STEM Challenge: Build a Marble Maze

My students really enjoy participating in the Monthly STEM Challenges that are available to them during an open media center time.  Even though we are a middle school, our students still have a daily recess.  This really gives them time to unwind, so they can focus on their academics.  During recess students can sign up to come to the library.  The STEM Challenge is just one of the activities students can participate in.  Students can also use a computer, study, check out a book, read, play a board game, or use the makerspace.  The Monthly STEM Challenge consists of a challenge that has a STEM focus.  Students are given a month to work on this challenge.  At the end of the month, the challenges are put on display, so that students in the school can vote on their favorites.  A small prize and certificate is given to all students who participate in the challenge.

In September our STEM Challenge was Create a Marble Maze.  Students were provided with:

• Cardboard
• Straws
• Tape
• Glue
• Popsicle Sticks

I also like to create a STEM Planning sheet.  Students need to plan out their project prior to creating.  This includes deciding which materials they will use, sketching their design, and after they complete the challenge, figuring out what worked and what failed.  I tell my students that they can not participate in the challenge, if they do not fill out this paper.  This is how I add in the engineers design process.  I am a firm believer that this process should be a part of any and all making.

Here are some pictures of some of my students who participated and their finished challenges.

As you can see this was a lot of fun.  My students really enjoyed themselves.  It is always amazing to me that students are willing to give up their recess and own time to participate in these challenges.  It shows me that students are motivated to create and design, and is very encouraging.