Line plots can be hard for children to understand. This button STEM challenge set invites children to sort, collect data, and create line plots with buttons. This set contains two sorting pages and one that focuses just on building a line plot. The set also includes sets of button printables. This will give you the option of having your children sort actual buttons or paper ones.
We used actual buttons, however, there may be reasons that you don’t want or have access to them. It is for that reason printable buttons have been included in the set.
Getting Ready for the Button STEM Challenge
Buttons
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We used the following buttons:
ROYLCO R2131 Bright Buttons, Assorted Sizes, Shapes and Color, 1/2-Pound
Getting the Button STEM Challenge Set
The challenge cards set is a PDF. When you download it, you will need to open it with a PDF reader. Acrobat Reader is a popular reader that you can download to use. You probably have it on your computer already.
Deciding How to Explore the Button STEM Challenge Set
Real vs Paper Buttons
As I mentioned above you can use real buttons or paper ones. Paper buttons won’t last as long but are available to print with this set. Children will have an easier time picking up and moving actual buttons.
Sorting By Color, Shape or Both
While you can explore all the pages in the set, I would do one of the sorting pages and the How Many Buttons? page. You can always go back and review the data gathering by exploring the other page later.
Working in Pairs, Groups, or On Your Own
This activity can be placed in a center for children to work on their own. After they have completed the page, they can turn it in to you.
Children can work in pairs. It is a great way to have work through what they are learning by talking and sharing what they think they need to do.
This activity can be done in a large class group or smaller groups of four or five kids. One bag of buttons can be used or one bag person. The idea is that the steps can be worked through with a larger group of people.
More STEM Challenges
After you have finished this challenge set, you may want to explore one of the sets below. Each sets features everyday materials that you probably have on hand.