Christmas STEM: Toy Factory Engineering Challenge

lesson overview

Christmas STEM: Toy Factory!

Students use the engineering design process to create a simple machine to help the elves load Santa’s sleigh with toys! Students will first learn about simple machines, the behind-the-scenes of a toy factory, and the career of a toy designer. Teams will then create a toy factory that uses at least 2 simple machines to transport toys into Santa's bag!

Real-world STEM Connection:

• Simple Machines in the Real-World

• Physics of Simple Machines

• Behind the Scenes of a Toy Factory

• Career Connection: Toy designer

As with many STEM activities, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities. Included in this product:

• A detailed teacher guide with links to resources

• Photos and videos of student examples

• Editable teacher slides

• Student handouts to guide them through the design process

• Videos to motivate and support learning

• Editable Google Slides STEM journal for distance learning

• STEM Career Connections and real-world examples

• Science handouts

• Student recording sheet for each step of the process

Suggested Materials: Many different materials can be used for this challenge. Here are some suggestions that worked well for our students.

• straw

• string

• small paper cup

• cardboard tube

• cardstock

• craft sticks

• binder clip

• pipe cleaner

• paper plate

• 9 oz plastic cup or similar

• ping pong ball

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Looking for more STEM lessons? Find the Vivify resource guide here: bit.ly/VivifyResourceGuide

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