Engage Your Students with Fun Valentine’s Day STEM Challenges!

What are the Five STEM Challenges?

Students work individually or in small groups using a criteria and constraints list for each challenge. 

• "Heavy" Hearts: Design the heaviest heart possible using math and creativity.
• Cupid's Quiver: Build and test a bow-and-arrow set for Cupid’s target practice.
• Candy Container: Engineer a safe container to protect Valentine’s treats.
• Cards in the Clouds (Kindness Towers): Build a Valentine card (or index card) tower that’s both tall and stable.
• Flower Frenzy: Complete four mini-challenges focusing on flower design and functionality.

(See preview linked near the top of the page for more details.)

What’s Included?

Everything you need for a seamless and engaging STEM activity:

Teacher Support

• Includes video walk-throughs for each challenge to make prep a breeze
• Materials lists, timing suggestions, and differentiation strategies

 Editable Student Handouts:

• Includes criteria & constraints lists, discussion questions, and design analysis sheets to deepen learning.

 Bonus Activities:

• Cross-curricular extension templates and links for each challenge to extend for early finishers or whole-class

 NGSS-Aligned Standards

• Perfect for grades 2–8 with modifications for all skill levels.

Perfect for:

Materials Needed:

Simple materials such as construction paper, craft sticks, tape, and scissors. Full materials list included with easy modifications.

Why Teachers Love This Activity: