Challenge your child’s problem solving skills with this simple STEAM learning activity that combines, art, engineering, and water play.
STEAM is the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Most people are familiar with STEM, but we suggest adding the A for Art because Art is an essential part to learning and developing creative thinking skills.
This engineering STEAM activity for kids requires minimal materials and will have your child thinking and problem solving while building their own floating three-dimensional sculptures.
With STEAM activities the final product is not as important as the process. Through the process of experimenting and exploring your child is using creative and critical thinking skills. Scientists, mathematicians, engineers and artists all use the same critical thinking skills to find new and innovative solutions.
Plus, building in the water makes it that much more fun!
Creative Challenge: Build a Floating Three-Dimensional Sculpture
Materials:
- Pool Noodle
- Knife (Adult Use)
- Toothpicks
- Water Table
Tutorial:
Step 1: Prior to laying out the activity for your child use a knife to cut the pool noodle into slices. For the older child you may wish to cut each pool noodle slice into fourths creating smaller pieces to connect and build.
Step 2: Layout the toothpicks and slices of pool noodles in the water creating an open invitation to build in the water. We do not have a fancy water table but a simple plastic container set on top of a small table works really well.
Step 3: Once the activity is prepped, step back and let your child build and create their own three-dimensional sculptures.
My children started by connecting only two slices together. I gave them prompt or challenged them to think “bigger”.
“Mom, this is my monster truck.”
“Mom, this is a floating flower garden.”
Let your child use their imagination.
Challenge your child with one of the following open-ended prompts:
- Who can build the tallest floating sculpture?
- Who can build a sculpture using the most pieces?
- Can you build a three-dimensional shape?
Love the idea of STEAM learning? Here are more ways to encourage creative thinking and engineering activities for kids that you may enjoy:
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This was a guest post from the talented Jamie from Hand Made Kids Art. She is fabulous, and I encourage you to check out her profile below and follow her great site. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your talents with the Meaningful Mama audience. ~ Jodi
Jamie is a certified Art Instructor having taught children of all ages. In addition to inspiring young minds and creating for Hand Made Kids Art, she is a busy mother of 3 children. Hand Made Kids Art focuses on quick, easy and inspiring art activities to grow creative kids. It doesn’t matter if you only have 5 minutes or 20 minutes, you can find time to create art with your children with Hand Made Kids Art. Follow along with our art adventures at Hand Made Kids Art, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Great ideas!
Thanks so much. 🙂