Spider web STEM challenge
Looking for great STEM for Halloween? you are in the right place! Welcome to the world of spiders and their incredible creations. Just like real spiders spin intricate webs to catch their prey, your students will become web designers in this ‘Spider Web Challenge.’ They will explore the art of design, patterns, and structural stability while crafting their very own spider webs.
Materials:
- pipe cleaners (black or white)
- Plastic spiders
- Black cardboard paper
- scissors and tape
- cups
- Timer
Objective:
Students will work in teams to create intricate and sturdy spider webs using pipe cleaners and plastic spiders while exploring concepts of design, patterns, and structural stability.
Introduction (5 minutes):
Begin the lesson by engaging students in a Halloween-themed story:
Hello, curious architects! Today, we embark on a fascinating journey into the world of
spiders and their incredible creations. Just like real spiders spin intricate webs to catch their prey, you and your teammates will become web designers in our ‘Spider Web Challenge.’ Together, we’ll explore the art of design, patterns, and structural stability while crafting your very own spider webs.
You are a scientists working in a haunted laboratory, and you’ve been tasked with creating a
super-strong spider web to capture spooky creatures. Your spider web design needs to be both beautiful and sturdy to withstand the challenges that come your way. You can balance your web on 3 cups. Pay attention to the design and patterns in real spider webs for inspiration. Your challenge is to catch the most plastic spiders in your web.
Are you up for the challenge?
Activity (25 minutes):
- Brainstorming (5 minutes): Encourage the teams to brainstorm ideas for their spider
webs. Ask questions like, “What kind of design will your web have?” or “How can you make it both beautiful and sturdy?” - Design (5 minutes): Give each group the challenge sheet, pencils, rulers, and markers. Instruct them to sketch their spider web.
- Web Weaving (15 minutes): Instruct the teams to start weaving their spider webs using the materials they got. Encourage them to create intricate patterns and consider the structural stability of their webs.
Testing and Presentation (5 minutes):
Ask each team to present their spider web and share the
inspiration behind their design. Challenge them to gently test the sturdiness of their webs by placing plastic spiders on them.
Discussion (5 minutes):
Lead a brief discussion on what students learned during the activity. Encourage them to reflect on the importance of design and structural stability in their spider webs.
Conclusion (5 minutes):
“Congratulations, web-weaving architects! You’ve created intricate and sturdy spider webs that rival those of the eight-legged masters themselves. Remember, the world of STEM is as awe-inspiring as the designs we find in nature. Keep exploring, keep weaving, and let your creativity spin new horizons!”
Extension Activity
(Homework):
Challenge students to observe real spider webs in their environment and create a short journal entry or drawing inspired by these natural wonders.
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