Medieval Times STEM Middle Ages Activities Challenges Projects - Europe History

Medieval Times & Middle Ages STEM / STEAM Challenges Bundle! There are 20 STEM Challenges in this pack. Each STEM Challenge has detailed directions, photo examples, a list of materials needed, a prediction section, brainstorming section, trials 1, 2, & 3, final results section with drawings, and a reflection section

This bundle contains 11 StudentSavvy STEM Units (20 Challenges)

Early Byzantine, Early Islam, West Africa, Medieval China, Medieval Japan, Early Medieval Europe, Late Medieval Europe, The Renaissance, The Reformation, Mesoamerica, and Scientific Revolution STEM Challenges!!

Cross-curricular challenges for students who are studying the Middle Ages!

These resources have science, technology, engineering, and measurement activities to do with your upper elementary kids that will really enhance their learning!

The STEM Challenges include:

Early Byzantine STEM Challenges

Hagia Sophia Marble Run

Using a list of supplies, students must design a Hagia Sophia structure that contains a marble run track. The goal of the stem challenge is to create a design that has the longest properly-functioning marble run track. The marble run can travel up, down, around, or inside the Hagia Sophia structure. Using planning pages (included in the resource), the Hagia Sophia model must have similar dimensions and structures from the actual floor plan. Students must shrink the dimensions but maintain the proper ratio. The structure cannot be taller than 2 feet. (more instructions are given in the resource)

The Counterweight Trebuchet Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must build a counterweight-style trebuchet. Using planning pages (included in the resource), students must include all the proper parts in their trebuchet model that can successfully swing its arm using a heavy counter-weight to propel an object forward. The goal is to create a trebuchet that can shoot an object into the air and travel a far distance. The group that can create the most effective trebuchet (launches the furthest) wins the challenge!(more instructions are given in the resource)

Early Islam STEM Challenges

Caravan Contraption

Using a list of supplies, students must design a model of a caravan vehicle using simple machines. The STEM team must decide on 2 simple machines using the following pages and incorporate them into their design. Students must come up with at least 4 supplies that they will bring on their 30 day journey across the Arabian Peninsula (planning pages and descriptions included in the resource). Students must also consider how they will protect their goods from robbers and how to preserve them from the harsh climate. (more instructions are given in the resource)

Caravan Coding

Students will work together to plan and design a game with characters, obstacles, and commands. The game must have an objective with a starting point and a finishing point. It is up to the group how detailed they would like their game to be. (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

West Africa STEM Challenges

Gold Mining Machine - Sluice Box Challenge

Using a list of supplies, students must design and build a sluice box to search for gold. The goal of this challenge is to create a device that effectively separates gold and heavier material from river sediments (or gravel). As water moves through the device, the riffles must catch and separate the gold and/or heavy material. The sluice box must contain all the parts described (in planning pages found in the resource) using the materials below. (riffles, metal mesh, feeder, etc.) Items can be added to the materials list if needed. STEM teams have 3 days and 3 trials to complete this challenge. (more instructions are given in the resource)

Djembe Drum Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must create a Djembe drum. The Djembe drum must contain all of the elements found on the diagram of page 5. The drum must also produce a variety of pitches when played on different parts of the drum head. The drum cannot be larger than 25 inches tall or have a diameter larger than 14 inches. Students must be able to complete this challenge in 2 days.

(more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Medieval China STEM Challenge

Zheng He's Treasure Ship Challenge!

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build a model of Zheng He’s treasure ship! The goal of the STEM challenge is to create a ship that can carry the highest amount of coins possible without sinking for 3 full minutes. STEM students should discuss and predict which materials and strategies would help their device carry the most coins while staying afloat. Teams only have three attempts to test their boats. They may have to redesign their boat if it fails (breaks apart). The Zheng He Ship requirements are (using the planning pages included in the resource) : the ship must have at least 4 deck levels, there must be 9 masts, and the model can only be created using the supplies listed below. (more instructions are given in the resource)

Medieval Japan STEM Challenges

Zen Garden (Zen Buddhism) Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build a model of a Zen garden. The garden must contain a constructed sand box, sand , rake, and pebbles or rocks of various sizes and shapes. If students want to add their own features such as branches, moss, or figurines, they may do so. The sand box may only be constructed using Popsicle sticks, glue, and tin foil. STEM teams must also consider what they learned about Zen gardens; their garden should have asymmetrical elements such as the use of odd numbers and various heights in their rock formations. The STEM team with the highest score (see scoring card in resource) will win the challenge! (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Norimono Zipline Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must create a Norimono vehicle. There must be a zipline apparatus where the vehicle can travel from one designated point of the classroom to the next by using a pulley that attaches to a string. The Norimono must also have a sliding door mechanism (that can effectively open and close) for the passenger to enter and exit the vehicle.

(more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Medieval Europe - Early Middle Ages (Feudalism) STEM Challenges

Battering Ram Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build a battering ram. The ram must be suspended in the air by string and must effectively swing back and forth to exert force on an opposing structure. The battering ram must also have wheels and axles, moving forward and backward. A cover (roof) for protection from oncoming attacks is recommended but not required..... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Watermill Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must create a watermill. The watermill must properly spin when water is poured at the top of the wheel without falling apart. STEM teams have 3 days to complete this challenge.

(more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Late Middle Ages STEM Challenges

Marshmallow Ballista Challenge

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build a ballista. The ballista must be able to effectively shoot a marshmallow arrow into the air. The goal of the STEM challenge is to propel a marshmallow arrow as far and straight as possible. The STEM team that can build the ballista that shoots the arrow the furthest wins the challenge..... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

The Siege Tower

Using the supplies below, STEM teams must create a medieval siege tower. The tower must have at least 4 platforms and ladders for each one. The tower must be on wheels and can effectively move forward and backward. The tower must have a drawbridge and a mechanism to let down and pull up the platform.

STEM teams have 3 days to complete this challenge.... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

The Renaissance STEM Challenges

Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine!

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build a flying machine. Using their knowledge of the Laws of Motion and 4 Forces of Flight, (information sheets included) students must create a innovative machine that applies those laws and forces. STEM teams have 3 trials to test their flying machines. If the machine does not fly, that does not mean the team has lost the challenge. The goal of the challenge is to incorporate as many ideas and concepts from the forces of flight and to be able to justify the decisions made in their product creation. ..... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Anemometer

Using a list of supplies, students must design an anemometer that accurately measures wind speed. They must be able to measure how many spins the device makes per minute by marking one of the revolving cups. Students do not have to use all the materials listed below but they cannot add items to the list. They have one hour to complete this challenge. (time testing their anemometer does not count towards the hour). In order to test, the anemometer should be placed outside on a windy day or can be tested with a fan..... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

The Reformation STEM Challenge

Gutenberg's Printing Press Challenge!

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build a model of Gutenberg’s Printing Press. The goal of this challenge is to create a device or model that uses simple machines (such as a lever or screw) to press down on a flat surface. The Printing Press model does not have to create print, but it must contain a lever or screw and it must effectively press down on a flat surface when manually operated.... (more instructions are given in the resource)

Mesoamerica STEM Challenges

Floating Gardens / Chinampas

The Aztec built floating gardens by weaving sticks together to create a giant raft. Using a list of supplies, STEM teams must design and build floating gardens (Chinampas). The STEM teams must test materials that can support the weight of a garden while floating in water. Their design must have soil, seeds (or plants), a bin filled with water, and floating devices for their garden. They must have at least 3 Chinampas in their design...(more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Aztec Calendar Coding

Using a list of supplies, STEM teams will first create a Mesoamerican calendar. On the calendar, students must decide on made-up symbols that represent letters of the alphabet. They must create an answer key of their symbols that correlate with the letters A-Z. Their calendar will have a coded message. The message must be a prediction about the future and it must contain at least five words. Different colored symbols can be used as a clue for students to know how many letters each word contains in the sentence. When multiple groups are finished, they can give their calendar codes to each other and try to guess what the other group’s message is. ..... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

The Scientific Revolution STEM Challenges

Heliocentric Model

Using a list of supplies, students must design and build a 3-D heliocentric model. The planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) in the model must effectively move and orbit the sun, without bumping into each other. If they test it and it does not work properly, they have two more attempts to fix their design...(more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

Barometer Challenge

Using a list of supplies, students must design a type of barometer that measures changes in the atmospheric pressure. Their design must have a needle that measures an increase or decrease in air pressure. Students must use the items listed below and they are not allowed to add items to the list. If they test it and it does not work properly, they have two more attempts to fix their design.... (more instructions and planning pages are given in the resource)

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