheet. 
• Before starting, have each group brainstorm together how they are going to build a house for a gingerbread man. Have them write and then draw their ideas on their Creator Sheet. 
• Time to build! Start by placing the royal icing into plastic bags and cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag. Make sure to tell students that the icing is the “glue” for the gingerbread house. 
• Help students get started by suggesting they glue the graham cracker pieces to the paper plate. You can also suggest that they trim graham cracker pieces into the exact shapes and sizes they need. Go around the room and assist as needed. 
• Once each group has built their house, have them decorate! Use royal icing to stick festive candies on the outside. 
• When the groups are finished building their houses, have them complete the two questions in the Final Thoughts section of the Creator Sheet. 
• Finish by having the groups share the inspiration for their creation, what their best idea was, and what the most difficult part was.

We would love to see you try this STEM Challenge. Share your results with us through social media!

Happy Making,

Maker Maven