Rainbow Cup Stacking STEM Challenge

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This STEM activity pack is a fun way for preschoolers to explore planning, predicting, recording data, and summarizing information. 
Simply add rainbow colored cups and set up as a class activity, for use with partners, or as an independent play STEM kit. 

Planning

The first step when presented with a challenge card is for the preschooler to determine which materials they will need. This step supports preschoolers as they begin to learn to plan for an activity. What materials do I need? How will I carry out my plan?
Vocabulary opportunities: Plan, Determine, Assess, Begin, Before, Decide

Recording

This set includes a recording sheet. Support preschoolers knowledge in graphing and recording data by encouraging them to document the cup colors in each challenge as they complete them. 
**Teacher Tip: Laminate the sheet to reuse again and again or use without lamination and add to their portfolio to document this important math skill. 

Problem-Solving

Something isn't quite right...but what is it? Encourage preschoolers to refer back to the challenge cards to check their work. This is a good opportunity to talk about the importance of checking their work. 

Summarize

Once your preschooler has completed the challenge cards, invite them to  record the total number of times they used each color. 
They can record the number in a variety of ways. The preschooler in this photo can write some numerals, for the others he chose to write tally marks. 
This is a good closing activity, encourage them to take home their summary sheet to use as they recall the experience with their family. 
**Teacher Tip: This sheet can be used with this set in a variety of ways! Let us know how you decided to use it!

Design Your Own!

The included Design and Build Your Own Challenge set is a fun way for preschoolers to become the designer! Have them create a challenge for you, for a peer, or for themselves. 
Teacher Tip: This activity can be laminated to be used again and again (as shown in the photo) or it can be used as a cut and paste activity. 
**If the preschooler designs a challenge that doesn't work (cups spaced too far apart or on top of each other) work through the problem with them. Ask "What could we change about the design?" or "Why do you think the cups fell?"

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Rainbow Cup Stacking Challenges

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Our Rainbow Cup Stacking Challenges pack is also available here in our TPT store

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