STEM Stories – Marvin’s New Home

STEM Stories are a meaningful and purposeful way to incorporate STEM into your classroom. You begin by reading aloud the included PowerPoint story called ‘Marvin’s New Home’. Students will be captivated by the beautiful story about Marvin the Monkey who is the only monkey without a tree in the small forest that he lives in. Students then plan and create a tree for Marvin before testing whether he is able to hang off it and then reflecting on the STEM process. Both planning and reflection sheets are included as well so this packet includes everything that you will need.

What’s even better is that this project can be completed in so many ways! Provide students with whatever materials you have and let them surprise you with the creations they come up with. Suggestions are included in the packet as well as pictures of other students’ creations. Some extra challenge cards are included too if you’d like to extend the activity or create further STEM lessons using the same theme.

How Do STEM Stories work?

Step One: Read ‘Marvin’s New Home’ aloud to students. The story will pose the problem to students and they will be asked to build a tree for Marvin.

Step Two: Students plan their design using the included STEM planning sheet. They work out the materials they will be using and draw a sketch of their proposed design.

Step Three: In groups, students build their tree.

Step Four: Students test their design by hanging the cut-out monkey on the tree. It must be able to hang without touching the ground.

Step Five: Students reflect on the process using the included STEM reflection sheet.