Desk Name Tags / Desk Name Plates STEM Activity for Back to School
Students will first learn about circuits and then create their own light-up name tag or nameplate with a button switch in the back. Each light can represent different commands like "call on me" or "I need help".
Grades: 3rd - 10th; Homeschool
Teaching Duration: 30 minutes
“My students really enjoyed this activity. Several struggled, and most persevered. It was a great introduction into the STEM work, as well as other learning tasks, we will work through this year. ”
lesson overview
Back to School STEM Activity: Desk Name Tags / Desk Name Plates / Desk Toppers - Paper Circuit STEM Activity
This hands-on engineering challenge is a great way to kick off the year and create innovative nameplates for your students!
Your Mission: Students will first learn about circuits and then create their own light-up name tag or nameplate with a button switch in the back. Each light can represent different commands like "call on me" or "I need help". The activity includes digital and printed handouts that are editable in Google Slides.
Science background: Students learn about the science of circuits to apply to the design challenge.
Engineering Challenge: Using common materials, students design a personalized name tag that includes a switch to turn on a light! A full teacher guide includes photos of student projects, video resources, and handouts to guide your students through the engineering design process to solve the challenge.
Recommended Supplies: aluminum foil or conductive tape, LED lights, coin cell battery, scissors, cardstock, index cards, straws, clear tape, and art supplies.
STEM Real-World Connections: Background pages cover electrical engineering.
As with many STEM activities that are student-driven, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities.
Included in this product:
Detailed teachers guide with links to resources
Grading rubric for the engineering design process
STEM Career Connections
Science handouts
Student handouts to guide them through the engineering design process
Editable Google Slides for a STEM Journal
Looking for more STEM lessons? Find the Vivify resource guide here: bit.ly/VivifyResourceGuide
