The Sled & Slope or Sleigh & Slope STEM Challenge is the perfect fit for all your winter activities!

The basic idea:
Working against a criteria/constraints list in partners or groups, students will build a sleigh/sled and ramp designed to transport the people or gifts the greatest possible distance.

Note: there is a "Sled & Slope" version for a winter (non-Christmas) activity as well as a "Sleigh & Slope" version for Christmas included.

This resource includes three (3) downloadable files: a print-ready PDF for the Christmas Sleigh and Winter Sled versions and an editable PowerPoint file of the student handouts. 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 (two sets: one for Sleigh & Slope Christmas STEM Activity and one for Sled & Slope Winter STEM Activity)
- Criteria and Constraints list (EDITABLE)
- Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included in color and black & white) (EDITABLE)
- Discussion Questions (EDITABLE)

Extension templates
- Process Flow Map
- Math Extension
- Design an Experiment: Reducing Friction (editable; sample answers included)


Suggested Materials are easily modified. You do NOT need all of these items; just use what you have available (not included/digital download only):

- Cardboard, card stock, cereal box, or paper plates
- Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
- Small bows (2)
- Bows are to symbolize gifts; small candies can be substituted (If you’re doing the Sled & Slope version, you’ll need small people to ride the sleds. Think: little, plastic, green army men. Two riders will work well.)
- Popsicle/craft sticks (10 – 15)
- Rubber bands (5 – 10)
- Foil (12 – 24 in.)
- Straws (5 – 10)
- Scissors
- Tape (12 – 24 in.)
- Ruler or measuring tape

Optional:
• Wood scraps
• Paper bags
• Coffee filters
• Plastic cutlery
• Balloons (rocket boosters)
• String
• Cable ties