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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

STEM challenges that use straws: Hands-On Polyhedron Building Game 4th-6th

Hands-On Odyssey of the Mind activities using bag twist ties and other common materials:

Here are some STEM challenges that use straws:
  • Straw tower challenge: Give each student 10 straws and tape to build the tallest tower they can within a time limit.
  • Egg drop: Design a structure using straws to protect an egg from breaking.
  • Globe: Use straws and tape to build a globe and compete to see who can build it the fastest.
  • Straw maze: Build a maze using straws and clear tape on cardboard, foam board, or an empty gift box.
  • Straw platform: Build a platform using straws and masking tape.

1. Twist Tie Sculpture
Materials: Bag twist ties, paper clips, tape
Challenge: Create the most creative and interesting 3D sculpture using only the provided materials.

2. Twist Tie Zipline
Materials: Bag twist ties, string, paper cups
Challenge: Build a zipline track using the twist ties. Then, create a carrier out of the cups that can successfully travel the entire zipline when released.

3. Twist Tie Racer
Materials: Bag twist ties, plastic bottles, rubber bands  
Challenge: Construct a vehicle using the provided materials that can be propelled across the floor by releasing a rubber band. See whose racer can travel the furthest.

4. Twist Tie Tower
Materials: Bag twist ties, paper clips, straws
Challenge: Build the tallest free-standing tower you can using only the provided materials. The tower must remain standing unassisted for 30 seconds.

5. Twist Tie Span
Materials: Bag twist ties, paper, tape
Challenge: Create a bridge span using the twist ties that can support a textbook placed in the middle when suspended between two tables or chairs.

Here are five spontaneous Hands-On problems using bag twist ties:

1. Hang in There
Materials: 10 twist ties, paper clips
Task: In 2 minutes, construct a hanger that can support the maximum number of paper clips attached to it.

2. Ring Cycle  
Materials: 15 twist ties
Task: In 3 minutes, build a cycle or movable device using only the twist ties that can travel at least 3 feet when set in motion.

3. Paper Pals
Materials: 20 twist ties, paper 
Task: In 4 minutes, create the most interesting 3D paper sculpture you can by shaping, twisting, and connecting the paper using only the twist ties.

4. The Better Catcher
Materials: 10 twist ties
Task: In 2 minutes, build a device using only the twist ties that can catch and secure a crumpled piece of paper thrown towards it.

5. Twist and Shout
Materials: 25 twist ties
Task: In 5 minutes, design and construct a noise-making device or instrument from only the twist ties.

For the tallest tower in 15 minutes using bag twist ties:

Twist Tie Skyscraper 
Materials: 50 bag twist ties
Challenge: In 15 minutes, build the tallest free-standing tower possible using only the provided twist ties. The tower must remain fully upright and stable on its own at the end of the time period. 

Polyhedral Builders

Materials Needed:

- Drinking straws (regular and bendable/stirring straws)

- Zip ties

- Whiteboards or paper

- Polyhedron dice (or regular dice with polyhedron shapes printed on the faces)

- Geometry flashcards (with polygons, polyhedrons, and other shapes)




Game Setup:

1. Divide students into small groups or pairs.

2. Provide each group with straws, zip ties, whiteboards/paper, and a polyhedron die (or regular die with polyhedron shapes).

3. Have a stack of geometry flashcards ready.

How to Play:

1. One student from each group rolls the polyhedron die.

2. The group must build the polyhedron shape shown on the die using the straws and zip ties.

3. Once the shape is constructed, the group can check their work using the geometry flashcards or a reference sheet.

4. If the shape is correct, they earn a point. If not, they can try again or move on to the next round.

5. After each round, rotate who rolls the die within the group.

6. Optionally, you can introduce additional challenges, such as building specific polygons or combining polyhedrons.

To make the game more engaging, you can introduce different levels of difficulty or incorporate geometry vocabulary by having students explain the properties of the shapes they build (e.g., number of faces, edges, vertices).

Geometry Glossary:

1. Polygon: A closed figure composed of straight lines.

2. Triangle: A polygon with three sides and three angles.

3. Quadrilateral: A polygon with four sides and four angles.

4. Pentagon: A polygon with five sides and five angles.

5. Hexagon: A polygon with six sides and six angles.

6. Polyhedron: A three-dimensional solid with flat faces composed of polygons.

7. Cube: A polyhedron with six square faces.

8. Pyramid: A polyhedron with a base and triangular faces that meet at a common vertex.

9. Prism: A polyhedron with two congruent and parallel bases and rectangular faces.

10. Vertex (plural: vertices): The point where two or more edges of a polygon or polyhedron meet.

11. Edge: The line segment formed by the intersection of two faces in a polyhedron or the side of a polygon.

12. Face: A flat surface that forms part of a polyhedron or polygon.

This game allows students to explore and build various polyhedrons and polygons using hands-on materials, reinforcing their understanding of geometric shapes and their properties. The glossary provides a reference for important geometry terms related to the game.



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