Fall into STEM: Exciting Activities to Embrace the Season
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to infuse some autumn-inspired STEM activities into your classroom. Fall offers a wealth of opportunities for hands-on learning that’s not only engaging but also aligns with the beauty of the season. Let’s dive into some exciting Fall STEM activities that will leave your students feeling inspired and connected to the natural world.
1. Leaf Classification:
Head outdoors to collect a variety of leaves. Then, bring them back to the classroom for a lesson in leaf classification. Explore the different shapes, sizes, and vein patterns while teaching students about plant biology. This activity can be a perfect introduction to the diversity of flora in the fall.
2. Pumpkin Catapults:
Combine engineering and physics with a fun pumpkin catapult project. Students can design and build their own miniature catapults using craft sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon. They’ll experiment with variables such as launch angles and force to achieve maximum pumpkin distance. It’s a great way to explore projectile motion and simple machines.
3. Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt:
Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage by organizing a nature scavenger hunt. Provide students with a list of items to find, such as acorns, different types of leaves, and pinecones. This activity not only promotes outdoor exploration but also encourages observation and classification skills.
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4. Build a Scarecrow:
Tap into engineering and design skills by having students build their own scarecrows. This activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the fall season and decorate the school grounds.
5. Fall Weather Data Collection:
Incorporate meteorology into your STEM curriculum by having students collect data on fall weather patterns. They can measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. By analyzing the data, students can draw conclusions about the changes in weather as autumn progresses.
6. Bird Migration Investigation:
Fall is a critical time for bird migration. Incorporate a lesson on ornithology by tracking the migratory patterns of local birds. You can set up bird feeders, record observations, and discuss the science of navigation and adaptation
7. Apple Engineering:
Unleash students’ engineering creativity by having them design and build apple-related structures. They can construct apple catapults, apple bridges, or apple towers, applying their engineering skills to achieve specific goals.
8. Leaf collage
The Fall Foliage Collage activity not only fosters artistic expression but also deepens students’ connection to nature. It provides an opportunity to appreciate the changing seasons, explore the diversity of leaves, and create beautiful, nature-inspired artwork.
