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Floating Boat STEAM Activity for Elementary Kids
To most people, Thanksgiving means food, family, and gratitude activities. But to homeschoolers, this time of year means something else – Thanksgiving STEM. And one of our favorite thing to do around Thanksgiving with kids is the floating Mayflower STEM activity.
But in actuality, you can enjoy this fun elementary student STEAM activity all year long. Making boats is definitely not limited to November. Just give your boats a different name, and voila! You’ve got a year-round activity that’s fun for primary aged kids.
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Floating Boats STEAM Activity
Have your kiddos enjoy some Thanksgiving-themed STEM activities that are appropriate for multiple ages by building their own Mayflower ships.
This simple STEAM activity is so versatile. You can use any materials you like for your homemade ships. Just a few ideas include:
- Empty applesauce cups
- Empty egg cartons
- Empty milk jugs
- Discarded cardboard boxes
- Popsicle sticks
- Backyard sticks
- Toothpicks
- Cardstock
- Construction paper
- Paint
- Etc
The only limit to these fun DIY Mayflower creations is your child’s imagination. This means that critical thinking is a very influential part of the design process. What a fun way to learn about the pilgrims, the Native Americans, and The First Thanksgiving.
Gather your materials and let each child build their own boat. Younger kids might need a bit of assistance but for a super simple ship, just use an empty applesauce container and a stick with paper sails glued to it.
When your ships are all done, put them in a body of water (think bathtub, sink, big pot, etc) and practice blowing the sails to move the ships across the water. This is the perfect time to discuss the importance of sails on boats and how the wind can affect which way the boats float. STEM in action!
This science investigation is filled with prediction, testing, and observable results. And bonus points – this STEM project also encourages problem-solving.
STEM Resources Delivered to Your Inbox Every Month
If you liked this edible STEM activity, you are going to love the STEM Made Easy Digital Subscription. Each month, you’ll receive 5 fully-planned STEM project guides along with worksheets and instructions for how to make them fun and engaging for kids ages 3-19. Check it out now!
Related Posts
Top Tips for Thanksgiving with Kids
Thanksgiving STEM Activities
STEAM Based Homeschooling Activities
Year-Round Holiday Homeschooling Content
Homemade Boats for Kids and the Floating Mayflower STEAM Activity
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