Can You Create A Container To Hold Chips?
Who wouldn’t want to use chips to learn about volume? We have a fun STEM Challenge that will have your students using chips to figure out the volume of an object.
For this challenge, students must create a container to hold their chips. Are you up for the challenge?
What you need per student…
- Can You Create A Container To Hold Chips? Creator Sheet
- Pen Or Pencil
- Chips
- Cups For Desired Amount Of Chips Per Group
- Markers/Crayons
- White/Manilla Construction Paper
- Tape/Glue
- Scissors
- Ruler
What you need to do...
- Start by breaking students up into groups of three to four or solo if distance/virtual learning.
- Have students create a team name.
- Tell students that the objective of this challenge is to build a container to hold chips.
- Give each group of students the materials needed. During this time you will pour out different amounts of chips for each team.
- Have students write down their team name on their Creator Sheets.
- On their Creator Sheets, have students start brainstorming on different designs of their chip container. Discuss the height, width, what shape you want the container to be.
- Students should now share their ideas with their group and combine ideas to make the best container to hold ONLY the chips they were given. We do not want the container to be too big or too small for the amount of chips given.
- Once students have decided on a final design of the container, documenting all measurements needed, they can then sketch their final project.
- Once they have finished their sketch and are ready to begin building the container, they can start measuring out the paper needed for the container. Make their markings and then cut out design with proper measurements.
- Students will then take their pieces of the container and start taping or gluing it together to make the container.
- Once students have built their container, they will pour the chips inside of the container.
- If they realize the container is too big, have them find the volume of the container, and have them reflect on why they think their container is too big.
- Students can then try to build another container (if time allows) based on the volume of the chips they are given, and maybe use the cup as an example of a container to use.
We would love to see you try this STEM Challenge. Share your results with us through social media!
Happy Making,
Maker Maven