July 12-18: STEM Week
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This week, try new experiments and activities that fit within each category!
Check out our Virtual Recreation Center for tons of STEM resources such as the NASA STEM Engagement, Ask a Biologist, and virtual tours of different museums including the Smithsonian!
Weekly Challenge: Spaghetti and Marshmallow Tower
HOW TALL CAN YOU BUILD YOUR TOWER?
Goal: To build the tallest free-standing spaghetti tower that can support the weight of a marshmallow at the highest point
Materials: 20 uncooked spaghetti noodles, one yard of string, one yard of tape (masking tape works best), one large marshmallow
Rules: You can only use the materials provided in the list above and you have 15 minutes to complete the challenge. Once you try it timed, feel free to make the time limit longer and try it again!
SCIENCE:
Have you ever wondered what an elephant uses to brush their teeth? Have you ever wanted to make your own rainbow or rocket ship? Now you can! Click on the images below to try some fun science based experiments! Challenge your inner mad scientist and see what other experiments you can find.
TECHNOLOGY:
With this do-it-yourself phone projector, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy a movie theater! Create an outdoor screen with a sheet and point this projector at it, or use a wall inside and enjoy your movie! Click on the image for the instructions.
ENGINEERING:
With Legos you can build amazing things like a bridge, a house, or even a spaceship! See how creative you can be or buy a kit to build your creations. After that, see how far you can launch safe objects like cotton balls with your own personal catapult! Click the catapult for instructions!
MATH:
Make math fun by building your own 3D geometrical shapes! See how many different shapes you can build. Use pretzels instead for an educational and delicious snack. Click on the image for some suggestions.
