Grade 3 STEM Challenge: Building Collaboration Through Science

In Grade 3, students have been building their classroom community by developing agreements, routines, and learning how to work effectively with one another. This week, they put those skills into practice during a hands-on STEM Challenge during their Science block.

Working in small groups, students were given a variety of materials and challenged to build the tallest tower they could. Before touching the materials, they had five minutes to plan, share ideas, and listen to their teammates.

The challenge gave students an opportunity to explore what collaboration really looks like. They practiced compromising, building on one another’s ideas, communicating their thinking, and taking on different roles within their groups.

As the building began, students quickly became excited and engaged in the challenge. Not every tower reached great heights—and that was part of the learning! Through the experience, students discovered that successful teamwork takes practice.

Afterwards, students reflected on their roles, how they worked together, and what they might do differently during their next small-group activity. Most importantly, they recognized that collaboration is a skill we are all continuing to develop.

Through hands-on STEM learning, Grade 3 students are learning not only how to solve problems, but also how to listen, communicate, compromise, and learn together.