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STEM Challenge: Can You Build a Boat for Moana?

August 7, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

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We love doing STEM challenges in our house. From building bird nests to designing flying machines, this process encourages kids to explore, experiment, invent and imagine. I enjoy watching my kids go through the process of trying, improving, and trying again. In this STEM challenge, we build boats for Moana, and even made some that floated!

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A STEM challenge provides kids with the opportunity to perfect a design through trial and error. In this STEM challenge, we build boats for Moana, and even made some that floated!

Setting Up Your STEM Challenge

When thinking about the setup of a STEM challenge, make it as open-ended as possible. Providing information yet little instruction is important. Asking questions about what kinds of materials float vs. sink, or reading books on the subject get kids thinking and wondering, providing them with the skill they need to experiment themselves.

If you love this Moana STEM challenge, check out all of the Moana-themed activities we have done.

For this Moana STEM challenge I set out:

  • a tupperware with water
  • craft sticks
  • rubber bands
  • pipe cleaners
  • tape
  • clothespins
  • paperclips
  • craft foam
  • Moana toys

moana stem challenge 5

 

An Invitation to Create

By setting out materials, and giving little instruction, kids are able to think and create with their imagination and knowledge.

moana stem challenge 9

My kids got to work trying a number of boats. They folded craft foam like an envelope which flopped to the side, floating but getting Moana wet.

moana stem challenge 7-2

They tried flat craft foam boats that needed more stability to hold their characters.

moana stem challenge 6

They also tried adding flags like a pirate ship and sails like Moana’s boat. I loved that through their frustration of error, they were able to improve their efforts with each design.

moana stem challenge 8

moana stem challenge 7

Our best design ended up being some craft sticks taped together flat like a raft.

moana stem challenge hero

Not only was the raft functional, but it was also cute! And, I had some pretty proud kids in the end 🙂

moana stem challenge 4

moana stem challenge 2


More STEM Challenges for Kids

3 pigs STEM challenge square collage Can you build a nest? This STEM challenge for kids gets kids thinking creatively and applying imagination to science! STEm activities for kids


Moana Activities for Kids

moana necklace pin

Moana Water Bead Sensory Play Pin

Moana Ocean Slime Pin 1

moana toys 1

Moana Board Game pin

DIY Moana necklace pin 2


Pin this Moana STEM Challenge

A STEM challenge provides kids with the opportunity to perfect a design through trial and error. In this STEM challenge, we build boats for Moana, and even made some that floated!

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