STEM projects for 36 weeks of Grade 6, with a brief description for each project:
Week 1: Designing and Testing Model Roller Coasters
Design and build model roller coasters using materials like foam tubes, marbles, and tape. Test the coasters’ design, height, and speed while exploring principles of physics and engineering.
Week 2: Investigating Alternative Energy Sources
Explore different alternative energy sources such as geothermal, biomass, or tidal energy. Research their benefits, limitations, and potential applications in sustainable energy systems.
Week 3: Coding with Java
Learn the fundamentals of coding using Java, a widely used programming language. Develop coding skills by creating interactive programs and applications.
Week 4: Building and Programming LEGO Mindstorms Robots
Build and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms kits. Explore robotics concepts, sensors, and programming techniques while completing various robotic challenges.
Week 5: Investigating DNA and Genetics
Study the structure of DNA and the principles of genetics. Explore inheritance, genetic traits, and genetic engineering through experiments and discussions.
Week 6: Designing and Testing Water Rockets
Design and build water rockets using plastic bottles and other materials. Test their flight distances and explore principles of aerodynamics and pressure.
Week 7: Exploring Earth’s Climate Systems
Investigate Earth’s climate systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Analyze climate data, study weather patterns, and understand the impacts of climate change.
Week 8: Investigating Simple and Compound Machines
Explore different simple and compound machines and their applications. Design and build models to understand how these machines can perform tasks and multiply forces.
Week 9: Designing and Testing 3D Printed Objects
Learn the basics of 3D design and printing. Design and print objects using 3D modeling software and a 3D printer, understanding the concepts of additive manufacturing.
Week 10: Exploring Circuitry and Electronics
Learn about circuitry and electronic components. Design and build circuits to understand concepts like voltage, current, resistance, and the behavior of different components.
Week 11: Investigating Microorganisms and Microbiology
Study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Observe and learn about their structures, functions, and their impact on human health and the environment.
Week 12: Designing and Testing Straw Bridges
Construct bridges using only straws and tape. Test their load-bearing capacity and discuss the engineering principles involved in building strong and efficient structures.
Week 13: Exploring Aerospace Engineering
Learn about aerospace engineering and aircraft design. Build and test models of airplanes or spacecraft, understanding concepts like lift, drag, and propulsion.
Week 14: Investigating Energy Transformation
Study the different forms of energy and how energy transforms from one form to another. Explore energy conversions in various systems and their efficiency.
Week 15: Designing and Testing Wind-Powered Turbines
Design and build wind-powered turbines using various materials. Test their efficiency in harnessing wind energy and explore the principles of renewable energy generation.
Week 16: Exploring Human Anatomy and Physiology
Study the structure and functions of the human body systems, including the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, and respiratory systems. Create models or diagrams to understand their interrelationships.
Week 17: Investigating Sustainable Agriculture
Research sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming, hydroponics, or permaculture. Discuss the importance of sustainable food production and propose innovative solutions.
Week 18: Designing and Testing Catapults
Design and build catapults using different materials. Experiment with different designs and launch distances to understand projectile motion and potential energy.
Week 19: Exploring Robotics with Arduino
Learn about robotics using Arduino boards and sensors. Build and program robots to perform specific tasks, expanding knowledge of coding and robotics.
Week 20: Investigating the Human Digestive System
Study the anatomy and functions of the human digestive system. Explore the process of digestion and the role of enzymes in breaking down food.
Week 21: Designing and Testing Solar Ovens
Design and build solar ovens using reflective materials and insulation. Test their efficiency in harnessing solar energy to cook food and discuss the advantages of renewable cooking methods.
Week 22: Exploring Environmental Engineering
Investigate environmental engineering and its role in addressing environmental challenges. Design and propose solutions for water conservation, pollution control, or waste management.
Week 23: Investigating Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Explore the properties of magnets and electromagnets. Conduct experiments to understand magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and their applications.
Week 24: Designing and Testing Model Bridges with Trusses
Design and construct model bridges with truss structures using materials like toothpicks and glue. Test their strength and load-bearing capacity while exploring engineering principles.
Week 25: Exploring Coding with Raspberry Pi
Learn about coding and electronics using Raspberry Pi boards. Build interactive projects and control external devices using coding and circuitry.
Week 26: Investigating Forces and Motion
Study different types of forces and their effects on motion. Conduct experiments to understand concepts like friction, gravity, and Newton’s laws of motion.
Week 27: Designing and Testing Water Filtration Systems
Design and construct water filtration systems using various materials. Test their effectiveness in removing impurities from water and discuss the importance of clean water.
Week 28: Exploring Sustainable Transportation
Research sustainable transportation methods such as electric vehicles, public transportation, or biking. Discuss their benefits, challenges, and impact on the environment.
Week 29: Investigating Sound Waves and Acoustics
Explore the physics of sound waves and the principles of acoustics. Conduct experiments to understand sound properties, resonance, and sound insulation.
Week 30: Designing and Testing Parachutes
Design and build parachutes using different materials. Test their descent rates and explore the principles of air resistance and gravity.
Week 31: Exploring Coding with Blockly
Learn coding concepts using Blockly, a visual programming language. Create interactive games, animations, or simulations while developing computational thinking skills.
Week 32: Investigating Earthquakes and Seismic Activity
Study earthquakes and seismic activity. Learn about tectonic plates, seismic waves, and the impact of earthquakes on landscapes and communities.
Week 33: Designing and Testing Paddle Boats
Design and build paddle boats using materials like foam, plastic bottles, or cardboard. Test their efficiency in water propulsion and discuss the principles of buoyancy.
Week 34: Exploring Nanotechnology Applications
Learn about nanotechnology and its applications in various fields. Explore nanoscale materials, nanoparticles, and their impact on medicine, electronics, and other industries.
Week 35: Investigating the Human Respiratory System
Study the structure and functions of the human respiratory system. Learn about respiration, lung capacity, and the effects of exercise on the respiratory system.
Week 36: Designing and Testing Model Solar Cars
Design and build model solar cars using solar panels and other materials. Test their speed and efficiency while exploring the principles of renewable energy and transportation.
These Grade 6 STEM projects aim to engage students in hands-on learning experiences while exploring a wide range of scientific and technological concepts.