Back to School STEM Challenge - Apples Afar Print and Paperless Bundle

This back-to-school STEM / STEAM Challenge brings the joy back to your classroom with collaborative, hands-on, brain-busting work (disguised as fun)! Of course, this challenge is also great for any time of year, but especially in the fall when learning about apples, Johnny Appleseed, or Sir Isaac Newton!

The basic premise:

Individually or in partners/groups, students will design and build a cantilever to suspend an apple as far away from a desk’s edge as possible.

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Note: This resource includes both the printable version and the paperless option for use with GOOGLE SLIDES (TM) for 1:1 / paperless classroom.

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Resource includes:

NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8

Teacher Tips

• Links to STEM Challenge How-To videos
• Materials and timing
• Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)
• Measuring results
• Post-design extension activities list
• Link to a video walk-through of the challenge

Handouts & Google Slides(TM) Options for Student Recording & Reflecting

• Criteria & Constraints List (color and black & white; editable version provided)
• Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included) (editable and in color and black & white)
• Discussion Questions (editable and in color and black & white)

Extension templates

• Process Flow Map
• Create Math Problems Based on Designs
• Worksheet: Measure the cantilever span distance in standard and non-standard units (editable version provided)
• Worksheet: Convert span distance from customary (in.) to metric (cm) and then from cm to other metric units of measurement (editable version provided)

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Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:

Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified.

• Small apple (1)
• >>>> Use very small apples. For younger students, you may prefer to not use the apple at all
• Unsharpened pencils (5 – 10)
• Rubber bands (5 – 10)
• Pocket folder with prongs (1)
• >>>>File folder or pocket folder without prongs may be substituted
• Tape (one roll of masking tape)
• String or yarn (36 – 48 in.)
• Medium and/or large binders clips (2 - 4)
• Paper lunch bag (1)
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Scissors
• Desk or table
• >>>>Devices can also be built from counters, but a desk or table offers more options to create tie-downs and ways to secure the devices.
• Design analysis handouts (included)

Optional

• Craft sticks
• Pipe cleaners
• Paper clips
• Single hole punch
• An extra ruler with which to build

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What do teachers have to say about this resource?

"My students loved doing these activities. I loved how everything I needed to do this (minus the apples and supplies) was included so I could see their thinking all in one place."

"I love the creativity and ease of use that you've provided in this product. I truly appreciate the leveled options for different grades, yet the lesson is completely appropriate for any age. This will make a great first day activity!"