🖍️ Back to School STEM Activity

Are you looking for a back-to-school STEM activity? This task will have your students use their creativity and problem-solving skills to create a sturdy but colorful crayon box. The challenge is that it has to be able to hold 5 crayons and stand on its own. This STEM challenge also doubles as a fun first day of school activity!

For this activity, students will generate ideas of what materials to use, brainstorm items for their box, draw the design, build their crayon box, and reflect on their design process. 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your back-to-school lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this STEM activity to enhance learning through small groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who may need additional support, consider completing this activity in a 1-on-1 setting or with a small group.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For fast finishers, encourage students to share their crayon boxes with their fellow classmates. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print the crayon box template on cardstock for added durability and longevity. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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Back to School Coloring Pages

Use these back-to-school coloring pages as a first day of school activity with your students.

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Collaborative Icebreaker - Back to School Scatter Game

Start the school year with a collaborative game to initiate student introductions.