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STEM Popcorn Challenge - Problem-Solving & Volume Project - Measurement Activity

Rated 4.87 out of 5, based on 774 reviews
4.9 (774 ratings)
;
Grade Levels
3rd - 5th
Standards
Formats Included
  • Zip
Pages
20 pages
$3.50
$3.50
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What educators are saying

Students enjoyed this activity and gained a lot of insight into volume. They were able to determine that containers need to be filled in order to calculate volume.
My students love this challenge. They ask to do it again and again and again. Simple materials- Students are engaged, problem-solving focused and innovative in their designs.
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Description

It’s the Popcorn STEM Activity! This Easy Prep Challenge is one of my absolute favorites to use as an exploration into volume. This challenge has been tested with 2nd-5th graders and they all enjoy designing those containers to hold the popcorn. Inevitably, there will be gigantic containers.

Please note: This challenge is available in money-saving bundles!

➡️ Click HERE to save 20 % with STEM Volume Bundle

➡️ Click HERE to save 20 % with STEM 6-Pack Math Skills Bundle

➡️ Click HERE to save 20 % with Best Seller Bundle

Some Inspiration and a read-aloud!

The activities found in this package were inspired by a book by Tomie dePaola called The Popcorn Book. Picture books can provide the perfect starting point for science investigations. Using the book is, of course, optional. This investigation can be completed without reading the book to your class or a similar book can be substituted. (Ideas are included in the teacher's guide!)

What is the challenge?

  • This one-day STEM challenge will have your students thinking about volume.
  • After hearing the book read (or talking about volume) students will design and construct a container for a specific amount of popcorn.
  • Students will have a list of the Design “rules” and a set of supplies from which to build.
  • The final design will test their understanding of volume and at the same time have them collaborating, designing, and constructing.
  • In the end, each team will present its final container!

What is your prep?

You will need materials in addition to this lesson guide! This includes popped popcorn, storage bags, copy paper, scissors, tape, and staplers. The preparation for this challenge includes counting the popcorn that will be used to test the containers, but don't worry- it's easy! It only takes 2 minutes to count the popcorn which will just about fill a large cereal bowl. You only need one bowl of the larger amount of popcorn- not one for every team!

The lesson guide provides:

  • Materials list
  • Step-by-step procedures with 6 total pages in the Teacher's Guide
  • 2 versions of student recording sheets with answer samples
  • 4 pages of photos to guide the use of the package
  • Extensions ideas
  • Ideas are given to use The Popcorn Book
  • scoring rubric
  • All student forms are editable.

What are teachers saying?

  • "I teach both fifth and sixth-grade classes so it is wonderful that there’s an activity that both classes can do. Anything that mentions hands-on and popcorn in the same activity is a sure winner! Although I no longer teach the actual STEM classes, this was a great way to incorporate science and math into a fun activity. Thanks so much for this creativity!"
  • "My students loved using this resource! They had a lot of fun making their own containers to hold the popcorn and we were all very surprised with the results, it was also a plus that we got to eat popcorn after!"


This activity can be completed as a stand-alone challenge. OR it can be used with two additional packages (STEM Challenges about Volume) also available in my store:

NOTE: All three volume challenges can be found in a money-saving bundle:

The Popcorn Challenge can also be found in a bestseller bundle:

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You might also enjoy these STEM Challenges:

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Teachers Really are Terrific!

Total Pages
20 pages
Answer Key
N/A
Teaching Duration
N/A
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Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).
NGSS3-5-ETS1-3
Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
NGSS3-5-ETS1-1
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
NGSS3-5-ETS1-2
Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

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