How to Build an Igloo for a Penguin STEM Activity

This fun STEM activity invites children to discover how to build an igloo for the shape penguin displayed on each of the work mats. There are four mats in the How to Build an Igloo for a Penguin set. Your children will have to come up with creative ways to stack cotton swabs to make igloos in a variety of shapes. It will be interesting to see how different each igloo will look. Each child working this building activity will come up with their own way to construct the walls and roof.

Building Background Before Starting the STEM Activity

You may want to read your children books that contain illustrations about igloos before you have them build theirs. Below you will find some wonderful books that feature igloos.

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Getting the Supplies Together for the STEM Activity

Getting the Work Mats

First, you will need to download the How to Build an Igloo for a Penguin

Then you will need to decide which shape or shapes you want your children to explore.

Finally, you will need to print out the planning work mats.

Gathering Other Supplies

Your children will need cotton swabs and liquid glue to build their igloos. Rather than count out a particular number of cotton swabs, you may just want to put out a whole box. That way your children can take as many as they need.

Conducting How to Build an Igloo Activity

You will need to decide if you want your children to glue each of their igloos to the work mat or build it so it can be lifted off the work mat. Either way will work.

Please remind them that they that their igloo needs to be the same size as the shape around the penguin. It can be a little bigger or smaller, but the goal is to try to keep in the same size.
Each igloo will need to have walls and roof. If your children want to add windows or a door, that would great. We found the structures stay more sound without windows and a door.

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