This is the third post in the series: project-based learning examples. Today we take part in a STEM learning lab! Get ready to add more fun to this adventure!
Setting the STEM Learning Lab Stage
Since we’ve been studying dinosaurs, we can’t get by without designing a container to protect the dinosaur eggs when falling off those cliffs or down the mountainside. To entice my students for the week, I changed the paleontologist station to a dino egg station. I placed a grapevine wreath, dino eggs, and a T-Rex dinosaur inside the classroom with a Stegosaurus dinosaur that greeted each student when entering our classroom. The students knew something was going to happen, but they weren’t quite sure. The morning chatter was great to listen to as they tried to figure out what they were going to learn.
A Room Transformation Creates Interest and Motivates Students
Transformation: I placed a grapevine wreath, dino eggs, and a T-Rex dinosaur inside the classroom with a Stegosaurus dinosaur that greeted each student when entering our classroom.
The students knew something was going to happen, but they weren’t quite sure.
Of course, as the students entered the room, they could see the new station that was set up. I had “under construction” tape around the area, so they knew to avoid the temptation to work in the station.
The morning chatter was great to listen to as they tried to figure out what they were going to learn.
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Soon, it was time for project learning. Before students began, I set the stage introduced the STEM project, passed out criteria, and let the engineers know their task: to design a container to protect the dino egg from cracking when falling from a height of 10 feet.
You should have seen their faces – yes, excited! Additionally, students were given an allotment of $30.00 to spend on supplies. I then shared the supply list and cost.
Material options: bubble wrap, dixie cup, 1 meter of string, 5 popsicle sticks, 10 straws, 3 cotton balls, 1 sheet (9 x 12) of sturdy box cardboard, grocery-size plastic bag, 1 meter of masking tape, and one bunch of pillow stuffing. Scissors were FREE!
In order to make the best use of their money, students had to work with a partner and carefully plan which materials they would use. Before students could go shopping, their design plan had to be shared with me, detailing the costs, and reasons each material piece would be helpful. Isn’t this how it works in the real world?
STEM Learning Lab Design Process
During the design stage, several student teams visited the store to see the materials and inquire as to how much they would get for their money.
It was quite interesting to hear their thinking and ongoing discussion.
A variety of product items were available, and student teams had to agree on how to spend the money and the materials the team would purchase.
Once the design was approved, student teams could purchase and begin creating their dino-egg drop container. The students spent two days working on this part of the project. The teams were allowed to test their container just outside of the classroom in a stairwell. Once tested (one time), students could make adjustments. As students completed their project, the long-awaited “Dino Egg Drop” day was just around the corner.
It’s Time to Test the STEM Learning Lab, Dino-Egg Drop
Dino eggs were collected, student teams took their contraptions to the launch pad, and eggs were carefully placed inside the container. One by one, everyone watched in anticipation! Adding to the excitement, a countdown was given for all teams! Yes, just like the real deal!
My husband helped with the launch pad, so I could keep the kids focused and ready for their turn. From a 10-foot height, each container was dropped. As the containers were being tested, everyone watched to see what would happen. The students nervously unwrapped their dino eggs and cheered or groaned. Of the 14 groups, 8 of them tested a successful container.
STEM Learning Lab Debrief
Afterward, we debriefed on what happened, adjustments/revisions that could be made, why these revisions could work better, and what would be done differently. This step is one of the most important components of this process.
We looked for common trends for the successful containers compared to the containers that failed. It was important for the students to know that real engineers go through the same process: planning, designing, constructing, testing, debriefing, and revising.
In the end, all students walked away with a better understanding of the engineering process and how the next project can be even better. They also figured out that the dino eggs were really store-bought, but it was fun to think the eggs were real dino eggs! My students had a fabulous time with this problem-solving lesson, critically thinking outside of the box to design a successful container while collaborating, being creative in design, and communicating thoughts. This was a definite win!
Related Resources
These are additional posts related to this STEM Learning Lab and project-based learning examples.
A Day in the Life of a Paleontologist
A Project Based Learning Unit with STEAM
What is 21st Century Pedagogy?
Below are some additional resources that can be used for STEM Learning Labs. To learn more about each resource, the Amazon links are shared when clicking on a picture.
Final Thoughts
This STEM Learning Lab featuring the Dinosaur project-based learning unit was a huge hit. The students learned a lot about engineering and strengthened their work skills: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. This was a success!
Very creative and fun! Sounds like your class had an amazing time learning. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by to see what they are learning!
Love this! Planning and engineering at its best! I helped my niece design a container for an egg drop years ago. We used a large raw potato! cut it in half, hollowed it out for the egg, then put it back together cover with foam and duct tape. It work! such a fun activity. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for sharing your twist for this project!!
Such fun, hands on learning! I remember my brother doing this for school too!
This is a great learning experience!
Your class looked like they enjoyed the experiment!
They did!!
What a fun engaging lesson! I love anything that makes learning hands on.
I totally agree!!! Learning is more fun that way!!
This is such a great idea! Making learning fun and engaging is definitely the way to go. I’m sure they will always remember this project.
Thanks!! I think they will remember this one, too.
You sound like a fantastic teacher. What a fun hands on experiment!
Thank you!!
I love it when students can learn hands-on like this through trial and error! This is so much better than the “just memorize everything we tell you” method.
I completely agree!! Rote learning is boring. Experiential learning is FUN!
I think hands-on learning is the BEST. It’s those lessons that created memories for my kids.
Yes, those memories are made when kids are in their frontal lobe (brain),making a connection, building a relationship, positive emotional pathway.
I LOVE experiments like this! I have great memories of doing this as a kid. I still need to do it with my own kids.
They would absolutely LOVE it!!! You still have more weeks for the summer vacation! Perfect timing!!