#STEMontheCheap – Page 9 – STEMAZing Systems Thinking

Human Computers – Creative Message Communication

Believe it or not, there is a five-letter word encoded in the cards shown in the image. Start with lessons on the binary number system. Then, learn how computers use parity bits for error detection and correction. Finally, then learn how you can send messages back and forth using cardboard cards or cards with 0…

Projectile Popper

Build this Projectile Popper using an empty 32 oz Gatorade bottle, a string, rubber bands, drill (other options), scissors, goggles, bead, ping pong balls, and a box cutter (or knife). (NOTE: Adults should prep the Gatorade bottle by cutting it with the box cutter and drilling the hole in the lid for young children.) Once…

Pool Noodle Rocket

Build this Pool Noodle Rocket using, you guessed it, a pool noodle, duct tape, rubber bands, scissors, cardboard from a cereal box, a sharpened pencil, plastic knife, rocket fin template, ruler, sharpie, string, and a bead. Launch it using your thumb or use a meter stick to launch it and collect data on variables you…

Rattle Writer

Build this Rattle Writer using just a pool noodle, electric toothbrush (found for $1 at dollar stores), a plastic knife, washable markers, rubber bands, googly eyes (optional but fun), paper, duct tape, and a ruler. Once you have built your Rattle Writer, let the engineering begin! Can you get it to draw a straight line?…

Density: Condiment Packet Cartesian Diver

Using an empty 2-liter bottle, condiment packets (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc), water, salt, and a bowl, children will explore how to make the condiment back rise and fall at their command as they make a Cartesian Diver. Children will also learn about density and the density rule for sinking and floating.

Density: Salty and Sweet

Using a fresh raw egg, water, a tall glass, salt, sugar, 1/2 tsp measuring spoon, and 1 c measuring cup, children will explore whether or not a raw eggs sinks or floats in water. They will then add salt in one experiment and sugar in another to see how that impacts the egg sinking or…

Density: Orange Life Jacket

Using an orange, a large clear bowl, and water, children will explore whether or not an unpeeled orange will sink or float in water. They will then take the peel off the orange and test it again. Children will learn the density rule for sinking and floating.

Density: See Level

Using honey, light corn syrup, dish soap, vegetable oil, water, rubbing alcohol, a tall glass or clear plastic vase, small drinking glass, food baster, glass marble, a grape, paper clip, food coloring (optional), 1/4 c measuring cup, and various other small objects, children will build a six-layer density column and watch as some objects don’t…

Density: Will It Sink or Will It Float?

Using a couple tea light candles, clay, water, a ruler, pencil, and a clear plastic container, children will explore with things that sink and things that float. They will start to understand that weight doesn’t determine if something sinks for float and also learn the density rule for sinking and floating.

One Page Kite

Learning Objective Children will… • build and fly a kite using a piece of paper and other inexpensive materials. Key Question Can you make a kite from a single sheet of paper? (Lección disponible en inglés AQUÍ.) Materials Kite Template String (Baker’s Twine from Dollar Tree) Standard 1⁄4” hole punch Flexible Straw…