STEM—short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—is a popular term used to refer to the area of academia that umbrellas these subjects. While STEM is hugely important for the progression of society, it has become quite difficult to entice young people to study this subject material. The problem is that STEM has gained a reputation for being unexciting, difficult, and boring, which is why many students will want to avoid it.
However, STEM does not deserve its negative reputation. STEM can be a rewarding and exciting area to dive into. But for future generations to see why should STEM, teachers must come up with creative and interesting ways to introduce these subjects. Thankfully, there are many fun ways to introduce STEM with these interactive activities you can do with pool noodles and toothpicks.
Pool Noodle Tower
Creating a pool noodle tower is a very fun way to teach your children about the "E" in STEM: Engineering. This activity will encourage your child to work on their design, math, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, which are all necessary for engineering. Here are the tools you will need to create your pool noodle tower:
- Pool Noodle
- Toothpicks
- Serrated Knife
Set-Up
To set up this activity, you will need to cut your pool noodles horizontally into small discs with your serrated knife. The most optimal width to cut your pool noodle should be about one inch. You should only need one pool noodle.
Once you have everything set up, your kids can begin this fun activity. They will feel challenged and excited to make their tower as high as possible, requiring them to pay special attention to its structural engineering. A pool noodle tower made with toothpicks is the perfect activity to introduce your kids to STEM.
Pro Tip
You might also want to cut a range of shapes so your kids can create a variety of tower formations. To that end, add discs, half-discs, and small nubs to the mix. When or if their tower topples over, it will challenge your kids to troubleshoot the issues and see which building blocks work best to create a sturdier tower.
Gravity Wall
Science can be a fascinating subject, so you might consider making a pool noodle marble wall to teach your kids about gravity. This marble wall will help your kids learn about potential and kinetic energy and the force of gravity. Here are the supplies you will require to make this fascinating activity:
- Pool Noodles
- Serrated Knife
- Duct Tape
- Marbles
Set-Up
Begin you make your gravity wall by slicing your pool noodle lengthwise. This creates the optimal shape for your marble to travel through. Then, cut each sliced noodle horizontally so that you can have a variety of lengths to create different trails and avenues on your wall. Depending on the age of your kids, you can either have them make the wall themselves as a part of the activity or make it yourself.
Once you have all your supplies set up, have your kids make the wall by using duct tape to adhere the pool noodle pieces to the wall. As the kids set up the wall, they will need to think ahead and construct the pieces that compel the marble to flow freely to the bottom. The flow of the marble provides the perfect opportunity for an introduction to energy and gravity.
Pool Noodle Equations
Pool noodle equations are a stimulating activity. They help children learn math symbols and equations. They will be able to learn the greater or less than symbols, equal signs, addition, and subtraction. This activity also allows them to think out loud and work on a wide variety of equations. To create your pool noodle equations activity, you will need these tools:
- Pool Noodles
- Permanent Marker
- Medium Box or Tub
- Serrated Knife
It is no wonder that many people love pool noodles as they serve countless uses outside of the pool. Are you amazed at all the things you can do with them and want to buy pool noodles in bulk? At Honor Trading Company, we have oodles of noodles in a variety of colors and shapes for any project or activity you could think of.
Set-Up
To set up your equation box, you will begin by slicing your pool noodle lengthwise to create a thin slit which will allow you to stick each piece onto the border of your box. Cut your sliced pool noodle horizontally, about four inches in width. Then use your marker to write a variety of numbers and mathematic symbols.
If you want a challenging range of equations, then you might consider writing numbers one through 20 on your pool noodles. A helpful tip you can employ is to use different colored pool noodles for your mathematical symbols, as this will assist in differentiating numbers from symbols. Now that you have all your tools created, you can toss everything into your box. Your kids can start learning all kinds of equations.
Base 10
If your kid has begun learning about basic mathematics, then you are likely familiar with the base 10 blocks. These blocks assist students in learning addition, counting, subtraction, place value, and number sense. Thankfully, you can help your kids learn these basic mathematical skills in an interactive and visual way with pool noodles. Here are the tools you will need to create your base 10 blocks:
- Six Pool Noodles
- Permanent Marker
- Serrated Knife
Set-Up
To create your base 10 blocks, you should have two distinct colors for your pool noodles. This will assist with visual learning and discerning between ones and tens. As such, you should reserve a pool noodle color for your 10 blocks and another color for your one blocks.
Grab five of the same color pool noodles and cut each in half evenly. Then, use your marker to draw nine lines to create 10 blocks on each noodle. Grab your pool noodle of the other color, cut it in half, and cut one half into ten separate blocks. Now you have 10 pool noodles blocks to make up one hundred cubes and 10 singular blocks to assist with learning the basics of mathematics.
