My first few days of school are filled with team building activities and STEM activities. Practicing teamwork and perseverance is really important in my classroom. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Today I’ll be sharing one of my favorite STEM activities called Saving Sam or Save Fred.
The Saving Sam STEM challenge is perfect for getting students to collaborate and work together to solve the problem. You could even use this for a staff collaboration activity or as an activity throughout the year like after fall or winter break.
Here’s the basic idea behind this activity, students must work together to save Sam, a worm who’s row boat has capsized and can’t swim without his life preserver.
Here’s what you’ll need to do this STEM activity:
- Gummy Worms (1 per group)
- Gummy Life Savers (1 per group)
- Plastic 2 oz sauce containers (1 per group)
- Paper clips (4 per group)
Teacher Directions:
Once you’ve passed out the materials to each group, split students into groups of 4 (or smaller). Then take the life preserver (gummy life saver) and place it under the plastic sauce container. Next, put the gummy worm (Sam) on top of the upside down sauce container. It represents the capsized boat and the life preserver underneath the boat. Read the “Saving Sam” scenario and go over challenge rules. Lastly, watch your students have fun! I have my students reflect on teamwork and successful team strategies using a reflection form but that can be optional. You can have a whole group or class discussion too.
My students LOVED this activity, even if they didn’t succeed in saving poor Sam!
Does this sound like an awesome activity you’d like to try with your kids?? Just drop your name and personal email address in the contact box below, and I’ll send them over to you right away into your inbox!
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Save Sam STEM Activity!
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This STEM download includes directions, material list, teacher script and inquiry questions needed to complete the challenge. Grab your copy today!
I am looking at group challenges for students aged 5 to 15. My group sizes (approx 10) might too big for this activity, but thought it could work??!
I think it could definitely work with up to 6-7. :)
Thank you so much!
Good afternoon, may I request for a set of the materials for my pupils please? Thank you
Doing this activity during our summer program this year. We’re building in SEL and team building activities every day.
I would love for you to send me this activity!
I would love to present this challenge to my GT students
I would love to do this activity with my kids in the Before & After School program. Would you please send me the materials?
Thank you :)
would love a copy of Saving Sam :)
Thank you!
I would really like to do this as an introduction to the Scientific Method with my Special Education students.
I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THIS WITH MY THIRD GRADERS SOUNDS LIKE SO MUCH FUN!
I work with High Schoolers that are looking for an Ice breaker that is STEAM related. The more I work with high school kids the more I find out that they love the elementary tasks.
I would love the resource!
I have done this activity with middle schoolers before and it is a big hit. I don’t have anything typed up but looking for something to share with a friend. I am sending them a link to this page so they can sign up too!
Thank you, Jeff!
Please send me the activity. Looks so fun for our kiddos!
Please send this activity, I would love to do with my team.
Thank you ,
I’d love this activity please!!