Thanksgiving STEM Activities
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 17, 2023
Thanksgiving STEM Activities for Elementary
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and nothing beats some good Thanksgiving STEM Activities to help engage the kids and calm the chaos that inevitably ensues on the last few days before the holiday break. Today on the blog we share some information on what STEM is, the benefits of STEM Integration, and some fun Thanksgiving STEM activities that you can incorporate into your classroom learning.
Looking for some Thanksgiving STEM activities that you can print and use right away with your learners? Click on the image or button below to see all of the Thanksgiving STEM activities available in my TPT shop!
STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has become a buzzword in education circles for good reason. This integrated approach to learning not only makes these subjects more engaging and relevant but also equips students with crucial skills for the future. As upper elementary teachers, you have a unique opportunity to introduce your students to the wonders of STEM education.
What Is STEM, AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING STEM IN THE CLASSROOM?
STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world problems and encourage critical thinking. Instead of teaching these subjects in isolation, STEM integrates them into a cohesive, hands-on learning experience that mirrors the real world, where these areas often intersect.
There are many benefits of incorporating STEM activities into your classroom curriculum. Check out some of the key benefits below.
STEM FOSTERS CRITICAL THINKING
STEM activities challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge in practical situations. This approach nurtures inquisitiveness and the ability to analyze complex issues, skills that are vital throughout their academic journey and beyond.
STEM ACTIVITIES ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION
STEM projects often require collaboration, mirroring the teamwork needed in the professional world. Upper elementary students can work in groups to brainstorm, plan, and execute their ideas, fostering strong interpersonal skills and cooperative learning.
STEM PROJECTS PROMOTE CREATIVITY
STEM is all about creativity. These types of activities encourage students to design and build, fostering innovation and a sense of accomplishment. Creative problem-solving is a valuable skill that will serve them well in any field.
For additional information on the importance of promoting creativity in the classroom, check out our guide to the benefits of arts integration!
STEM ACTIVITIES DISPLAY REAL WORLD RELEVANCE
STEM lessons offer a real-world perspective, making learning tangible and meaningful. Students can see how their knowledge directly applies to practical situations, sparking their interest and enthusiasm for these subjects.
STEM INTEGRATION PREPARES STUDENTS FOR FUTURE CAREERS
The world is increasingly reliant on STEM fields, with job opportunities growing exponentially in these areas. By introducing STEM early, you’re giving your upper elementary students a head start in preparing for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEM PROJECTS BUILD RESILIENCE
STEM projects often involve trial and error, teaching students the value of resilience. They learn that setbacks are part of the learning process and can adapt, learn, and grow from their mistakes.
Looking for more ways to teach students the importance of learning from mistakes? Check out our detailed Growth Mindset guide!
STEM ENGAGES DIVERSE LEARNERS
STEM activities can be tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. Students can work at their own pace, and teachers can provide differentiated instruction, ensuring that every child can succeed.
Thanksgiving STEM Activities
STEM projects are the perfect activities to pull out before Thanksgiving break. Check out three of my all time favorite Thanksgiving STEM activities below!
DISGUISE A TURKEY
For this STEM challenge, students design their own costume to help a Thanksgiving turkey escape being eaten. This is a great activity to incorporate into a read aloud of “Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano. The kids always have a blast with this activity, and I love hearing them giggle as they check out each other’s costume designs.
Interested in trying out this activity in your classroom? Grab a copy of the activity by clicking on the image or button below!
BUILD A TURKEY HIDEOUT
For this challenge, students must use their creative thinking skills to construct a turkey hideout. Studens use a small turkey cutout and try to build some sort of structure to help them hide.
Interested in trying out this activity in your classroom? Grab a copy of the activity by clicking on the image or button below!
PLAN AN ESCAPE ROUTE
For this challenge, students must build a marble maze out of lego to help the turkey escape Thanksgiving dinner. This is a great activity for a chilly November day, as it definitely keeps the kids engaged and focused for a long period of time!
Interested in trying out this activity in your classroom? Grab a copy of the activity by clicking on the image or button below!
For more Thanksgiving classroom fun, check out our Thanksgiving Coloring Pages and Thanksgiving Writing Prompts!
Interested in grabbing all of the Thanksgiving STEM Activities mentioned in this post?
Pop on over to Teacher Pay Teachers by clicking on the image or button below to snag all of the fun Thanksgiving STEM activities mentioned in this post.
For more holiday STEM fun, be sure to check out our Halloween STEM Challenges and Christmas STEM Activities!
Looking for more holiday activities for upper elementary?
Check out the related blog posts below!
5 Tips to Keep Students Engaged Before a Holiday Break
Thanksgiving Activities for Elementary
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