Marshmallow Marvel STEM Lab
The Marshmallow Marvel STEM Lab is for all ages and works great with multiple children! To clarify, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The Marshmallow Marvel STEM Lab combines three of these areas of focus: Science, engineering, and math. STEM is made easy in this lab! You will be amazed at what your children will construct.
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Marshmallow Marvel STEM Lab Materials
First, you need to get your materials together. The materials list is short, inexpensive, and edible! All you need is marshmallows, toothpicks, and a paper plate. Big marshmallows are not necessary.
Build your Marshmallow Marvel
To start, give each student a plate full of toothpicks and marshmallows. Then encourage them to think about the questions below when deciding what to construct.
– How can I build the tallest structure?
– Can I build a structure that can withstand being dropped?
– How can I recreate my house, church, or any other building?
For the record, my toddler made a “car.” However, I didn’t figure this out until she started to push it around the table saying, “Vroom.”
My preschooler was a little hesitant to put her Marshmallow Marvel together. She was more interested in eating her supplies!
In the end, she made a long boat with sails and lights.
Meanwhile, my youngest boy built his version of a Battle Bot complete with a laser on top and rotating hammers. Can you see it?
Next is Middle Man who was determined to build the tallest structure. He succeeded. I watched him build and re-build until he was satisfied.
Last, but not least, is my eldest. He created a church complete with a steeple.
Extend the Learning
While the kids constructed their Marshmallow Marvels, I created one too. So, with that being said, any age student can participate in the Marshmallow Marvel STEM Lab! The structure could be dropped repeatedly without suffering much damage.
The kids were intrigued with my build. Insider’s Note: I created it for educational purposes.
The kids were asked these questions:
– What is different about this structure than the other ones?
– Why could it be dropped repeatedly and survive?
To sum up, we talked about the many intersecting points facing in different directions. Moreover, whatever way you pushed on the structure, there was a force pushing back. It was also pointed out that various shapes were used as opposed to just squares. We talked about braces, angles, and vertexes. In conclusion, we had a great math talk.
What I took from the Marshmallow Marvel STEM Lab...
It is a beautiful thing when your kids learn on their own. I watched all 5 of mine create, build, reconfigure, and design totally different structures while using the same materials. It was a pleasure to watch.
Food for thought...
Looking for a more permanent science curriculum? Even though we pursue various science units that encompass labs and such, we also use a science textbook each year. Some might say that our science units supplement our textbook, while others would say the opposite to be true. The labs, experiments, graphic organizers, videos, and other activities bring the textbook information to life.
We use Abeka Science textbooks. I love that they incorporate God and His sovereignty into their curriculum. When I taught in the public school system, I noticed that many of my students were lacking in vocabulary. This made it difficult for them to understand the why behind many of our investigations. Unfortunately, they were deficient in their background knowledge. Our science time would be lacking too if it weren’t for the rich vocabulary and science language that we find in our science textbook and readers. If you are interested in shopping for a full-time science curriculum or even just a textbook to guide you, click on the following link! Happy homeschooling!
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