The Ghosts in the Graveyard STEM Challenge activity is all about pulleys!
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The basic premise:
Students work in partners or groups (individually works too!) against a criteria & constraints list to create a ghost transporter that lifts cotton ball “ghosts” from the ground to the top of a pulley. (For younger students, the teacher will set up the pulley; for older students, the teacher will provide materials and students will include the pulley and attachment as part of their designs.)
This resource comes with a Grapes in the Vineyard version, so you can use this any time of year, without Halloween references.
***This resource consists of three (3) downloadable files: a print-ready PDF and an editable PowerPoint file of the student handouts. One file uses ghost clipart for Halloween and another has grape clipart (anytime). The third file is an editable version of both sets in PowerPoint. Please note these are downloadable files only. No physical items will be sent to you.***
Inside the resource, you'll find:
- NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8
- Teacher Tips
- Links to a video walk-through of the challenge & my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
- Premise & Set-up
- Materials and timing
- Modifying Criteria & Constraints to adjust challenge difficulty
- Measuring results
- Post-design extension activities list & links
EDITABLE Student Handouts
- Criteria and Constraints list
- Design Analysis Handouts
two sets & two versions: 2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included for two different goals: length or length + weight held
- Discussion Questions
Extension templates
- Process flow map
- Math Extension
- Create a Ghost/Grape Character
- Scary by the Senses (brainstorming sensory details to revise writing )
Suggested Materials are easily modified. You do NOT need all of these items; just use what you have available (not included/digital download):
– Pulley system (dowel and ~6 ft. of rope). One per class or testing station will do.
– Medium or large binder clip (1)
– Small paper plates
– Ghosts (cotton balls or marshmallows)
– Amount depends on total materials provided, but at least one bag per class will be needed for testing.
– Can substitute grapes, marbles, etc. for a non-Halloween version
– If you have the time or an aide/volunteer, draw on ghost faces with a sharpie.
– String, ribbon, or twine (2 – 3 yards)
– Scissors
Optional:
– Markers and extra rope (to make small pulleys at each student workstation)
– Tape (constrain to ~12 in.)
– Cable ties
– Pipe cleaners
– Coffee filters or foil
– Multiple sizes of binder clips
– Single hole punch
– Carabiner (alternate attachment for pulley)