Teaching students to problem solve is a life skill that is vital to a student's education which helps build confidence, independence, and self-esteem. Students need time to collaborate with peers in order hear different ideas, problem solve, and reflect. The Stem Maze Activity set is the perfect way to incorporate problem-solving skills through designing and constructing a maze while collaborating with a peer. Not only does this activity help students practice problem-solving, but it requires students to use listening and speaking skills to successfully complete the challenge.
I introduced this lesson by gaining students attention with the very colorful Stem Robots & Gears posters. As a class, we read through each poster to get any idea of the task we would be given. During this time, we established some rules and regulations for our upcoming problem solving activities.
The posters are the perfect size for any classroom and work perfectly alongside the STEM Journals. To get my students in the "STEM" mode, I have each student a Gears Print Pencil to help them become engineers.
Since this was our first experience using problem-solving as team during a STEM activity, I had students go nice and slow! In order to do this, I had students plan on day one and attempt their plan/reflect on day two.
Before students worked together with their partner to complete their individual plan, we reviewed the poster for each section and discussed as whole group the task at hand. I provided some questioning as needed. With partners, students then complete their "game plan."
On day two, students were able to test out their plan! Using the backside of a game board, students used their STEM Journal plan to create their maze. Anytime I heard any disagreement, I simply asked students to check back to their plan and discuss as a team. This helped keep the activity moving smoothly!
I was amazed at the conversations I could overhear as students were attempting their plan. Some students decided that they made their maze too easy and that they needed to try to think harder the next round. Others were discussing what went wrong as they were trying to get the marble to move down the maze. The reflections were happening AS students were working!
If your students are not ready to create their own maze, the STEM Maze Activity comes with two colorful game board pieces that allow students to match the green and blue dividers. Students can still work on listening, speaking, and problem-solving skills using the game boards. This activity has now become a favorite for every indoor recess!
This activity is the perfect way for students to practice problem-solving skills while working with a peer. My students love this activity so much that there is now a wait line at indoor recess!
