5,4,3,2,1! Build cup stacks based on pictures on challenge cards! While children like to build their own cup stack, these challenge cards will help build building skills. First, it is important to learn which ways cups can be stacked upside down. Second, learning how to arrange cups right side up without falling over. Finally, mastering how to combine cups upside down and right side up is important. Yes, children can learn from failed builds. They can also learn from builds that will be successful.
Getting the Space Rocket Cup Stacking STEM Challenge
First, you will need to download the set.
Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.
Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.
Exploring the Space Rocket Cup Stacking STEM Challenge
Explaining the Rockets
While most children will look at the upside-down rocket and know it means the cup is upside down, others may be confused. The upside-down rocket is narrow. Its body is wide. There may be children that think that means the narrow cup base goes on the bottom. Please take a moment to explain this to them.
If they end up building structures that are the opposite of the card, you can decide if you want to correct them. It may be important to you that you build it just like the card. It may be important that they just practice cup stacking.
After exploring some of the more challenging cards, children may want to build their own structures. ( That is what happened with my students.) It would be fun to take pictures of their structures and make them into challenge cards. They can have a picture of their structure on the front of the card. Then they can try to draw their structure with snowmen if they think it will translate well to a flat picture.
Building Background
Before starting this activity, you may want to do another rocket activity with your children to read them a rocket-themed book.
The links below are affiliate links.
Children can explore STEM activities that focus on rockets.
Children love watching the rockets fly. We used the one we have for years.
The fun yoga book has a rocket ship theme. It will be fun to explore with children.
More Sets of Cup Stacking STEM Challenge Cards
Ghostly Cup Stacking Challenge Cards
Fire Hydrant Stacking STEM Challenge Cards (These are for sale on my TPT shop.)
