⚙️ Force & Motion STEM / STEAM Challenges

9 Hands-On Engineering, Math, Art & Science Activities

Bring force and motion to life with these 9 engaging STEM/STEAM challenges!

These hands-on activities are the perfect way to integrate Engineering, Math, Art, and Science into your force and motion unit. Use them as you introduce each concept — or as exciting culminating activities at the end of your unit.

Students explore:

✔ Gravity

✔ Friction

✔ Inertia

✔ Motion

✔ Magnetic Forces

✔ Other Forces

🧠 Flexible & Easy to Use

These challenges can be:

✔ Used as rotating centers

✔ Completed in small groups

✔ Implemented as whole-class investigations

✔ Assigned as enrichment activities

✔ Used as end-of-unit projects

Each activity promotes problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and scientific thinking.

📦 What’s Included with Each Activity

✔ Student Direction Page (materials listed & step-by-step guidance)

✔ Center Sign for easy setup

✔ Reflection & Follow-Up Pages

✔ Photos of completed examples

Minimal prep, maximum engagement!

🔬 The 9 STEM / STEAM Challenges Included

🥣 Rice & Pasta Friction Experiment

Explore how different surfaces affect motion.

🍡 Marshmallow Shooter Challenge

Investigate force and motion while designing a launcher.

🪂 Build a Parachute Challenge

Test gravity and air resistance.

🚗 Car Ramp Gravity Experiment

Observe how height and incline affect speed.

🏎 Car Race Friction Experiment

Compare surfaces and analyze friction.

🧲 Magnet Maze Challenge

Use magnetic forces to guide objects through a maze.

🎱 Marble Pinball Maze Challenge

Design a course that demonstrates motion and force.

🧲 Is This Magnetic? Investigation

Classify materials based on magnetic properties.

🎨 Pendulum Art Activity

Combine science and art while exploring motion patterns.

🎯 Skills Developed

✔ Scientific inquiry

✔ Critical thinking

✔ Collaboration

✔ Engineering design process

✔ Data observation & reflection

✔ Creative problem-solving

🌟 Perfect For

✔ 3rd–5th grade science units

✔ STEM / STEAM centers

✔ Science labs

✔ Enrichment activities

✔ Hands-on learners

✔ Cross-curricular integration

Turn your force and motion unit into an exciting, interactive experience your students will never forget!