Pumpkin Volcano Shelter STEM Challenge
Your students will have a blast working in teams to build a shelter that can survive a volcanic eruption from a pumpkin!
Grades: 5th - 9th
Teaching Duration: 3 Hours
“My students had a blast doing this experiment. We used mini pumpkins as our volcanoes to add a little bit of fall to our activity! ”
lesson overview
Your students will have a blast working in teams to build a shelter that can survive a volcanic eruption from a pumpkin! The activity guides your students through the engineering design process and connects math topics to real-world applications. Our students have loved this activity, and we know yours will too!
This engaging, student-driven activity includes an optional simulated volcanic eruption, to test the students' shelter designs, using baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and a pumpkin. This makes for an exciting and educational experience they will remember!
Included in this product:
* Detailed teachers guide with links to resources
* Volcano information sheet
* Grading Rubric
*Student handouts to guide them through the engineering design process
* Student recording sheet for each step of the process
* Reflection questions to ensure concepts are understood
* Math connection problems including surface area and unit conversion (answer key included) in American customary and metric units
