YEARS K–6 IDEAS
ARTICLES
FOR THE CLASSROOM
Three Possible STEM Lessons for K-6 Teachers to Use (continued)
4. Students form groups of 3 or 4. Students measure out the required distance and decide how and where
they are going to attach the string ‘track’. For example, students could move chairs the required distance
and tie the string around them to form their ‘track’.
5. Students use a drinking straw (or part of one) to hang the balloon from the string track. Before they tie off
the string for their track they need to thread the string through the drinking straw so that it is able to move
freely along the track.
6. Attach the balloon to the string with the sticky tape. It is best to do this when the balloon is inflated, but it is
good to allow students to work this out themselves. Students need to decide who will inflate the balloon,
as it should be the same person each time to prevent any cross-contamination. Or, use a balloon pump.
7. Sometimes the balloon rocket works and moves from one side of the string to the other, other times not.
This is the perfect opportunity for students to learn how to ‘troubleshoot’ – to find a problem and then
use the ‘trial and error’ process to find a solution. Sometimes the balloon revolves around the string,
sometimes it moves very quickly losing a lot of air and then stops before reaching the end.
8. Students modify their balloon rockets to meet the criteria using the equipment provided. Encourage the
students to photograph/video their balloon rocket at different stages of modification as evidence of their
work.
9. Once the students’ balloon rockets are working, the students can time how long it takes for their balloon
rocket to travel the 2m distance. Once they have recorded this data for 5 trips, students can calculate the
average time taken for the balloon rocket to make one 2m trip.
10. Students can video or photograph their work showing the design process, any failed attempts and a
successful attempt.
11. Throughout the process, the teacher acts as a facilitator, assisting the students with troubleshooting
where necessary, and asking students to explain what is working or not working and why this might be
the case. The teacher encourages the students to come up with their own solutions to any problems that
arise.
12. Afterwards, discuss the activity with the students. Focus on the design process, working collaboratively
and problem solving (creative and critical thinking).
13. If any group finishes early, set the challenge to modify their balloon rocket so that it moves as slowly as
possible. This requires creative and critical thinking from the students.
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 4