STEM Challenge: Build a structure

They made a centipede!

  • Program Goals
    • Drop-in program for all ages
    • Experiment with science concepts and materials
    • Build fine motor skills
    • Build STEM skills
    • Attendance: 20

Supplies

  • Marshmallows
  • Toothpicks
  • Dixie cups
  • Sink and cleaning materials
How it works
  • Kids use marshmallows and toothpicks to build structures. I talked to them about why they were leaning, how to prop them up, why you need a wide base, which structures are sturdier, etc. (mostly this is an on-your-own one - I reorganized the craft closet and worked out at the desk with my teen aide keeping an eye on things).
Evaluation
  • 9-18-18
    • Attendance: 27
    • Notes: I still have marshmallows. We actually didn't end up with too many outside the room, which was good, and the kids had fun. I might have some sample pictures of things to make next time, although the kids did pretty well on their own.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2nd Grade Community Walk

Program Goals:  Introduce kids to the library and its role in the community Introduce kids and teachers to the different functions of library staff Give kids and teachers a sense of community ownership of the library Promote school/library cooperation 10-15 Minute Tour Start upstairs at the director’s office The director is the principal of the library. She helps everyone do their jobs, makes sure the library runs smoothly and represents the library to the community. Adult services Mr. Robinson and his helpers do all the things for grown-ups that we do for kids - fun programs, new books, helps with computers and visits people who can’t come to the library. Downstairs - Information desk A place for grown-ups to ask questions. Kids can ask questions here too, if there is no one at the children’s desk! Circulation This is where the materials circulate. Circulation staff help keep track of who checks out what, remind you to return your books, put the books away, and answer questions ab...
Read more

We Explore Favorite Artist Melissa Sweet

Image
Program Goals: Introduce Melissa Sweet and her art Encourage gross and fine motor skills (cutting, drawing) Attendance: 10 Art Project Part 1: Collages (10-10:15) I encouraged kids and parents to cut out words as well as pictures to create their collage. Supplies old magazines/recycled picture books/galleys scissors, glue sticks 9x18 white construction paper OR shirt cardboard Storytime/Snacktime (10:15-10:40) Books Carmine a little more red Easy as pie Baabwaa and Wooliam Rubia and the three osos Art Project Part 2: Watercolors (10:45-11) I've used actual paint for this, but you get better (and less messy) watercolors with watercolor pencils if they're available. Supplies Watercolor pencils Water, paint brushes Construction paper Evaluation 10-3-18 Attendance: 12 Notes: I only read one book - the group was just too disparate, a very tiny toddler, four year old, and a sixth grader! 3-14-14 Notes : Ideally, I'd do the second half of this with watercolors, but I don't hav...
Read more

Outreach: Lakeland School

Prep: Before the class arrives, block the emergency exit in the storyroom (just put some chairs in front of it so it's still accessible, but we don't lose any kids). Wait at the door to welcome students in from the bus. Tour: A short tour of the lower level, paying particular attention to the circulation area (older classes may observe while we check out a book on the school's institutional card), looking at all the things in Technical Services, and ending up in the Storyroom. Tours depend very much on the make up of the class. Be aware of kids who will run away and keep things very short and simple. Storytime: Simple books with interactive elements. Don't go too fast - give the kids time to respond - but stay upbeat and energetic. Don't try to get every kid participating; make sure they can all see what's happening and then let the teachers monitor their level of participation. Be prepared for meltdowns or kids losing interest - teachers and aides will handle...
Read more