The Great Desert Island STEM Challenge
 
This is a set of 5 themed STEM challenges centered around the story of a shipwrecked traveler stranded on a deserted island. After watching the introductory “movie trailer” and hearing the story of the shipwreck, students will read 5 of his diary entries. Each entry will challenge them to design and build something to help him survive and get back to civilization:
 
Includes 5 separate desert island themed challenges:
 
Island Architect: Construct A Hut 
Crocodile Crossing: Build A Bridge
Message In A Bottle: Waterproof Container
Pirate Defense: Coconut Catapult 
Float Your Boat: Raft Design 
 
These desert island STEM challenges use common materials that you probably already have in your classroom.
 
They incorporate concepts of:
linear measurement
weight measurement
area
force and motion
properties of shapes
simple machines
scientific process
 
 
Each challenge includes:
teacher instructions
student challenge sheet
planning and design pages
scoring rubric 
 
There is also:
introdutory "hook" video
team member role cards
design process cards
master scoring sheet 
associated NGSS standards. 
 
The file includes both standard and metric versions.
 
VIDEO
The intro video is included in the file but can also quickly be viewed online here: Great Desert Island Video Introduction
 
 
EASY TO USE!
These STEM challenges are fully planned out making it easy to get started. They are also highly engaging because students are involved in solving a real-life problem. 
 
❤️ "I use this as a STEM club activity. I love how it is broken into challenges. That in itself makes it paced and planned for my students - they are finally not rushing to just produce - they are actually following the scientific method!!!! Thank you!" - Kelly S.
 
❤️ "Fantastic Unit, especially as a newby to STEM. Provides clear opportunities for group work, great rubrics and explicit STEM focus and procedures, and an awesome way to engage and enthuse the students! Thank you." - Penny
 
❤️ "Students were thrilled with this project and how exciting it was! Highly recommend using this in your STEM classroom! This very easily walks you through the process of problem based thinking as well!" - Kellie