Scientific Revolution STEM Challenges!

Hi teacher friends,

I’ve been busy creating a series of STEM projects for students who are studying Medieval Times…. Next stop, The Scientific Revolution! 

Challenge 1: The Heliocentric Model! 

The Heliocentric model led to the discovery that the sun is the center of the solar system. The earth and other planets revolve around the sun.
Nicolaus Copernicus discovered the sun is the center of the solar system. In 1543, the Copernicus’ De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) was published, containing ideas of the heliocentric model and theory.

Here’s the Heliocentric Model STEM Challenge: 

Using a list of supplies, students must design and build a 3-D heliocentric model.
The planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune)
in the model must effectively move and orbit the sun, without bumping into each
other. If they test it and it does not work properly, they have two more
attempts to fix their design. (**scroll down to the bottom of the post for listed materials and guides!!) 

Challenge 2: Barometer Challenge!

A barometer is an instrument that measures
pressure in the atmosphere. They were once commonly used
in ships, aircrafts, and even households around the world.
There are several different types of barometers, such as
the water-based barometer, the mercury barometer, and the
aneroid barometer

Here’s the Barometer STEM Challenge: 

Using a list of supplies, students must design an anemometer that accurately measures wind speed. They must be able to measure how many spins the device makes per minute by marking one of the revolving cups.  They have one hour to complete this challenge. (time testing their anemometer does not count towards the hour).

You might also be interested in the Medieval Times Complete Curriculum Bundle! Find it here!