STEM - American Revolution!

American Revolution – STEM

This STEM activity guides students through the engineering process. It is perfect for ending a social studies unit on the American Revolution. This STEM project guides them through the engineering process including the ASK, IMAGINE, PLAN, CREATE, IMPROVE, AND REFLECT components.

Students will use collaboration skills and higher thinking skills as they create a catapult. This STEM project is appropriate for upper grade, elementary students and middle school students.

Materials you will need, but can be changed to meet your classroom needs are: popsicle sticks, string, tape (heavy duty), cup, balloon, straws, spoon, cardboard box pieces, and foam piece (used from a pool noodle)

Content:

Overview of instructions

Sample images

Lesson Plans

Student worksheet

PowerPoint

Rubric

STEM Components:

Science: Engineering Design and Motion and Stability

Technology: I have my students make a video and then upload it to our QR code site. You can also have them create an advertisement on google drawing, create a video, or a social media advertisement.

Engineering: Design and create a launcher to launch a catapult.

Mathematics: 5. MD.1: Convert different standard measurement units within a given measurement system and use these conversions in multiple steps.

Students will need to follow these steps in the engineering design process:

ASK - Can you design a catapult to protect your land from King George?

IMAGINE - Brainstorm ideas for the catapult.

PLAN - Create a detailed design of a catapult based on the materials you were given.

CREATE - Build the catapult and measure the distance in feet, inches and yards. As well as centimeters, meters, and millimeters.

IMPROVE - Improve the design to make your pom-pom launch farther

REFLECT and SHARE – Reflect on your launcher and share with your classmates what you have created.