Learning Goal: I can explore my Engineering skills.

Today we will focus on the E in STEAM: Engineering.

First, we know STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths.

When we work on science investigations we often need other skills such as technology, engineering, art and maths.

For today’s STEAM activities you will have an opportunity to practise some of your Engineering skills.

Next, choose one of the investigations below (depending on what materials you have at home). 

Investigation A: materials (you only need some of these, not all, just whatever you may have available):

• Icey pole sticks, pencils, books, playing cards, pick up sticks or straws
• Pegs, binder clips or paper clips, blu tack, rubber bands or hair ties

Challenge #1: Build a structure that can support the most possible weight.

Challenge #2: Build the tallest structure.

Challenge #3: Build the tallest structure with the fewest parts.

Challenge #4: What can you build with triangles?

Challenge #5: Build a domino chain.

The images are only an example, can you come up with your own solutions?:

Investigation B: materials (you only need some of these, not all, just whatever you may have available):

• Icey pole sticks, pencils, books, playing cards, pick up sticks or straws
• Wooden cubes, Lego blocks, dice or sugar cubes
• Plastic/paper cups

Challenge #1: Build a structure with one cube as the base. Yes, just one cube!

Challenge #2: Using any size base, build the tallest possible structure.

Challenge #3: Feats of Balance. Make something stick out in an impressive way!

Challenge #4: What can you build with just one cup as the base?

Bonus Challenge: Build a chain reaction!

The images are only an example, can you come up with your own solutions?:

Then, if you are interested, and have time, you might like to do one of the other investigations.

Finally, don’t forget to record any notes, results, images or understandings onto your OneNote.