You and your friends decide to go backpacking in the woods. You all have your gear packed, a map, and a compass. You feel very prepared for a fun weekend ahead. But, what was supposed to be an adventure in the woods has turned into a nightmare. Can you survive the dangers lurking in the woods? Can you find food, water, and shelter? Can you make it back home? Are you up for the challenge? 

In each lesson, students will hear about the adventure, read a diary entry together to set up the background for their STEM challenge, and complete a STEM challenge. They will follow the six step Engineering Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Experiment, and Improve. Students plan, design, and execute their own ideas. After they have completed their activity and tested their creation, there is time for reflection on what worked and what didn't.

There are materials that will be needed for each lesson in order for your child to be successful and able to complete the STEM challenge. Those are listed below and will be reminded of during the class. Most items are basic household materials. Also, your child will need a working space and the camera will need to be angled so that it can be seen. 

No prior knowledge with STEM is required. Join us as we put our minds to the test in order to survive the desert island and make it back home to our family! 

Lesson 1: Students will create a tree house and set up camp. Materials needed: toilet paper rolls, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, masking tape, scissors, cardboard pieces or construction paper, 1 can of food

Lesson 2: Students will create a bow and arrow. Materials needed: popsicle sticks, rubber bands, string or yarn, plastic spoons, masking tape, scissors, measuring tape or ruler 

Lesson 3: Students will create a trap. Materials needed: cereal box, toilet paper roll, string or yarn, construction paper, masking tape, scissors 

Lesson 4: Students will create the tallest tower. Materials Needed: straws, masking tape, scissors, index cards

Lesson 5: Students will create a zip line. Materials needed: string or yarn, pipe cleaners, plastic cup, paper clips, masking tape, scissors, straws, paper