Can You Get A Pilgrim To The New World?

Can you feel the holidays fast approaching? We know it can be difficult to keep students engaged at this time of year.

For this reason, we have created this enjoyable STEM challenge that is packed with learning opportunities.

Are you up for the challenge? Let's build a mini Mayflower and sail to the New World!

What you need...

What you need per student...

What you need to do...

Set up 5 stations with:
10 Craft Sticks
5 Sticky Notes
5 Toothpicks
5 Pennies
Pair Of Scissors
2 Feet Aluminum Foil
2 Feet Shipping Tape
Break students into 5 groups and explain to them that they must use only the above materials to create a boat that can hold the weight of 5 pennies.
This challenge is a great opportunity to teach students about the Mayflower and why they are building a ship that needs to hold 5 pennies.
Background Information:
In September 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, a port on the southern coast of England. The ship carried 102 passengers who were hoping to start a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. The construction of the Mayflower had to withstand the fierce weather on the ocean, but also carry the weight from passengers and cargo.
Before students get started give them 10 minutes to plan as a group. They can brainstorm the best way to construct their boat and then draw their design on their creator sheet.
After the 10 minutes is up have students build their boats. Allow students to test and make changes as they build.
To wrap up the challenge have students go around the room and share their results and how they built their boat.

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

Happy Making,

Maker Maven

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